Furthermore

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.

'Susie Maguire’s is a voice that doesn’t resemble anyone else’s, and her vision of the world is clear, astringent, and generous.' Philip Pullman

'These are intelligent, thought-provoking and fundamentally honest stories' James Robertson

'Maguire exerts a compelling clarity of purpose... Her writing, at its best, is exquisitely humane, shockingly beautiful, and utterly essential.' Samantha Boyce, The Scotsman

'Maguire is a deft, unfussy writer with a finely-tuned instinct for economy and balance. She sets every detail to work and has the knack of ending with a light twist that is never awkwardly contrived. Tart with humour and irony, her stories float off the page precisely because they are underpinned by admirable craft; as in the art of typography, this proclaims itself through its invisibility.' Jenny Renton, The Sunday Herald