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Nicely constructed crossword with some chewy clues. I suspect that I may be alone in being completely ignorant of the thematic material in either of its incarnations. Having been enlightened by Google, I am happy to slip back into my ignorance; not at all “my cup of meat” (to quote a Nobel Laureate).

Jack, it's highly unlikely that you'll be alone in being ignorant of the thematic material AND in wanting to return to the state of ignorance. I have similar thoughts re many themes. Those puzzles that are not my cup of tea are probably into double figures (and that's just in 2026!)

Thank you for the reassurance, Malone. The sheer volume of the material (“a larger set” hardly does it justice) in both incarnations was what made me think I could hardly have missed it, even if only by random encounter.

Thanks, Jack. I have 'I may be alone in my view ...' thoughts quite often, usually when I see what I'd call underwhelming puzzles being praised to the heavens! I remind myself that it wouldn't be good if we all liked the same things.

Yes,I was surprised that the topic was completely new to you. Some of these themes we've obviously absorbed at some point, as there are topics that I have zero interest in, but occasionally know a smidgen about!

I enjoyed this one but too long to suss the last bit given the fact that the series in question is one of several on my current rotating reading list. Pretty much all the same genre - some old some modern. I no longer have time for earnest literature!!

Despite all the as ever helpful hints above I'm going round in ever-decreasing circles with this. I've double-checked all my answers (which doesn't necessarily meant they're all right) and tried Googling every one of them coupled with 'book series' but to no avail. I'm leaving it for the day in the hope inspiration will strike tomorrow but any hint would be much appreciated.

Alwayspuzzled, have you got the short word that connects the four unclued entries? I've just Googled that with 'book series' and it worked...

Thanks for that Malone. A couple of the unclued answers are proving elusive even though I've made a list of all the possibilities for each to see if I can spot the common link. I'm out and about his morning making sure some elderly relatives get to the polling station so will return to it this afternoon.

I've just had a lightbulb moment so will pursue that when I get back.

AP, thanks for the update. Here's an extra little hint. Only one of the members is a single word, the others are longer.