I got some money for Christmas and my birthday is fast approaching, so as long as I don't get expensive books I should be able to get a nice big stack. Happy froggy

Krusader, those sound good enough to risk. I have ordered the only second hand copy of the first book, since no new copies are available.

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrel .... is edging its way onto my list of potentials. I shall see if I can find an extract first. It sounds odd, but probably in a good way.

Any particular recommendations for Jasper Fforde? Which is the best book to start with?

Batavia's Graveyard is actually available! I shall look into it, thanks. But first, I had another idea of where to look for Regine Pernaud: abebooks. A network of small bookshops selling through an intermediary.

I only recently finished a historical version king Arthur, the trilogy by Helen Hollick (the kingmaking, pendragon's banner, shadow of the king. Would recommend; not the best books ever but a nice, new take on things) so I'm not entirely keen to do another quite so soon. I shall put this on my list for future reference. Thanks.