Engelske bøger

A mysterious man known as the Sandal Wood trader pays a visit to a remote group of settlers living on a small island in the Pacific. Though he insists he is a harmless trader and nothing more, many of those who inhabit the island are less sure. Is he a pirate? A criminal? And why is his background such a secret? The islanders must work together to uncover the truth – do they need this mans help, or does he really mean them harm? A fascinating adventure story from the much-loved children’s author R.M. Ballantyne.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

Ivan Matveich was thinking it was a bad idea to see a live crocodile on the street as it swallowed him whole! Why couldn't it have eaten his wife Elena instead?What follows is an immensely humorous and satirical account of Ivan's new life from inside the crocodile, unable to get out because the owner refuses to kill the beast.A precursor to Kafka’s 'Metamorphosis', Dostoevsky’s short story is a farcical depiction and social criticism of Russian society at the time. The situation becomes a scene from the theatre of the absurd, making the tale a poignant finger wagging at the problems of humanity.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological.There have been at least 30 film and TV adaptations of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1866 novel 'Crime and Punishment' with probably the most popular being the British BBC TV series starring John Simm as Raskolnikov and Ian McDiarmid as Porfiry Petrovich.'The Idiot' has also been adapted for films and TV, as has 'Demons' and 'The Brothers Karamazov'.

‘Bardell v. Pickwick’ is an episode from Charles Dickens’ classic novel, ‘The Pickwick Papers’. Reminiscent of a John Grisham novel, this work by Charles Dickens is packed full of broken marriage promises, legal documents, clever police sergeants, and a trial by jury. Our hero is accused of breaching the promise of marriage and is taken to trial where the honourable Mr. Justice Stareleigh presides at the City of London courtroom. Is he innocent or will he be proven guilty? Let the trial begin in one of ‘The Pickwick Papers’ most popular episodes. So popular, in fact, it was often dramatized or read aloud as living room entertainment.Regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens is best known for creating some of the world’s best known fictional characters who feature in his most popular novels, including The Artful Dodger in 'Oliver Twist’, Ebenezer Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol’, and Miss Havisham in ‘Great Expectations’. Dickens’ timeless novels and short stories are still widely read today and many have been adapted into countless TV programmes and films including the Academy Award-winning musical ‘Oliver’, and 'A Christmas Carol' which well known worldwide and is a huge favourite movie for families to watch together at Christmas time.

‘Those Folk of Bulboro’ is a fascinating entry in Wallace’s long list of fictional works as it is neither a thriller nor a mystery novel as you may expect from Wallace. This novel is instead, a drama which takes place in a small town in Northern England following the life of a young doctor who has returned from the Congo to take over his uncle's practice. Likely informed by Wallace’s own time in the Congo reporting on the brutality and violence of Belgian colonialism, this novel follows the young doctor as he fights the intolerance and ignorance of his local townsfolk. It is a passionate and sympathetic read, with a brilliantly drafted cast of characters and truly compelling dialogue. It is a book that remains relevant to this day and is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys detective novels.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

In the early years of the 20th Century, Edith Wharton took the road trip of a lifetime across France with the celebrated author, Henry James (author of ‘Turn of the Screw,’ later adapted for TV, featuring ‘Downton Abbey’ star Michelle Dockery). Accompanied by Edith’s husband, their chauffeur, and Wharton's two dogs, they travelled the French countryside, stopping wherever inspiration struck.The result, ‘A Motor-Flight Through France,’ is a chronicle of the French villages, towns, and cities they visited. Wharton, with an innate appreciation for architecture, perfectly captures the beauty of turn-of-the-century France, detailing their stop-offs with evocative descriptions. From the food, they ate to the people they met, ‘A Motor-Flight Through France’ is an important chronicle of the country at a time when Italy was setting its military sites on it. A superb read for Wharton fans, and those with an interest in history and travel.Edith Wharton (1862 – 1937) was an American designer and novelist. Born in an era when the highest ambition a woman could aspire to was a good marriage, Wharton went on to become one of America’s most celebrated authors. During her career, she wrote over 40 books, using her wealthy upbringing to bring authenticity and detail to stories about the upper classes and she went on to become the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Literature, for her novel 'The Age of Innocence'. She moved to France in 1923, where she continued to write until her death.Her works have been adapted to the screen countless times. The most recent examples are Martin Scorsese's 'The Age of Innocence' (1993) starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder and Terence Davies' 'The House of Mirth' (2000) starring Gillian Anderson and Eric Stoltz.

