27. Agatha Raisin and the Day the Floods Came, M. C. Beaton

Our Agatha: insecure and bitchy as ever; a proper antidote to the cosy. This time she solves the mystery of the floating bride.

26. The Convict & other stories, James Lee Burke

Obviously early writing, but still fine, and interesting to see today's Burke emerge.

25. Egypt, How A Lost Civilization Was Rediscovered, Joyce A. Tyldesley

Lively account of archaeology in Egypt, from first thieves and wreckers to scientists of today.

24. Team Rodent, Carl Hiaasen

Boy, is Hiaasen mad at Disney! You might be, too, after reading this 83-page book from the Library of Contemporary Thought.

23. Pushing Murder, Eleanor Boylan

Clara Gamage is being targeted by a murderer. Very cosy.

22. Scary Monsters and Super Freaks, Mike Sager

Well done celebrity profiles that would interest me more if written by Tom Wolfe.

21. Tularosa, Michael McGarrity

Great find. Solid mystery with detective who is neither angry nor neurotic. Godson goes AWOL and . . . well, wouldn't want to spoil plot.