Engelske bøger

On the Greek island of Phrosos, Count Antonio has forsaken his rank and his Prince for what he thinks is Right. He now lives as an outlaw in the hill yet he is still remembered fondly by those who knew him. Ambrose the Franciscan goes through archives and to meet people who met him to learn more, and even the Prince would do well to listen to what he comes to discover.Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins (1863-1933), alias Anthony Hope, was a British barrister, author and playwright. He wrote many novels but is mostly remembered today for his Ruritanian trilogy, which falls under the "Ruritanian romance"-genre, characterised by a fictional country in Eastern or Central Europe (Ruritania), focusing on characters from the the ruling class, and full of adventures, intrigues, and high romance.

Educated Evans and The Miller are back in Edgar Wallace’s Christmas novel ‘A Present for Evans’.Set in the backdrop of seedy London streets between the two World Wars, our favourite cockney tipster is ready for more trials and tribulations of love, loss, and laughter. And that’s not forgetting the prize-winning racehorse!Highly relatable and daringly funny, this rip-roaring tale is ideal for comedy fans of ‘Only Fools and Horses’.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.An author, journalist, and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screenplays, and stage plays, along with historical non-fiction. His work has been adapted into more than 160 films.In 1932, Wallace died suddenly in Hollywood, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

When Leslie comes to meet her father, Caspar Brooke, for the first time, she is keen to learn why her mother left him.While living with him, Leslie sets herself the task of reuniting her estranged parents. In Sergeant’s typically observant style, the circumstances that surround Brooke’s separation from Lady Alice have as much to do with their characters as they have to do with a chain of events.‘Brooke’s Daughter’ is an incisive exploration of human relationships and how a simple misunderstanding can change the course of someone’s life. In Caspar, we have one of the most appealing characters in Sergeant’s canon, despite her trademark criticisms of male Victorian values.A fascinating and rewarding read, ‘Brooke’s Daughter’ is sure to delight any reader familiar with her body of work.Emily Frances Adeline Sergeant (1851 – 1904) was one of the most prolific novelists of the 19th century. Born in Derbyshire, Emily was the daughter of Richard Sergeant, a Methodist missionary, and Jane Hall, a writer of children’s books. Jane published her stories under the name Adeline, which Emily was later to adopt.During her lifetime, Adeline Sergeant wrote over 90 novels, including ‘The Story of a Penitent Soul,’ ‘No Saint,’ and ‘The Idol Maker.’ Many of her works explored the theme of religion, as her views changed from committed faith to agnosticism, and finally, to Catholicism.

A mysterious murder-stabbing. A deaf and dumb butler. And a caged starling desperate to set themselves free.When the reclusive owner of a distinguished house is found dead inside the circular study, Gryce knows a complex web of passion and rage must run straight to the heart of the motive.And with the help of an ambitious young cop and the infamous Amelia Butterworth, this tale of betrayal and revenge seems ripe for the picking. But with one lonesome bird singing his heart out, can Gyrce crack the cryptic code and locate the killer?Book 9 in the ‘Ebenezer Gryce’ series, ‘The Circular Study’ weaves a rip-roaring tale of murder and deceit, celebrated today as one of the ‘Ninety Classics of Crime Fiction’.Ideal for fans of Benedict Cumberbatch's ‘Sherlock’.One of the first writers of detective fiction, Anna Katharine Green (1846-1935) was an American poet and novelist. Born in Brooklyn New York, her bestselling ‘Ebenezer Gryce’ series explores the trials and tribulations of the much-loved detective Gryce of the New York Metropolitan Police.Celebrated as popularising the detective genre a decade before Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ mysteries, Green is remembered today as ‘the mother of the detective novel’.