John Thorndyke is a Sherlock Holmes inspired forensic detective employed primarily as a visionary expert witness. He uses the available science and technology of his era to determine and demonstrate how and when certain crimes were perpetrated. Unlike Holmes, the Edwardian sleuth Thorndyke is roundly mocked for his deductive abilities.R. Austin Freeman presents eight cases for Dr. John Thorndyke, including a classic locked-room murder mystery and a dead woman discovered on a train. Dr. Thorndyke punctiliously gathers the evidence of stray footprints, dust, hairs, fibres and even a single blue sequin to resolve the mystery and see that justice is served.A compelling and fascinating detective set of classic detective stories. A decidedly steampunk atmosphere for the present-day reader. Highly recommended for enthusiasts of Conan Doyle's 'Sherlock Holmes' novels as well as the popular 2010 TV series 'Sherlock' starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Fans of the 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation' series will also be intrigued by the life and ways of literature's first forensic detective.R Austin Freeman (1862-1943) was an English doctor. He created the first and best-known forensic scientist, Dr John Thorndyke. Freeman was born in London, the son of a tailor. He took a medical degree from Middlesex Hospital Medical College. He married Annie Elizabeth Edwards in 1887 and had two sons. He travelled to the Gold Coast of Africa for work, but after seven years was invalided out. He returned to England unable to work in medicine and began writing fiction in 1902. There followed a long series of Dr Thorndyke mysteries, including some of the first 'inverted' mystery stories, where the identity of the criminal is revealed at the outset and the interest of the story lies in seeing how the detection is done.

Wild carriage chases, moonlight trysts, stupidity, vanity and elopements. This manic comedy seems to have it all...Farcical in its entirety, 'The Village of Stepanchikovo' follows the ordinary, yet comical and trite comings and goings of the village people. A tale of satirical characters, the novel excels in its portrayal of superficial social qualities and the effects on people’s inner and outer lives.Funny, pseudo-ambitious, and quasi-intellectual, 'The Village of Stepanchikovo' is a must-read gem in Dostoevsky’s comedy menagerie.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological.There have been at least 30 film and TV adaptations of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1866 novel 'Crime and Punishment' with probably the most popular being the British BBC TV series starring John Simm as Raskolnikov and Ian McDiarmid as Porfiry Petrovich.'The Idiot' has also been adapted for films and TV, as has 'Demons' and 'The Brothers Karamazov'.

It is 2137. Two centuries ago, there was a war to end all wars. The Old World died and the New One was born. Everything is ordered and perfect. Just do not visit Europe!When the young commander Jefferson Turck suffers a sabotage, he discovers some disturbing and world-changing secrets. The action in "The Lost Continent" is relentless and Hollywood-like; the romance is familiar and melodramatic; while the anti-war social criticism is right on point. It is a gripping and fascinating tale and a great read for adventure fiction fans.Edgar Rice Burroughs (1875-1950) was an American author, best known for his novel ‘Tarzan of the Apes’ (1914) and its sequels as well as the Barsoom series. During World War II, he was one of the oldest U.S war correspondents.Tarzan and his adventures are loved by both young and old, and are evergreen classics. Many have watched at least one Tarzan tv series or movie with the most popular probably being the Disney animation film from 1999 and 'The Legend of Tarzan' from 2016 starring Alexander Skarsgård and Samuel L. Jackson.

