Engelske bøger

When a brilliant doctor's experiment goes wrong, a dangerous pursuit of separating good and evil follows...Tucked away in the dark and murky streets of London, a lawyer finds himself investigating strange incidents between his old friend Dr Henry Jekyll and the reclusive Edward Hyde.Although seemingly nothing alike, the two are more similar than what meets the eye...This classic tale is perfect for fans of Heather Parry and Silvia Moreno-Garcia.Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, essayist, and travel writer. He is best known for ‘Treasure Island’, ‘Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, and ‘Kidnapped´. He remains today an influential sci-fi and gothic-horror writer.

Ellie McTavish’s world turns upside down when a deadly diagnosis comes out of nowhere. Feeling adrift as she recovers from life-saving surgery at home, she impulsively bids on a vintage caravan, only to discover the next day that she’s won it. So she grabs her friend Fee and takes it on an impromptu road trip...well, that’s the plan, until it breaks down outside the tiny village of Magpie Cove in Cornwall.Unexpectedly stranded, the two women don’t have much choice but to stay there until it’s fixed. At least the local mechanic, Mark, is distractingly handsome. Not that Ellie would ever act on her feelings – after the surgery she’s not sure she’ll ever feel beautiful again. If only she’d stop running into him everywhere in town...As Ellie settles into life in the cove she can feel herself slowly healing. But just as she begins to let herself grow closer to Mark, a midnight attack on her rented beach house once more puts Ellie’s fragile courage to the test. Sometimes the deepest scars are on the inside – will Magpie Cove be able to mend Ellie once and for all?A perfect, feel-good page-turner about friendship, love and the power of starting over, set in gorgeous Cornwall. Perfect for fans of Shari Low, Veronica Henry and Heidi Swain.Kennedy Kerr is a USA Today Bestselling fiction author. She adores beaches, lochs and stone circles, and loves writing about small communities, mysteries and family secrets.

Laying the foundations for films such as ‘Mother and Child,’ starring Naomi Watts and Samuel L Jackson, ‘Abandoned’ packs a lot into a short space.As a younger woman, Madame de Cadour gave birth to an illegitimate son. She and her then-lover, Henri put the child up for adoption, but she has wondered about him ever since.40 years later, she decides to try and find him with Henri’s help, and her husband is oblivious to the whole thing.Will Madame de Cadour and Henri find their son, or are some things best left unresolved?A haunting short story of love, loss, and betrayal, ´Abandoned´ is perfect for fans of Kristin Harmel's ´When We Meet Again´.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

Set on the French Riviera, ‘Madame Parisse’ tells the story of an aristocratic woman, trapped in an unhappy marriage.When her husband goes on a business trip for four days, she embarks on an affair with the dashing Monsieur Jean de Carmelin.However, neither of them can foresee the consequences of their illicit encounter. Told from an observer’s point of view, this is a wistful, tragic, and romantic tale, packed with yearning and criticism of the social conventions of the time.A good, old-fashioned tear-jerker, ´Madame Parisse´ will delight anyone already familiar with Guy de Maupassant's body of work.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.During his later years, Maupassant suffered from mental health problems and was committed to an institution, where he was to die at the age of 43.

Have you ever experienced a hot air balloon ride?This short story describes a trip from Paris to Belgium taken by the popular French author Guy de Maupassant. Describing in detail every sight and sound, he takes readers on a balloon ride like no other.The three crew members and three passengers watch the sunset and moonrise and experience the threat of a looming storm. Views of Paris and the beautiful French and Belgian countryside below are also eloquently brought to life.'The Trip of Le Horla' (1887) is perfect for fans of his short stories and readers of 19th-century travel books.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of the finest practitioners of the short story.Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life.One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time, such as Émile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev.Some of his best-known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry. ‘Bel Ami’ was made into a film in 2012, starring Uma Thurman, Robert Pattinson, and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Set during the hunting season, the Chateau Baneville is peopled with guests waiting for the weather to improve.After half-heartedly playing board games, they tell stories. None is so shocking as the one told by Genevieve and the boy who loved her in her youth.With allusions to mental illness and obsession, this is a dark romantic tale, sure to promote some heated conversation.Touching on similar themes as Robert Redford’s ‘Ordinary People,’ ‘A Widow’ is a tragic love story.It will delight fans of other tragic love stories such as Shakespeare's ´Romeo and Juliet´ and Victor Hugo's ´The Hunchback of Notre Dame´.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

