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
Dialogue Costanza
Book Synopsis''In Blackmore''s striking fictional retelling of this true history, Costanza refuses to accept a fate as nothing more than a victim of male exploitation'' SUNDAY TIMES''Wonderful... This novel took over my life for the time I was buried in it. Powerful and deeply affecting'' PATERSON JOSEPHRome, 1636: In the scorched city of Rome, the cobbled streets hum with gossip and sin...Costanza Piccolomini is a respectable young wife - until she meets Gianlorenzo Bernini, the famed sculptor and star of Roman society, whose jet-black gaze matches his dark temper. From the second they set eyes upon each other, a fatal attraction is born.Their secret love burns with a passion that consumes them. But with every stolen kiss and illicit tryst, Costanza''s reputation is at stake. Meanwhile, Bernini has a dangerous desire: he wants to make Costanza immortal. He vows to possess her not just in body and soul, but also in marble.When Bernini unveils his sculpture of Costanza, she is exposed as his lover, marking the undoing of their affair - and the beginning of a scandal which will rock Roman society. For Bernini would rather destroy Costanza than let her go.Betrayed. Abandoned. Banished. This was meant to be the end of Costanza''s story. But Costanza is no ordinary woman: from the ashes, she will rise...History calls her a Muse. Temptress. Fallen woman. This is her story. Costanza is a dizzying, sensual novel that brings to life a feminist icon who has been written out of history. This utterly addictive tale of desire and betrayal is perfect for fans of The Marriage Portrait and The Miniaturist.''I loved it... Rich and evocative in its portrayal of 17th Century Rome. A fabulous, evocative novel'' Elizabeth Chadwick''From the first page I was hooked. Love, lust, fury and betrayal leap from the page. This is a must-read for anyone who wants to read a true feminist retelling'' Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City''This has to be my book of the year! Full of passion and desire... A story of the resilience of women in the face of male power'' Sheila O''Flanagan, author of The Honeymoon Affair''A gorgeous tale of female resilience steeped in the glamour and danger of renaissance-era Rome. Blackmore restores the lively Costanza from a footnote in Bernini''s story to the heroine of her own'' Luna McNamara, author of Psyche and Eros''A revelation... A splendid debut - brava! And a super summer read'' Ellen Alpsten, author of Tsarina''Sumptuous, immersive and bold, Costanza breathes life into a woman frozen in marble for three hundred years, finally giving her a chance to speak... Costanza is both a cathartic cry and a clarion call for justice for generations of forgotten women'' Hesse Phillips, author of Lightborne''I was mesmerised by Costanza, a searing, fierce tale of obsession, revenge, and resilience. An unforgettable debut novel'' Naomi Kelsey, author of The Burnings''I sat up into the early hours, unable to drag myself away from Costanza - what a joy! Rachel Blackmore rescues Costanza, wronged and defiant, from the shadows of history'' Karen Powell, author of Fifteen Wild Decembers''Like all the best writers of historical fiction, Blackmore uses her examination of the past to shed light on the present day, in this searing indictment of the treatment and objectification of women. Meticulously researched, atmospheric and beautifully observed, this is a heartbreaking but ultimately triumphant story of one woman''s determination to follow her own path'' Bridget Walsh, author of The Innocents''A shocking story. Deeply felt... Quite apart from anything else, I will look at Bernini in a new light'' Elizabeth Buchan, author of The Museum of Broken Promises''Costanza is such a stunner of a novel - still thinking about it and I''ve been recommending it to everyone! Get it on your summer reading lists, people!!'' Penelope Slocombe, author of Sunbirds''A stunning read - very powerful. The writing is so beautiful and the historical detail mesmerising'' Nicola Cornick, author of The Forgotten Sister
£14.39
HarperCollins Publishers A Thimble for Christmas
Book SynopsisDon't miss the next utterly romantic historical saga from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author Dilly Court!She ran along the snow-covered cobbles, gripping her sewing box fate in her handsLiving hand to mouth ever since her mother's tragic death, Amelia sells the last of her treasured possessions to avoid being cast out of her home onto London's streets.Her estranged grandfather unexpectedly bequeaths a small, struggling factory making mourning dresses and Amelia dares to dream Drawing sketches by candlelight, she longs to sew elegant gowns from fine silks and beautiful ribbons for the rich.As the cold winter wind begins to bite, Amelia's future hangs by a thread can she keep her hopes alive?Readers LOVE A Thimble for Christmas!Love the author loved the book. Family saga at its best' ?????I loved it from cover to cover, and I didn''t want it to end' ?????A wonderful book by my favourite author Dilly Court, I absolutely adore her style of writing and the rich and warm characters that are interwoven into the story' ?????I''m a huge Dilly Court fan, and I''ve yet to read a book of hers that disappoints' ?????Really enjoyed it and read it right through on this windy and wet Sunday' ?????Heart-warming historical drama, full of ups and downs and full of lively and interesting characters' ?????Another great read from Dilly Court, I was unable to put it down' ?????Dilly's novel Sunday's Child hit #1 in the Sunday Times bestselling charts the w/e 25th June 2022Trade Review Praise for Dilly Court: ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Dilly Court’s latest novel is another page-turner that will keep you gripped to the end – 5 stars’ The People’s Friend ‘As always Dilly keeps you absorbed right to the end’ Choice ‘A rollicking, fast-paced adventure with a hint of romance!’ My Weekly ‘Spellbinding . . . you just keep turning the pages’ Daily Mail ‘Perfect for Downton Abbey fans … heart-tugging’ Peterborough Telegraph
£8.54
Chiltern Publishing Cranford
Book SynopsisChiltern Publishing creates the most beautiful editions of the World's finest literature. Your favourite classic titles in a way you have never seen them before; the tactile embossed layers, fine details, gold edges and beautiful colours of these remarkable covers make these titles feel extra special and will look striking on any shelf.
£17.00
Random House USA Inc Stella Maris
Book Synopsis
£11.48
Pan Macmillan The Square of Sevens
Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times Top Five BestsellerA BBC Two Between the Covers Book Club PickA Guardian Best Crime and Thrillers of the Year Pick'This rich, complex and haunting Dickensian epic is a triumph of the Gothic genre' — Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The AppealAn epic and sweeping mystery set in Georgian high society, Laura Shepherd-Robinson's The Square of Sevens is a dazzling story offering up intrigue, heartbreak, and audacious twists.This is your story, Red. You must tell it well . . .A girl known only as Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune-teller, travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient method: the Square of Sevens. When her father suddenly dies, Red becomes the ward of a gentleman scholar.Now raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendour of Bath, her fortune-telling is a delight to high society. But she cannot ignore th
£9.49
Atria Books The Shadowed Land
Book SynopsisKing Arthur and his contemporaries are boldly reimagined in this ';mystical, epic, and captivating' (Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author) series that resurrects the real historical figures who inspired one of our most enduring legends.Kingdom of Gododdin, AD 580: After defeating the Angles at the Battle of the Caledonian Wood, Languoreth, her daughter Angharad, brother Lailoken, and the warrior Artr mac Aedan are reunited. But all too soon, fate pulls each back to their own path. Artr receives a mysterious summons from his father in Dalriada. Languoreth and Lailoken return to Strathclyde with the dangerous former bishop Mungo in tow, determined to maintain the fragile peace between the Christians and the people of the Old Way. Meanwhile, Angharad must travel deep into the shadowed land of the Picts, hoping to become the initiate of Briochan, a druid who practices the secret Celtic art of summoning weather. As they rise to their destinie
£23.99
Pan Macmillan Burial Rites
Book SynopsisHannah Kent's first novel, Burial Rites, has been translated into over thirty languages and was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction (formerly the Orange Prize), the Guardian First Book Award and the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. In Australia it won the ABIA Literary Fiction Book of the Year and the Indie Awards Debut Fiction Book of the Year, amongst others. Her second novel, The Good People, was also translated into many languages and shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize. Devotion, her third novel, was longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award.
£9.49
Pan Macmillan Marking Time
Book SynopsisElizabeth Jane Howard was the author of fifteen highly acclaimed novels, including the five volumes of The Cazalet Chronicles, as well as After Julius, Falling, Getting It Right, Love All, and Odd Girl Out. The Cazalet Chronicles The Light Years, Marking Time, Confusion, Casting Off and All Change have become established as modern classics and have been adapted for a major BBC television series and for BBC Radio 4. She had one child, Nicola, and married three times lastly to fellow author Sir Kingsley Amis. In 2000 she was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, and in 2002 Macmillan published her autobiography, Slipstream. She died, aged ninety, at home in Suffolk on 2 January 2014.