The first of the ‘Jeremy’ books, Jeremy introduces us to our hero, at the age of eight. Jeremy and his two sisters, Helen, and Mary, live in the quiet, unassuming town of Polchester. However, Jeremy has a nose for finding quirky characters and, through him, we meet Uncle Samuel, Jampot the nurse, and Hamlet, a stray dog. Semi-autobiographical, ‘Jeremy’ is Walpole’s first foray into school-themed books and one that set the template for other authors to follow. Ideal for Walpole fans of all ages.Hugh Walpole (1884 – 1941) was one of Britain’s most prolific and popular novelists. Although originally destined for a career in the church, Walpole found himself drawn to writing. During his career, Walpole wrote 36 novels, five compendiums of short stories, three sets of memoirs, and two plays. He is most famous for ‘Rogue Herries,’ ‘A Prayer for my Son,’ and ‘The Story of Dolittle,’ which was adapted for the silver screen, and starred Robert Downey Junior.

A novel full of intriguing characters who you can never fully trust, if you loved Netflix’s ‘You’ you’ll love this.This shadowy mystery novel follows Lois an unassuming young girl who has just been hired as the secretary for a wealthy countess. As the days progress she begins to notice a man everywhere she goes, following her, relentlessly. Soon she becomes wrapped in a web of secrets, betrayal and deceit that might cost her life.It is a carefully crafted plot that tears ahead with blinding pace never letting you catch your breath. Its fact paced structure make the book perfect for someone on the go looking for a mighty injection of classic mystery in to their lives.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

Among the many twentieth century treatises on the art of writing, there were few that attempted to analyze the development of form and style. But Edith Wharton's bestselling classic, 'The Writing of Fiction' did just that. Complete with chapters devoted to the invaluable insight on character, pacing, structure, the short story, the novel, and a wide-range of approaches to modern fiction.The book is a window into the mind of one of America's most important and enduring voices. In 1921, Edith Wharton became the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for her 1920 novel 'The Age of Innocence'.Edith Wharton (1862–1937) was a prolific novelist and one of the twentieth century’s greatest authors. 'The Age of Innocence', her Pulitzer-winning novel was made into the acclaimed Martin Scorsese film of the same name – starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder. Wharton's work has sold millions of copies worldwide. Among her other renowned works are 'The House of Mirth' and 'Ethan Frome'.

Dark secrets are revealed when two aristocratic old friends embark on a journey through their memories in Guy de Maupassant’s "The Son." At 25, one of the men committed a crime on a walking tour in Brittany, France and when he returns many years later, he is confronted with the poor monster brought on by his own horrid actions. With "The Son", Maupassant illustrates the conflict between classes, between the privileged and underprivileged, in a story of exploited women and ill-fated children of the lower class.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 Emile 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.

Her beloved France was torn apart by the First World War and yet Edith Wharton still felt compelled to put pen to paper.Inspired by some of her own experiences, ‘A Son at the Front’ tells the story of George, who is enlisted into the French Army. However, the focus falls firmly on the family left behind: George’s divorced mother and father, and his stepfather. To make matters even more complicated, George’s parents are American, leaving them feeling like strangers in a strange land.‘A Son at the Front’ explores themes of social expectations, unfulfilled dreams, pride, and broken marriages. While Wharton is better known for her searing satires on the American upper classes, ‘A Son at the Front’ is one of many books featuring France and the First World War. A gripping read from one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th Century.Edith Wharton (1862 – 1937) was an American designer and novelist. Born in an era when the highest ambition a woman could aspire to was a good marriage, Wharton went on to become one of America’s most celebrated authors. During her career, she wrote over 40 books, using her wealthy upbringing to bring authenticity and detail to stories about the upper classes and she went on to become the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in Literature, for her novel 'The Age of Innocence'. She moved to France in 1923, where she continued to write until her death.Her works have been adapted to the screen countless times. The most recent examples are Martin Scorsese's 'The Age of Innocence' (1993) starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder and Terence Davies' 'The House of Mirth' (2000) starring Gillian Anderson and Eric Stoltz.

