Engelske bøger

‘The Doom of the Griffiths’ is a haunting short story by the acclaimed Victorian author Elizabeth Gaskell. A long-forgotten curse was placed upon the Griffiths family by the last native Prince of Wales, Owain Glyndŵr, following a betrayal by a member of the Griffiths family. The curse foretells that the Griffiths family line will end ‘with the murder of the eighth generation Griffiths by the ninth’. Many years later, will the ominous prophecy upon the condemned family come true? A dark tale of revenge, jealousy, and treachery.Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) is an enduringly popular and highly regarded English novelist. Born in Chelsea, London, Elizabeth was sent to live with her aunt in Knutsford, Cheshire after her mother died, a place which would provide inspiration for some of her most popular works, including ‘Cranford’. A sociable and lively young woman, Elizabeth married Minister William Gaskell in 1832 and settled in Manchester. An industrial hub and the scene of much political and social change, her time in Manchester influenced much of her writing. Her first novel, ‘Mary Barton’ focussed on the appalling and impoverished living conditions of those living in Northern industrial cities and was a huge success, sparking the interest of notable figures such as Charles Dickens, who invited Elizabeth to contribute to the periodicals he edited. An active humanitarian, her works dealt sympathetically with the plight of the poorest in society, and she did not shy away from controversial topics such as prostitution and illegitimacy. A close friend of Charlotte Brontë, Elizabeth also wrote a highly acclaimed biography of the author in 1857. Some of her best known and most loved novels include ‘Cranford’, ‘North and South’ and the posthumously published ‘Wives and Daughters’, all of which have been adapted for TV by the BBC, most recently ‘Cranford’ starring Judi Dench, Michael Gambon, and Greg Wise. Elizabeth Gaskell is regarded as one of the most important novelists of the Victorian era.

Published posthumously in 1919, ‘The Magic of Oz’ is the thirteenth book in the Oz series by author L. Frank Baum. Familiar characters Dorothy, the Wizard and the Cowardly Lion reunite to find gifts for Princess Ozma’s birthday. Leaving the Emerald City behind, the friends soon find themselves in all sorts of scrapes as they meet new friends, get trapped on enchanted islands and uncover treacherous plots. Imaginative and exciting, this is a charming addition to the Oz series.Lyman Frank Baum (1856 – 1919) was a prolific and well-known American writer. He is best known for his famous series of modern fairy tales set in the imaginary land of Oz. The first of the books, ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ is widely considered to be the first true American fairy tale and was the basis for the hugely popular 1939 classic musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’ starring Judy Garland. Born and raised in New York, Baum held a range of jobs including as a poultry farmer, clerk, and storekeeper before pursuing his talent for writing at the age of 41. He wrote 14 novels in the Oz series, as well as over 40 other novels and over 80 short stories. He died in California in 1919.

Suspicious King Leontes of Sicily accuses his pregnant wife Hermione of having an affair with his best friend, Polixenes, the King of Bohemia. Enraged at the alleged betrayal, he orders Polixenes poisoned, Hermione imprisoned, and her newborn daughter banished, leaving him a broken man.Sixteen years later, Perdita, the adopted daughter of a shepherd, falls in love with young Prince Florizel, much to the dismay of the boy’s father, Polixenes. He disapproves of the girl and her lowly status and orders his son to forget her. Instead, the young lovers escape in disguise and head for Sicily. There, the storylines of Leontes, Hermione, Polixenes, Perdita and Florizel finally come together.William Shakespeare’s "The Winter’s Tale" is filled with improbabilities, telling a story of obsession and redemption. Fans of "Mamma Mia" will enjoy the humorous misunderstandings and mistaken identities that take the characters on a journey of self-discovery.William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was an English playwright, poet and actor. Considered the greatest dramatist of all time, he is widely regarded as the most influential English language writer. Shakespeare’s plays focus on the range of human emotion and conflict, and have been translated into more than 100 languages. Many including "Hamlet" "Macbeth" and "Romeo and Juliet" have been adapted for stage and screen.