£10.44
Pan Macmillan Confusion
Book SynopsisElizabeth Jane Howard was the author of fifteen highly acclaimed novels, including the five volumes of The Cazalet Chronicles, as well as After Julius, Falling, Getting It Right, Love All, and Odd Girl Out. The Cazalet Chronicles The Light Years, Marking Time, Confusion, Casting Off and All Change have become established as modern classics and have been adapted for a major BBC television series and for BBC Radio 4. She had one child, Nicola, and married three times lastly to fellow author Sir Kingsley Amis. In 2000 she was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List, and in 2002 Macmillan published her autobiography, Slipstream. She died, aged ninety, at home in Suffolk on 2 January 2014.
£10.44
Pan Macmillan All Change
Book SynopsisAs the old world begins to fade from view and a new dawn emerges, All Change marks the fifth and final volume in Elizabeth Jane Howard's bestselling Cazalet Chronicles.'Compelling, moving, unputdownable . . . Maybe my favourite books ever' - Marian Keyes, bestselling author of My Favourite MistakeIt is the 1950s and as the Duchy, the Cazalets’ beloved matriarch, dies, she takes with her the last remnants of a disappearing world – houses with servants and cherished tradition – in which the Cazalets have thrived.Louise, now divorced, becomes entangled in a painful affair, while Polly and Clary must balance marriage and motherhood with their own ideas and ambitions. Hugh and Edward, now in their sixties, feel ill-equipped for this changing world, while Villy, long abandoned by her husband, must at last learn to live independently. But it is Rachel, who has always lived for others, who will face her greatest chal
£10.44
Transworld Publishers Ltd Evacuees at the Wartime Bookshop
Book Synopsis**Catch up with Alice, Kate and Naomi in the fourth book in The Wartime Bookshop series - available for pre-order now.**-------------------January, 1942: Victoria is looking for a life away from the dangers of wartime London for herself and two orphaned children. Her search takes her to Churchwood in Hertfordshire which looks ideal but the village residents are already dealing with their own problems . . .Alice is working hard to get the village bookshop back up and running after the previous premises were destroyed. The new building is in urgent need of repair and a builder has been hired but where is he and where is the money he was paid?Kate is struggling to work out the next steps in her relationship with pilot Leo. Will he expect her to meet his parents? Knowing they are rich and elegant, Kate suspects they want their son's sweetheart to be the same not a country bumpkin like her with barely a penny to her name.Meanwhi
£8.54
Scotland Street Press Somewhere Else
Book SynopsisJenni Daiches has astonishingly re-created a lost world... I wept and laughed and wished I had written it.'MIRIAM MARGOLYES'An urgent exploration of the fragility and beauty of our shared humanity, here and elsewhere.'HANNAH HOLTSCHNEIDER, UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGHAbout the bookRosa Roshkin is five years old when her family are murdered in a pogrom and she is forced to leave behind everything she knows with only a suitcase of clothes and her father's violin. An epic generational novel about womanhood and Judaeo-Scottish experience across two World Wars, the creation of Israel and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Jenni Daiches's Somewhere Else explores today's most difficult and urgent questions, not least of which: how to find identity in displacement.
£11.69
Pan Macmillan The Woolworths Girl's Promise: Love, drama and
Book SynopsisThe Woolworth Girl’s Promise is the eighth heart-warming novel in Elaine Everest’s bestselling Woolworths series that follows the turbulent life of a much-loved girl working in the iconic shop.'A warm, tender tale of friendship and love' – Milly Johnson on The Woolworth GirlsSeventeen-year-old Elizabeth Billington faces a lonely future. Her beloved fiancé lost at Ypres in 1917, she is now estranged from her upper-class parents due to her association with Charlie Sayers and his working-class family.Spotting an advertisement for a nearby job at Woolworths, Betty starts on a new and thrilling journey – starting at the bottom of the employment ladder in the well-known store.Her work journey leads her to Ramsgate in Kent to work in a newly-built store – and with this comes the chance of marriage. But can she ever forget Charlie and the promise she made to him?Read this exciting early chapter in the life of well-known Betty Billington and follow her journey before she arrives at the Erith store – and meets fellow Woolworths Girls in 1938, as war is again on the horizon . . .'Another uplifting read from the master storyteller' – Lancaster PostTrade ReviewWonderfully nostalgic Woolies series . . . With its enchanting mix of drama, romance, friendship and family, and lots of twists and turns to enjoy along the way, this is an enthralling account of the early life of one of Everest’s best-loved Woolworths girls and another uplifting read from a master storyteller. * Lancaster Post *A warm, tender tale of friendship and love . . . sweet as a Woolies pick’n’mix -- Milly Johnson on The Woolworth GirlsA heart-warming story about finding strength in the hardest of times * Woman’s Own *
£9.25
Neem Tree Press Limited Clytemnestra's Bind
Book SynopsisClytemnestra's Bind is a bold and brutal first-person retelling that redefines her story, unveiling the untold depths of her soul and the legacy she forged as a mother, wife, and queen. Queen Clytemnestra''s world shatters when Agamemnon, a rival to the throne of Mycenae, storms her palace, destroys her family and claims not only the throne but Clytemnestra herself. Tormented by her loss, she vows to do all she can to protect the children born from her unhappy marriage to him. But when her husband casts his ruthless gaze towards the wealthy citadel of Troy, his ambitions threaten to once more destroy the family Clytemnestra loves. From one of Greek mythology''s most reviled charactersa woman who challenged the absolute power of mencomes this fiery tale of power, family rivalry and a mother''s burning love. Perfect for readers of Greek mythology, and fans of Costanza Casati's Clytemnestra, Madeline Miller's Circe, and Jennifer Saint's Elektra.
£9.49
Baker Publishing Group A Beautiful Disguise
Book SynopsisDire straits force Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother to become private investigators in London. When Sir Merrick Livingstone hires them to look into the father of Marigold's best friend for suspected international espionage, she is determined to discover the truth, and even more determined to keep her heart from getting involved.