Madonna, the Queen of Pop, was not the first to be named in honour of the graceful Madonna in art. The focal point of this novel, Mary, is affectionately known as "Madonna" on account of her beauty. Moreover, Mary is both deaf and dumb: "Hide and Seek" is a bold and thrilling Victorian novel that reflects on disability in a positive light.Mary was adopted from a circus by Lavinia – who also has a disability – and Valentine Blyth. That circus past becomes the central enigma of the novel when friends Zachary and Mat become involved with Mary in London. Mat is solving his own family mystery when he stumbles upon a shocking detail linked to Mary.A tale of forbidden love, family drama, and mystery, Charles Dickens liked it so much that he declared it the "cleverest novel". (It even has a circus clown – eat your heart out Krusty the Clown.)London-born Wilke Collins (1824-1889) became known in Victorian England for his novels and plays, sometimes writing together with Charles Dickens. His most famous works, "The Woman in White" (1859) and "The Moonstone" (1868), are examples of the first modern detective novels.

The young nobleman, Dmitri Ivanovich Nekhlyudov, had no care in the world when he seduced a young maid, Katerina (Katusha) Maslova, only to cruelly abandon her. Unaffected by the situation he carries on with his life. Her on the other hand loses her job as a result of the affair and is forced into a life of prostitution.Now, 10 years later, Katerina stands accused of murdering an abusive client and faces deportation to Siberia.Dmitri sits on the jury and is horrified when he realizes that one of the prisoners on trial is the young maid he seduced years before.This catapults him into a personal crusade of redemption, trying to make up for the fact that he used his high position in society to take advantage of others."The Awakening" (often translated as "Resurrection") is the last of Tolstoy's major novels. It is an intimate, psychological tale of guilt, anger and forgiveness.Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) was a Russian author, a master of realistic fiction and one of the world’s greatest novelists. Tolstoy’s major works include "War and Peace" (1865–69) and "Anna Karenina" (1875–77), two of the greatest novels of all time and pinnacles of realist fiction. Beyond novels, he wrote many short stories and later in life also essays and plays.

Kindly Mr Twitter comes across an abandoned baby one night on his way home from work. The child has been left there for him to find by a desperate, poverty-stricken woman named Mrs Frog, who hopes for a better life for her child. He takes the infant home, where he and his wife Mariar name her Mita and care for her as if she were one of their own children. The lives and problems of the rich and poor continue to intersect throughout this fascinating story by prolific children’s author R.M. Ballantyne.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

‘The Mind of Mr. J. G. Reeder’ is a collection of eight, highly original detective short stories centred around a very unassuming Mr. Reed. He is an older man, not particularly tall or muscular, to see him in the police station you would assume he was a clerk, but this small man strikes fear in the London underworld. In his own words, he has the mind of a criminal, and using this he is tearing the criminal underworld apart piece by piece. It is a brilliant collection of shorts, each with their own compelling, unique plot and brilliant characters. This book is perfect for some fun reading on a commute home or anyone keen to see what an elderly ‘Sherlock’ might be like.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer, poet and journalist. He was such a prolific writer that his publisher claimed his work could account for a quarter of all books sold in England. He wrote countless books, screenplays, poems and historical non-fiction, spawning over one hundred and sixty films based on his work. He unfortunately passed away suddenly before he could see his most famous creation ‘King Kong’ come to life. It has been adapted several times over the years, notably by Peter Jackson of Lord of the Rings fame, and more recently in ‘Godzilla vs Kong’ starring Millie Bobby Brown.

How can there be any such thing as "An Honest Thief"? I know Astafy has stolen my coat so why can't he just admit it?'An Honest Thief' tells the story of Astafy Ivanovich, who takes up lodging in the narrator’s house. When the narrator’s coat is stolen, Astafy recalls the story of a thief he once gave shelter to, and a similar theft. With a careful depiction of the thief’s psychological and drunken state, and the situations that he finds himself in, Dostoevsky paints a realistic picture of the human condition. His characters are always torn between what their head thinks is right and what the heart dictates. A tragic story about friendship, regret, and forgiveness.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological.There have been at least 30 film and TV adaptations of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1866 novel 'Crime and Punishment' with probably the most popular being the British BBC TV series starring John Simm as Raskolnikov and Ian McDiarmid as Porfiry Petrovich.'The Idiot' has also been adapted for films and TV, as has 'Demons' and 'The Brothers Karamazov'.

