A context in which to discuss The Burglar in the Library is the golden age of British detective writing including such writers as Dorothy Sayers, Carter Dickson, and Agatha Christie. Another context is the hard-boiled American mysteries by writers such as Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. The Burglar in the Library would qualify as a postmodern book, parodying the work of earlier writers. The imitation is achieved in the spirit of tribute as well as critique. A playful spirit animates the parodies.

1. Many fantasy and science fiction books situate their major characters in a totally unfamiliar environment (distant in time or space) to see how they can adapt.

What strategies do Bernie and Carolyn employ to make sense of the literary world they are landed in? Do they most resemble Millicent the child in being able to see through some of the conventions and yet in...