Furthermore

Former comedy actor and TV presenter Susie Maguire's second story collection is instantly engaging, with its seductive, dark and witty explorations of the human condition. Two Irishmen in Purgatory discuss their own suicides; a book-snob on holiday reflects on the nature of addiction; a pair of thoroughly modern dog-lovers find breast issues impede perfect coupling; a 19th-century Parisian cat narrates his master's obsession with a favourite model; a young man's romance founders as he spends Christmas befriending new flatmate Steve, a fearless mouse; and fans of the irrepressible Marina McLoughlin will applaud her latest adventures in art and astral travel.