Charlotte Mary Yonge’s ‘The Young Step-Mother’ - or ´A Chronicle of Mistakes´ - is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of the heroine, Albinia Ferrars, who leaves her happy home to marry Edmund Kendal, a widower fifteen years older than her.She takes on the role of encouraging wife and stepmother to his three children, however, she quickly finds that other tasks and obstacles come her way.Her husband has depression, his children are sickly, and those around the family are hostile to change. Albinia tackles all these problems without judgement and begins to believe things have improved, up until her stepchildren begin to fall in love, with disastrous results.A novel to be enjoyed by fans of Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’ or Jane Austen’s novels, Yonge’s fiction has a subtle theme of moral teaching.Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823 - 1901) was a prolific and popular English novelist, biographer, editor, historian, essayist, and journalist. She is most famous for her novels which include ‘Heartsease’, ‘The Daisy Chain’, ‘The Young Stepmother’, and the commercially successful ‘The Heir of Redclyffe’ (1853).Yonge was also a founder and editor for forty years of ‘The Monthly Packet’ magazine, while her book, ‘History of Christian Names’, is considered to be the first serious attempt at recording the subject. Profits from her books were often donated to charitable causes.

Doctor Nikola has finally found the secret to immortality, but he hasn’t put it to the test yet. He needs someone who can help him conduct some experiments. Doctor Ingleby seems to be the perfect choice since he is currently struggling financially and as such, seems willing to go to great lengths to get himself out of misery. Will Nikola and Ingleby’s experiments be successful? Find out in "Dr Nikola’s Experiment".Guy Boothby was an Australian author who lived in the period 1867-1905. His earlier works described life in Australia, but he gained wide popularity with his later fiction, which offered a vivid combination of crime, science fiction and horror stories.Boothby is well known for his Doctor Nikola series, a collection of novels telling the story of an occultist who seeks immortality and world domination.Other popular stories by him are "A Prince of Swindlers", which tells the story of a thief, and "Uncle Joe's Legacy and Other Stories", which is a collection of ghost stories. All in all, Guy Boothby left the world a colourful and rich literary legacy.

This is a tale of a railroad in Western America that is rampant with fraud, murder, and a stolen steam engine, while one less-than-tough man in the midst of it all, tries to overcome misfortune and resentment with his courage and love.Francis Lynde's ‘The Taming of Red Butte Western’ is a railroad, Western novel that will be enjoyed by fans of ‘The Lone Ranger’.Francis Lynde was an American author whose novels were set in the mountains of Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, and the stories often revolved around mining or railroad engineers.Three of Lynde’s novels were adapted for film – ‘Across the Burning Trestle’, ‘Stranded in the Arcady’, and ‘Bucking the Line’ (based on his 1915 novel ‘The Real Man’).Alongside his novels, Lynde also published a collection of short detective stories that would be enjoyed by fans of Sherlock Holmes, entitled ‘Scientific Sprague’.

A seamless blend of fact and fiction, ‘The Royal Life Guard, or The Flight of the Royal Family’ tells the story of the downfall of the French Monarchy.Set during the French Revolution, this novel paints Marie Antoinette as the villain of the piece.By comparison, King Louis XIV is depicted as an accommodating monarch with his people’s interests at heart.Historians will know the outcome of this thrilling tale but, even so, will find it fast-paced and brimming with intrigue and conspiracy.The adventure-packed narrative is supported by historical observations and Dumas’ rapier-sharp political knowledge.A superb read for those new to his work and for those who want to read beyond the romantic romps of ‘The Three Musketeers.’Alexandre Dumas (1802–1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, ‘King Henry III and his Courts.’After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as ‘La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,’ and ‘Le Capitaine Paul.’Many of Dumas’ later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as ‘The Three Musketeers’, starring ‘Lord of the Rings’´ Orlando Bloom, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, starring ‘Superman’ star, Henry Cavill.