£11.39
Pan Macmillan Heads You Win
Book SynopsisJeffrey Archer, whose novels and short stories include the Clifton Chronicles, Kane and Abel and Cat O' Nine Tales, is one of the world's favourite storytellers and has topped the bestseller lists around the world in a career spanning four decades. His work has been sold in more than 100 countries and in fifty-one languages. He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction, short stories and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries).Jeffrey is also an art collector and amateur auctioneer, and has raised more than 50m for different charities over the years. A member of the House of Lords for over a quarter of a century, the author is married to Dame Mary Archer, and they have two sons, two granddaughters and three grandsons.Trade ReviewThe master storyteller returns with a nail-biter every bit as good as Kane and Abel – utterly enthralling -- Joanna LumleyA page-turner with a memorable twist that made me shout out loud * Daily Mail *Leave it to Jeffrey Archer to spin a continent-straddling, decade-spanning, fate driven yarn that weaves its way from St Petersburg to London and New York, saving its final twist for the very last page -- The Mail on SundayArcher certainly knows how to spin a yarn. You will tear through his latest book in no time. It is a fabulous read * The Sun *Brilliantly conceived . . . the writing and characterizations are superb . . . A splendid novel, featuring one of Archer's most elegantly told stories -- Booklist starred reviewArcher draws us in with intrigue and great characters * Daily Mirror *
£10.44
HarperCollins Publishers The Shadows of London
Book SynopsisOver 1 Million Andrew Taylor Novels Sold!A Times Historical Crime Novel of the yearAn absolute delight in a series that goes from strength to strength' S. G. McLean, prize-winning author of the Seeker series?This is Taylor at his unassailable best' Financial TimesLondon 1671The damage caused by the Great Fire still overshadows the capital.The disfigured body of a man is unearthed in the ruins of the old almshouse, forcing architect Cat Hakesby to stop restoration work. It is clear he has been murdered, and Whitehall secretary James Marwood is ordered to investigate.When the man's identity is revealed, it's clear that there are larger forces at play, and Marwood comes under serious pressure to solve the case. But an old adversary is attempting to stop him.As Cat and Marwood follow the threads of corruption into the heart of government, the king himself is being distracted from affairs of state. A young, impoverished Frenchwoman has caught his eye a quiet affair that will have monumentaTrade Review'Another brilliantly realised historical mystery' A Waterstones Best Books of 2023: Crime and Thriller ‘Andrew Taylor has brought the sights, smells and sounds of the Great Fire and its aftermath brilliantly to life’ Daily Express ‘With a mixture of real and fictional characters, this tale of intrigue and power imbalance is well up to standard in a series that has set a benchmark for historical mystery fiction.’ Guardian ‘With their complex characters, clever plots, political intrigue and vivid depictions of London just after the Great Fire of 1666, Andrew Taylor’s books about troubled civil servant James Marwood and prickly architect Cat Lovett are historical crime fiction at its finest.’ Irish Times’ 25 Great Holiday Books ‘Some of the most enjoyable historical thrillers of recent years have been Andrew Taylor’s novels set in Restoration England … Taylor weaves together all the varying threads of his plot with his customary skill, but fans of the series will be sorry to learn that this is the last hurrah for Cat and Marwood’ Sunday Times ‘Another sophisticated 17th-century mystery abounding in page-turning twists and period detail’ Waterstones ‘Taylor’s storytelling brio is on full display.’ The Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Month ‘Sheer brilliance … Truly, this is breathtaking. The combination of emotional literacy, with beautiful language and an utterly immersive sense of time and place is perfect.’ Manda Scott ‘Andrew Taylor offers us a completely convincing portrait of life in the city and at court in Restoration London … An absolute delight in a series that goes from strength to strength’ S. G. McLean, prize-winning author of the Seeker series ‘This is Taylor at his unassailable best.’ Financial Times
£9.49
Viz Media, Subs. of Shogakukan Inc Moriarty the Patriot Vol. 15
Book SynopsisThe untold story of Sherlock Holmes’ greatest rival, Moriarty!Before he was Sherlock’s rival, Moriarty fought against the unfair class caste system in London by making sure corrupt nobility got their comeuppance. But even the most well-intentioned plans can spin out of control—will Moriarty’s dream of a more just and equal world turn him into a hero…or a monster?Three years after the fateful night when William and Sherlock disappeared under the waves of the Thames, MI6 takes on a covert mission to stop a leak of sensitive information that could disrupt the balance of power between Great Britain and Russia. One stray bullet winds up revealing the existence of someone unexpected hiding behind the scenes, however. As rumblings of a great world war begin, it may finally be time to repent for the crimes of the past…
£8.54
Simon & Schuster Medea
Book SynopsisDiscover the full story of the sorceress Medea, one of the most reviled and maligned women of Greek antiquity, in this propulsive and evocative debut in the tradition of Circe, Elektra, and Stone Blind.Among the women of Greek mythology, the witch Medea may be the most despised. Known for the brutal act of killing her own children to exact vengeance on her deceitful husband, the Argonauts leader Jason, Medea has carved out a singularly infamous niche in our histories. But what if that isn’t the full story? The daughter of a sea nymph and the granddaughter of a Titan, Medea is a paradox. She is at once rendered compelling by virtue of the divinity that flows through her bloodline and made powerless by the fact of her being a woman. As a child, she intuitively submerges herself in witchcraft and sorcery, but soon finds it may not be a match for the prophecies that hang over her entire family like a shroud. As Medea comes into her own as a woman and a witch, she also faces the arrival of the hero Jason, preordained by the gods to be not only her husband, but also her lifeline to escape her isolated existence. Medea travels the treacherous seas with the Argonauts, battles demons she had never conceived of, and falls in love with the man who may ultimately be her downfall. In this propulsive, beautifully written debut, readers will finally hear Medea’s side of the story through a fresh and feminist lens.
£17.09
Bonnier Books Ltd Three Sisters: A TRIUMPHANT STORY OF LOVE AND
Book SynopsisBased on the incredible true story of the Meller sisters, as told to Heather Morris. 'Gripping, heartbreaking and uplifting.' Christy Lefteri, author of the million-copy bestseller The Beekeeper of Aleppo THEIR STORY WILL BREAK YOUR HEART THEIR JOURNEY WILL FILL YOU WITH HOPE YOU WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR NAMES When they are little girls, Cibi, Magda and Livia make a promise to their father - that they will stay together, no matter what. Years later, at just 15, Livia is ordered to Auschwitz by the Nazis. Cibi, only 19 herself, remembers their promise and follows Livia, determined to protect her sister, or die with her. Together, they fight to survive through unimaginable cruelty and hardship. Magda, only 17, stays with her mother and grandfather, hiding out in a neighbour's attic or in the forest when the Nazi militia come to round up friends, neighbours and family. She escapes for a time, but eventually she too is captured and transported to the death camp. In Auschwitz-Birkenau the three sisters are reunited and, remembering their father, they make a new promise, this time to each other: That they will survive. Three Sisters is a beautiful story of hope in the hardest of times and of finding love after loss. Two of the sisters are alive in Israel today, surrounded by friends and family. They have chosen Heather Morris to tell their story in Three Sisters. Heather Morris is the global bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and Cilka's Journey, which have sold eight million copies worldwide. Three Sisters is her third novel, and the final piece in the phenomenon that is the Tattooist of Auschwitz series.
£8.54
HarperCollins Publishers The Highland Girls at War
Book SynopsisCan the Highland girls prove everyone wrong? Don't miss this poignant and heartwarming WW2 novel for fans of Rosie Clarke, Dilly Court and Rosie Archer, from the author of A Wartime Secret.Scotland, 1942.The Lumberjills, the newest recruits in the Women's Timber Corps, arrive in the Scottish Highlands to a hostile reception from doubtful locals. The young women are determined to prove them wrong and serve their country but they're also all looking for something moreLady Persephone signed up to show everyone she's more than just a pretty face but it'll take more than some charm and her noble credentials to win handsome Sergeant Fraser over.Tall, strong Grace has led a lonely life working on a croft, with just her mother for company. All she wants is to find her place in the world even if that's a thousand miles from home.And Irene misses her husband terribly, so until he returns home from the frontline, she's distracting herself with war work. But one distraction too far leads to devTrade Review‘A lively, entertaining romance’ The Herald
£999.99
Viz Media, Subs. of Shogakukan Inc The Elusive Samurai, Vol. 2
Book SynopsisIn war-torn medieval Japan, a young samurai lord struggles to retake his throne, but not by fighting. Hojo Tokiyuki will reclaim his birthright by running away!In medieval Japan, eight-year-old Hojo Tokiyuki is the heir to the Kamakura shogunate. But the Hojo clan is in decline, and Tokiyuki’s peaceful days of playing hide-and-seek with his teachers come to an abrupt end when his clan is betrayed from within. Now the lone survivor of his family and a fugitive, Tokiyuki is the rightful heir to the throne, but to take it back, he’ll have to do what he does best—run away!Now in hiding in Suwa under the protection of Yorishige, Tokiyuki takes on a cover identity—Chojumaru, an apprentice of Suwa Grand Shrine. When Ogasawara Sadamune, the governor of Shinano and vassal of Takauji the usurper, shows up to attend a sporting event at the shrine, he’s not just looking to win—if Sadamune finds any Hojo refugees, he’ll have free rein to take over Suwa completely! Thinking the best way to hide Tokiyuki is in plain sight, Yorishige sends him onto the field to take on Sadamune…
£7.59
Pan Macmillan The Forgotten Garden
Book SynopsisA moving and powerful mystery, The Forgotten Garden is the bestselling second novel from Kate Morton.1913. On the eve of the First World War, a little girl is found abandoned after a gruelling ocean voyage from England to Australia. All she can remember of the journey is that a mysterious woman she calls the Authoress had promised to look after her. But the Authoress has vanished without a trace.1975. Now an old lady, Nell travels to England to discover the truth about her parentage. Her quest leads her to Cornwall, and to a beautiful estate called Blackhurst Manor, which had been owned by the Mountrachet family. What has prompted Nell’s journey after all these years?2005. On Nell’s death, her granddaughter, Cassandra, comes into a surprise inheritance. Cliff Cottage, in the grounds of Blackhurst Manor, is notorious amongst the locals for the secrets it holds – secrets about the doomed Mountrachet family. But it is at long-abandoned Cliff Cottage, and in its forgotten garden, that Cassandra will uncover the truth about the Mountrachets – and why the young Nell was abandoned all those decades before . . .
