Whether your passion is The Ancient Greeks, The Wars of The Roses or The Russian Revolution, you'll find stories of life during these eras and every other, often using factual accounts to build a fictional narrative.
Historical Fiction Books
Random House USA Inc Atmosphere
£16.74
Orion Publishing Co Secrets of the Starlit Sea
Book SynopsisDon''t miss the next book in the enthralling new series from the number one bestselling author Santa Montefiore!''Santa Montefiore really knows these people inside and out. I couldn''t put this book down'' JULIAN FELLOWES, creator of Downton Abbey''An epic treat. I was utterly enthralled, captivated and heartbroken by the breathtakingly conjured past. Everything I love most in a novel, I adored every word!'' JENNY ASHCROFT''No one gets to the heart of a love story like Santa Montefiore'' SARAH VINE''Just brilliant. A stunning mystery that had me gripped from the very first page. Unputdownable'' JUDY MURRAY''Gloriously compelling, I was glued to every page. I adored it!'' LIZ FENWICK''A sumptuous, intricately woven tale, filled with intrigue and romance'' FIONA VALPYONE FATEFUL NIGHT.ONE FINAL PROMISE...The moment psychic detective Pixie Tate steps inside the opulent Aldershoff Hotel in Manhattan, one of the last relics of New York''s Gilded Age, she senses instantly that a dark spirit is wreaking havoc within its elegant walls.Pixie knows that she must use her unique gift to travel back in time in order to discover the secrets of the past, and as she slips back over a hundred years, she''s shocked to find herself in the midst of one of the most famous events in history.As the stars twinkle overhead, Pixie realises that time is running out. But when she comes face-to-face with a man she thought she''d lost forever, will she keep her promise to save only the souls she should - or is it too late, and has she already changed the future?Secrets of the Starlit Sea is an epic and stunningly romantic time-travel mystery, and the second book in Santa Montefiore''s sensational new series.Readers love Santa Montefiore...''Hurry up Santa and write another!'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Just WOW...'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Santa Montefiore''s books are amazing!'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Lots of twists and turns, I couldn''t put it down'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Brought tears to my eyes'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''A treasure you will want to read over and over'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
£14.39
Penguin Adult One Good Thing
£14.25
Birlinn General Witch Wood: Authorised Edition
Book SynopsisDavid Sempill is being torn apart. Young and idealistic, his loyalty to his King conflicts with his Covenanting sympathies, which are, in turn, tested by the brutality he witnesses towards Montrose's beaten army. When black magic is uncovered in the ancient Witch Wood, as a man of God he must fight it, but his love for the beautiful, pagan Katrine and the religious extremism of the time puts him at the centre of a deadly spiral. Buchan's favourite novel - and an inspiration for the young C.S. Lewis - is a terrifying portrait of a cruel and intolerant age. With an introduction by Allan Massie. This edition is authorised by the John Buchan Society.Trade Review'One of Scotland's most enduringly popular writers' * The Scotsman *'Buchan knew that you can't buck the consequences of your actions, and that your life is what you make of it. Perhaps his peculiarly Scottish combination of Romanticism and Calvinism - daring living and high thinking - is due to return to fashion' * The Independent Magazine *
£9.49
Baker Publishing Group Wings of the Wind
Book SynopsisAfter her Canaanite family is killed by the Hebrews, Alanah disguises herself as a warrior and enters the battle to avenge her loved ones. She never intended to survive. When Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, finds her unconscious among the dead, he faces an impossible dilemma: The only way to protect this wounded woman--the enemy of his people--is to marry her.
£11.39
Little, Brown Book Group Mary Toft or The Rabbit Queen
Book Synopsis''Palmer spins a cracking tale that, despite its disconcerting subject, is piquantly cheerful and compassionate . . . With empathy and imagination, Palmer explores the master/apprentice relationship, first love and first rivalry, spite and kindness: conjuring a world to raise a wry smile'' New York Times---------------------------------------------------------------------------------A stunning, powerfully evocative new novel based on a true story - in 1726 in the small town of Godalming, England, a young woman confounds the medical community by giving birth to dead rabbits.Surgeon John Howard is a rational man. His apprentice Zachary knows John is reluctant to believe anything that purports to exist outside the realm of logic. But even John cannot explain how or why Mary Toft, the wife of a local farmer, manages to give birth to a dead rabbit. When this singular event becomes a regular occurrence, John realizes that nothing Trade ReviewWonderful! The kind of novel that you want to read and then discuss with other readers. But then Dexter Palmer is a writer like Hilary Mantel or Kate Atkinson, able to move between genres and time periods, by virtue of the almost supernatural sympathy he is able to invoke for his characters and the sense of the worlds they inhabit. * Kelly Link, author of Get in Trouble *The Rabbit Queen is provoking in ways that reach well beyond the premise, anticipating as it does our own 'world of ash,' with all its spectacle, factionalism, and noise. It is vividly composed and audaciously imagined, filled with characters who do battle against a world that perceives them as strange - or who, conversely, assume strangeness as a mask in order to induce the world to see them at all. It is yet another wonder in Dexter Palmer's cabinet of wonders * Kevin Brockmeier, author of The Brief History of the Dead *Like the historical fiction of Hillary Mantel or Caryl Phillips, Palmer does not shy away from the depravity of the past, particularly the violent desires of London's elite. Expertly utilizing an actual bizarre historical event to explore faith, reason, and the foundations of our current economic system, this exhaustively researched and dexterously constructed novel is another triumph to add to Palmer's incredibly diverse corpus of works * Booklist review (starred) *Deft, droll, and provocatively philosophical . . . A novel that attempts to illuminate 'the slippery nature of truth,' when everything from God to reality is up for grabs * Kirkus Reviews (starred review) *Palmer brilliantly fictionalizes the true story of Mary Toft . . . [He] evocatively captures the period . . . But more impressive are the novel's inquiries into the human concerns of wonder, denial, and belief. . . Palmer skillfully and rewardingly delves into the humanity at the heart of this true historical oddity * Publishers Weekly *
£7.19
Atlantic Books A Burning Sea
Book Synopsis'Superb. A Burning Sea is a vivid, enthralling read, yet again proving that Theodore Brun is a force to be reckoned with.' Giles KristianDoomed to wander. Destined for glory.Convinced he is cursed, Erlan Aurvandil has turned his back on his native Northern lands. In search of freedom, he embarks on a perilous trip to Byzantium, the greatest city in the world. But as his voyage ends, Erlan is brutally betrayed and sold into slavery to a powerful Byzantine general.Meanwhile, Lilla Sviggarsdottír, Queen of Svealand, has lost her husband - and with him her kingdom. Fleeing for her life, Lilla journeys east on a new quest: to find Erlan and raise an army mighty enough to defeat her usurper.But, on reaching Byzantium, Lilla discovers a dark tide is rising against the Emperor, both outside the city walls and within his own court. As the whispers of war grow ever louder, both her and Erlan's fate become entwined with that of the city. Are they doomed to fall, or can freedom be won in the fierce heat of battle?Trade ReviewSuperb. A Burning Sea is another vivid, enthralling read, yet again proving that Theodore Brun is a force to be reckoned with in both historical fiction and historical fantasy. * Giles Kristian *Brilliant. Theodore Brun might just be historical fiction's next big thing. * Adam Lofthouse *Gripping. Gut-wrenching. Visceral. Highly recommended * Eric Schumacher *Brun's writing is filled with nuance and humanity, jeopardy and violence. This is epic historical adventure at its very best. * Matthew Harffy *Engages you from the first page, throws you into the plot, and thrills and exhausts at the same time. Very highly recommended. * Robin Carter, Parmenion Books *A masterly debut. ... If Bernard Cornwell and George RR Martin had a lovechild, it would look like A Mighty Dawn. I devoured it late into the night, and eagerly await the sequel. * Antonia Senior on A Mighty Dawn *Evocative prose and the brutality of the Viking world, it's all here, woven with a deft touch into a tremendous tale. * Giles Kristian on A Mighty Dawn *
£8.54
Pan Macmillan Bella Poldark
Book SynopsisBella Poldark is the twelfth and final novel in Winston Graham's hugely popular Poldark series, which has become a television phenomenon starring Aidan Turner.Cornwall 1818. We continue the tale of Ross and Demelza; of the wayward Valentine Warleggan, whose existence keeps open the old wounds of the feud between Ross and George; of Bella, the Poldarks' youngest daughter, whose precocious talent as a singer is encouraged by her old flame, Christopher Havergal, and by a distinguished French conductor, who has more in mind than Bella's music; of Clowance, the Poldarks' widowed daughter, who considers remarriage to one of two rival suitors; and of a murderer who stalks the villages of west Cornwall.
