It's Easter in Reading – a bad time for eggs – and no one can remember the last sunny day. Humpty Dumpty, well-known nursery favourite, large egg, ex-convict and former millionaire philanthropist is found shattered beneath a wall in a shabby area of town. Following the pathologist's careful reconstruction of Humpty's shell, Detective Inspector Jack Spratt and his Sergeant Mary Mary are soon grappling with a sinister plot involving cross-border money laundering, the illegal Bearnaise sauce market, corporate politics and the cut and thrust world of international Chiropody. As Jack and Mary stumble around the streets of Reading in Jack's Lime Green Austin Allegro, the clues pile up, but Jack has his own problems to deal with. And on top of everything else, the JellyMan is coming to town...
Nursery Crime Series
This series offers a unique twist on classic nursery rhyme characters, transplanting them into the gritty world of modern crime investigation. Follow the shrewd Detective Chief Inspector Jack Spratt as he unravels complex cases with wit and a fresh perspective. Delve into the darker undercurrents of familiar tales, where humor and suspense intertwine with surprising plot developments. It's a compelling read for mystery enthusiasts seeking an imaginative concept and memorable characters.
Recommended Reading Order
The Fourth Bear
- 378 pages
- 14 hours of reading
In "The Fourth Bear" by Jasper Fforde, Detective Jack Spratt and Sergeant Mary Mary are on the case of missing journalist Goldy Hatchett. Their investigation leads them to the suspicious Three Bears, while a sadistic Gingerbreadman lurks in Reading. Fforde delivers a whimsical blend of detective fiction and nursery rhyme.