What do you do when the love of your life dies?Monsieur Lemonnier completely adores his wife. He spends every second with her. The only thing that their relationship misses is a baby. The couple has been desperate to expand their family for years - to no avail. So when his wife falls pregnant, things seem too good to be true.Until she dies in childbirth.Monsieur Lemonnier transfers the love he had for his wife onto his son, believing him to be perfect also. Then a shocking revelation changes absolutely everything.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. He was considered a master of both style and dramatic narrative. A representative of the Naturalist school, he wrote 300 short stories during his career - alongside a number of novels, travel books, and a volume of verse. The most notable of his work is considered to be his first short story - ‘Boule de Suif’. His volumes of short stories were heavily influential, with one of them acting as inspiration for John Ford’s ‘Stagecoach’.

Set aboard a steamship sailing from Le Havre to Trouville, ‘Discovery’ is a short and funny story, with a moral tucked away in the dialogue.When the narrator meets his old friend, Henri Sidoine, the latter rants about the number of English people on board.With the kind of ire that Basil Fawlty (played by John Cleese) reserved for his guests, Sidoine gives full rein to his loathing of the English although, as it turns out, he fell in love with, and married, an Englishwoman.Is his argument genuinely about the self-proclaimed "lords of the sea", or is he revealing more about himself than he means to?An incisive tale with plenty of clever observations, ‘Discovery’ will delight fans of nautical short stories such as Ernest Hemingway's ´After the Storm´.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

A vain and wealthy man, Lormerin is a slave to his mirror and very little else.However, one day, he opens a letter to find that his old flame, Lise, will be in town with her daughter, and he is invited to join them for dinner.What happens next causes Lormerin to reflect on himself in more ways than one...Paving the way for films, such as ‘Venus,’ starring Peter O’Toole and former Doctor Who, Jodie Whittaker, ‘All Over’ is a melancholy look at love and ageing.It will delight fans of OScar Wilde's ´Dorian Gray´.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

Colone Laporte has an opinion about everything. Colonel Laporte is also right about everything. Or so he thinks.During a conversation with a friend, he is preaching his opinion about French people. He claims that they are famous for their attitudes towards members of the opposite sex. His friend disagrees. Frustrated and attempting to get his point across, he begins to tell the story of an encounter he had during the Franco-Prussian War. Only as his story continues does it become clear just how shocking this encounter was.This fast-paced tale is unmissable for fans of Ambrose Bierce.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. He was considered a master of both style and dramatic narrative. A representative of the Naturalist school, he wrote 300 short stories during his career - alongside a number of novels, travel books, and a volume of verse. The most notable of his work is considered to be his first short story - ‘Boule de Suif’. His volumes of short stories were heavily influential, with one of them acting as inspiration for John Ford’s ‘Stagecoach’.

Just like Jack Nicholson’s character in ‘About Schmidt,’ the narrator of ‘A Recollection’ is feeling useless.He feels, to quote Morrissey, that ´Everyday is Like Sunday.’ To shake himself from his drudgery, he decides to take a stroll from Paris to catch a boat to Saint-Cloud.After a dreamy stroll, he encounters a married couple, who seem to be in a spot of bother. Taken with the wife, the narrator agrees to help them, but will her company help or hinder his need for excitement?Combining romance with waspish humour, Maupassant offers an interesting slice of middle-age life.With memory as its central theme, ‘A Recollection’ is the ideal read for fans of Kazuo Ishiguro.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