£9.49
Oxford University Press The Italian
Book Synopsis''Among his associates no one loved him, many disliked him, and more feared him.'' Father Schedoni is enlisted by the imperious Marchesa di Vivaldi to prevent her son from marrying the beautiful Ellena. Schedoni has no scruples in kidnapping Ellena and in undertaking whatever villainy will further his own ends. His menacing presence dominates a gripping tale of love and betrayal, abduction and assassination, and incarceration in the dreadful dungeons of the Inquisition. Uncertainty and doubt lie everywhere, in Radcliffe''s last and most unnerving novel. Ann Radcliffe defined the ''terror'' genre of writing and helped to establish the Gothic novel, thrilling readers with her mysterious plots and eerie effects. In The Italian she rejects the rational certainties of the Enlightenment for a more ambiguous and unsettling account of what it is to be an individual - particularly a woman - in a culture haunted by history and dominated by institutional power. This new edition includes RadcliffeTable of ContentsIntroduction Note on the Text Select Bibliography Chronology The Italian Explanatory Notes
£9.49
Cornerstone Spartacus The Gladiator
Book SynopsisBen Kane was born in Kenya and raised there and in Ireland. He studied veterinary medicine and University College, Dublin, but after that he travelled the world extensively, indulging in his passion for ancient history. He lives in North Somerset with his wife and two young children.Trade ReviewGritty, passionate and violent, this thrilling book is a real page-turner and a damn good read. It brings Spartacus - and ancient Rome - to vivid, colourful life * Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire *Ben Kane manages to bring a freshness to the saga ... Told with Kane's usual panache and historical knowledge, this book is highly recommended * Kathy Stevenson Daily Mail *Eyes are merciless, blows are wicked and screams are piercing, but this is a compulsive if relentless story, vividly recounted in muscular prose. Definitely one for the boys * Daily Telegraph, 4 stars *Like many choosing to read a book like this, I was seeking an active and exciting plot, and in this respect, Spartacus: The Gladiator delivers handily * Medieval Bookworm *If you want to become familiar with the lanista and the rudus, to know your scutum from your licium, then Kane's your man ... plenty of action * Independent *
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers The Queen's Choice
Book SynopsisA Sunday Times Bestseller England’s Forgotten Queens ‘O’Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.’-The Times Her children or her crown France, 1399: The Duke of Brittany is dead and his widow, Joanna of Navarre, has inherited control of their land – a testament to her intellect, integrity and political prowess. Then comes an unprecedented proposal from Henry IV, King of England. The price of becoming his Queen? Abandoning her homeland, leaving her children and sacrificing her independence. Henry's hold on the crown is unsteady and war is brewing. With the constant threat of rebellion, Henry will trust no-one – not even his new Queen. Crossing the channel is a dangerous prospect. But the union between Joanna and Henry would bring the chance of a vital alliance between two proud states – if they will allow it. One question. Two paths. A choice that will make history. Praise for The Queen’s Choice ‘A gem of a subject … O’Brien is a terrific storyteller’- Daily Telegraph ‘Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O’Brien’s fast-paced historical novel The Queen’s Choice.’-Good Housekeeping ‘A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.’-Woman & Home ‘Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.’-Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association ‘A gripping historical drama.’-Bella www.anneobrien.co.uk@anne_obrienTrade ReviewPraise for Anne O’Brien ‘Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O’Brien’s fast-paced historical novel The Queen’s Choice.’-Good Housekeeping ‘O’Brien is a terrific storyteller’- Daily Telegraph ‘A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.’-Woman & Home ‘Packed with drama, danger, romance and history, The Queen’s Choice is the perfect reading choice for the long winter nights.’- The Press Association ‘A gripping historical drama.’- Bella
£10.44
HarperCollins Publishers The Other Queen
Book SynopsisPre-order BOLEYN TRAITOR now Philippa Gregory's landmark return to the Tudor court, coming Autumn 2025 A dramatic novel of passion, politics and betrayal from the author of The Other Boleyn Girl.They can fear me, and they can hate me. They can even deny me. But they cannot kill me.1568. The Virgin Queen Elizabeth I has ruled England for ten years, but refuses to name a successor, despite the rival claims that threaten her kingdom.Bess of Hardwick, the new Countess of Shrewsbury, has secured her future with her fourth marriage to George Talbot. Ambitious and shrewd, Bess anticipates royal favour when she and the Earl are asked to give sanctuary to the fugitive Mary Queen of Scots.But the Scottish queen rails against house arrest in a desolate castle and plots to regain her throne. The castle becomes the epicentre of intrigue against Elizabeth, the Earl blinded by admiration for the other queen. Even Bess's own loyalty is thrown into question. If Elizabeth''s spymaster William Cecil links the Talbots to the growing conspiracy to free Mary, they will all face the TowerTrade ReviewPraise for Philippa Gregory: ‘Written from instinct, not out of calculation, and it shows.’Peter Ackroyd, The Times ‘For sheer pace and percussive drama it will take a lot of beating.’ Sunday Times ‘Gregory is great at conjuring a Tudor film-set of gorgeous gowns and golden-lattered dining. She invokes some swoonsome images…while the politics are personal enough to remain pertinent.’ Daily Telegraph ‘The contemporary mistress of historical crime fiction is Philippa Gregory. Her novels are filled with strong, determined women who take their fate into their own hands…Gregory brings to life the sights, smells and textures of 16th-century England.’ Kate Mosse, Financial Times
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Fraser G Flashman on the March
Book SynopsisCoward, scoundrel, lover and cheat, but there is no better man to go into the jungle with. Join Flashman in his adventures as he survives fearful ordeals and outlandish perils across the four corners of the world.Who better to undertake a perilous mission into deepest Abyssinia, to rescue Britons held hostage by a mad emperor? When it comes to skulking in Ali Baba disguise or seducing barbarian monarchs, nobody does it better than Harry Flashman.Trade Review'Flashman is a wonderful creation, by a master storyteller. We'll forever delight in his evil antics' JEFFREY ARCHER ‘Politically incorrect, lascivious and fiendishly handsome, Flashman is the greatest ’ BORIS JOHNSON ‘Flashman is one of the great characters of modern fiction; a rogue, a lover, and always an irresistible read’ BERNARD CORNWELL ‘Flashman, Sherlock Holmes, Toad of Toad Hall, Bertie Wooster. Any writer would give his eye-teeth to have created a character as good as those. GMF was one of the greats’ CONN IGGULDEN ‘The perfect fictional creation’ TONY PARSONS ‘A first-rate historical novelist’ KINGSLEY AMIS
£10.44
HarperCollins Publishers No Mans Land
Book Synopsis From the slums of London to the riches of an Edwardian country house; from the hot, dark seams of a Yorkshire coalmine to the exposed terrors of the trenches, Adam Raine’s journey from boy to man is set against the backdrop of a society violently entering the modern world. Trade Review‘Vivid set pieces, notably a wonderful section down a mine, while Adam is an intriguing central character: clever, sincere and, amid the turbulence of early 20th-century England, a determined survivor.’ DAILY MAIL ‘His most ambitious work yet… Adam makes an attractive hero and his story has more than enough colour and energy to keep us reading.’ SUNDAY TIMES ‘In this emotionally charged novel, Tolkien brings to the fore the social injustice, poverty and attrition of war in early 20th-century England. The scenes underground in the mines of Scarsdale are every bit as shocking as the harrowing descriptions of trench warfare when Adam and his comrades are repeatedly sent over the top.’ SUNDAY EXPRESS ‘I read it with steadily increasing attention and appreciation… I’ve had a comparable visceral response only once before, when reading All Quiet on the Western Front.’ Verlyn Flieger ‘The author’s visceral account of the Battle of the Somme underscores the individual suffering and courage involved – an unforgettable paean and a gripping war story, with a sensitive perspective on the home front.’ BOOKLIST ‘A blend of a Dickensian epic and Downton Abbey, Tolkien draws from the World War I-era experiences of his famous grandfather J.R.R. Tolkien to spin a saga worthy of Masterpiece Theater.’ KIRKUS REVIEW
£8.54
HarperCollins Publishers The Royal Succession