Johnny Bellchambers is one of the wealthiest men in New York. His outlandish style is famous across all of America. But one day he disappears without a trace. A kidnapping? Alien abduction? Spontaneous combustion?'The Robe of Peace' follows Johnny's friends as they race against time to not only find him but potentially save his life. This transformative story reminds us that not everything is as it seems, and even those of us who have everything are secretly longing for something unattainable.William Sidney Porter (1862-1919), known simply as O. Henry, was a prolific American author of humorous literary pieces. His fame came exceptionally quickly and he became a bestselling author of short story collections. The most notable of which being "Cabbages and Kings", "The Voice of the City", and "Strictly Business." In fact, his legacy was so great that the ‘O. Henry Award’ was established to celebrate the best short stories. His vivid storytelling is perfect for fans of Roald Dahl.

The biography ‘The Life of Charlotte Brontë’ by her friend and contemporary Elizabeth Gaskell was first published in 1857 to great acclaim and remains a fascinating insight into the life of the ‘Jane Eyre’ author. It contains Gaskell’s own personal recollections through her friendship with Charlotte, as well as excerpts from letters and beautiful descriptions of the Yorkshire landscape. It follows Charlotte’s life through from her lonely childhood and difficult schooldays, to her literary career, marriage and death barely a year later. Though a revealing account of Charlotte’s life and experiences, Gaskell held back on many of the more sensational details so as to avoid affronting a Victorian audience, such as Charlotte’s infatuation with a married man, and the shocking ill-treatment the Brontë sisters received at school. A must-read for fans of both Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell.Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) is an enduringly popular and highly regarded English novelist. Born in Chelsea, London, Elizabeth was sent to live with her aunt in Knutsford, Cheshire after her mother died, a place which would provide inspiration for some of her most popular works, including ‘Cranford’. A sociable and lively young woman, Elizabeth married Minister William Gaskell in 1832 and settled in Manchester. An industrial hub and the scene of much political and social change, her time in Manchester influenced much of her writing. Her first novel, ‘Mary Barton’ focussed on the appalling and impoverished living conditions of those living in Northern industrial cities and was a huge success, sparking the interest of notable figures such as Charles Dickens, who invited Elizabeth to contribute to the periodicals he edited. An active humanitarian, her works dealt sympathetically with the plight of the poorest in society, and she did not shy away from controversial topics such as prostitution and illegitimacy. A close friend of Charlotte Brontë, Elizabeth also wrote a highly acclaimed biography of the author in 1857. Some of her best known and most loved novels include ‘Cranford’, ‘North and South’ and the posthumously published ‘Wives and Daughters’, all of which have been adapted for TV by the BBC, most recently ‘Cranford’ starring Judi Dench, Michael Gambon, and Greg Wise. Elizabeth Gaskell is regarded as one of the most important novelists of the Victorian era.

A gothic short story from the hugely popular Victorian author Elizabeth Gaskell, ‘The Poor Clare’ was first published as part of a serial in ‘Household Words’ a weekly magazine edited by Charles Dickens. The story is narrated by an anonymous lawyer who has been hired to track down the heir to a sizeable fortune and finds himself caught up in the plight of the lonely Bridget Fitzgerald. Bridget’s daughter Mary disappeared many years ago and now her beloved dog, her only companion, has been found dead. What follows is a haunting story of curses, witchcraft, and revenge.Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) is an enduringly popular and highly regarded English novelist. Born in Chelsea, London, Elizabeth was sent to live with her aunt in Knutsford, Cheshire after her mother died, a place which would provide inspiration for some of her most popular works, including ‘Cranford’. A sociable and lively young woman, Elizabeth married Minister William Gaskell in 1832 and settled in Manchester. An industrial hub and the scene of much political and social change, her time in Manchester influenced much of her writing. Her first novel, ‘Mary Barton’ focussed on the appalling and impoverished living conditions of those living in Northern industrial cities and was a huge success, sparking the interest of notable figures such as Charles Dickens, who invited Elizabeth to contribute to the periodicals he edited. An active humanitarian, her works dealt sympathetically with the plight of the poorest in society, and she did not shy away from controversial topics such as prostitution and illegitimacy. A close friend of Charlotte Brontë, Elizabeth also wrote a highly acclaimed biography of the author in 1857. Some of her best known and most loved novels include ‘Cranford’, ‘North and South’ and the posthumously published ‘Wives and Daughters’, all of which have been adapted for TV by the BBC, most recently ‘Cranford’ starring Judi Dench, Michael Gambon, and Greg Wise. Elizabeth Gaskell is regarded as one of the most important novelists of the Victorian era.