Money doesn’t buy happiness. But can it buy love?Two families live in the Norman countryside. Neither of them have any money. Both of them are happy, healthy, and fulfilled. A wealthy couple walks past regularly, marveling at the way the children play outside. Childless themselves, this sight makes them incredibly emotional. So they make the families an offer that neither of them can refuse, but will they accept?This social drama is perfect for fans of J.B Priestley’s ‘An Inspector Calls’.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. He was considered a master of both style and dramatic narrative. A representative of the Naturalist school, he wrote 300 short stories during his career - alongside a number of novels, travel books, and a volume of verse. The most notable of his work is considered to be his first short story - ‘Boule de Suif’. His volumes of short stories were heavily influential, with one of them acting as inspiration for John Ford’s ‘Stagecoach’.

‘A Mother of Monsters’ is a dark and disturbing story.The narrator is visiting his friend, and they walk along the seafront. As their conversation continues, the friend tells him of the eponymous mother, and they decide to visit her.What they are met with is both horrific and tragic and can be read as a commentary on the plight of the lower classes. Maupassant’s concise and simple style only serves to increase the horror and brutality of this short tale.A story that’s sure to linger, ´A Mother of Monsters´ is the ideal read for fans of Stephen King and ´American Horror Story´.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

A masterpiece in literary manipulation, ‘A New Year’s Gift’ plays with our expectations while delivering a sobering dose of social commentary.We begin with Jacques, who is writing a letter to his sweetheart, Irene. When Irene appears on his doorstep, she brings with her a scandalous plan. Will he agree to her demands, or is there more to them than meets the eye?A tale of adultery, fealty, violence, and honour, ‘A New Year’s Gift’ also highlights the stifling social conventions of the time.This short story will delight fans of Raymond Carver.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

Fun and intriguing stories are an integral part of every dinner party.In Paris, a man chats with friends after dinner and recounts the story of his recent visit to a brothel. After choosing a woman, he follows her back to her apartment for the night but is shocked when he hears a noise coming from the wardrobe...Short yet impactful, ´The Wardrobe´ is perfect for fans of Guy de Maupassant's work and readers of French Literature.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was a famous French writer, best known as one of the finest practitioners of the short story.Master of style and dramatic narrative, Maupassant’s stories are mainly interested in the relationships between men and women, often found at the crossroads of life.One of his greatest influences was Gustave Flaubert, who introduced him to some of the central names of the time, such as Émile Zola, Henry James, and Ivan Turgenev.Some of his best-known works include the novels "Bel Ami" and "Une Vie", more than 300 short stories, travel books, and even an attempt at poetry. ‘Bel Ami’ was made into a film in 2012, starring Uma Thurman, Robert Pattinson, and Kristin Scott Thomas.

Despite its title. ‘The Effeminates’ has nothing to do with sexuality.Instead, it’s a satire on the fickle natures of Parisians and those who work in the Chamber of Deputies (a French parliamentary body).According to Maupassant’s observations, these ‘man-girls’ are a bane of society, forever changing their minds, following their whimsies, and plotting behind the backs of even their closest friends.An interesting psychological snapshot of 19th Century France, ‘The Effeminates’ is a welcome addition to any library.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

It is often the most humble men that are the most dangerous.Central Corsica is dangerous. There is no question about that. Despite its beautiful scenery, the area is rife with bandits, mongrels, and crime. Whilst money is important, secrets are much more valuable. The quietest, almost silent villager is a source of interest for the entire of Corsica - they know he has secrets. But are they truly ready to find out who he really is?This dynamic tale is an entertaining introduction to Guy de Maupassant for fans of classic adventure fiction.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. He was considered a master of both style and dramatic narrative. A representative of the Naturalist school, he wrote 300 short stories during his career - alongside a number of novels, travel books, and a volume of verse. The most notable of his work is considered to be his first short story - ‘Boule de Suif’. His volumes of short stories were heavily influential, with one of them acting as inspiration for John Ford’s ‘Stagecoach’.