Book SynopsisThis is the original Game of Thrones. George R.R. Martin.''No woman shall succeed in Salique land''Louis X is dead, poisoned, murdered, by the hand of Mahaut d'Artois. Her plan is simple to clear the path to the throne for her son-in-law Philippe. However, there is the small matter of Queen Clemence and her unborn child.As the country is thrown into turmoil, Philippe of Poitiers must use any means necessary to save his country from anarchy. However, how far is he willing to go to clear his path to the throne and become King in his own right?Trade Review‘Iron kings and strangled queens, battles and betrayals, lies and lust, the curse of the Templars, the doom of a great dynasty – and all of it (well, most of it) straight from the pages of history, and believe me, the Starks and the Lannisters have nothing on the Capets and Plantagenets. Whether you are a history buff or a fantasy fan, Druon's epic will keep you turning pages. This was the original game of thrones’GEORGE R.R. MARTIN ‘Blood-curdling tale of intrigue, murder, corruption and sexual passion’SUNDAY TIMES ‘Barbaric, sensual, teeming with life, based in wide reading and sound scholarship…among the best historical novels’ TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers The Last Runaway
Book SynopsisAddictively compelling' The TimesA joy to read' Maggie O'FarrellHonor Bright is a sheltered Quaker who has rarely ventured out of 1850s Dorset when she impulsively emigrates to America. Opposed to the slavery that defines and divides the country, she finds her principles tested to the limit when a runaway slave appears at the farm of her new family. In this tough, unsentimental place, where whisky bottles sit alongside quilts, Honor befriends two spirited women who will teach her how to turn ideas into action.Trade ReviewPraise for The Last Runaway: ‘I have always admired Tracy Chevalier's un-showy brilliance, and this moving story of a young English Quaker girl trapped between duty and conscience in 1850s Ohio is the best thing she's written since Girl with a Pearl Earring’ Rose Tremain The Last Runaway is a joy to read. Chevalier handles the intersection of two stories – those of pioneering Quakers and escaping slaves – with verve, imagination and, above all, compassion’ Maggie O’Farrell ‘A brave, warm-hearted, moving book; the characters are well-drawn and credible; the local colour meticulously detailed’ Joanne Harris ‘By far her best book since Girl With A Pearl Earring if not better’ Amanda Craig ‘Chevalier places her heroine at the heart, constructing a synergy between character and plot that makes this novel exquisitely complete… addictively compelling… Honor Bright deserves a sequel’ THE TIMES ‘Her best since Girl With a Pearl Earring… as a serious novel about a genuine moral dilemma, it is highly recommended’ THE INDEPENDENT ‘Chevalier immerses herself in period and place. Her research, as always, is meticulous and lightly worn… an entertaining read’ THE GUARDIAN ‘Chevalier’s eye for the telling detail brings it vividly to life. As simple and plain as a Quaker bonnet, but, like a Quaker soul, it contains a hidden light’ LITERARY REVIEW ‘A gripping and potent novel which shows Chevalier at the height of her powers’ THE EXPRESS ‘Tracy Chevalier has found a subject that both fascinates and moves her and the result is this quietly powerful and gripping novel’ THE MAIL ‘An accomplished historical novelist, and she successfully evokes the texture of life in the antebellum Midwest’ INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers The Shadow Project
Book SynopsisAN ADRENALINE-FUELLED THRILLER FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHORDeadly conspiracies, bone-crunching action and a tormented hero with a heart . . . packs a real punch' Andy McDermottOnly one man can foil a plot set to change the course of historyEx-SAS soldier Ben Hope is enjoying life at Le Val, the facility in Northern France where he trains others in the dangerous art of hostage rescue, until a chance incident forces him to take on the role of bodyguard to the Swiss billionaire Maximilian Steiner.The victim of a recent abduction attempt, Steiner believes that a neo-Nazi terror group are bent on seizing a prized document from his personal collection one that could support claims that the Holocaust never happened.But what initially seemed like a straightforward VIP protection job is turned upside-down by the appearance of a mystery woman from Ben''s past. Could he be right about her, or is he losing his edge?On a quest across Europe, Ben finds himself embroiled in a deadly kidnap intrigue and a sinister project that has lain dormant since 1944. The stakes are global and this time Ben is also fighting to protect the people closest to himThe Ben Hope series is a must-read for fans of Dan Brown, Lee Child and Mark Dawson. Join the millions of readers who get breathless with anticipation when the countdown to a new Ben Hope thriller beginsWhilst the Ben Hope thrillers can be read in any order, this is the fifth book in the series.Trade Review Praise for Scott Mariani: ‘Deadly conspiracies, bone-crunching action and a tormented hero with a heart . . . Scott Mariani packs a real punch’ Andy McDermott ‘James Bond meets Jason Bourne meets The Da Vinci Code’ J. L. Carrell ‘Fans of Dan Brown will love this thrilling adventure’ Closer 'Non-stop action – this book delivers’ Steve Berry ‘If you’ve got a pulse, you’ll love Scott Mariani; if you haven’t, then maybe you crossed Ben Hope’ Simon Toyne ‘Full of authentic detail and heart-stopping action – a real thrill ride’ Ed Macy ‘Establishes Scott Mariani as an author to watch’ M. J. Rose ‘Packed with dark intrigue, danger around every corner, bullets flying, sexual tension, and an endless assault of nasty villains . . . everything a thriller should be and more’ Joe Moore
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Girl on the Platform
Book SynopsisA quick read from the bestselling storyteller, Josephine Cox. Love at first sight and a mysterious disappearance.Best friends Mark and Pete board a train to London for a night out.As Pete finds a seat he notices a girl sitting on a bench. She looks sad and lonely. When the train leaves, he can''t get her out of his mind because in her he has seen a glimpse of himself.Over the coming months Pete sees the girl often, but when tempted to speak to her, his courage fails. Then one day she simply disappears. Hopelessly besotted by this girl he believes to be his kindred spirit, Pete will not rest until he finds herTrade ReviewPraise for Josephine Cox: ‘Cox’s talent as storyteller never lets you escape the spell’ Daily Mail ‘Irresistible storytelling’ Books Magazine ‘Driven and passionate’ Sunday Times
£6.30
Hodder & Stoughton Fortress of Spears Empire III
Book Synopsis''A master of the genre'' The TimesThe Romans have vanquished the rebel alliance; Calgus, Lord of the Northern Tribes, is the prisoner of the chieftains he once led. And the Roman leader has an audacious plan to capture Dinpaladyr, the barbarians'' fortress of spears. Marcus Aquila - burning for revenge on an enemy that has killed one of his best friends - rides north with the Petriana cavalry. He believes his disguise as Centurion Corvus of the 2nd Tungrians is still holding. But he is just a few days ahead of two of the emperor''s agents, sent from Rome to kill him. Pitiless assassins who know his real name, and too much about his friends.Trade ReviewThis is fast-paced and gripping "read-through-the-night" fiction, with marvellous characters and occasional moments of dark humour. Some authors are better historians than they are storytellers. Anthony Riches is brilliant at both. * Conn Iggulden *A damn fine read . . . fast-paced, action-packed. * Ben Kane *Stands head and shoulders above a crowded field . . . . real, live characters act out their battles on the northern borders with an accuracy of detail and depth of raw emotion that is a rare combination. * Manda Scott *
£9.49
Hodder & Stoughton The Wallace
Book SynopsisAt the end of the 13th century, Scotland was a blood-torn country suffering under the harsh domination of a tyrant usurper, the hated Plantagenet, Edward Longshanks. During the appalling violence of those unsettled days, one man rose to become leader of the Scots. That man was William Wallace.Motivated at first by revenge for the slaughter of his father, Wallace vowed to cleanse his country of the English and set the rightful king, Robert the Bruce, upon the Scottish throne.Though Wallace was a heroic figure, he was but a man - and his chosen path was to lead him through grievous danger and personal tragedy before the final outcome . . .Praise for Nigel Tranter:''One of Scotland''s most prolific and respected writers'' Times''Through his imaginative dialogue, he provides a voice for Scotland''s heroes'' Scotland on Sunday
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Inc The Jane Austen Project
Book Synopsis
£15.29
Oneworld Publications By Gaslight
