The first book of the Vorkosigan saga, probably the most re-readable series of books ever. They're all well written, with 3-D characters for whom you develop a real affection, and some great humour.

Next come Cetaganda, Brothers in Arms and Mirror Dance. Lois gets better and better, and with Mirror Dance creates a gripping plot and complex interweaving of a cast of great characters.

Sheer brilliance - a marvellously funny, clever and satisfying book. Guaranteed to brighten the worst week of your life.

I loved the Vorkosigan saga so much that it took me a moment to get into the Chalion books. But now, after many re-readings, I wonder if they are her finest work. Fabulous characters, brilliant plots.

Any novel about Lord Peter Wimsey is worth reading. But with the introduction of Harriet Vane in Strong Poison, the characters really start to develop a life of their own.

A book that goes beyond the usual limits of detective fiction ... and somehow achieves greatness along the way.

Thank you Auntie Helen (Hancox) for recommending Patricia Briggs. She's wonderful. Here are my favourites.

Wonderful characters, gripping story, very re-readable

Mercedes Lackey does some very wonderful re-tellings of fairytales - this is my favourite. Also check out her 500 kingdoms books and elemental masters series. Excellent!

A spell-binding read from start to finish. So real that it's hard to remember it's a work of fantasy.

Worth reading for the cat alone, plus lots of other reasons. Tanya Huff reaches a new level with her latest series (though don't miss the Blood ... series and Of Darkness Light and Fire)

The 3rd or 4th of the great dragon novels, in the wonderful days before Anne McCaffrey went off the boil. The sequel to this, Dragonsinger is good too.

Not sure what it is about this one - good but not great, but scores very highly on re-readability