During these depressing days escapism and/of a good laugh can provide a welcome antidote.

In the latter category can I recommend "Monsieur Pamplemousse and the Militant Midwives" a resume of the book is:-

"Having delivered a particularly stirring speech at his recently deceased colleague's funeral, Monsieur Pamplemousse is more than a little disturbed when the coffin explodes into flames during the ceremony. Luckily his faithful hound Pommes Frites gives out a warning cry just in time so there are not casualties. But who exactly is behind this explosion - and what was the actual cause of his late co-workers demise? This latest in their wild romps find the entertaining duo meeting a CIA agent masquerading as a celebrity chef with a penchant for Krispy Kremes, causing chaos at a prestigious hotel, and experimenting with a dog translator.

With delectable wit, sharp dialogue and a marvellous sense of timing, this latest in the adventures of M Pamplemousse and his beloved hound, will have you chuckling out loud and crying out for more."

I shall look that up VM am in dire need of a good chuckle at the moment

I'm struggling with Lorna Doone at the moment.
Tony have you read Clochemerle? I think you'd enjoy that.
I have just downloaded 'Diary of a Nobody' onto my Kindle, but might read a more contemporary book first.

Peter Tinniswood used to do it for me in the funny stakes.

Whilst reading 'A Touch of Daniel', on the train one evening, going home from work, I embarrassed myself by laughing out loud and having others stare over at me.