Set in the 1600s ‘Hunted and Harried’ by prolific author R.M. Ballantyne is set against the backdrop of the conflict between the Scottish Kirk and the king of England. Will Wallace sets out on a mission for the king to find the vocal and defiant Scotsman Andrew Black, but when the pair finally encounter one another Will soon finds his beliefs challenged. A violent and sometimes graphic tale of persecution and martyrdom.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

‘The Pirate’ is a thrilling adventure novel by Walter Scott. The story takes place on the edge of civilisation in the remote Shetland Isles during the 17th Century as a mysterious man washes up on their secluded shores. The mystery man is rescued by the lovelorn Mordaunt, but they soon become rivals as they vie for the attention of two sisters. It is later revealed that the enigmatic stranger is a pirate captain, and violence ensues as the sisters are taken hostage and Mordaunt must rescue them. ‘The Pirate’ features some of Scott’s finest romantic prose as he vividly depicts the isolation and beauty of the islands north of the Scottish Mainland. There are some gothic elements to the tale as the heroes are aided in their quest to defeat the pirates by the mystical Norna whose poetic dialogue was celebrated at the time of the book’s release. Although this is a historical novel the theme of changing culture and fear of societal shifts remains timely. ‘The Pirate’ is a riveting novel teeming with adventure, danger, and romance that is recommended for fans of historical fiction or adventure stories such as ‘The Pirates of the Caribbean’.Walter Scott (1771 – 1832) was a Scottish writer, poet, and historian. Fascinated by traditional storytelling, during the 1790s Scott dedicated himself to researching and collecting ballads and published the epic collection ‘Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border’ in 1802. A prominent poet, Scott also wrote and published a range of poems, including the popular ‘The Lady of the Lake.’ His first historical novel ‘Waverley’ was published in 1814, whereupon it was an immediate success, receiving critical acclaim and selling out many printings. His best-known work ‘Ivanhoe’ followed in 1820. Scott died in 1832 at the age of 61. He was commemorated after his death with monuments in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and New York due to his impact on western literature. His literary works influenced and inspired many other great authors such as Virginia Woolf. Internationally renowned, Scott’s literary legacy continues to be felt all over the world to this day.

Originally serialised in 'The Strand' magazine, ‘The Tragedy of Korosko’ is an exciting adventure story set in Egypt by famous author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In it, a motley group of European tourists are enjoying a trip along the River Nile in the steamship Korosko while visiting Egypt, when they are suddenly attacked and kidnapped. Will they ever escape and make it home again? A thrilling tale, full of vivid descriptions, ‘The Tragedy of Korosko’ was later adapted into a play by Doyle, titled ‘Fires of Fate’.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a British author, best known as the creator of the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he was educated in England and Austria before studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. It was during his time at university that Doyle began writing short stories, submitting them to magazines and journals. His first Sherlock Holmes novel, ‘A Study in Scarlet’ was written in just three weeks and published in 1887 to favourable reviews, and more Sherlock adventures followed. By 1893, Doyle was growing tired of Sherlock and attempted to kill him off in the story ‘The Final Problem’, but public outcry caused him to resurrect the famous detective. He featured in a total of 56 short stories and four novels along with his trusty sidekick Dr Watson and made Doyle one of the best-paid authors of the time. The stories have been adapted multiple times; most recently in the successful BBC series ‘Sherlock’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Later literary works included the Professor Challenger series which began with ‘The Lost World’, in which Challenger sets out to find evidence of prehistoric life. The book inspired numerous adaptations, including the films ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Lost World’. In later life Doyle became captivated by the world of spiritualism and the occult and published non-fiction works about his beliefs including ‘The Coming of the Fairies’. Arthur Conan Doyle died at home in 1930.