When Mr. Henley answers a letter that is not addressed to him, his life is immediately thrown into chaos.Full of supernatural suspense, this gripping ghostly tale follows Mr. Henley as he treads the thin line between life and death.Heavily influenced by the writings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891), founder the Theosophical Society, ‘The Ghost of Guir House’ is a perfect read for anyone interested in a unique ghost story.Charles Willing Beale (1845-1932) was an American writer of horror and science fiction novels and short stories. A prolific writer, he contributed many short stories to various periodicals but is best known for his novels, ‘The Ghost of Guir House (1897), ‘Miss Jack, of Tibet’ (1910), and his hollow earth story, ‘The Secret of the Earth’ (1898).

When the gambler, John Oakhurst, senses that he may have outstayed his welcome in the mining camp of Poker Flat, he sets off to find pastures new.Accompanied by the local drunk, Uncle Billy, and two prostitutes, he makes his way towards Sandy Bar. However, when things do not go according to plan, and the weather turns, Oakhurst must look deep inside himself to work out what to do.A gritty tale, riddled with tragedy and romance, ‘The Outcasts of Poker Flat’ does not spare the horses when it comes to depicting the difficulties faced by ordinary folk in the Old West.Born in New York, Bret Harte (1836 – 1902) was a prolific poet, author, and journalist. The son of one of the founders of the New York Stock Exchange, Harte’s education was erratic, and he left school at the age of 13.Four years later, he moved to California, trying out a number of jobs, including working as a miner and a journalist. After an unsuccessful stint as a stagecoach guard, he became a schoolteacher.Later, he was hired as an editor for ‘The Golden Era’ magazine. His piece on the Wiyot Massacre resulted in death threats, and Harte was forced to flee to San Francisco. There, he became a journalist for ‘The Atlantic Monthly’ and was instrumental in founding ‘The Californian’, and ‘The Overland Monthly’. The latter was to publish one of his most well-known stories, ‘The Luck of Roaring Camp and Other Sketches’.During his lifetime, Harte published more than 30 books.

‘The Pillars of the House Volume 2’ - or ´Under Wode, Under Rode´ - is the second instalment of English writer Charlotte Mary Yonge’s story about the Underwood children.Set in the industrial town of Bexley, this Victorian family saga continues the story of the orphaned children as they struggle to survive and find their way in the world against all odds.A story of hope, love, sacrifice, and family, ‘The Pillars of the House Volume 2’ will surely delight anyone interested in great family sagas.Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823 - 1901) was a prolific and popular English novelist, biographer, editor, historian, essayist, and journalist. She is most famous for her novels which include ‘Heartsease’, ‘The Daisy Chain’, ‘The Young Stepmother’, and the commercially successful ‘The Heir of Redclyffe’ (1853).Yonge was also a founder and editor for forty years of ‘The Monthly Packet’ magazine, while her book, ‘History of Christian Names’, is considered to be the first serious attempt at recording the subject. Profits from her books were often donated to charitable causes.

A coming-of-age novel, ‘The Road to the Open’ follows the complicated liaisons of composer, Baron Georg von Wergenthin.While a talented man, Wergenthin lacks motivation and, instead of working, prefers to socialise with members of the Viennese bourgeoisie.A committed Christian, his life becomes even more complex when he finds himself falling for a Jewish girl, Anna Rosner.Through this story, Schnitzer documents the collapse of the freethinking Austrian society, as antisemitism and patriotism start to take its place.A classic novel from one of Vienna’s most noteworthy authors, this is ideal for those new to Schnitzler's body of work.The son of a physician, Arthur Schnitzler (1862 – 1931) was born in Vienna. At the age of 17, he enrolled at the city’s university, studying medicine. After graduating, he began work as a doctor at the Vienna General Hospital.Despite seeing himself primarily as a man of science, Schnitzler began writing when he was 31. His first works, poems, and short stories, focusing on the themes of jealousy and adultery, laid the foundations for his first play, ‘Anatol.’ Due to its psychological nature, ‘Anatol’ was praised by Sigmund Freud and later adapted for film, starring Gloria Swanson.Schnitzler eventually retired from the medical profession to pursue his literary career. In addition to numerous plays, he also wrote two full-length novels, a dozen short stories, and two non-fiction books.