A 1915 short story by Edgar Wallace, ‘The Melody of Death’ is a thrilling crime story. A mysterious melody causes a young man to descend into mania whenever he hears the tune. Newly married, he is convinced that death is coming for him, and wants to make sure that his new wife will be well provided for following his demise. A fast-paced page-turner, this is an exhilarating and dramatic tale from the famous author.Edgar Wallace (1875 – 1932) was an English author, journalist, and poet. Born into poverty in London, Wallace left school at 12 and joined the army at the age of 21, where he worked for the Press Corps as a war correspondent for Reuters and The Daily Mail during the Second Boer War. Following the war, Wallace turned to writing for his income, writing numerous stories for serialisation in newspapers and magazines. Hugely prolific, Wallace wrote over 170 novels and over 900 short stories over the course of his career. In later life Wallace moved to Hollywood where he worked as a scriptwriter, and it was here that he died unexpectedly in 1932 whilst working on a draft of what was to become perhaps his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

Upon the death of the old captain, a young sailor takes charge of the ship and its crew. The ship must make a delivery but can't depart the port due without an expert tug boat. The new captain befriends Hermann, the captain of a German ship moored nearby. Herman lives aboard with his wife, four children and his niece. Thrown together by shared circumstances they all become very friendly.Unknown to anyone, Falk, the tugboat captain who can get them all out of the bay, is in love with Herman's niece. He becomes jealous of a man he perceives as his competition and sabotages the ships from leaving. The young captain must befriend the bitter and sulking Falk and help him win Herman's niece.But Falk has a dark secret from his own sinister past that he must reveal before he can win the niece's heart and hand in marriage."Falk" is a tale told by a group of mariners swapping seas stories around a dinner table. Like many other Conrad's works, it combines his interest in moral conflict and the dark side of human nature. Fans of other maritime books like "Moby Dick" or "Shōgun" will enjoy this insightful tale.Joseph Conrad (1857-1924), born Józef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowsk in Berdychiv, Ukraine. His parents were Polish nobles and patriots who conspired against oppressive Russian rule. He became a naturalized British subject in 1886. Conrad is regarded as one of the greatest novelists, known for works like "Lord Jim," "Heart of Darkness," and "The Secret Agent." Many of his works reflect on his experience as a mariner and addressed profound themes of human nature and existence.

Foster is bored of New York City. It seems impossible, but it's true. He has been forced to turn to his own imaginary world to escape the monotony. Until he meets Ives. Eccentric, entertaining, interesting Ives. Foster has met his match, or so it seems. In this short story, O. Henry dives headfirst into the idea of hedonism - perfect for fans of Oscar Wilde.William Sidney Porter (1862-1919), known simply as O. Henry, was a prolific American author of humorous literary pieces. His fame came exceptionally quickly and he became a bestselling author of short story collections. The most notable of which being "Cabbages and Kings", "The Voice of the City", and "Strictly Business." In fact, his legacy was so great that the ‘O. Henry Award’ was established to celebrate the best short stories. His vivid storytelling is perfect for fans of Roald Dahl.

First published in 1909, ‘Luna Benamor’ is a collection of short stories by the renowned Spanish author Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. The titular tale tells of an impossible love story between a young Jewish woman and a Spanish consul in Gibraltar. The collection also includes ‘The Toad’, ‘Compassion’, ‘The Windfall’ and ‘The Last Lion’. Musings on society, politics, and the human condition are common themes throughout this classic collection.Vicente Blasco Ibáñez (1867-1928) was a Spanish journalist, novelist, and politician. Born in Valencia, Ibáñez was a militant Republican in his youth and made many enemies – on one occasion being shot at and almost killed. He was the founder of the republican newspaper El Pueblo and spent time in prison during 1896. Author of over 30 works, Ibáñez’s writing caught the attention of Hollywood and many of his novels went on to become celebrated films, including ‘Sangre y Arena’ (Blood and Sand), ‘Los Cuatro Jinetes del Apocalipsis’ (The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse) and spy story ‘Mare Nostrum’. Ibáñez died in France in 1928 and is buried in Valencia.