Frenchman Louis de Laval is the son of an exiled aristocrat, whose uncle is trying to persuade him to return to his native country to join Napoleon’s army. It soon becomes apparent however that his uncle has lured him back under false pretences, and Louis finds himself in considerable danger as he gets caught up in an intrigue which threatens the life of the emperor he has come to support. Full of treachery and double dealings, this is a thrilling short story from the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a British author, best known as the creator of the world-famous detective Sherlock Holmes. Born in Edinburgh, he was educated in England and Austria before studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. It was during his time at university that Doyle began writing short stories, submitting them to magazines and journals. His first Sherlock Holmes novel, ‘A Study in Scarlet’ was written in just three weeks and published in 1887 to favourable reviews, and more Sherlock adventures followed. By 1893, Doyle was growing tired of Sherlock and attempted to kill him off in the story ‘The Final Problem’, but public outcry caused him to resurrect the famous detective. He featured in a total of 56 short stories and four novels along with his trusty sidekick Dr Watson and made Doyle one of the best-paid authors of the time. The stories have been adapted multiple times; most recently in the successful BBC series ‘Sherlock’ starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman. Later literary works included the Professor Challenger series which began with ‘The Lost World’, in which Challenger sets out to find evidence of prehistoric life. The book inspired numerous adaptations, including the films ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘The Lost World’. In later life Doyle became captivated by the world of spiritualism and the occult and published non-fiction works about his beliefs including ‘The Coming of the Fairies’. Arthur Conan Doyle died at home in 1930.

Talented artist Frank Allfrey is forced to grow up fast when he is orphaned and sent to live with an aloof uncle, who cares little for his artistic passion. Instead, he sends Frank away to California to work as a clerk near the recently discovered gold fields. Plenty of new experiences and exciting adventures await Frank in this tantalising new landscape. A wonderful adventure story by R.M. Ballantyne, which captures the wonder and excitement of the period.R.M. Ballantyne (1825-1894) was a Scottish artist and prolific author of mostly children’s fiction. Born in Edinburgh, Ballantyne was the ninth of ten children. At the age of 16 Ballantyne moved to Canada, where he worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company, travelling all over the country to trade for fur. He returned to Scotland in 1847 following the death of his father, and it was then that he began his literary career in earnest, writing over 100 children’s adventure books over the course of his life. Stories such as ‘The Coral Island’ and ‘The Young Fur Traders’ were hugely popular, and many of them drew on his own experiences of travelling throughout Canada. A stickler for detail, Ballantyne continued to travel widely to research the backgrounds and settings for his exciting stories. His tales became an inspiration for authors of the future, including ‘Treasure Island’ novelist Robert Louis Stevenson. Ballantyne spent the latter period of his life living in London and Italy for the sake of his health. He died in Rome in 1894 at the age of 68.

Divorce, adultery, murder, female alcoholism, racism, civil war, arson, drowning, marriage dominated by hate and marriage filled with love. Is there anything left that this book doesn’t deal with?Therese finds herself a widow at a young age and is in charge of a plantation in Louisiana. She meets Hossmer, a handsome businessman, who runs the mill. A decision is made that will have a lasting and detrimental effect.Racial tensions, Catholic beliefs as the basis of a moral dilemma, the boredom of a young woman with little to do with her time and the devastating effects of drink as well as the tragedy caused by mother nature. 'At Fault' will be a big hit with fans of Kate Chopin’s work and for anyone with a love for the classics.Kate Chopin (1850-1904), born Katherine O’Flaherty, was an American writer of novels and short stories mostly set in the 19th-century American South. Her works deal with themes of the female psyche and women's limited life opportunities in the Victorian era, often in a naturalist style. She was considered controversial in her time, but is now praised as a pioneer of 20th-century feminist American literature.Her most famous works include the novel ‘The Awakening’ (1899), which explores themes of rebellion against femininity and motherhood at the turn of the 20th century. Adaptations of this title include 'Grand Isle' (1991) starring Kelly McGillis and Adrian Pasdar, and 'The End of August' (1981).