Book Synopsis *SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA ENDEAVOUR HISTORICAL DAGGER AWARD 2017* LONDON 1885 – A woman’s body is discovered on Edgware Road. Ten miles away, her head is pulled from the dark muddy waters of the Thames. For two men, this event will push them to the very brink. DETECTIVE WILLIAM PINKERTON – ‘Thirty-nine years old, already famous and already lonely’. In an attempt to solve this case, he must descend into the seedy, gas-lit streets, opium dens, sewers and séance halls of Victorian London. ADAM FOOLE – A gentleman without a past, haunted by a love affair ten years gone. What he learns from his lover’s fate will force him to confront a past, and a grief, he thought long buried.Trade Review‘[A] rollicking read…Wonderfully melodramatic and well-written. The story is told over some 700 pages, and yet not a word feels wasted.’ * Cosmopolitan, Best Books of 2017 *‘Entertaining…as vast as the three-decker Victorian novels it so cleverly echoes’. -- Nick Rennison * Sunday Times *‘[A] darkly mesmerising tale worthy of any of the great Victorian thriller writers.’ * Crime Review *‘For long winter evenings…By Gaslight seems like an excellent choice’. * New Books *‘Guaranteed to grip.’ * Vogue *‘Rich in characterisation and description as well as evidently well-researched material.’ * Historical Novels Review *‘Reads like a resurrected Conan Doyle has created a high-quality thriller for a Sky Atlantic series… breathtakingly atmospheric.’ * Peterborough Telegraph *‘A formidable mystery.’ * Buffalo News *‘I found myself returning to passages . . . because I wanted to revisit the somber music of the telling. . . Spinning fiction out of fact, Price creates an evocative world, cast not in shades of stark black and white, but rather in morally complex herringbone . . . [R]aw and beautiful . . . always expressing the complexities of the human heart. . . By Gaslight can be seen as Arthur Conan Doyle by way of Dickens by way of Faulkner. Intense, London-centric, threaded through with a melancholy brilliance, it is an extravagant novel that takes inspiration from the classics and yet remains wholly itself.’ * NPR *‘Canadian poet Price turns to fiction with this lively visitation to the foggy streets of Victorian Blighty…the story is utterly Sherlock-ian – read Moriarty for Shade and Irene Adler for Reckitt – and postmodernly so, full of sly nods and winks and allusions. If it is derivative in the bargain, Conan Doyle by way of Nicholas Meyer and Benedict Cumberbatch, then Price's yarn is also a lot of fun. Fans of steampunk and Victorian detective fiction alike will enjoy Price's continent-hopping romp in time.’ * Kirkus *‘A postmodern take on noir mysteries…The real highlight of the novel, though, is the mesmerizing writing style, which is difficult to decipher but lyrically rewarding and intensely evocative of setting and character. Intense, frustrating, and magical, this fragmented, paradoxical suspense story will appeal to particular readers who love Dickens or who relish the complexities of Martin Seay’s The Mirror Thief and David Mitchell’s The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet.’ * Booklist *‘Steven Price has done a daring thing: taken a long, complex, but utterly fascinating 19th Century crime tale and applied to it the rules of modern mystery writing. The result is something unique, but it is his gift for unraveling a terrific yarn, in whatever manner, that shines through. Do not be daunted by length: give this book a try.’ * Caleb Carr, author of The Alienist *‘Price’s naturalism is unsentimental, adding verisimilitude to a book already thrumming with emotional and psychological realism. The author’s blend of quest, grief, betrayal, and the mysteries of identity will appeal to readers of literary crime fiction’ * Library Journal *‘Price’s elegantly written, vividly evoked second novel marries historical suspense with literary sophistication…With its intricate cat-and-mouse game, array of idiosyncratic characters, and brooding atmosphere, By Gaslight has much to please fans of both classic suspense and Victorian fiction. Yet Price’s novel is entirely contemporary, and assuredly his own: a sweeping tale of hunter and hunted in which the most-dangerous pursuer is always the human heart.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘By Gaslight is Steven Price's extraordinary historical novel, finely written and deeply researched, about the period just following the Civil War, the son of America's most famous detective (Allen Pinkerton), and a cast of truly powerful characters, half-mad and all dangerous.’ * Alan Furst, author of The Foreign Correspondent *‘This sweeping tale of the unforgettable William Pinkerton and Adam Foole thrusts the reader into smoky Victorian London with all its grit and glitter. Uniting the literary grace and depth of William Faulkner and Cormac McCarthy with the intrigue and momentum of a Sherlock Holmes story, By Gaslight is completely absorbing – an epic, brilliantly written novel to rank with the world’s best.’ * Jacqueline Baker, author of The Broken Hours *‘This darkly mesmerizing tale is worthy of the great Victorian thriller writers, but Steven Price brings to his prose a sensibility and dazzling skill all his own. The gruesome, eerie events that unfold during the search for Charlotte Reckitt are given enthralling life in a book that is perfectly grounded in period and rich in incident and image. Haunting and deeply satisfying.’ * Marina Endicott, author of Close to Hugh *‘A dark tale of love, betrayal and murder that reaches from the slums of Victorian London to the diamond mines in South Africa, to the American Civil War and back. Superb storytelling.’ * Kurt Palka, author of The Piano Maker *‘A poetic, persuasive pea-souper. Think Dickens with Maigret’s whiskers.’ * Anakana Schofield, author of Martin John *
£8.54
Penguin Books Ltd Warrior of Rome The Wolves of the North Warrior
Book SynopsisWarrior of Rome: The Wolves of the North by Harry Sidebottom marks the start of a new trilogy within the Warrior of Rome series.AD263 - barbarian invasions and violent uprisings threaten to tear apart the Imperium of Rome.In the north, the tribes are increasingly bold in their raids on the Imperium - their savagery unlike anything Rome has known before. Ballista must undertake his most treacherous journey yet - a covert attempt to turn the barbarians of the steppe against each other. He must face the Heruli - the most bizarre and brutal of all the nomad tribes - the Eaters of Flesh, the Wolves of the North. As Ballista and his retinue make their journey, someone - or something - is hunting them, picking them off one by one, and leaving a trail of terror and mutilated corpses. Ballista is in a strange land, among strange people, but is it possible that the greatest threat may come from within his own familia?Dr Harry Sidebottom is a leadiTrade ReviewWonderful fight scenes, deft literary touches . . . This is a storming triumph * Evening Standard *Blazes with searing scholarship * The Times *
£10.44
HarperCollins Publishers Whispers in the Sand
Book SynopsisPast and present collide on a richly mysterious Nile cruiseFrom the bestselling author of Lady of Hay comes this atmospheric and gripping page-turner. Recently divorced Anna Fox decides to cheer herself up by retracing a journey her great grandmother Louisa made in the mid-nineteenth century a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Anna carries with her two of Louisa's possessions: an ancient Egyptian scent bottle and an illustrated diary of the original cruise that has lain unread for over a hundred years.As she follows in Louisa's footsteps, Anna discovers in the diary a wonderful Victorian love story and the chilling secret of the little glass bottle. Meanwhile two men from the tour party develop an unfriendly rivalry for her attention, while showing a disturbing interest in Louisa's mementoes. Most frightening of all, Anna finds herself the victim of a spectral presence that grows in strength and threat as the dramatic stories from three different eras intertwine in a terrifying climax.Trade ReviewPraise for Barbara Erskine ‘An engrossing race against time’ Woman and Home ‘This is one of the most gripping page-turners I’ve read’ Sun ‘Her forte is mood, atmosphere and the toe-curling frisson’ Elizabeth Buchan, Sunday Times
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers CHRISTMAS AT THE CORNISH CAFÉ A heartwarming
Book Synopsis Return to the Cornish Cafe in this gorgeous festive romance – the perfect book to curl up with this Christmas. Trade Review‘A delicious festive treat with as many twists and turns as a Cornish country lane’ Jules Wake ‘Warm and funny and feel-good. The best sort of holiday read’ Katie Fforde ‘Filled with warm and likeable characters. Great fun!’ Jill Mansell ‘An utterly glorious, escapist read from a one of the freshest voices to emerge in women's fiction today. I loved every gorgeous page’ Claudia Carroll ‘Made me want to run away to the Cornish coast immediately! Loved it!’ Lorelei Mathias ‘Ashley's writing is deft, sexy, and full of humour ’ Trashionista.com ‘Readers will enjoy the breezy style and repartee’ Publishers Weekly (US) ‘Sexy, funny and wonderfully romantic’ SingleTitles.com ‘A deliciously entertaining twist on the Poldark tale’Liz Fenwick
£8.99
Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial La Biblia de Barro / The Bible of Clay
Book Synopsis
£15.18
Debolsillo La bastarda de Estambul
Book Synopsis
£12.54
Little, Brown Book Group The Crown Tower