As orphans Dell and Joel Wells faced starvation on the northeastern Kansas prairie during a hellish winter, their late father's dream was dying with them.But just as they get set to leave his claim on Beaver Creek because it is barren land, an unexpected twist gives them a second chance.Revitalised, the brothers develop their own ranch without any capital but with plenty of hard graft.Bigger challenges follow, though. Will they survive bitter winters, summer droughts, hungry wolf packs, and Texas fever?This uplifting and authentic Western is perfect for fans of Max Brand and Zane Grey.Andy Adams (1859-1935) was an American writer of westerns, who grew up on his family’s farm in Indiana. He worked as a cowboy and cattle driver, which later prompted him to start writing his cowboy stories.He started writing novels in his forties, and his work is characterised by its realistic descriptions of everyday life and the troubles ranchers and cowboys experienced. His best-known works include 'The Log of a Cowboy', 'Reed Anthony, Cowman', and 'Wells Brothers'.

H.G. Wells considered his short story, 'The Jilting of Jane', to be amongst the best of his early fiction.This romantic, mystery novella tells the story of Jane, a maid working in the household of George and his wife Euphemia. Jane is engaged to be married to William, however, Euphemia is suspicious and does not believe William to be a decent man. To Jane's despair, she soon finds out William is indeed harbouring a secret...Romance, mystery, and tragedy entwine in this short story that will be enjoyed by fans of 'Downton Abbey', 'Upstairs Downstairs', and 'Far From the Madding Crowd'.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. Additionally, he wrote more than 60 short stories, alongside various scientific papers. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film and television, including ‘The Time Machine,’ starring Guy Pearce, ‘War of the Worlds,’ starring Tom Cruise, and ‘The Invisible Man,’ starring Elizabeth Moss. Because of his various works exploring futuristic themes, Wells is regarded as one of the ‘Fathers of Science Fiction.’

Written almost as an interior monologue, ‘Bertha Garlan’ follows the eponymous Bertha on her quest for love.A widow in her thirties, Bertha previously married out of convention. However, after a trip to Vienna with her friend, she is determined to experience what she never has and gets in touch with her childhood sweetheart, Emil Lindbach.Will Bertha find what she’s been lacking, or is there a greater lesson to be learned?A fast-paced story that effectively dissects the social constructs of the time and looks at the life of women against this backdrop, ‘Bertha Garlan’ is an ideal read for anyone familiar with Schnitzler's body of work.The son of a physician, Arthur Schnitzler (1862 – 1931) was born in Vienna. At the age of 17, he enrolled at the city’s university, studying medicine. After graduating, he began work as a doctor at the Vienna General Hospital.Despite seeing himself primarily as a man of science, Schnitzler began writing when he was 31. His first works, poems, and short stories, focusing on the themes of jealousy and adultery, laid the foundations for his first play, ‘Anatol.’ Due to its psychological nature, ‘Anatol’ was praised by Sigmund Freud and later adapted for film, starring Gloria Swanson.Schnitzler eventually retired from the medical profession to pursue his literary career. In addition to numerous plays, he also wrote two full-length novels, a dozen short stories, and two non-fiction books.