£8.99
Zaffre The Dover Cafe Under Fire: A moving and dramatic
Book Synopsis'Brilliantly written and researched . . . I loved it.' Rosie Goodwin The third book in a moving and heartwarming World War II saga series. Perfect for readers of Ellie Dean and Annie Groves and for fans of the Home Fires series.Dover, 1940As firebombs fall on Dover, Edie Castle's life is thrown into turmoil when the garage where she lives and works is damaged and her beloved boss is arrested. With no job and nowhere else to go, Edie returns to Castle's Café and her formidable mother, Nellie. Living with her mother is never easy, but tensions reach boiling point when an old friend of Nellie's arrives looking for a place to stay. Meanwhile, desperate to clear her boss's name, Edie turns to his nephew for help. But when the café is engulfed in scandal, a shocking tragedy brings long-buried memories to the surface, and Edie realises she can't trust anyone - not even her own mother . . . Don't miss the next book in the brilliant Dover Cafe Series, Return to the Dover Cafe. Available to pre-order now!- - - - - - - - - Praise for the Dover Cafe series:'A brilliant evocation of a family and community pulling together in wartime. Full of drama, laughter, and nail biting cliff hangers. A triumph!' Annie Clarke, author of The Factory Girls series'Well-researched and expertly written . . . Perfect for those days when all you want is a book to lose yourself in.' Fiona Ford, author of The Liberty Girls'A joyous read, the sort of book to read in one sitting.' Kitty Danton, author of A Wartime Christmas'A rattling good novel that gives the reader a front seat at the Dover café during World War 2 . . . a really good start to what looks to be a fascinating saga.' Shirley Mann, author of Lily's War'Brilliantly researched, written with warmth and insight, brimming with emotion and drama, and starring a cast of superbly drawn characters who are guaranteed to touch the hearts of readers everywhere.' Lancashire Post
£8.54
Orion Publishing Co The Long Sword
Book Synopsis''One of the finest historical fiction writers in the world'' Ben KanePisa, May 1364.Sir William Gold is looking forward to a lucrative career as a hired sword in the endless warring between Italy''s city states. But when a message comes from the Grand Master of the Hospitaliers, William is forced to leave his dreams of fame and fortune behind him.The Hospitaliers are gathering men for a crusade, and Sir William must join them. Yet before they set out for the holy land, the knights face deadly adversaries much closer to home . . . In the twisting politics of Italy, no one can be trusted. And there are those who would be pleased to see the crusade fail . . . Can Sir William and his knights survive this impossible mission into the heart of the enemy?Trade ReviewCameron's ability to conjure up what Homer called "the battle haze" might make the ancient bard proud - GLOBE AND MAIL[A] great page-turner - ANCIENT WARFAREThe minutiae of military logistics, the mediations in inter-tribe rivalries, and the casual contemporary scene-setting prove unexpectedly engrossing...a sword-slash above the rest of its ilk - IRISH EXAMINER'The battles...are described with enormous verve and power. The ruthless intrigue and politicking that dominate his court are also brilliantly evoked. And, as fate and his own insatiable desire for conquest and glory drive Alexander towards death in Babylon at the age of 32, a genuine sense of an extraordinary personality emerges' - SUNDAY TIMES on God of WarA sweeping, deeply moving epic that takes the reader into the heart of a different time and culture - HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW
£999.99
Pan Macmillan The Kitchen Front
Book SynopsisFrom Jennifer Ryan, the bestselling author of The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir, comes an unforgettable story inspired by the true events of a BBC-sponsored wartime cooking competition.‘The Great British Bake Off set in World War Two . . . an enchanting hug of a novel’ – Cathy Kelly, author of Other Women‘A gorgeous novel about making the best of things during difficult times, whilst celebrating the importance of sisterhood and friendship’ – Jill Mansell, author of Should I Tell You?Some wars will be fought at home . . .Two years into the Second World War, and German U-boats are frequently disrupting Britain’s supply of food. In an effort to help housewives with food rationing, a BBC radio programme called The Kitchen Front launches a new cooking contest – and the grand prize is a job as the programme’s first-ever female co-host.For young widow Audrey, winning the competition could be a chance to pay off her husband’s debts and keep a roof over her children’s heads. However, her estranged sister, Gwendoline, is equally set on success even if her own kitchen maid, Nell, is competing against her. And then there is Zelda, a London-trained chef desperate to succeed in a male-dominated profession – and harbouring a secret that will change everything . . .Trade ReviewJennifer Ryan’s wonderful ability to weave an atmospheric, wise and warm story makes The Kitchen Front entirely comforting and unputdownable. Like The Great British Bake Off set in World War Two, with redoubtable heroines you’ll cheer for, The Kitchen Front is an enchanting hug of a novel written with Jennifer Ryan’s usual skill -- Cathy KellyWhat a dream of a book! Absolute perfection! Nostalgia, rivalry, friendship and fun – a real treat. Beautifully detailed – you will be right there with a cast of vivid characters, cooking their way to a new life. You will LOVE it -- Veronica Henry on The Kitchen FrontA gorgeous novel about making the best of things during difficult times, whilst celebrating the importance of sisterhood and friendship -- Jill Mansell on The Kitchen FrontRich in historical detail, The Kitchen Front, is a heart-warming account of the power of friendship. An uplifting tribute to female solidarity in challenging times. -- Fiona ValpyA delight! Jennifer Ryan cooks up a fresh take on the popularity of World War Two fiction and brings the battle into the heart of the wartime home. A charming blend of intriguing characters and a high-stakes cookery competition, served with the perfect amount of pathos and humour. Deserving of a historical Hollywood handshake! -- Hazel Gaynor, bestselling author of The Bird in the Bamboo Cage, on The Kitchen FrontEvocative, nostalgic and comforting with a wonderful story of female friendship. A delight -- Alex Brown, author of The Secret of Orchard Cottage, on The Kitchen FrontCertain to delight lovers of historical fiction and TV cooking competitions * Kirkus Reviews *Delightful -- People magazineDelightful . . . it manages to be sad and funny, exciting and heartwarming, all at the same time. Quite an achievement -- Barbara Erskine on The Chilbury Ladies’ ChoirWonderful . . . a master of plotting and working in different registers . . . Readers with an appetite for homefront World War Two novels will find this deeply satisfying * Publishers Weekly *The writing glows with emotional intelligence. This atmospheric debut, based on the author’s own family history, had me sniffing copiously -- Daily Mail on The Chilbury Ladies’ ChoirIntrigue, romance and an unforgettable cast of characters who aren’t always as they appear . . . a charming slice of English wartime life that warms the soul like a hot toddy -- Martha Hall Kelly, New York Times bestselling author of Lilac Girls, on The Chilbury Ladies' Choir
£8.54
Quercus Publishing The Reindeer Hunters: The Sister Bells Trilogy
Book Synopsis"Lars Mytting writes with an insight, empathy and integrity few others can match" JO NESBOThe Reindeer Hunters is the second in a thrilling historical trilogy that began with The Bell in the Lake.The year is 1903, and twenty-two years have passed since Astrid Hekne died in childbirth. Her son Jehans lives on a modest smallholding up in the hills near Butangen, having withdrawn from his community. He is drawn to freedom, to fishing and reindeer hunting, and one day meets a stranger over the body of a huge reindeer buck.Outside the new church in Butangen, Pastor Kai Schweigaard still cares for Astrid Hekne's grave. The village's overworked priest is tormented by his old betrayal, which led to death and to the separation of two powerful church bells cast in memory of two sisters in Astrid's family. Kai is set on finding an ancient tapestry made by the sisters - the Hekne Weave - in the hope that it will reveal how he can remedy his iniquities.Conceived on an epic scale by Norway's bestselling author, The Reindeer Hunters is a novel about love and bitter rivalries, sorrow and courage, about history and myth, and a country as it enters a new era, about the first electric light and the Great War in Europe, where brother stands against brother.Translated from the Norwegian by Deborah DawkinTrade ReviewLars Mytting writes with an insight, empathy and integrity few others can match -- Jo NesbøLars Mytting has written "The Hekne Tapestry" at the height of his powers. He may have told the story he always dreamt of telling. And what a story that is! This novel is in a class of its own, for both Mytting's standards and those of all books published this year" -- Preben Jordal * Aftenposten *Mytting writes about people of flesh and blood; he combines the language, the psychology and the social in one artistic unit [...] And above all; he mesmerizes the reader with his huge register of feelings. I'm already looking forward to book three. -- Stein Roll * Adresseavisen ****** *The Reindeer Hunters . . . hints at the magnetic pull of superstitions that thread beneath the conscious mind like"veins of silver and slag" . It also maps an age of rapid change. . . [A] craftily woven tale steeped in rich local dyes -- Boyd Tonkin * Financial Times *Mytting weaves a compelling saga of love, both lost and found, and of a country in the midst of change. -- Nick Rennison * Sunday Times *
£10.44
Zaffre Legacy of War: The bestselling story of courage
Book SynopsisBOOK 18 IN THE EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY, FROM INTERNATIONAL SENSATION WILBUR SMITH'Best historical novelist' - Stephen King'A master storyteller' - Sunday Times'Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared' -The Times'No one does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily MirrorA FAMILY IN TURMOIL. A COUNTRY IN RUINS.The war is over, Hitler is dead - and yet his evil legacy lives on. Former Special Operations Executive, Saffron Courtney, and her beloved husband, Gerhard, only just survived the brutal conflict, but Gerhard's Nazi brother, Konrad, is still free and determined to regain power. As a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse develops, a plot against the couple begins to stir. One that will have ramifications throughout Europe. . .Further afield in Kenya, the last outcrop of the colonial empire is feeling the stirrings of rebellion. As the situation becomes violent, and the Courtney family home is under threat, Saffron's father, Leon Courtney, finds himself caught between two powerful sides - and a battle for the freedom of a country.A Courtney Series adventure - Book 4 in Assegai sequence.Legacy of War is a nail-biting story of courage, bravery, rebellion and war from Wilbur Smith, one of the best and most beloved authors of the century. The thrilling conclusion to the Assegai sequence.Book 19 in the Courtney family series, Storm Tide, is available now.'Legacy of War' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/e 18-04-2021.