Book SynopsisTwo men who hate each other. One impossible mission. A legend in the making. Hadrian, a warrior with nothing to fight for, is paired with Royce, a thieving assassin with nothing to lose. Together they must steal a treasure that no one can reach. The Crown Tower is the impregnable remains of the grandest fortress ever built and home to the realm''s most prized possessions. But it isn''t gold or jewels that their employer is after, and if he can only keep them from killing each other, they might just get him his prize.''This epic fantasy showcases the arrival of a master storyteller'' Library Journal on Theft of SwordsThe Riyria RevelationsTHEFT OF SWORDSRISE OF EMPIREHEIR OF NOVRONThe Riyria ChroniclesTHE CROWN TOWER THE ROSE AND THE THORN
£9.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Silk and Song
Book SynopsisBeijing, 1322. Wu Johanna is the granddaughter of the legendary trader Marco Polo. In the wake of her father's death, Johanna finds that lineage counts for little amid the den of intrigue that is the Great Khan's court. Johanna's future – if she has one – lies with her grandfather, in Venice, more than a continent away at the very edge of the known world. So, with a small band of companions, she takes to the Silk Road – that storied collection of routes that link the silks of Cathay, the spices of the Indies and the jewels of the Indus to the markets of the West. But the journey will be long and arduous, for the road ahead is beset by burning sands and ice-fanged mountains, thieves and fanatics, treachery and betrayal.Trade ReviewFor those who like books with rich, idiosyncratic settings, engaging characters, strong women and reasonably hot sex on occasion... let me recommend Dana Stabenow -- Diana Gabaldon
£11.40
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Master of War
Book Synopsis'Page-turning and gritty' DAILY MAIL. Amid the carnage of the 100 Years War – the bloodiest conflict in medieval history – a young English archer confronts his destiny... England, 1346: For Thomas Blackstone the choice is easy – dance on the end of a rope for a murder he did not commit, or take up his war bow and join the king's invasion. As he fights his way across northern France, Blackstone learns the brutal lessons of war – from the terror and confusion of his first taste of combat, to the savage realities of siege warfare. Vastly outnumbered, Edward III's army will finally confront the armoured might of the French nobility on the field of Crécy. It is a battle that will change the history of warfare, a battle that will change the course of Blackstone's life, a battle that will forge a legend.Trade ReviewThe 100 Years' War is the new Rome for historical adventure novels -- Ben KanePage-turning and gritty * Daily Mail *I see flashes of brilliance that surpass Bernard Cornwell * The Bookbag *
£8.99
Random House USA Inc Lincoln in the Bardo
Book SynopsisA long-awaited first novel by the author of Tenth of December traces a night of solitary mourning and reflection as experienced by the 16th President after the death of his 11-year-old son at the dawn of the Civil War. Reprint. A #1 New York Times best-seller and winner of the Man Booker Prize.
£15.30
Harvard University Press Blake or The Huts of America
Book SynopsisMartin R. Delany’s Blake (c. 1860) tells the story of Henry Blake’s escape from a southern plantation and his travels in the U.S., Canada, Africa, and Cuba on a mission to unite blacks of the Atlantic region in the struggle for freedom. Jerome McGann’s edition offers the first correct printing of the work and an authoritative introduction.Trade ReviewThis version of Blake is without any doubt an edition to be welcomed, and will be cited as the principal text in the foreseeable future. -- Eric Sundquist, Johns Hopkins UniversityMartin Delany’s Blake is a fascinating novel. I’ve been waiting for a long while for a reliable edition, and Jerome McGann has produced it. -- Robert Levine, University of MarylandAn American literary classic most Americans have never heard of…The actual novel itself is unapologetically didactic, its characters mainly acting as mouthpieces for the author’s polemics—but those polemics possess a startling directness that makes a 21st-century reading of this fully-restored Blake as arresting as its original readers must have found it. -- Steve Donoghue * Christian Science Monitor *McGann has done a painstaking job of recovering the work, providing scrupulous editing, an excellent introduction, and copious notes that will undoubtedly draw added critical attention to the novel…Largely owing to its historical significance, this edition will be of most interest to scholars. -- L. J. Parascandola * Library Journal *
£18.86
Penguin Books Ltd Trinity
Book SynopsisThe brilliant retelling of the Wars of the Roses continues with Trinity, the second gripping novel in the new series from historical fiction master, Conn Iggulden.1454: King Henry VI has remained all but exiled in Windsor Castle, struck down by his illness for over a year, his eyes vacant, his mind a blank.His fiercely loyal wife and Queen, Margaret of Anjou, safeguards her husband''s interests, hoping that her son Edward will one day know the love of his father.Richard Duke of York, Protector of the Realm, extends his influence throughout the kingdom with each month that Henry slumbers. The Earls of Salisbury and Warwick make up a formidable trinity with Richard, and together they seek to break the support of those who would raise their colours in the name of Henry and his Queen. But when the King unexpectedly recovers his senses and returns to London to reclaim his throne, the balance of power is once again thrown into turmoil. Trade ReviewIggulden is in a class of his own when it comes to epic, historical fiction * Daily Mirror *Superbly plotted and paced * The Times *Conn breathes new life into the darkest and most dramatic of times, with a flair for both the huge scale and human interest of it all * Star *Exceptionally well-written and gripping * Stylist *Compelling reading * Woman and Home *A page-turning thriller * Mail on Sunday *Pacey and juicy, and packed with action * Sunday Times *
£10.44
Headline Publishing Group My Last Duchess The unputdownable epic novel of
Book SynopsisMY LAST DUCHESS is the debut novel from Daisy Goodwin, the script writer of the epic ITV Sunday night drama VICTORIA,. A rich, rewarding love story, perfect for readers of Georgette Heyer, and fans of VICTORIA, DOWNTON ABBEY and THE CROWN.''Sparkling and thoroughly engaging'' Sunday Times''Deliciously classy. An intelligent pleasure, full of exquisite period detail'' Kate MosseCora Cash has grown up in a world in which money unlocks every door. Her coming-out ball promises to be the most opulent of the gilded 1890s, a fitting debut for New York''s ''princess''. Yet her fortune cannot buy her the one thing she craves -- the freedom to choose her own destiny. For Cora''s mother has her heart on a title for her daughter, and in England -- where they are bound, to find Cora a husband. When Cora loses her heart to a man she barely knows, she soon realises that she is playing a game she does not fully understand -- and that her futuTrade Review'Sparkling and thoroughly engaging...the story of a poor little rich girl learning the hard way how to concentrate on the next step along the tightrope makes for a highly enjoyable and intelligent read' * The Sunday Times *'Daisy Goodwin's debut novel is a delightful confection - a clash of cultures set in late 19th-century England, embellished with the glittering lavishness that the period implies' * Marie Claire *'Anyone suffering Downton Abbey withdrawal symptoms (who isn't?) will find an instant tonic in Daisy Goodwin's My Last Duchess...this is a deliciously evocative first novel that lingers in the mind. Henry James with belles on' * Allison Pearson, Telegraph, Books of the Year for Christmas *
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group Praetorian Eagles of the Empire 11
Book SynopsisIF YOU DON''T KNOW SIMON SCARROW, YOU DON''T KNOW ROME!PRAETORIAN is the gripping eleventh novel in Simon Scarrow''s bestselling Eagles of the Empire series. Essential reading for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. ''A new book in Simon Scarrow''s series about the Roman army is always a joy'' The TimesAD 51. Legionaries Cato and Macro have forged a bond that has survived war, rebellion and torture. Yet nothing has prepared them for a daunting mission on the deadliest battlefield of all: the bloody streets of Rome.Traitors are threatening to plunge the Empire into bloody chaos and no one can be trusted. The Emperor has ordered Cato and Macro to go on a deadly mission, working undercover to root out the traitors before Rome tears itself apart.As the true scale of the corruption dawns, they realise they are facing terrifying odds. Two men against many, in a desperate race to save not only the Empire, but each oTrade ReviewPraise for Simon Scarrow: 'I really don't need this kind of competition... It's a great read' -- Bernard CornwellGripping... ferocious and compelling, it is a story of blood, romance and sacrifice * Daily Express *A new book in Simon Scarrow's series about the Roman army is always a joy * The Times *A satisfyingly bloodthirsty, bawdy romp...perfect for Bernard Cornwell addicts who will relish its historical detail and fast-paced action. Storming stuff * Good Book Guide *Scarrow's [novels] rank with the best * Independent *Rollicking good fun * Mail on Sunday *Gripping * Sunday Times *[Simon Scarrow] blends together historical facts and characters to create a book that simply cannot be put down... Highly recommended * Historical Novels Review *