An unsentimental look at the lives of farmers and businessmen in the late 19th century, ‘The Octopus’ details the expansion of the railroad, its tracks spreading out like tentacles across the US.We follow the farmers as they are slowly crushed by the pressures put on them by this new industry, due to the greed and corruption of cold, corporate businessmen, who are willing to go to unsavoury lengths to ensure they do not lose out on the possible financial rewards.Written without any romanticism, ‘The Octopus’ gives a fascinating insight into the effects of industrialism, and the subsequent avarice that inevitably follows.Frank Norris (1870 – 1902) was born Benjamin Franklin Norris, in Chicago. Widely hailed as the first American ‘naturalist’ writer, he was the son of a self-made businessman and an actress. After the death of his brother, Norris went to Paris to study art at the Académie Julian. While there, he was introduced to the novels of Émile Zola, who was to profoundly influence his work.His later studies at the University of Berkeley exposed him to the works of Charles Darwin, which would heavily impact his writing. It was at university, via the ‘San Francisco Wave´, that he first published his stories. When he left Berkeley to go to Harvard, he was persuaded to pursue a literary career by fellow author, Lewis E Gates.Many of Norris’ works deal with how corporate corruption affects those at the lower end of the financial spectrum, and further act as fantastic documents of American life in the late 19th century and the early 20th century.

Doctor Nikola meets Gilbert Pennethorne, an ordinary man whose life has gone downhill. He was tricked by his former boss who stole information about the location of a gold mine. Gilbert is determined to take his revenge while Nikola sees a great opportunity to become wealthy. He manipulates Gilbert into assisting him in the new evil scheme he has come up with.Guy Boothby was an Australian author who lived in the period 1867-1905. His earlier works described life in Australia, but he gained wide popularity with his later fiction, which offered a vivid combination of crime, science fiction and horror stories.Boothby is well known for his Doctor Nikola series, a collection of novels telling the story of an occultist who seeks immortality and world domination.Other popular stories by him are "A Prince of Swindlers", which tells the story of a thief, and "Uncle Joe's Legacy and Other Stories", which is a collection of ghost stories. All in all, Guy Boothby left the world a colourful and rich literary legacy.

Four hours until the wedding. Anticipation and excitement boil, quickly turning to dread.Why has the bride-to-be refused to see the groom in the week leading up to the wedding? Especially when the lucky couple is the perfect match.But when any feelings of doubt are pushed aside along with the wedding plans in the wake of a recent murder, the groom has worse things to worry about.Meanwhile, Detective Gryce knows a complex web of passion and rage must run straight to the heart of this mystery.Can he crack the code and locate the killer? Or will love’s intoxicating pull fool even the sharpest of detectives?Book 4 in the ‘Ebenezer Gryce’ series, ‘Behind Closed Doors’ weaves a rip-roaring tale, ideal for fans of Benedict Cumberbatch’s ‘Sherlock’.One of the first writers of detective fiction, Anna Katharine Green (1846-1935) was an American poet and novelist. Born in Brooklyn New York, her bestselling ‘Ebenezer Gryce’ series explores the trials and tribulations of the much-loved detective Gryce of the New York Metropolitan Police.Celebrated as popularising the detective genre a decade before Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ mysteries, Green is remembered today as ‘the mother of the detective novel’.

Set in France in 1661, ‘Louise de la Vallière’ is the third and final part of the D’Artagnan Romances trilogy.With Louis XIV seeking to cement his position as the absolute monarch over the whole of France, D’Artagnan and the Three Musketeers are forced to come out of retirement one last time.However, while their intentions may be noble, there might be hidden agendas at play that could steer the foursome in the wrong direction...Packed with murder, intrigue, conspiracy, betrayal, action, and adventure, ‘Louise de la Vallière’ is as fast-paced and exciting as any of Dumas’ earlier outings.A political animal, the author allows us to see the machinations of the royal court and its effects on the general populace. At its heart, this is a romantic romp yet Dumas deftly sprinkles the twisting plot with flecks of wistful nostalgia.An ideal read for fans of ‘The Three Musketeers’ film, starring Oliver Reed and Simon Ward.Alexandre Dumas (1802 – 1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, ‘King Henry III and his Courts.’After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as ‘La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,’ and ‘Le Capitaine Paul.’Many of Dumas’ later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as ‘The Three Musketeers’, starring ‘Lord of the Rings’´ Orlando Bloom, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, starring ‘Superman’ star, Henry Cavill.