£8.54
Pan Macmillan The Midnight Secret
Book SynopsisKaren Swan is the Sunday Times top three bestselling author and her novels sell all over the world. She writes two books each year one for the summer period and one for the Christmas season. Previous summer titles include The Spanish Promise, The Hidden Beach and The Secret Path and for winter, Christmas at Tiffany's, The Christmas Secret and Together by Christmas.Her books are known for their evocative locations and Karen sees travel as vital research for each story. She loves to set deep, complicated love stories within twisting plots.Her historical series called The Wild Isle, is based upon the dramatic evacuation of the Scottish island St Kilda in the summer of 1930.
£17.00
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC A Time for Swords
Book SynopsisWhen the Vikings attack, a novice monk's life is changed forever in Matthew Harffy's new historical adventure. Lindisfarne, AD793. There had been portents – famine, whirlwinds, lightning from clear skies, serpents seen flying through the air. But when the raiders came, no one was prepared. They came from the North, their dragon-prowed longships gliding out of the dawn mist as they descended on the kingdom's most sacred site. It is 8th June AD 793, and with the pillage of the monastery on Lindisfarne, the Viking Age has begun. While his fellow monks flee before the Norse onslaught, one young novice stands his ground. He has been taught to turn the other cheek, but faced with the slaughter of his brothers and the pagan desecration of his church, forgiveness is impossible. Hunlaf soon learns that there is a time for faith and prayer... and there is a time for swords. Praise for Matthew Harffy: 'Harffy is a master of the Dark Age thriller... A Time for Swords is a bold opening to yet another enthralling series. It promises to be one heck of a ride' Theodore Brun, author of A Mighty Dawn 'Terrific white-knuckle action, absolutely gripping storytelling... Can't wait for the next one. Highly recommended!' Angus Donald author of Robin Hood and the Caliph's Gold 'The gripping novel evokes the turbulence and violence of the first onslaught of the Vikings. I couldn't put it down!' Christian Cameron author of Hawkwood's Sword 'Nothing less than superb... The tale is fast paced and violence lurks on every page' Historical Novel Society 'Harffy's writing just gets better and better... He is really proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown' Jemahl Evans, author of The Last RoundheadTrade ReviewA Time for Swords is a bold opening to yet another enthralling series. It promises to be one heck of a ride -- Theodore BrunIf you have enjoyed Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories and don't know where to look for your next fix – well, you've found it and you will not be disappointed!... Excellent prose, interesting characters, visceral battles and a cracking twist or two prove that Matthew Harffy is an author on the rise. An excellent first tale in what I hope will be an eventful and thrilling series' * Grimdark Magazine *The gripping novel evokes the turbulence and violence of the first onslaught of the Vikings. I couldn't put it down! -- Christian CameronA riveting great read from cover to cover... An impressively crafted historical novel that will have a very special appeal to fans of the Viking Age, the clash of swords and the medieval struggle of Christianity against the pagan horde from the violent lands of Scandinavia' * MidWest Book Review *If you like your fiction fast-paced and action-packed – filled with brutal and bloody battles – but also with characters with whom you can empathise and root for, then this book will not disappoint. Fans of Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories will lap this up * Aspects of History *
£8.54
Magnetic Press The Collected Toppi Vol 11 War Stories
Book Synopsis
£19.54
Penguin Books Ltd London Match
Book Synopsis''Spying at its most captivating and intricate'' The Times''Deighton has woven an intricate and satisfying plot, peopled it with convincing characters and even given a new twist to the spy story. But then he is a master of the form'' Washington PostLong-suffering spy Bernard Samson has, against all the odds, enticed a Soviet agent to defect to London - but this proves to be the start of something even bigger. For he learns that there is treachery within his own Service, and no one is free from suspicion. To discover who really controls the game of spies, he must attempt a desperate gamble. As the Game, Set and Match trilogy reaches its shattering finale, who will make the winning move?A BERNARD SAMSON NOVELTrade ReviewOnce again Deighton has woven an intricate and satisfying plot, peopled it with convincing characters and even managed to give a new twist or two to the spy story. But then he is a master of the form. * Washington Post *Len Deighton is the Flaubert of the contemporary thriller writers. -- Michael Howard * Times Literary Supplement *Deighton's outstanding achievement is the nine-volume series chronicling the life and times of Bernard Samson ... Deighton's Samson trilogies are as much about the elusiveness of human interactions as espionage. Spying is not a secret world sealed off from ordinary life but an extension of the world we all live in. -- John Gray * New Statesman *Len Deighton's spy novels are so good they make me sad the Cold War is over. -- Malcolm GladwellThe self-conscious cool of Deighton's writing has dated in the best way possible ... Stone-cold Cold War classic. -- Toby Litt * The Guardian *
£9.99
HarperCollins Publishers An Island at War
Book SynopsisA moving historical novel inspired by the German occupation of the Channel Islands during WW2. This is a story of courage, resilience and everyday acts of defiance from ordinary people forced to live in an extraordinary time.The USA Today bestseller!June 1940While her little sister Rosie is sent to the UK to keep her safe from the invading German army, Estelle Le Maistre is left behind on Jersey to help her grandmother run the family farm. When the Germans occupy the island, everything changes and Estelle and the islanders must face the reality of life under Nazi rule.Interspersed with diary entries from Rosie back on the mainland, the novel is also inspired by real life stories from the author's own family who were both on the island during the occupation and in London during the Blitz and is a true testament to the courage and bravery of the islanders.Readers are loving An Island at War: A mesmerizing' story of a island captured by the Nazi''s in World War II' DebbieI fell head over Trade Review Readers love Deborah Carr: ‘A book that drew me in…I cuddle up on my reading chair and entered the world of Boots’ Abby ‘Vibrant, believable, characters and an absorbing plot’ Tabby ‘This will definitely pull at your heartstrings…Loved it’ Beverley ‘I’m so glad this is the beginning of a series and I can't wait to read the rest! Wonderfully written’ Grace ‘If you like historical novels this is a book for you’ Bookoholic Cafe ‘A gorgeous start to a new historical series that captivated, charmed and inspired me’ Adele ‘A great and powerful read about love, relationships, and the trials and tribulations in between…a true thrill’ Donna ‘Watch this author–this is a series you'll want to stick with’ Micah
£8.54
HarperCollins Publishers The Mirror and the Light
Book SynopsisNow a major TV seriesThe Sunday Times bestsellerShortlisted for the Women's Prize for FictionLonglisted for the Booker PrizeIt is a book not read, but lived' TelegraphHer Cromwell novels are, for my money, the greatest English novels of this century' ObserverIf you cannot speak truth at a beheading, when can you speak it?'The Mirror & The Light begins after the death of Anne Boleyn. As her remains are bundled into oblivion, Thomas Cromwell breakfasts with the victors. The blacksmith's son has knocked down everyone in his path: established at the right hand of Henry VIII, he is the second man in England. But what will you do, an astute witness asks, when the king turns on you, as sooner or later he turns on everyone close to him?Heralded as the greatest English novels of this century, the Wolf Hall trilogy has won two Booker Prizes and been adapted into hugely successful stage plays. The first two books, Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, were transformed into a BAFTA- and Golden Globe-winning BBC television series, starring Mark Rylance and Damian Lewis. The cast now returns in the long-awaited concluding series, Wolf Hall: The Mirror & the Light.A Guardian Book of the Year A Times Book of the Year A Daily Telegraph Book of the Year A Sunday Times Book of the Year A New Statesman Book of the Year A Spectator Book of the Year Sunday Times Bestseller (08/03/2020)
£999.99
Karolinum,Nakladatelstvi Univerzity Karlovy,Czech Republic The Shop on Main Street
Book SynopsisWritten by a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust, The Shop on Main Street is the story that inspired the highly successful Academy Award–winning Czechoslovak film of the same title. Looking at the Holocaust through the eyes of a complicit individual, the narrative follows a good-natured carpenter living in a Slovak town in 1942 who unwittingly becomes a participant in a moral crisis involving the abuse and persecution of Jews. Describing the film adaptation of Ladislav Grosman’s novel, the New York Times declared that it is a “human drama that is a moving manifest of the dark dilemma that confronted all people who were caught as witnesses to Hitler's terrible crime.” The review continues: “‘Is one his brother's keeper?’ is the thundering question the situation asks, and then, ‘Are not all men brothers?’ The answer given is a grim acknowledgement. But the unfolding of the drama is simple, done in casual, homely, humorous terms—until the terrible, heartbreaking resolution of the issue at the end.”