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group The Season of the Hyaena Akhenaten Trilogy Book 2
Book SynopsisMahu, former Chief of Police and Keeper of the Secrets of the Heart is sitting down to record his memories. He sees uneasy quiet reigning in the Royal Circle at Thebes, after the disappearance of the Pharaoh Akenhaten and the abandonment of his new, sun-worshipping religion. Members of different factions are barely held together by loyalty to the six-year-old Emperor, Tutankhamun. Then extraordinary news reaches the Council: Akenhaten has returned to Egypt.The words are greeted with dismay by all who hear them, for surely Akenhaten is dead? Mahu can certainly vouch that the woman claiming to be the Emperor''s wife, Nefertiti, is a fraud. Whoever the man is who has appeared in the Delta, he must be investigated.Trade ReviewPraise for AN EVIL SPIRIT OUT OF THE WEST, the first title in Paul Doherty's Egyptian Pharaoh trilogy: 'Doherty has typically woven a delightfully dark tale around what must have been the most remarkable period of Egyptian history...So stoke up the fire, draw the curtains and put your feet up in order to enjoy this delightfully spooky and robust tale of demons, death and disease in old Egypt. Great stuff! * Historical Novels Review *
£9.49
Quercus Publishing Before We Were Yours: The heartbreaking novel
Book SynopsisA heartbreaking story of love and loss, based on a true story OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLDTHE NO.1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERWINNER OF GOODREADS CHOICE AWARDS 2017 BEST HISTORICAL FICTION AWARD***************************Memphis, Tennessee, 1939Twelve-year-old Rill Foss and her four younger siblings live a magical life aboard their family's Mississippi River shantyboat. But when their father must rush their mother to the hospital one stormy night, Rill is left in charge, until strangers arrive in force. Wrenched from all that is familiar and thrown into a Tennessee Children's Home Society orphanage, the Foss children are assured that they will soon be returned to their parents - but they quickly realize the dark truth...Aiken, South Carolina, present dayBorn into wealth and privilege, Avery Stafford seems to have it all: a successful career, a handsome fiancé, and a lavish wedding on the horizon. But when Avery returns home to help her father weather a health crisis, a chance encounter leaves her with uncomfortable questions and compels her to take a journey through her family's long-hidden history, on a path that will ultimately lead either to devastation or to redemption.*********************Based on one of America's most notorious real-life scandals, in which Georgia Tann, director of a Memphis-based adoption organization, kidnapped and sold poor children to wealthy families all over the country, Before We Were Yours is a riveting, wrenching and ultimately uplifting global bestseller. 'A tale of enduring power' Paula McLain'It is impossible not to get swept up in this near-perfect novel' Huffington PostTrade ReviewOne of the year's best books . . . It is almost a cliché to say a book is 'lovingly written' but that phrase applies clearly to Lisa Wingate's latest novel, Before We Were Yours. This story about children taken from their parents through kidnapping or subterfuge and then placed for adoption, for a price, clearly pours out of Wingate's heart. . . . It is impossible not to get swept up in this near-perfect novel. It invades your heart from the very first pages and stays there long after the book is finished. Few novelists could strike the balance this story requires but Wingate does it with assurance. There are a lot of books that will catch your eye this summer, some from our best storytellers. Make sure this one is on your radar. It should not be missed * The Huffington Post *
£9.49
Headline Publishing Group Absolution by Murder Sister Fidelma Mysteries
Book SynopsisABSOLUTION BY MURDER is the brilliant and evocative first novel in Peter Tremayne''s Sister Fidelma series, bringing 7th-century Ireland vividly to life.PRAISE FOR ABSOLUTION BY MURDER: ''In the simultaneously sharp-tongued and full womanly figure of Sister Fidelma, Tremayne has created a heroine whom many readers will willingly follow. Even Brother Cadfael might have tolerated her'' Kirkus Reviews As the leading churchmen and women gather at the Synod of Whitby in 664AD to debate the rival merits of the Celtic and Roman Churches, tempers begin to fray. Conspirators plot an assassination, while mysterious, violent death stalks the shadowy cloisters of the Abbey of St Hilda. When the Abbess Etain, a leading speaker for the Celtic Church, is found murdered suspicion inevitably rests on the Roman faction.Attending the Synod is Fidelma, of the community of St Brigid of Kildare. As an advocate of the Brehon Court, she is called on to investiga
£13.85
City Lights Books A Long Days Evening
Book SynopsisOne of Turkey''s most interesting modern writers.—BooklistWhen the Emperor of Byzantium orders the destruction of all religious paintings and icons, Constantinople is thrown into crisis. Fear grips the monastery where Andronikos, a young monk, is thrown into a spiritual crisis. Amidst stirrings of resistance he decides to escape, leaving behind his beloved Ioakim, who must confront his own crisis of faith and decide where to place his allegiance. The dualities of dogma and faith, individual and society, East and West, are embodied in a story of prohibited love and devotion to the unseen.Bilge Karasu (1930–1995) was born in Istanbul. Often referred to as the sage of Turkish literature, during his lifetime he published collections of stories, novels and two books of essays.The ''other'' is usually construed as a person or society removed from ''us'' by space. But Karasu has chosen to study his ''other'' across the divide of tiTrade Review"From 8th century Constantinople to Istanbul in 1960, Karasu's words travel the temporal distance like a flock of storks, flying to a horizon where history intersects with faith, religious and political, and where memory looks and finds meaning. Only a master can choreograph such a difficult journey ... and Karasu is one. This is a fascinating novel and a pleasure to read." -- Sinan Antoon, author of I'jaam: An Iraqi Rhapsody "This unusual novel tells the story of two Byzantine monks during the controversy over icons... gives a vivid glimpse into a little-known period gripped by religious controversy." -- Gay & Lesbian Review " ... A Long Day's Evening powerfully illustrates that the tension between the personal spirit and the public imperative is a timeless one... emotionally engaging and intellectually satisfying." -- Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey "The 'other' is usually construed as a person or society removed from 'us' by space. But Karasu has chosen to study his 'other' across the divide of time, pushing readers to compare the profound identity crises engulfing individuals in ancient Byzantium to those in the early Turkish Republic. In doing so, Karasu shows the futility of separating ourselves from 'others' -- and the social upheaval that results when we do." -- Time Out Istanbul "City Lights has published their second Bilge Karasu novel, A Long Day's Evening, translated by Aron Aji with Fred Stark. The novel, according to translator Aji's preface, 'is one of those rare works that alter a nation's literature.' Karasu, a translator himself, introduced his own peculiar experimentalism to Turkish literature by, for example, not using the conjunction 've' [and] in the original, superficially because of his stalwart rejection of any vocabulary borrowed from other languages--'ve'comes from Arabic--and, on a deeper level, Aji suggests, because 'the gesture carries an existential significance as well.' The novel recounts the personal consequence of Leo III's outlawing of all religious paintings and icons on monk Andronikos in the 8th century before ending with a semi-autobiographical short story set in 1960s Istanbul."--Molossus "One might be tempted to read the story of Andronikos and Ioakim as an allegory for the traumas engendered by emerging political identities. In fact, though the reader is asked to sympathize with the weak and idealistic, caught up in struggles waged from above, Karasu's own words betray (perhaps inevitably) an acquiescence to power, whose attempts at 'purity' can shape not just the political domain but also the language with which one encounters the world at large."--The American Reader
£11.39
John Murray Press The Paris Library: the bestselling novel of
