I'm completely new to Jasper Fforde (for shame!). I picked up The fourth Bear this week and someone on LT told me Fforde does a lot of series. I don't like reading series out of order. So my question is: should I read another book by Fforde first? Or is it okay to start on this one? Thank you for your help!

The Fourth bear is the 2nd in the Jack Spratt Nursery Crime series, the first is the big over easy. Both of these feature concepts first developed in the 5 Thursday next books that start with the eyre affair. However I think there is nothing particularly explict that requires reading any of the other books first, there are a few references to the events that featured in the first book, but not many. IMHO you should start at the beginning of the series, but you'll be ok if you don't.

I actually read The Fourth Bear before any other Fforde book and liked it well enough to track down The Big Over Easy and then start the Thursday Next books. You would probably be OK reading the one you have and if it appeals read the others in order.

I think I will just give this one a go and track more down if I like it. Thanks for your help!

Though I've read all of his books in order, I must say The Fourth Bear is one of the best ones, and I wouldn't hold off on reading it if I were you!

I agree, Fourth Bear and Well of Lost Plots (one of the Thursday books) are my faves. IMHO its less 'important' to read the Nursery Crimes books in order.