£10.98
HarperCollins Publishers The Forbidden Promise A captivating book club
Book SynopsisThe stunning new story of love and secrets from the Number One bestselling author of The Forgotten VillageCan one promise change the fate of two women decades apart?Scotland, 1940War rages across Europe, but Invermoray House is at peace until the night of Constance's 21st birthday, when she's the only person to see a Spitfire crash into the loch. Rescuing the pilot and vowing to keep him hidden, Constance finds herself torn between duty to her family and keeping a promise that could cost her everything.2020Kate arrives in the Highlands to turn Invermoray into a luxury B&B, only to find that the estate is more troubled than she'd imagined. But when Kate discovers the house has a dark history, with Constance's name struck from its records, she knows she can't leave until the mystery is solved . . .A sweeping tale of love and secrets, perfect for fans of Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley.First readers love The Forbidden Promise . . .Compelling, dramatic, with a great twist everyone who loveTrade Review Praise for The Forbidden Promise: ‘Compelling, dramatic, with a great twist, this is a brilliant tale – everyone who loved The Forgotten Village will be sure to love this too’ JENNY ASHCROFT, author of Beneath a Burning Sky ‘Kept me turning the pages eagerly through both storylines. A real treat!’ TRACY REES, author of Amy Snow ‘Entrancing . . . an evocative and romantic mystery’ WOMAN’S WEEKLY ‘Nobody does cliffhangers like Lorna Cook does. I inhale everything she writes’ LAURA JANE WILLIAMS, author of Our Stop ‘A compelling family drama full of dark secrets, twists and turns and a wonderfully romantic love story’ NIKOLA SCOTT, author of My Mother’s Shadow ‘A wonderful tale of forbidden love, full of cliffhangers that kept me reading late into the night. And it has a fabulous twist’ KATHLEEN MCGURL, author of The Forgotten Secret 'Lorna Cook has created a dual delight of love stories in a beautiful setting, with hugely likeable characters – and a corker of a twist!’ MANDY ROBOTHAM, author of A Woman of War ‘Beautifully written, it is both a captivating love story and a page-turning mystery filled with unexpected twists. I loved it’ ELISABETH GIFFORD, author of The Good Doctor of Warsaw ‘A thrilling story of wartime love and loss’ THE PEOPLE’S FRIEND ‘An evocative Scottish setting that drew me in and two powerful love stories that swept me away’ JENNI KEER, author of The Hopes and Dreams of Lucy Baker
£8.99
Hodder & Stoughton Arrows of Fury Empire II
Book Synopsis''A master of the genre'' The TimesThe Battle of the Lost Eagle saved Hadrian''s Wall, but the new Roman governor of Britannia must stamp out the rebellion of the northern tribes or risk losing the province. Rampaging south with sword and flame under the command of their murderous chieftain Calgus, they have stretched his forces to the limit.For Marcus - now simply Centurion Corvus of the 1st Tungrian cohort - the campaign has become doubly dangerous. As reinforcements flood into Britannia he is surrounded by new officers with no reason to protect him from the emperor''s henchmen. Death could result from a careless word as easily as from an enemy spearWorse, one of them is close on his heels. While Marcus is training two centuries of Syrian archers to survive a barbarian charge and then take the fight back to their enemy, the new prefect of the 2nd Tungrians has discovered his secret. Only a miracle can save Marcus and the men who protect himTrade 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 *Riches has captured how soldiers speak and act to a tee and he is very descriptive when it comes to the fighting. It is a novel full of power, lust, envy, violence and vanity. The very things that made Rome great and the very things that would lead to its downfall. If you like historical novels, read this book. * NavyNet on ARROWS OF FURY *Ancient adventure at its pulsating best! . . . A military expert, Riches brings top-notch drama, vivid storytelling and historical realism to his tales set in a turbulent time. * Lancashire Evening Post on Arrows of Fury *Cornwell, Iggulden, Smith - Beware. There is a new power on the rise. * www.bookgeeks.co.uk on Wounds of Honour *'With Wounds of Honour Anthony Riches has produced a terrific first novel that focuses on the soldiers of the Roman Empire in great detail. He vibrantly portrays the life in an auxiliary unit.' * Canberra Times on Wound of Honour *'An unputdownable read.' * Good Reading Magazine on Wounds of Honour *
£9.49
Seven Seas Entertainment, LLC Orb On the Movements of the Earth Omnibus Vol. 78
Book Synopsis
£19.79
HarperCollins Publishers Bring Up the Bodies
Book SynopsisTrade Review‘This is a bloody story about the death of Anne Boleyn, but Hilary Mantel is a writer who thinks through the blood. She uses her power of prose to create moral ambiguity and the real uncertainty of political life … She has recast the most essential period of our modern English history; we have the greatest modern English prose writer reviving possibly one of the best known pieces of English history’ Sir Peter Stothard, Chair of the judges for the Man Booker Prize 2012 ‘Simply exceptional … I envy anyone who hasn’t yet read it’ Sandra Parsons, Daily Mail ‘In another league. This ongoing story of Henry VIII’s right-hand man is the finest piece of historical fiction I have ever read. A staggering achievement’ Sarah Crompton, Sunday Telegraph ‘Succeeds brilliantly in every particle … it’s an imaginative achievement to exhaust superlatives’ Spectator ‘Wolf Hall was a tour de force, but its sequel is leaner, more brilliant, more shocking than its predecessor’ Erica Wagner, The Times ‘Picks up the body parts where Wolf Hall left off … literary invention does not fail her: she's as deft and verbally adroit as ever’ Margaret Atwood, Guardian ‘Mantel in the voice of Cromwell is inspired. When she is in full flow as a novelist, creating scenes and inventing dialogue, she is more convincing than rendering a recorded scene from history’ Philippa Gregory, Sunday Express ‘Don’t think you can start this book whenever you feel like it – plan ahead, as, once started, it’s impossible to escape its grip, and until it’s finished, you won’t get any sleep’ Country Life
£17.00
Headline Publishing Group Six Tudor Queens Katharine Parr The Sixth Wife
Book Synopsis''A detailed and convincing portrait of an extraordinary life... this series is a serious achievement'' THE TIMES''This brilliant series has brought Henry VIII''s six wives to life as never before. This novel will enthral and inspire, just as much as it will break your heart'' TRACY BORMANAlison Weir, historian and author of the SUNDAY TIMES bestselling SIX TUDOR QUEENS series, recounts the story of Henry VIII''s last wife - Katharine Parr, the queen who survived him.---A WOMAN TORN BETWEEN LOVE AND DUTY.Two husbands dead, a boy and a sick man. Now Katharine is free to make her own choice. The ageing King''s eye falls upon her. She cannot refuse him... or betray that she wanted another.She becomes Henry''s sixth wife - a queen and trusted friend. But Katharine is hiding another secret in her heart, a deeply held faith that could see her burn...KATHARINE PARR. HENRY''S FINAL QUEEN. HER STOTrade ReviewKatheryn emerges from the pages of this beautifully realised portrayal as beguiling, vivacious and, in the end, tragically naive . . .This novel will captivate you and break your heart. Utterly sublimeFor the first time I felt as though, thanks to Alison's skilful writing and storytelling, I came to "know" Katharine. The book is utterly exceptional and beautifully crafted, with a keen eye for detail - solid gold for Tudor history lovers -- Nicola TallisThis brilliant series has brought Henry VIII's six wives to life as never before, and with Katharine Parr Alison Weir has saved the best until last. With stunning period detail and compelling drama throughout, Katharine emerges as a woman far ahead of her time: fiercely intelligent, courageous, passionate and inspiring, charting a course through the deadly waters of the Tudor court. This novel will enthrall and inspire, just as much as it will break your heart. -- Tracy BormanWeir demonstrates her deep knowledge of the period offering fascinating detail on all aspects of Tudor life. . .It is a profoundly moving story that lingers long after the last page is turnedAlison's sensitively drawn novel will change everyone's preconceptionsThis is a detailed and convincing portrait of an extraordinary