Set in Victorian London, ‘Name and Shame’ is an unashamed melodrama in its purest form.Following the fortunes of Alan and Lisette Walcott, alongside the adventures of Lettice Campion, this is a tale of deceived wives, attempted murder, secret identities, politics, and illegitimate children.Although the writing is taut and the plot full of twists and turns, Sergeant saves a few well-chosen words with which to take pot-shots at the role of women in Victorian society and the deplorable attitudes of the men around them.A rollicking read for those new to Sergeant’s work.Emily Frances Adeline Sergeant (1851 – 1904) was one of the most prolific novelists of the 19th century. Born in Derbyshire, Emily was the daughter of Richard Sergeant, a Methodist missionary, and Jane Hall, a writer of children’s books. Jane published her stories under the name Adeline, which Emily was later to adopt.During her lifetime, Adeline Sergeant wrote over 90 novels, including ‘The Story of a Penitent Soul,’ ‘No Saint,’ and ‘The Idol Maker.’ Many of her works explored the theme of religion, as her views changed from committed faith to agnosticism, and finally, to Catholicism.

A plague is spreading across the world. People are dying and no cure can be found. The plague was created by a sorcerer and he is the only one who knows how to stop it. Where is he and who will dare to face the 3000 years old mummy who has finally gotten his revenge? Will humans go extinct or will they be saved? Find out in "Pharos, the Egyptian" by Guy Boothby.Guy Boothby was an Australian author who lived in the period 1867-1905. His earlier works described life in Australia, but he gained wide popularity with his later fiction, which offered a vivid combination of crime, science fiction and horror stories.Boothby is well known for his Doctor Nikola series, a collection of novels telling the story of an occultist who seeks immortality and world domination.Other popular stories by him are "A Prince of Swindlers", which tells the story of a thief, and "Uncle Joe's Legacy and Other Stories", which is a collection of ghost stories. All in all, Guy Boothby left the world a colourful and rich literary legacy.

How do you survive when tragedy is your constant companion?With nearly all his family dead, Pascal Bruno turns to a life of crime to survive. His only hope of escape is through the love of Teresa, a servant for a local Countess. But when Teresa is made to marry someone else, Pascal vows to have his revenge.Set in Palermo in the late 18th century, ´The Sicilian Bandit´ is another reliable pageturner from Alexandre Dumas. There are plenty of pirates, plots, and sword fights, and Pascal is a moody anti-hero worth rooting for.Recommended for lovers of Dumas’ more action-packed historical fiction.Alexandre Dumas (1802 - 1870) was a hugely popular 19th-century French writer. Born of mixed French and Haitian heritage, Dumas first rose to prominence in Paris as a playwright but later gained international fame with his historical fiction.Often co-authored with other writers, these stories wove together swashbuckling adventure, romance, and real events from France’s past. Among the best known are ´The Three Musketeers´, and its sequels ´Twenty Years After´, and "Le Vicomte de Bragelonne: Ten Years Later". Set across four decades, this trilogy follows the rise of the dashing D’Artagnan - from hotheaded soldier to trusted captain under Louis XIV.Dumas’ other novels include ´The Count of Monte Cristo´ and ´The Black Tulip´. His works have been adapted into more than 200 movies, including ´The Man in the Iron Mask´ starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

'True Grit', 'Rio Bravo', 'Shane', 'High Noon'...If you love a classic Western movie, then raise your ten-gallon hat to Andy Adams, whose cowboy books helped to power the Wild West into people's minds.'The Log of a Cowboy' is his classic novel - and it is based on his 12 years working as a cowboy.Protagonist Tommy Moore drives cattle, has run-ins with native American tribes, clashes with rustlers, has gunfights, and encounters "good whiskey and bad women".In other words, he ticks every cowboy adventure box with authenticity and a flourish.This is a must-read for fans of Western writers including Zane Gray and Louis L'Amour.Andy Adams (1859-1935) was an American writer of westerns, who grew up on his family’s farm in Indiana. He worked as a cowboy and cattle driver, which later prompted him to start writing his cowboy stories.He started writing novels in his forties, and his work is characterised by its realistic descriptions of everyday life and the troubles ranchers and cowboys experienced. His best-known works include 'The Log of a Cowboy', 'Reed Anthony, Cowman', and 'Wells Brothers'.