"Let us find solace in the quiet..."Emmeline (Emmy) always dreamed of being an author, finding comfort in words and between the pages of her beloved romance novels, but a mental health diagnosis leaves her blocked and unable to write.She inherits a crumbling, second-hand bookshop from a mysterious old friend and soon discovers that magic is real and maybe her fantasies about the heroes in her favourite historical romances aren't so far-fetched after all..A handsome stranger–wielding a sword as dangerous as his Tudor past–appears in Emmy's bookshop asking for help. Together they must race against time itself to lift the curse imprisoning him in an ancient book. But when growing threats to her safety are proved real and not another symptom of her illness, Emmy must learn to trust her own voice again. Can she find the words to save both him and her shop before tragedy strikes on the fateful final page?Jeanna Louise Skinner writes romance with a sprinkling of magic. "The Book Boyfriend" is her debut novel and she is currently working on a prequel. She has CRPS and ADHD and is one of the co-founders of the RNA DISCO Chapter, for members with disabilities and chronic health conditions. She’s also the co-creator of @UKRomChat, a Romance-centric live Twitter chat, which was nominated for the RNA Media Star Award in 2019 and 2020.

Lucy Nolan was charged with taking care of the invalid daughter of the cold and distant Sir John, whom Lucy names Tiberius. She is very fond of the daughter, Miranda, and thus Lucy cannot help but feel distressed when Sir John introduces a difficult and temperamental ballerina into the household. Or is it something else than concern for Miranda – are her emerging feelings for Sir John himself getting in the way? The dramatic love story dates back to the 20th century and was written under one of Ida Pollock’s pseudonyms, Susan Barrie.A must-read for fans of literary romance and surprising twists of fate.Susan Barrie is a pseudonym of Ida Pollock (1908 – 2013), a highly successful British writer of over 125 romance novels translated into numerous languages and published across the world. Ida Pollock has sold millions of copies over her 90-year career. Pollock began writing when she was 10 years old. Ida has travelled widely, living in several different countries. She continues to be popular amongst both her devoted fan base and new readers alike. Pollock has been referred to as the "world's oldest novelist" who was still active at 105 and continued writing until her death. On the occasion of her 105th birthday, Pollock was appointed honorary vice-president of the Romantic Novelists' Association, having been one of its founding members.Ida Pollock wrote in a wide variety of pseudonyms: Joan M. Allen, Susan Barrie, Pamela Kent, Averil Ives, Anita Charles, Barbara Rowan, Jane Beaufort, Rose Burghley, Mary Whistler and Marguerite Bell.

What makes a serial killer? There is a huge difference between killers who kill once in the heat of the moment, mass murderers who slaughter many people at once, and serial killers who follow a specific pattern to kill carefully selected victims.A serial killer is an ice-cold predator who enjoys the hunt, is driven by ritual or a particular impulse, and who becomes increasingly dependent on the release that the murder provides. A serial killer’s brain demands multiple victims.German killer Volker Eckert was morbidly obsessed with women’s long hair. Jeffrey Dahmer achieved sexual release by dismembering people and eating selected pieces. Alexander Pichushkin was preoccupied with chess and decided to murder 64 people, one per square on a chessboard. Finally, David Berkowitz believed that demons ordered him to kill. The stories told here reveal what drives serial killers and how they carry out their murders. The content is violent and gruesome and certainly not for children.

From singling out victims at bus stops, targeting women with long, blonde hair, saving trophies, or dismembering and even eating their victims, each serial killer set a unique ritual for their murder, and these rituals are what betrays them in the end. Serial killers often begin with a few unplanned murders, where they experiment with which actions give them the greatest release.Moving on they start to carefully select their victims, either by stalking them or staking out special locations where their victim – such as prostitute or child – can be found alone.But after a while the killer's hunt for satisfaction makes him overconfident.Follow on the heels of the police in their hunt for four relentless serial killers. These stories contain gruesome details and are not suitable for children.