Despite quietly loathing his wife’s penchant for fake jewellery, Mr and Mrs Lantin are happily married.When she dies, finances force him to sell her gems and he discovers that one of them is not only real but worth a significant sum of money.What keeps niggling Mr Lantin is that he didn’t buy it for her – so who did?‘The Fake Gems’ is a cautionary short story from the pen of a master. The perfect addition to any collection of Maupassant’s works.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

With all the wistful romance of ‘The Remains of the Day,’ (starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson), ‘Alexandre’ tells the story of a servant and his mistress, Madame Marambelle.Now wheelchair-bound, Madame Marambelle is reliant on Alexandre to get out and about. On one of their sojourns, they discuss her tyrannical husband, with Alexandre telling some uncomfortable home truths.However, he also has a secret of his own, and now seems as good a time as any to get it out in the open.A touching short story from one of the fathers of the genre, ‘Alexandre’ is the ideal read for fans of Jojo Moyes ´Me Before You´.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

Laying the foundations for films, such as ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ starring Jack Nicholson, ‘Bertha’ is a study on mental illness.While the narrator visits his old friend, Dr Bonnet, the doctor asks him to wait while he visits a patient. The patient is Bertha, a woman who was once young and beautiful but with no way of communicating with the outside world.Rightly or wrongly, Dr Bonnet subjects her to a series of experiments before her family decides there’s an answer to her problems.A haunting and tragic short story from the pen of one of the fathers of the genre, ‘Bertha’ is the perfect introduction to Guy de Maupassant's authorship.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

Later made into a film, starring Vincent Price, ‘The Diary of a Madman’ is a dark and disturbing short story.In just three pages, Maupassant introduces us to an upright magistrate who has just condemned a prisoner, Blondel, to death.Blondel is convicted of prolicide, and the magistrate wants to work out why he’s committed this terrible crime. Through his diary, we see how the idea takes root and becomes something much more sinister...A gripping read that’s as relevant today as when it was written, ‘The Diary of a Madman’ is the ideal read for fans of Stephen King.Hailed as one of the pioneers of the modern short story, Henri Ren Albert Guy de Maupassant (1850 - 1893) was born in Dieppe, France. After his parents’ divorce, Maupassant was cared for by his mother who had a passion for literature.During his secondary education, he was introduced to the acclaimed novelist, Gustave Flaubert, who was to play a prominent part in Maupassant’s literary career.The Franco-Prussian War saw the author enlist in the Navy, and his experiences influenced many of his books, including ‘Boule de Suif.’ Flaubert was to take him under his wing after the war, introducing him to realist and naturalist authors, such as Émile Zola and Ivan Turgenev.

What if you had to put a roof over the heads of your enemies?Anthony is a farmer. Sturdy and patriotic, he will stop at nothing to fight the Prussians. Bringing glory to his country is his main priority. When Prussians arrive on his doorstep he is prepared to sacrifice everything. But when he is forced to shelter, feed, and take care of a Prussian soldier he is forced into a change in outlook.The soldier's inability to speak French puts him in a vulnerable position and Anthony must decide whether to use this to his advantage or treat the soldier like a person.Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) was one of the finest practitioners of the French short story. He was considered a master of both style and dramatic narrative. A representative of the Naturalist school, he wrote 300 short stories during his career - alongside a number of novels, travel books, and a volume of verse. The most notable of his work is considered to be his first short story - ‘Boule de Suif’. His volumes of short stories were heavily influential, with one of them acting as inspiration for John Ford’s ‘Stagecoach’.