Book SynopsisHEROISM CAN BE FOUND IN THE QUIETEST PLACES - HOW LIBRARIANS DEFIED THE NAZISTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK'A wonderful novel celebrating the power of books and libraries to change people's lives' JILL MANSELL'Heart-breaking and heart-lifting and always enchanting' RUTH HOGAN'An irresistible and utterly compelling novel that will appeal to bibliophiles and historical fiction fans alike' SUNDAY EXPRESS'I devoured The Paris Library in one hungry gulp . . . charming and moving' TATIANA DE ROSNAY'An irresistible, compelling read' FIONA DAVIS'Paris and libraries. What's not to love?!' NATASHA LESTER'Compelling' WOMAN & HOME'Delightful, richly detailed' PUBLISHER'S WEEKLYPARIS, 1939Odile Souchet is obsessed with books, and her new job at the American Library in Paris - with its thriving community of students, writers and book lovers - is a dream come true. When war is declared, the Library is determined to remain open. But then the Nazis invade Paris, and everything changes.In Occupied Paris, choices as black and white as the words on a page become a murky shade of grey - choices that will put many on the wrong side of history, and the consequences of which will echo for decades to come.MONTANA, 1983Lily is a lonely teenager desperate to escape small-town Montana. She grows close to her neighbour Odile, discovering they share the same love of language, the same longings. But as Lily uncovers more about Odile's mysterious past, she discovers a dark secret, closely guarded and long hidden.Based on the true Second World War story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable novel of romance, friendship, family, and of heroism found in the quietest of places.Trade ReviewA wonderful novel celebrating the power of books and libraries to change people's lives. Enthralling, moving and based on little-known real events. * Jill Mansell, author of MAYBE THIS TIME *A book about books, lovers and book lovers - what's not to love? A wonderful tale about a library that provides a beacon of hope in the darkness and despair of war. Heart-breaking and heart-lifting in turn and always enchanting. * Ruth Hogan, author of THE KEEPER OF LOST THINGS *As a Parisian, an ardent bookworm , and a longtime fan of the American Library in Paris, I devoured The Paris Library in one hungry gulp. It is charming and moving, with a perfect balance between history and fiction. * Tatiana de Rosnay, author of SARAH'S KEY *An irresistible combination of two of my favourite things: Paris and libraries. What's not to love?! Utterly charming * Natasha Lester, author of THE PARIS ORPHAN *A fresh take on WWII France that will appeal to bibliophiles everywhere. I fell in love with Odile and Lily, with their struggles and triumphs, from the very first page. Meticulously researched, The Paris Library is an irresistible, compelling read. * Fiona Davis, author of THE CHELSEA GIRLS *Compelling * Woman & Home *A delightful chronicle of a woman's life in WWII-era Paris and rural 1980s Montana . . .Charles's richly detailed plot incorporates historical figures from the American Library and highlights the perils of occupied Paris. Historical fiction fans will be drawn to the realistic narrative and the bond of friendship forged between a widow and a lonely young girl * Publishers' Weekly *Having lived in an apartment just above the current location of the American Library in Paris, I've always felt connected to the institution and wondered about its story, so I'm grateful to Janet Skeslien Charles for penning such a vivid, enjoyable, based-on-a-true-story tale. In The Paris Library, the beloved library, its staff, and its subscribers come to life and remind us of both the horrors of World War II and the vital role books play in keeping us afloat in difficult times. Well-researched, stirring, and rich with detail, The Paris Library is an ode to the importance of libraries, books, and the human connections we find within both. * Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names *The Paris Library is a refreshing novel that celebrates libraries as cradles of community, especially when we need them the most. It shows how literature can be a means of escape, a catalyst for human connection, and a moral center in grim times. A thoroughly enjoyable read, kind-hearted and brimming with delightful bookish allusions. * Matthew Sullivan, author of Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore *A fresh take on WWII France that will appeal to bibliophiles everywhere. I fell in love with Odile and Lily, with their struggles and triumphs, from the very first page. Meticulously researched, The Paris Library is an irresistible, compelling read. * Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of The Chelsea Girls *Intelligent and sensuously rich... A novel tailor-made for those who cherish books and libraries. * Kirkus Reviews *A love letter to Paris, the power of books, and the beauty of intergenerational friendship. * Booklist *Delightful... richly detailed... Historical fiction fans will be drawn to the realistic narrative and the bond of friendship forged between a widow and a lonely young girl. * Publishers Weekly *Lily and Odile are fictitious , but key players at the library are drawn from life. Chapeau! * Saga *The author's experiences of working at the American Library in Paris shine through in this delightful, richly detailed novel. From the atrocities carried out by the Nazis to the fearless acts of bravery and courage shown by ordinary people working together in the face of evil, this is An irresistible and utterly compelling novel that will appeal to bibliophiles and historical fiction fans alike. -- Anne Cater * Sunday Express Mag *Book obsessives will adore this immersive love letter to the power of the written word. -- Sarra Manning * Red Magazine *This is a remarkable story of family, romance, friendship and the power of literature to bring us together, perfect for fansof The Lilac Girls and The Paris Wife.
£9.49
Zaffre The Tattooist of Auschwitz: the heart-breaking and unforgettable international bestseller
One of the bestselling books of the 21st century with over 6 million copies sold. Don't miss the conclusion to The Tattooist of Auschwitz Trilogy, Three Sisters. Available now.I tattooed a number on her arm. She tattooed her name on my heart.In 1942, Lale Sokolov arrived in Auschwitz-Birkenau. He was given the job of tattooing the prisoners marked for survival - scratching numbers into his fellow victims' arms in indelible ink to create what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust. Waiting in line to be tattooed, terrified and shaking, was a young girl. For Lale - a dandy, a jack-the-lad, a bit of a chancer - it was love at first sight. And he was determined not only to survive himself, but to ensure this woman, Gita, did, too.So begins one of the most life-affirming, courageous, unforgettable and human stories of the Holocaust: the love story of the tattooist of Auschwitz.Discover Cilka's Journey, the incredible bestselling sequel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Out now. -----'Extraordinary - moving, confronting and uplifting . . . I recommend it unreservedly' Greame Simsion'A moving and ultimately uplifting story of love, loyalties and friendship amidst the horrors of war . . . It's a triumph.' Jill Mansell
£8.99
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Encircling Sea
Book SynopsisFrom bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy, a profoundly authentic, action-packed adventure set on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. AD 100: VINDOLANDA. A FORT ON THE EDGE OF THE ROMAN WORLD. Flavius Ferox, Briton turned Roman centurion, is charged with keeping Rome's empire safe. But from his base at the northern frontier of Britannia, he feels enemies closing in from all sides. Ambitious leaders await the chance to carve out empires of their own. While men nearer at hand speak in whispers of war and the destruction of Rome. And now more sinister threats are reaching Ferox's ears. Stories about the sea-dwelling men of the night, who have cursed the land and only come ashore to feast on men's flesh. These are just rumours for now. But Ferox knows that rumours stem from truth. And that no one on this isle is safe from the great, encircling sea... 'An instant classic of the genre' HARRY SIDEBOTTOM. 'An authentic, enjoyable read' THE TIMES.Trade ReviewPraise the gods, Ferox returns in a novel of explosive action and profound authenticity. No one knows the Roman army better than Adrian Goldsworthy, and no one writes more convincing Roman fiction -- Harry SidebottomAdrian Goldsworthy undoubtedly knows his stuff * For Winter Nights *Goldsworthy really knows the past and makes it feel like you're living it * Weekend Sport *With Goldsworthy's academic background, the historical accuracy of the novel is unquestioned. More impressive are the quality of the narrative and the complexity of the characters. More of an adventure novel than the usual sword-and-sandals epic... A hugely enjoyable read by a master of non-fiction turned deft hand at Roman historical fiction' * Historical Novel Society *
£8.54
HarperCollins Publishers The Olive Grove Escape to idyllic Croatia with
