I looked up. A confident middle-aged woman was standing next to the table. She had starburst wrinkles around the eyes and greying brown hair, a chickenpox scar above her left brow and asymmetric dimples. I raised an eyebrow. She was a well-realised character but I didn’t recognise her – at least, not at first. ‘Can I help?’ I asked. ‘I’m looking for the Jurisfiction agent named Thursday Next.’ ‘That’s me.’ Our visitor seemed relieved at this and allowed herself a smile. ‘Pleased to meet you. My name’s Dr Temperance Brennan.’