Spiralling down and down, finally reaching rock bottom. What is there possibly left to live for? Nothing! 'The Dream of a Ridiculous Man' is a short story by Dostoevsky, exploring the limits and richness of the human psyche. When a nihilistic man decides to take his life, he is saved by a chance encounter with a distressed little girl seeking his help. As he falls asleep that night, he embarks on a dream journey, during which he finally understands what he was put on this Earth for.Quite a simple idea that Dostoevsky masterfully elaborates into a psychological agenda for the protagonist. Supernatural and hallucinogenic, the story is an impressive, vivid tale that stays with you like an unforgettable dream.Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) was a famous Russian writer of novels, short stories, and essays. A connoisseur of the troubled human psyche and the relationships between the individuals, Dostoevsky’s oeuvre covers a large area of subjects: politics, religion, social issues, philosophy, and the uncharted realms of the psychological.There have been at least 30 film and TV adaptations of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s 1866 novel 'Crime and Punishment' with probably the most popular being the British BBC TV series starring John Simm as Raskolnikov and Ian McDiarmid as Porfiry Petrovich.'The Idiot' has also been adapted for films and TV, as has 'Demons' and 'The Brothers Karamazov'.

It is 'Downton Abbey' meets 'Succession' - but in the 18th century.Four generations of heirs to the Rackrent estate in Ireland are shown to have unique talents for mismanaging it.The careless big spender Sir Patrick O'Shaughlin, litigious Sir Murtagh Rackrent, abusive gambler Sir Kit Rackrent and the kind but unwise Sir Condy Rackrent are brought vividly to life by Maria Edgeworth through a narrator, Rackrent steward Thady Quirk.As the four heirs fight and foul up, behind the scenes there is a master manipulator pulling the strings. Will he benefit from the chaos?'Castle Rackrent' is Edgeworth's first novel and is regarded as pioneering in the field of historical and regional novels.It satirises Anglo-Irish landlords at a time when the English and Irish governments were trying to formalise their union.The novel is alluded to in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby'. It is also cited by Sir Walter Scott as the inspiration for his 'Waverley' historical novels.The Irish poet and dramatist W.B. Yeats called Castle Rackrent "one of the most inspired chronicles written in English."The Irish writer Maria Edgeworth (1768-1849) was highly regarded in her day as a pioneer of early 19th century fiction and children's literature.A friend of the novelist Sir Walter Scott ('Ivanhoe', 'Rob Roy'), she was active and vocal about political and estate reform.Today, she is rather underappreciated - and overshadowed - by other 19th century satirical novelists like Jane Austen and Anthony Trollope.A prolific writer, Edgeworth's best-known works include 'Ennui', 'The Dun' and 'Belinda', which was controversial in its day for featuring inter-racial marriage.

One of the earliest sci-fi novels in English literature "The Mummy!" is futuristic and entertaining; a must read not only for sci-fi enthusiasts but those who love 19th century literature.Influenced and inspired perhaps by the unwrapping of Egyptian mummies in London and Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein", the female author of just 17 years old, Loudon, takes us on a pioneering adventure set in the 22nd century.It’s the year 2126 and the mummy of the Egyptian pharaoh Cheops is brought back to life by a mad scientist. We follow the reanimated mummy’s journey to England, his encounters with people he befriends and his shrewd advice on politics and life.Discover the depths of Loudon’s imagination with her future filled with inventions and technology, predictions that are almost a reality today; automaton lawyers and surgeons, movable houses and a new mail system shot out of cannons. Her ideas on politics and social attitudes are way ahead of her time; feminism is touched upon with women ruling the country and wearing trousers.A pioneer in the field of science fiction, Jane Wells Web Loudon (1807-1858) was an English author best known for her classic novel "The Mummy!"; inspired by her reading of novels, archeological findings, and imagination. She was one of the founding names in the genre, and was later deemed a Gothic, horror, or fantasy writer. The majority of her work, however, revolves around gardening and writing one of the first gardening manuals targeted at young women.

