The BookWorld's leading enforcement officer Thursday Next is at a low point in her life: she is four months into an enforced semi-retirement following a near-fatal assassination attempt. She is yet to walk without a stick, has double vision more often than she doesn't, and limited mobility in her left arm.

A time, then, or relaxation, recuperation, and rest. A time to spend with her beloved family, avoid stress, take it easy, meet old friends and do very little.

If only life were that simple...