Here comes the bride... but how long can she hide?When Kitty Clayton flees her wedding, her life seems worryingly futureless. All she knows is she'd rather sleep on the streets than go back to cheating Ethan.After picking her up hitch-hiking, widowed children's author Jack Duffy takes Kitty under his wing until she gets back on her feet. And it's not long before the two grow close...But with Jack struggling to recover from the guilt he feels over his wife's death and Kitty refusing to face up to the problems she's running away from, will the two ever manage to share a happily ever after?A heart-warming novel about love and new beginnings, you won't be able to put it down!What readers are saying about "Runaway Bride":´Full of heart, humour and larger-than-life characters´ - Debbie Johnson´Deliciously funny and the characters are adorable. I could not put it down! I relished every page´ - Reader review´A five-star read to run away with. This was such a glorious read, it was funny and brutally honest´ - Reader reviewMary Jayne Baker is a romance author from Yorkshire, UK. She lives in her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them. Mary Jayne Baker is a pen name for an international woman of mystery...

She wanted an adventure. What she found was so much more...Adira Summers has spontaneously quit her high-flying career as a barrister in London. She needs to escape from the rat race and, encouraged by her bohemian gran, has bought a campervan to do so.Taking off for a tour around Britain, disaster strikes early on when her van breaks down outside the quaint village of Lilacwell. But things look up after she meets handsome Jasper, who is visiting to check on his ailing uncle and his crumbling estate, The Laurels.As Adira falls for Lilacwell, she is torn between forgoing her travel plans to stay or continuing with her adventure. Jasper must also choose between returning to his job in Dubai or moving back for his uncle - and Adira.A gorgeous summery romance for fans of Tessa Bailey and Jenny Colgan.What readers are saying about ´Escape to Lilacwell´:"A lovely read... The setting was nice and the story flowed well." - Reader review"This book fixed my reading slump! I enjoyed it so much that I kept turning the pages. Adira's a very relatable heroine and the romance develops slowly, in a very believable way." - Reader review"What a beautiful summer read, I enjoyed this book from the first to the last page. The characters are so well written. A good book to take on holiday." - Reader reviewSasha Morgan lives in a village by the coast in Lancashire with her husband and has one grown-up son. She writes mainly contemporary fiction, her previous series having a touch of 'spice', probably due to all the Jilly Cooper novels she read as a teenager.

In a quiet provincial Danish town, something is afoot. The volunteers of the local second-hand shop keep dying. Since they’re all OAP's, the police can’t see the problem. It’s the inevitable – if unfortunate – circle of life. However, resident busy-body, and force-to-be-reckoned-with, Anne-Maj Mortensen is not so sure. She may be newly retired herself, but she still has her wits about her and knows when something needs a little investigating... Scandi crime, but not as you’ve ever seen it before. The 'Danish Miss Marple' will thrill fans of Richard Osman's 'The Thursday Murder Club' and Anthony Horowitz' 'Hawthorne' series. Anne Grue is one of the most popular Danish crime novelists. Grue made her breakthrough with the crime novels about the detective Dan Sommerdahl which was adapted for tv, starring Peter Mygind and Laura Drasbæk - directed by Kenneth Kainz also known for his work on Netflix’s ‘The Rain’.

The nuns of Santa Caterina are back and sinister goings-on are afoot. Old Gaetano, an amiable local drifter, is a welcome and regular guest at the convent. But to everyone’s shock, Carabiniere Matteo finds his body down by the river, murdered in cold blood. The village is stunned – who would do such a thing? And where is Gaetano’s beloved Saint Bernard, Caesar? Determined to get to the bottom of it, Sister Isabella teams up with Matteo (whether he likes it or not) to follow the clues and solve the mystery. But, it may not be a simple murder case after all, and perhaps old Gaetano has not always been whom he claimed to be... A delicious, cosy crime that is as warm as the Tuscan sun, perfect for fans of Julia Chapman, Fiona Leitch and Richard Osman. Valentina Morelli is a German author. With the Sister Isabella Series, she pays homage to her spiritual homeland, and captures the unique feel of life in Tuscany. For her, murder mysteries are a way of telling human stories.

