First Among Sequels

In this fifth adventure, Thursday Next faces new challenges as she navigates absurdities in both her personal life and the literary world, showcasing her cleverness and determination.

In First Among Sequels, the fifth installment of the beloved Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde, readers are reintroduced to the quirky and clever heroine, Thursday Next. Fourteen years after her last adventure, she finds herself facing a new set of challenges that include a troublesome apprentice and the mysterious death of Sherlock Holmes. As if that weren't enough, the once-funny Thomas Hardy novels have inexplicably lost their humor, leaving Thursday to navigate a world that seems increasingly absurd.

As Thursday grapples with her lazy teenager and a government plagued by a dangerous stupidity surplus, she also contends with the antics of the Stiltonista Cheese Mafia in her hometown of Swindon. Just when she thinks things can't get any worse, the stakes rise dramatically. Reality Book Shows threaten to replace traditional storytelling, and a new invention from Goliath aims to blur the lines between fiction and reality. Thursday must rally her wits and courage to confront these bizarre challenges.

First Among Sequels is a delightful blend of humor, adventure, and literary references, showcasing Fforde's signature style. As Thursday embarks on a journey through the limits of narrative possibilities, readers will be captivated by her determination to save the reading experience from impending doom. This installment promises to entertain both longtime fans and newcomers alike, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a clever twist on the literary landscape.