Written by Charles Willing Beale (1845-1932), ‘The Secret of the Earth’ (1899) is an intriguing lost-world tale.When Dirk Waaijen, the master of the Voorne, is five days out from the island of Celebes, he spies an object floating in the water ahead. Inside is a document that tells of a lost race living in a subterranean world.Full of weird creatures, alien sights, and a mysterious people, this classic hollow earth fantasy novel is a perfect read for all sci-fi fans.Charles Willing Beale (1845-1932) was an American writer of science fiction novels and short stories. A prolific writer, he contributed many short stories to various periodicals but is best known for his science fiction novels, ‘The Ghost of Guir House (1897), ‘Miss Jack, of Tibet’ (1910), and the hollow earth story ‘The Secret of the Earth’ (1898).

The daughter of a poor physician, Janetta finds herself having to step into her feckless stepmother’s shoes when her father leaves.With a house full of children to look after, she is driven to desperate measures in order to survive. However, despite the trials and tribulations thrown her way, Janetta remains a true friend to even the lowliest of people.´A True Friend´ is a touching tale that explores the themes of loyalty, strength of character, and relationships. In Janetta, Sergeant creates a character who, on the face of it, may appear too good to be true but, once the surface is scratched, we see that she is as flawed and insecure as the rest of us.A book full of yearning and aspiration, ´A True Friend´ is the perfect read for those looking for an introduction to Sergeant’s work.Emily Frances Adeline Sergeant (1851 – 1904) was one of the most prolific novelists of the 19th century. Born in Derbyshire, Emily was the daughter of Richard Sergeant, a Methodist missionary, and Jane Hall, a writer of children’s books. Jane published her stories under the name Adeline, which Emily was later to adopt.During her lifetime, Adeline Sergeant wrote over 90 novels, including ‘The Story of a Penitent Soul,’ ‘No Saint,’ and ‘The Idol Maker.’ Many of her works explored the theme of religion, as her views changed from committed faith to agnosticism, and finally, to Catholicism.

Doctor Nikola and Richard Hatteras meet for the first time. Doctor Nikola is a mysterious evil mastermind. Richard Hatteras, on the other hand, is an ordinary Australian sailor. Doctor Nikola has a plan which includes Hatteras and his fortune, but Hatteras proves to be a lot smarter than the doctor had expected, leaving Nikola facing a challenge. Hatteras is determined to oppose the villain’s plan and save everyone endangered by the doctor’s evil plan. Who who will prevail? Find out in Guy Boothby’s "A Bid for Fortune".Guy Boothby was an Australian author who lived in the period 1867-1905. His earlier works described life in Australia, but he gained wide popularity with his later fiction, which offered a vivid combination of crime, science fiction and horror stories.Boothby is well known for his Doctor Nikola series, a collection of novels telling the story of an occultist who seeks immortality and world domination.Other popular stories by him are "A Prince of Swindlers", which tells the story of a thief, and "Uncle Joe's Legacy and Other Stories", which is a collection of ghost stories. All in all, Guy Boothby left the world a colourful and rich literary legacy.