Finding happiness one stitch at a time...When Dee Blackthorn’s brother, JP, breaks both wrists not only is he in need of a helping hand – or two – but the knitting shop he owns can’t function. Sisterly duties take Dee away from her demanding job and she is unceremoniously fired amidst scandalous office rumours. Dee is certain that her hot-shot nemesis, Ben, is behind it all.Back in the village of Fenwild in JP's shop, Dee bumps into Becky, an old friend who is a new mum to a premature baby. Desperate to help Becky, Dee convinces JP to enlist his knitting pals to make tiny woolly hats to keep the little one warm. Seeing how grateful her friend is, Dee makes it her mission to help lots of other premature babies.When Ben turns up denying involvement in Dee’s sacking she is initially furious but hears him out before roping him into helping the knitting cause. But before long Dee’s good intentions backfire and she risks losing her friends, her family and Ben, who’s turned out to be not so bad after all...A feel-good romantic comedy about life, love and knitting, The Woolly Hat Knitting Club is perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Tilly Tennant and Carole Matthews.Poppy Dolan is simply unputdownable.’ Claudia Carroll'The feel-good book of the year' Vanessa Greene'Wonderfully warm and laugh-out-loud funny... you cannot fail to be uplifted by it.' Cressida McLaughlin'Gorgeously warm and funny... the cosiest, most charming and feel-good book I've read all year.' Victoria FoxPoppy Dolan lives in Berkshire with her husband, where she is a keen baker and crafter as well as a prolific author of many laugh-out-loud romantic comedies, including the bestselling The Bad Boyfriends Bootcamp.

Set in the glamour of pre-WWI Monaco, 'Mr. Grex of Monte Carlo' follows the exploits of Sir Hunterleys. An English MP, he discovers his estranged wife in the company of the Draconmeyers, who he had expressly forbidden her to associate with. The fate of Europe and of his marriage rests on his shoulders - will Hunterley be able to save them both? A fascinating look into the bubbling tensions of pre-war Europe in this intriguing novel from E. Phillips Oppenheim.-

'Anna the Adventuress' by popular author E. Phillips Oppenheim follows the story of two sisters, Anna and Annabel. Alike in looks but vastly different in character, the sisters decide to switch places - leading to a series of humorous hijinks and complications. Set in Paris and London, this is an amusing short story full of intrigue and deception, with plenty of twists and turns.-

In 'Jacob's Ladder' we follow the story of Jacob Pratt. Once a bankrupt man, we meet him just as he is getting back on his feet. As Jacob's fortunes change for the better however, he begins to see who his real friends are, and who has ulterior motives. A tale of mystery and revenge from well-known author E. Phillips Oppenheim. -

Young heiress Jeanne de la Mesurier has returned to London to re-join her stepmother, following a childhood in a French convent where she has been since her father's death. Despite her high status young Jeanne is poor, and so together with the nefarious Major Forrest, Jeanne sets out to scam and prey on her young suitors. A humorous novel full of mystery and cheats, this is a wonderful introduction to the author E. Phillips Oppenheim. -

'Anybody But Anne' is the fifth in the 'Fleming Stone' series of detective novels by prolific author Carolyn Wells. Wealthy David Van Wyck has decided to become a philanthropist and leave his entire vast fortune to the local community. Whilst a noble intention, his family are opposed to the notion as it would leave them penniless. Following a meeting to certify his intentions, David is found dead in a locked room. His beautiful wife Anne is the obvious suspect, but there are many others who would have reason to want David out of the picture. A thrilling whodunnit from the popular author. -

Murder mystery novelist Mr Curran is found dead in a locked room following a dinner party. The disappearance of his fiance makes her the most obvious suspect - but there is more to this case than meets the eye. Detective Kinney is on the case, but the meddling of the other guests means he needs to call on the services of Detective Fleming Stone. The fourteenth in the 'Fleming Stone' series of detective novels by prolific author Carolyn Wells, this is a classic murder mystery. -

The eleventh in the Fleming Stone series of mystery novels by prolific author Carolyn Wells, 'Raspberry Jam' is one of the most popular stories in the series. Millionaire Sanford Embury has been found dead in his bedroom. Alone, the door was locked from the inside. Suspicion immediately falls upon his feisty wife Eunice, with whom Embury had a tempestuous relationship, but is she really capable of murder? Full of mystery, drama, and danger, this is a classic detective novel from popular author Carolyn Wells. -