Most people go to an optician if their vision is bad. However, when Richard Henry Dana's sight was affected by measles while he was at Harvard College, he decided a sea voyage round Cape Horn was the best solution.He joined the crew of a merchant ship at Boston, kept a daily diary of his adventures, then produced this American classic. 'Two Years Before the Mast' is a vivid account of the true life of a common sailor at sea.Throughout his journey, Dana encounters indigenous people, describes being lowered down a cliff to retrieve cow hides, learns Spanish, acts as interpreter, and witnesses floggings.The return journey is hellish, and Dana's description of battling storms around the Cape moved 'Moby Dick' author, Herman Melville, to say it "must have been written with an icicle".A rollicking memoir that is better than fiction, ´Two Years Before the Mast´ is perfect for fans of the 'Bounty Trilogy' by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall.Richard Henry Dana Jr. (1815-1882) was a Massachusetts-based American lawyer and politician who found fame for the classic memoir 'Two Years Before the Mast'.In both his legal career and his writing, he gained a reputation for standing up for the rights of the oppressed, including slaves on the run and freedmen.He became a prominent abolitionist, helping to found the anti-slavery Free Soil Party.

Sanger Rainsford is a big-game hunter, who finds himself washed up on an island owned by the eccentric General Zaroff.Zaroff, a big-game hunter himself, has heard of Rainsford’s abilities with a gun and organises a hunt. However, they’re not after animals – they’re after people.When he protests, Rainsford the hunter becomes Rainsford the hunted.Sharing similarities with "The Hunger Games", starring Jennifer Lawrence, this is the story that created the template for pitting man against man.Born in New York, Richard Connell (1893 – 1949) went on to become an acclaimed author, screenwriter, and journalist. He is best remembered for the gripping novel "The Most Dangerous Game" and for receiving an Oscar nomination for the screenplay "Meet John Doe".

‘Through the Wheat’ (1923) is a novel by the American journalist, scriptwriter, and novelist Thomas Alexander Boyd (1898–1935).Influenced by his own experiences on the battlefields of France in the First World War, this story follows William Hicks, a rifleman in the U.S. Marine Corps, through his first experience of combat.After enlisting, William Hicks is eager to see combat but as friends die and the reality of war hits home, he must find the strength to survive.Culminating at the Battle of Belleau Wood, this harrowing, evocative tale of the horrors of war is an action-packed, gripping tale about bravery and the futility of war, perfect for lovers of war fiction.Thomas Alexander Boyd (1898–1935) was an American journalist, scriptwriter, and novelist. A member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Boyd saw service during World War One and his harrowing experiences influenced many of his works.He is best known for the novels ´Through the Wheat´ (1923), ‘The Dark Cloud’ (1924), and a book of short stories, ‘Point of Honor’ (1925).

‘A Group of Noble Dames’ is a collection of ten short stories, framed by a central narrative.Thomas Hardy ties the tales together by presenting them as a conversation between the members of a club, in which each one tells the story of a noblewoman from the 17th or 18th Century.Through their accounts, Hardy examines a range of themes, including marriage, deceit, and social conventions. A consummate storyteller, the dialogue and characterisations are superb, allowing the reader to be drawn into each tale.‘Barbara of the House of Grebe’, one of the short stories from the collection, was later adapted for TV, starring Ben Kingsley.Born in Dorset, Thomas Hardy (1840 – 1928) was one of the most renowned poets and novelists of the 20th Century. The ill-health that plagued him as a child followed him into early adulthood, scuppering his chances of working as an architectural draftsman.His further ambitions into the priesthood were halted by lack of funds and his wavering faith, leading him to develop his writing abilitiesOver the course of his career, Hardy wrote 20 novels, numerous poems, and countless short stories. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film or television, such as ‘Far from the Madding Crowd (starring Nigel Terry), ‘Jude’ (starring Kate Winslet), and ‘The Mayor of Casterbridge´ (starring Ciaran Hinds).Hardy died from pleurisy, aged 88.