The Captain Pamphile of the title is one of Dumas’ most intriguing creations.An anti-hero, the Captain is a rogue and a swindler who decides to exploit the demand for exotic animals that was prevalent in the early 19th century.However, Pamphile’s methods are unconventional, to say the least. If you like your adventures on the high seas served up with betrayal, intrigue, mutiny, and a liberal dose of sardonic humour, then this is the book for you.A satirical tale with a twist, ‘Captain Pamphile’ is the perfect read for fans of seafaring adventures.Alexandre Dumas (1802 – 1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, ‘King Henry III and his Courts.’After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as ‘La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,’ and ‘Le Capitaine Paul.’Many of Dumas’ later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as ‘The Three Musketeers’, starring ‘Lord of the Rings’´ Orlando Bloom, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, starring ‘Superman’ star, Henry Cavill.

The poor boy Hans and his mother get kidnapped by evil robbers. Their future does not seem so bright, but little Hans is determined to fight back and get himself and his mother out. Further in life Hans gets to meet strong men and giants who he decides to work with. But are the giants’ intentions true? What are the new obstacles that Hans has to face? Will he manage to get himself out of yet another pickle or will this betrayal lead to Hans’s end?Children and adults alike, immerse yourselves into Grimm’s world of folktales and legends! Come, discover the little-known tales and treasured classics in this collection of 210 fairy tales.The Brothers Grimm are probably the best-known storytellers in the world. Some of their most popular fairy tales are "Cinderella", "Beauty and the Beast" and "Little Red Riding Hood" and there is hardly anybody who has not grown up with the adventures of Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel and Snow White.Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm’s exceptional literature legacy consists of recorded German and European folktales and legends. Their collections were translated into all European languages during the brothers' lifetime and into almost every living language today.

For inventiveness and front, Slippin' Jimmy from 'Better Call Saul' takes some beating. He had at least his equal, though, way back in the 1840s - in the shape of Peter Profitt, the anti-hero of 'The Business Man'.After a nurse cracked his head against a bedpost, young Profitt lost the capacity for regularity or systems.Convinced that it is his fate, he becomes an entrepreneur after a fall-out with his employer over a pennyHis first business is to build filthy, rundown hovels - spite houses - next to new mansions and then demand 500pc of their value to demolish them.Next, he starts fights and sues the victim for attacking him before he demands money from people for him not to splash mud on them.With a demanding dog becoming his partner, as well as deliberation on whether Profitt should run for office or not, the hilarious story careers through a host of businesses and wild ideas.If you like Poe's crazy characters and comical street scenes, you will love 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Despite a brief life, he was celebrated for his poetry, short stories and tales of the supernatural. He is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction.In 1827, Poe joined the US Army under an assumed name and had his first collection, 'Tamerlane and Other Poems,' published anonymously. He worked as a literary critic and moved around America, writing as he went while his works gradually built an audience.His most famous works include ´The Raven´ (1945), ´The Black Cat´ (1943), and ´The Gold-Bug´ (1843).

When Richard Luttrell is killed in an apparent accident by his brother, Brian, a cataclysmic chain of events is set in motion.‘Under False Pretences’ follows the fortunes of Richard’s younger cousin, Hugo, and his mission to uncover the truth behind the killing.As Hugo travels the globe, he uncovers a long-kept secret and is faced with some life-changing decisions.Throw in no fewer than two shipwrecks, a kidnapping, and the occasional dose of ‘brain-fever,’ and you’ve got all the ingredients necessary to cook up a rollicking adventure!‘Under False Pretences’ is a taut novel, full of twists and turns. It is the perfect read for those looking for an introduction to Sergeant’s work.Emily Frances Adeline Sergeant (1851 – 1904) was one of the most prolific novelists of the 19th century. Born in Derbyshire, Emily was the daughter of Richard Sergeant, a Methodist missionary, and Jane Hall, a writer of children’s books. Jane published her stories under the name Adeline, which Emily was later to adopt.During her lifetime, Adeline Sergeant wrote over 90 novels, including ‘The Story of a Penitent Soul,’ ‘No Saint,’ and ‘The Idol Maker.’ Many of her works explored the theme of religion, as her views changed from committed faith to agnosticism, and finally, to Catholicism.