Book SynopsisA woman searching for a different futureA man desperate to escape his pastCan they find what they are looking for on the beautiful island of Korcula? ''I was fascinated, invested in each character, and I couldn''t put it down.'' Angela Petch, bestselling author of The Tuscan SecretAntonia Butler is on the brink of a life-changing decision and a job advert looking for a multilingual housekeeper at a beautifully renovated Croatian farmhouse, Vila Maslina, is one she can't ignore.Arriving on the tiny picturesque island of Korcula, Antonia feels a spark of hope for the first time in a long time. This is a chance to leave the past behind.But this island, and its inhabitants, have secrets of their own and a not-too-distant past steeped in tragedy and war. None more so than Vila Maslina's enigmatic owner Damir Maric. A young man with nothing to lose but everything to gain''An unexpected delight'' Catherine Miller, bestselling author of The Day That Changed EverythingReaders are LOVING The OliTrade Review'This is the kind of book that's hard to put away, and I didn't want it to end' Natalie Normann 'Eva Glyn writes with empathy and compassion… a fabulous book' Kitty Wilson. 'I could feel the heat of the sun on my skin, taste the food and hold the warmth of the olives in my hands' Novelist and poet, Claire Dyer ‘Absorbing, compelling and well-crafted. Thoroughly researched…. everything melts into the narrative in an entirely natural way’ Maisie Thomas
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers Under a Greek Moon
Book Synopsis*Carol''s new captivating, escapist novel, ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE, is available to pre-order NOW!*The escapist Sunday Times bestselling debut from the nation's best loved TV presenter, Carol Kirkwood.Loved it! It sizzles with secrets and passion. A real page turner!' Jo ThomasOne woman returns to the island that changed her life forever A-list actress Shauna Jackson has the perfect life. Fame, fortune, marriage. Or so it seems.Running from a scandal, Shauna flees to the place that changed her life twenty years ago, the idyllic Greek island of Ithos.Captivated once more by the azure seas and scented olive groves, bittersweet memories resurface of one summer, one unforgettable man, and a long-hidden secret.Shauna can escape Hollywood, but can she escape her past?An absolute cracking read it's brilliant!' Steph McGovern presenter of Packed LunchSun-soaked, glamorous escapism.' Cressida McLaughlinA sizzling summer read. I couldn't put it down.' Alex Brown, bestselling author of The SeTrade Review‘A real treat, wonderfully escapist with heart and drama – marvellous!’ Anton du Beke ‘An exquisite tale of love lost and found that’s full of intriguing characters and romantic locations. A Perfect summer read.’ Judy Murray ‘An absolute cracking read – it’s brilliant!’ Steph McGovern presenter of Packed Lunch ‘Sun-soaked, glamorous escapism.’ Cressida McLaughlin ‘A sizzling summer read. I couldn’t put it down.’ Alex Brown, bestselling author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage Praise for Carol Kirkwood:‘Soak up the glamour … A great summer read’ – Prima‘Expect plenty of glamour and dramas in this sunshine read’ – Choice
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers A Womans Fortune a gripping and uplifting family
Book SynopsisThe new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Josephine Cox the master storyteller.With her family's fate resting on her shoulders, Evie learns her lessons in life fast. It's going to take a woman's courage to find a new beginningOne night, after her father gambles everything away, Evie and her family are forced to do a moonlight flit. It's a fresh start in the South, where no-one knows their name, and Evie desperately misses all they've left behind. Yet Evie's troubles are just beginning. Her mother, worn down by life, deserts them for a new man, and with her grandmother's sight failing, Evie must carry the burden of earning their keep. Holding the family together becomes harder when tragedy strikes at its heart, but there is hope on the horizon . . .Evie Carter just needs the courage to change the fortunes of her family.Praise for Josephine CoxCox''s talent as storyteller never lets you escape the spell'' Daily MailFamily secrets threaten to ruin everything in this beautiful taTrade ReviewPraise for Blood Brothers: 'Thanks to her near faultless writing, sympathies will lurch from one character to another, and as events reach their dramatic conclusion readers will find it impossible to tear themselves away.' News of the World 'Another hit for Josephine Cox' Sunday Express Praise for Josephine Cox’s previous novels: ‘Cox's talent as storyteller never lets you escape the spell' Daily Mail 'Another masterpiece' Best ‘Another beautifully spun family epic' Scottish Daily Echo 'A born storyteller' Bedfordshire Times ‘A surefire winner' Woman's Weekly
£9.49
Pan Macmillan Night Over Water
Book SynopsisAt the outbreak of the Second World War, a mismatched group of passengers flee across the Atlantic to escape Britain and – thousands of feet in the air – find themselves facing grave danger. Night Over Water is a masterful historical thriller from Ken Follett.The Eve of WarBritain has just declared war against Nazi Germany. In Southampton, the world’s most luxurious airliner, the Pan American Clipper, takes off on its final flight to neutral New York – a haven for those fleeing the conflict.A Disparate Group FleesThe passengers aboard the plane each have their own reasons for leaving Britain. Amongst them are an English aristocrat fleeing with his family and a fortune in jewels; a German scientist running away from the Nazis; a murderer returning under FBI escort; a wife escaping her controlling husband; and a devious thief determined to keep his spoils.A Journey into DangerTrapped on the plane, with only their fellow passengers for company, their journey over the Atlantic becomes increasingly fraught. Especially when it becomes apparent a plot is unfolding that may endanger all of their lives . . .Trade ReviewMaster storyteller * The Times *Master of the romantic thriller * Daily Telegraph *The opulent interior of the first airliner on a transatlantic flight from England to New York in war-darkened 1939 is the setting for Follett's high-flying caper, guaranteed to hold the reader in their seat . . . the master of epic suspense spins an excruciatingly taut drama, a whirlwind of romance and intrigue . . . His best since Eye of the Needle * Publishers Weekly *
£10.44
HarperCollins Publishers A Sisters Courage
Book Synopsis⭐ Don’t miss the new uplifting historical saga series from Molly Green, set at famous Bletchley Park: Summer Secrets at Bletchley Park – available to pre-order now! ⭐ In the midst of war, she knew her place was not at home…Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR MOLLY GREEN ‘Molly Green creates realistic characters and situations that keep you turning the pages.’ Katie Fforde 'A moving, gripping story set during WW2, of a woman's dedication to the orphans in her care and her heart wrenching love.’ Kitty Neale ‘Redolent of wartime Britain and brimming with heartfelt stories from several characters, Molly Green's sure-footed novel shows just how challenging it was to find love and a place to call home in the dark days of the war.’ Terri Fleming ‘A lovely, heartfelt, warming slice of saga fiction … There is a gentleness to the writing as it walks some difficult paths, ensuring AN ORPHAN’S WAR is an engaging, generous read.’ Liz Robinson, LoveReading ‘A gripping read’ My Weekly ‘Meticulously researched and brings into focus the sterling work of the women of the ATA … An engrossing story, with a strong, likeable female protagonist facing issues we still face today.’ Historical Novel Society Magazine ‘Memorable characters, a well written, plausible plot and very good descriptions of the time and place. The scenes and details of Dr Barnardo’s are especially interesting as the plight of orphans is rarely considered when we think of World War Two … We often forget the ordinary people surviving day-to-day ‘back home’.’ Discovering Diamonds Blog
£10.44
Pan Macmillan In His Father's Footsteps: A Sweeping Story Of
Book SynopsisLose yourself in In His Father’s Footsteps, Danielle Steel's sweeping historical story of survival, courage, ambition and the bond between three generations of family.Germany, 1945. As the Americans liberate the Buchenwald concentration camp, among the survivors are teenagers Emmanuelle and Jakob, who fell in love despite the suffering surrounding them. With help, they make their way to New York, resolved to make a new life on the Lower East Side, working at gruelling, poorly paid jobs.Decades later, Jakob has achieved enormous success, showing his son Max that America is truly the land of opportunity. Max is a Harvard graduate with friends among the wealthiest families in the world, and he chooses a perfect bride to start the perfect American family.Max’s lavish lifestyle is unimaginable to his cautious, old-world parents. But after the birth of his children, and with a failing marriage, he fears his wife is keeping secrets.Adrift and afraid, Max must learn what it means to live up to his parents ideals – and discover what is truly important in life.
£7.99