Tense and atmospheric, ‘The Touchstone’ follows the trials and tribulations of New York lawyer, Stephen Glennard. When we meet Glennard, he is unable to afford to marry his girlfriend, Alexa Trent. However, when he reads an advertisement seeking information about the deceased novelist, Margarey Aubyn, he is faced with a moral dilemma. Should he sell the letter she wrote him, even though he spurned her romantic advances? A taut novella, ‘The Touchstone’ is a fascinating take on the classic ghost story.Edith Wharton (1862 – 1937) was an American designer and novelist. Born in an era when the highest ambition a woman could aspire to was a good marriage, Wharton went on to become one of America’s most celebrated authors. During her career, she wrote over 40 books, using her wealthy upbringing to bring authenticity and detail to stories about the upper classes. She moved to France in 1923, where she continued to write until her death.

You whispered goodnight to your daughter. You didn’t know that would be your last goodbye.You wake up in the middle of the night.Your five-year-old daughter is gone.Your husband is nowhere to be seen.Your family think he took her.The police believe he’s guilty.But he wouldn’t do that, would he?He’s a loving father. A loving husband. Isn’t he?An addictive and completely gripping psychological thriller with a twist that will blow you away. Fans of "The Girl on the Train", K.L. Slater and Shalini Boland won’t be able to put down this jaw-dropping novel.Readers absolutely love The Family Lie:‘Brilliant... Chock full of twists... Compulsive and very clever... The pace doesn’t let up at all, right until a thrilling end, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.’ Goodreads Reviewer‘A rollercoaster ride of twists and turns where the truth is not discovered until the very end... Compulsively readable.’ Goodreads Reviewer‘Buckle up because this book does not slow down!... There are so many twists, turns, ups and downs!’ Goodreads Reviewer.Previous title THE CHOICE #31 Amazon CAAs a kid, Jake chose to write fantasy because there was no research needed for an invented world. Early short stories covered probably every genre except dieselpunk-romcom. Although he now writes thrillers, Jake’s reading love is true crime. He thinks he’d make a good detective, but his partner points out that he can’t even decide if it was the three kids or the two cats who broke something in the house. His excuse: kids won’t sit still for a polygraph, and cats know their right to remain silent.

He gazes at the bodies. Young men, probably in their early thirties. The wooden flooring around them has been stained dark red. He wonders what kind of monster could have done this.And why.As a murder detective in the Met Police, D.I. Matthew Denning is used to seeing the very worst of humanity. But when a young woman's body is discovered in an East London churchyard, her face obliterated by blows, he is plunged into his most shocking case yet. While the investigation discovers that victim Bryony Allen was hiding some dark secrets, nothing seems to warrant the violence that ended her life.Until Denning, along with D.S. Molly Fisher, uncovers a link between this murder and the disappearance of an undercover policeman investigating a high-level criminal gang, one that may be responsible for the deaths of two men found dead in a ritual execution in Kent. While the top brass want to suppress Denning's discovery, the team knows that the key to the case may lie in the actions of a rogue officer.And when his own boss, D.C.I. Liz McKenna, goes missing, the case becomes even more personal. Can Denning and Fisher get justice for Bryony's murder, while fighting through the wall of silence from the powers that be?A twisty, utterly compelling detective novel that fans of Stuart MacBride and Line of Duty will love.Praise for the Denning and Fisher series:'fast paced and utterly gripping, with plenty to keep you guessing from start to finish. Thoroughly entertaining.' The Bookwormery'Well-paced, with a few clever twists, I was never quite sure I knew who the killer was. Graeme Hampton's writing is fabulous.' Jessica Belmont'This story starts with a bang and holds your attention throughout...fast paced and multi layered, each twist and turn drawing us further in.' Book Bound.Graeme Hampton grew up in Central Scotland. After training as a stage manager in the theatre, he worked in London for a number of years, before returning to Scotland to study for a BA in English Literature at Stirling University. Run For Cover is his fourth novel.He lives in Hastings, East Sussex.