Homer Vincent lives in the beautiful house called Greatlarch in New England, with his wife and niece. Though outwardly the family appear to have a charmed life, the house is haunted by an ancient legend. When a harp sounds in the copse known as Spooky Hollow, it is said that a violent death will soon follow. The prophecy comes true when Homer's wife is found murdered in a locked room - but who is to blame for her violent death? Will detective Fleming Stone be able to solve the case? A classic whodunnit from the popular and prolific mystery author Carolyn Wells.-

Dodo, who is well-known from E.F. Benson's bestseller carrying the same name, is now settled down. But Dodo has new problems in her life. Dodo's daughter Nadine is only eighteen years old but despite that she is already a self-confident woman - some would say that she is even quite full of herself! But is smoking cigarettes and chatting with friends enough to be the main content of one's life?'Dodo's daughter' is an intriguing novel about upper-class society youth in the 1910's.-

Carey, much like the heroine of a Cinderella story, was cheated by her unscrupulous step-mother of the comfortable income that should have been hers. But Doctor Kurt Anton, who offered her a job in his Vienna clinic to help her out, was utterly unlike the Prince Charming of fiction, so clearly did he despise her.-

Jenny Armitage becomes the governess of Comte de Alais' children in beautiful Marrakesh, Morocco. She finds herself in the middle of a peculiar love triangle and resisting the attentions of the charming, yet at times questionable, Max Daintry. Her attractiveness also does not go unnoticed by the Comtesse, who clearly wants Jenny out of the picture. Can she live out her passions in such strange circumstances, amidst the obvious charms of the man pursuing her in romantic Morocco? The 20th-century love story was written by Pamela Kent, one of Ida Pollock's pseudonyms. A must-read for fans of literary romance and surprising twists of fate.-

On her six-week assignment in Morocco, Judy becomes fascinated with the ruined city of Bou Kairouan and decides to write about it for her magazine. The only one who can help her is Martin Dahl, but unfortunately, he is hostile towards Judy and far from pleasant. She finally convinces Martin to take her to the city, starting a series of thrilling events in the desert. Perhaps she can melt his heart still. The compelling tale from the 20th century is written by Pamela Kent, a pseudonym of the beloved romance writer Ida Pollock.A must-read for fans of literary romance and surprising twists of fate. -

Tina Andrews is a schoolteacher in remote England when she encounters an old man with a serious illness. She tends to him, unaware that the man called Sir Angus Giffard is in fact terribly wealthy, and is leaving his entire fortune to Tina. The old man's family is far from happy, especially his nephew the young Sir Angus, who inherits nothing but his title. Can Tina soften the feelings of this man she has angered and turn their difficult relationship around? The love story dating back to the 20th century was written by Pamela Kent, a pseudonym of romance writer Ida Pollock.A must-read for fans of literary romance and surprising twists of fate. -

Melanie Blake is in a dreamy, yet unlikely situation: she is madly in love with Rick Vandraaton, who is the charming son of a millionaire. Would it be possible for Rick to want to be with an ordinary woman like Melanie, who is filling in as his secretary, when he has the elegant Diane Fairchild almost wrapped around his finger? Yet Melanie has an advantage, as she knows some of Diane's secrets that would certainly make her look bad in Rick's eyes. The question is, would revealing them also ruin Melanie's chances with the millionaire bachelor of her dreams? The intriguing story written in the 20th century under one of Ida Pollock's pseudonyms, Pamela Kent, offers a romance for the love-hungry reader.A must-read for fans of literary romance and surprising twists of fate.-

When Louise Falls first met Captain Nicholas Wentworth of the Royal Navy at a cocktail party, she was not impressed. He was arrogant, even hostile, and Louise would all but tease him. A year and a half later, she took on the task of becoming a companion to elderly Lady Berringer, whose grandson and heir turned out to be no other than the captain! They were now forced to forge a relationship of some kind, this time with some notable sparks in the air. The memorable love tale from the 20th century was written by Pamela Kent, a pseudonym of the romance writer Ida Pollock.A must-read for fans of literary romance and surprising twists of fate.-