1) Something Rotten, by Jasper Fforde
I was a bit disappointed with the third of the Thursday Next books, but Something Rotten is a real return to form – hilarious slapstick moments, literary wit, and some real drama as well. The depiction of the love affair between Hamlet and Lady Hamilton (“We both have friends called Horatio”) is a particular touch of genius, and the dramatic climax involving Neanderthal substitutes in a crucial croquet match is pretty memorable too. Really good stuff.
No, not that one. This is of a different type entirely.
I’m conflicted about the banking one. I used to work for the woman involved, and I really do think that the culture that both led to and was driven by that behaviour (which was rife) was a huge part of cause of the bank’s collapse. So I think there are arguments both ways.