life. Taken as a whole, this series is a serious achievement * The Times *This masterly novel seamlessly blends history into the story's fabric. A superb read and a remarkable end to a brilliant series * Historical Novel Society *This is my favourite of the seriesAn absorbing and fascinating read, meticulously researched, as is always the case with Alison's work, and she really made Katherine live for me -- Sarah RayneKatharine Parr deserves better than to be known just as Henry VIII's sixth wife - the one who survived. And there's no-one better placed than Alison Weir to restore her to her rightful place. Alison gives full weight to Parr the writer and reformer - the first woman in England to publish under her own name! - but she also explores the loving, passionate Katharine who was so much more than just a nurse to the ageing Henry. The 'Six Tudor Queens' series has been something of a ground-breaker in showing the light historical fiction can shed on historical fact. It's wonderful to see it go out on such a high note -- Sarah GristwoodAlison Weir's Katharine Parr The Sixth Wife is a tour de force. Known to all school children as "survived" Katharine Parr is shown to be the essence of goodness and a heartwarming, brave soul living in ruthless times. If you think you know everything about Henry VIII's last queen, you're in for a wonderful treat-you don't! -- Susan Ronald
£10.44
Hodder & Stoughton The Fallen Angel
Book Synopsis''An outstanding page-turner . . . historical fiction at its absolute best'' - Alison Weir''An engaging heroine . . . and Borman''s depiction of Villiers, with all his ruthless charisma, is striking'' - The Sunday TimesFrances Gorges has happiness within her grasp. King James would rather be hunting stags with her beloved husband Thomas than chasing witches, which means her medical skills and herbal knowledge no longer hang over her like a death sentence. Her family is growing and their estates are secure.But a new arrival at court brings intrigue, jealousy and danger. George Villiers is a young man with the face of an angel and the cunning heart of a devil.Soon James is besotted by this charismatic new lover. Former favourites are crushed with scheming and lies. Thomas''s life is made a misery and Frances is back under suspicion as Villiers plots to marry her friend Katherine Manners and seize her fortune.Appalled at the Trade ReviewOnce again, Tracy Borman has given us an outstanding page-turner, a stunning novel of the corrupt and dangerous Jacobean court, in which a courageous heroine pits her wits against a very nasty and determined villain. This is historical fiction at its absolute best. A fitting end to a fabulous trilogy! * Alison Weir *Brings unexpected twists and turns with every page, leaving readers in no doubt that Tracy Borman is the mistress of intrigue and suspense as she brings the schemings and power struggles of the Jacobean court vividly to life. With a masterfully crafted plot that keeps readers enthralled until the very end, Borman's meticulous art for storytelling is unbeatable. A truly stunning narrative that's pure gold for lovers of historical fiction * Nicola Tallis *George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, swaggers onto centre stage in the concluding part of Tracy Borman's Frances Gorges trilogy... lots of fascinating detail and insight into James's backstabbing court... an enjoyable read * The Times *Frances remains an engaging heroine and Borman's depiction of Villiers, with all his ruthless charisma, is striking * The Sunday Times *Tracy Borman's The Fallen Angel is the third in her trilogy of novels set in the compelling, claustrophobic, world of the Jacobean court, where her heroine, herbalist Frances Gorges, is in danger of falling foul of James I's witchcraft laws. As a serious historian and Joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces, Borman might easily have been mired in the records. Instead she uses them to invent an utterly compelling alternative reality. It's lush, wholly convincing and utterly gripping. Fact and fiction have rarely been blent so seamlessly * Sarah Gristwood *
£999.99
Headline Publishing Group The Ballad of Smallhope and Pennyroyal
Book Synopsis
£9.49
Zaffre Hitler's Secret: The Sunday Times bestselling spy
Book SynopsisThe blockbuster spy thriller from the award-winning author of Corpus.___________________Autumn 1941. The war is going badly for Britain and its allies. If Hitler is to be stopped, a new weapon is desperately needed.In Cambridge, professor Tom Wilde is approached by an American intelligence officer who claims to know of such a weapon - one so secret even Hitler himself isn't aware of its existence. If Wilde can smuggle the package out of Germany, the Third Reich will surely fall.But it is only when he is deep behind enemy lines that Wilde discovers why the Nazis are so desperate to prevent the 'package' falling into Allied hands. And as ruthless killers hunt him through Europe, a treacherous question hangs over the mission: if Hitler's secret will win them the war, why is Wilde convinced it must remain hidden?Dramatic, intelligent, and utterly compelling, Hitler's Secret is the Sunday Times bestselling spy thriller of 2020 from the award-winning author of Corpus and Nucleus - perfect for readers of Robert Harris, C J Sansom and Joseph Kanon._____________________________Praise for Rory Clements:'Political polarisation, mistrust and simmering violence' The Times'A standout historical novel and spy thriller' Daily Express'Enjoyable, bloody and brutish' Guardian'A dramatic, twisty thriller' Daily Mail'A colourful history lesson . . . exciting narrative twists' Sunday TelegraphTrade ReviewThe author skilfully and convincingly builds a fast paced thriller ... A perfect book to ease you through these lengthening summer days. * The Journal of the Law Society of Scotland *
£9.49
Persephone Books Ltd The Third Persephone Book of Short Stories
Book Synopsis
£999.99
Canongate Books The Art of Dying
Book Synopsis'Parry's Victorian Edinburgh comes vividly alive - and it's a world of pain' Val McDermid'Brilliantly conceived, fiendishly plotted' Mick HerronSHORTLISTED FOR THE McILVANNEY PRIZE 2020A Raven and Fisher Mystery: Book 2Edinburgh, 1849. Hordes of patients are dying all across the city, with doctors finding their remedies powerless. And a whispering campaign seeks to paint Dr James Simpson, pioneer of medical chloroform, as a murderer.Determined to clear Simpson's name, his protégé Will Raven and former housemaid Sarah Fisher must plunge into Edinburgh's deadliest streets and find out who or what is behind the deaths. Soon they discover that the cause of the deaths has evaded detection purely because it is so unthinkable.Trade ReviewThe Ambrose Parry novels are as much about medical discovery as the pursuit of wrongdoers, and are a triumph on both counts. Brilliantly conceived, fiendishly plotted and immaculately realised, these thrillers pull off the most difficult double-whammy of all: beneath blood and butchery so real they almost stain the pages lie both heart and soul. Two books in, Sarah and Will's story feels like it's just beginning. Wherever Parry takes them, I'll follow -- MICK HERRONGleeful, romping . . . The fog and stench of Edinburgh's Old Town definitely jump off the page . . . The central relationship between loveable rogue Raven and proto-feminist Fisher is the beating heart of The Art of Dying. Both characters are drawn with real empathy and nuance, and their complicated feelings for each other drive the book as much as the smart storylines. A great piece of storytelling * * Big Issue * *Full of twists and turns - a great read * * Evening Times * *A gripping Victorian thriller * * Sunday Express * *Dark and visceral, gritty and charming, with a twisting plot and compelling characters - not least, Victorian Edinburgh at her deadliest. The immersive world of Ambrose Parry just gets better and better -- JESS KIDDThe central characters and their relationship are the book's strengths . . . worth a read - the characters and setting are wonderful * * The Times * *A menacing tale of murder amid the medical experiments of mid-19th century Edinburgh * * iNews * *Offers more of the alluring combination of crime fiction and historical fact seen in last year's The Way of All Flesh . . . The reader may need a tiny dose of chloroform to relax after all of these thrills. . . For any reader in need of a swift-acting tonic, I prescribe picking up this thriller as soon as possible * * Scotland on Sunday * *Intriguing * * i * *Some gore (historical gore doesn't count) but mostly nice historical detail (reminding you that doctors never do know everything) with a little overlay of romantic tension and a side of old-fashioned feminism. Compelling * * Financial Times * *
£9.49
Simon & Schuster Ltd That Bonesetter Woman
Book SynopsisIt’s usual, they say, for a young person coming to London for the first time to arrive with a head full of dreams. Well, Endurance Proudfoot did not. When she stepped off the coach from Sussex, on a warm and sticky afternoon in the summer of 1757, it never occurred to her that the city would be the place where she’d make her fortune; she was just very annoyed to be arriving there at all. Meet Endurance Proudfoot, the bonesetter’s daughter: clumsy as a carthorse, with a tactless tongue and a face she’s sure only a mother could love. Durie only wants one thing in life – to follow her father and grandfather into the family business of bonesetting. It’s a physically demanding job, requiring strength, nerves of steel and discretion – and not the job for a woman. But Durie isn’t like other women. She’s strong and stubborn and determined to get her own way. And she finds that she has a talent atTrade Review'Among the most impressive historical fiction out this July is Frances Quinn's That Bonesetter Woman (Simon & Schuster), based on a real story about two sisters in Georgian London, one who is desperate to be a female bonesetter and the other who is a determined social climber' * Independent *‘Quinn’s second book is a true celebration of courage, resilience and embracing being different’ * CultureFly *‘Endurance Proudfoot is an enduring heroine and her story is told with wit and warmth’ * Yours, Book of the Month *‘[An] intriguing tale, told with wit and compassion’ * Choice, Book of the Month *'This rambunctious ride of a book mixes historical fact with a really memorable lead character (I completely fell in love with her!). Endurance Proudfoot wants to be a bonesetter like her father and won’t let the fact that she’s a woman get in her way. Entertaining historical fiction' * Good Housekeeping *'The narrative is fast-moving and lively… this is an enjoyable read, feminist history which does not neglect sources of humour or romance. It deserves to be reach a wide audience' * Historical Novel Society *'Frances Quinn’s debut novel, The Smallest Man, was about a dwarf in the employ of Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I. That Bonesetter Woman shares similar themes about being an outsider trying to succeed in a hostile society. Like The Smallest Man it is written with a warmth and tenderness for the characters that makes it irresistible' * The Times *'This second novel by the author of historical hit The Smallest Man takes its inspiration from two of Georgian England’s most famous celebrities. Endurance Proudfoot is determined to go into the family trade and become a bonesetter, despite being a woman. But when she finds herself packed off to London with her sister, disgraced beauty Lucinda, the pair embark on a rollercoaster adventure' * BBC History *‘Durie Proudfoot is a brilliant heroine: stubborn, flawed and so entertaining to spend time with. I loved every step of her journey, and Frances Quinn is fast becoming one of my favourite historical novelists’ Louise Hare ‘I adored every second of this book - historical fiction at its finest, and Quinn is a natural storyteller. Quirky, funny and original. Durie and her lions will stay with me’ Ericka Waller ‘I feel as if I left a little bit of my heart between the pages of this extraordinary book’ Nicola Gill ‘Filled with hope and humour, That Bonesetter Woman is a novel that truly champions the underdog. I devoured it with as much gusto as the inimitable heroine sets people’s bones’ Polly Crosby ‘That Bonesetter Woman is a wonderfully uplifting, charming, addictive and unusual story. Quinn delivers astute and acutely observed aspects of human behaviour delivered with great humour and compassion. Replace the coffee houses and newspaper scribblers with Twitter and YouTube and I’d say, not so much has changed!’ Louise Fein ‘Frances Quinn has done it again! Georgian London is vividly brought to life in a fast-paced story full of quirky characters, wry wit, warmth and wisdom. I was completely charmed!’ Anita Frank
£9.49
HarperCollins Publishers THE LETTER OF MARQUE Book 12 AubreyMaturin
Book SynopsisThrown out of the navy for a crime he did not commit, Jack Aubrey has lost everything he held most dear.In command of his beloved Surprise, but in a civilian capacity, Jack Aubrey must navigate a world apart from anything he has previously known, his friend Stephen Maturin at his side. Together they embark on a voyage which, if successful, might just restore Aubrey to the rank, and the raison d''etre, whose loss he so much regrets.Fate is fickle and few people can ever truly be trusted, but has Jack Aubrey's luck run out?Patrick O'Brian is unquestionably the Homer of the Napoleonic wars.'JAMES HAMILTON-PATERSONMy hero is Patrick O'Brian. It's basically impossible to write that well.'DAVID MAMETTrade Review‘If O’Brian’s novels have become a cult, this is because they are truly addictive. . . They are, quite magnificently, adventure yarns whose superb authenticity never distracts from the sheer thrill of the action.’Caroline Moore, Sunday Telegraph ‘The Aubrey–Maturin novels, by Patrick O’Brian, are so addictive that after I finish one I have to hide the next from myself for a little while in order to do anything else but read.’Louise Erdrich ‘In Aubrey and Maturin, Patrick O’Brian has created two of the most enjoyable characters in twentieth-century fiction. Their relationship sustains an absorbing and thrilling sequence of naval stories, unrivalled in their complexity, full of impeccable detail and psychological insight. O’Brian switches from the intimate to the epic with equal assurance. One of the greatest authors to sail with.’Michael Palin ‘One of the most compelling and brilliant novelists of his time . . . Beyond his superbly elegant writing, wit and originality, Patrick O’Brian showed an understanding of the nature of a floating world at the mercy of the wind and the sea which has never been surpassed.’Max Hastings, Evening Standard ‘I devoured Patrick O’Brian’s twenty-volume masterpiece as if it had been so many tots of Jamaica grog.’Christopher Hitchens ‘Written with most engaging enthusiasm that can’t fail to give pleasure to anybody who enjoys historical adventure flavoured with more than a dash of realism.’The Sunday Times ‘One of the most brilliantly sustained pieces of historical fictional writing this century.’James Teacher, Spectator ‘Patrick O’Brian brings depth to his sea-stories with outstanding dialogue, characterisation, humour and a golden thread of romance. You don’t have to love books about naval battles to become entranced.’Katie Fforde
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd Boudica Dreaming The Serpent Spear
Book SynopsisFrom THE SUNDAY TIMES bestselling author Manda Scott, this is the final, heart-rending instalment of the magnificent retelling of the life of Britain''s great warrior queen.Fast-moving action, spine-tingling battles. Wonderful -- KATE MOSSEThe tragic warrior queen, Boudica, is brilliantly realised. Her battles against Rome - the superpower of its day - are both heart-rending and magnificent -- DAVID GEMMELI can''t find a word to describe these books they are just completely.....amazing -- ***** Reader reviewAmazing writing, spell-binding, transporting... -- ***** Reader reviewA world I didn''t want to part with -- ***** Reader reviewThe whole series is absolutely brilliant - could not put them down -- ***** Reader review*************************************************************************************BRITIAN HAS PRODUCED MANY FIERCE, NTrade ReviewThe conclusion of an extraordinary achievement ... a story of defeat made glorious by courage and legend, a quartet that gives us back our own history. They will be read and re-read many times * The Independent *Great imagination ... fast moving action and spine-tingling battles. Wonderful -- Kate Mosse, author of LABYRINTHA powerful novel, alive with the love, deceit, wisdom and the heroics of humanity -- Jean AuelA stunning feat of the imagination and an absolute must-read for lovers of historical fiction -- Steven PressfieldManda Scott's Boudica novels are breathtakingly good.The tragic warrior queen, Boudica, is brilliantly realised. Her battles against Rome are both heart rending and magnificent -- David Gemmell
£11.39
