Historical Fiction Books

Book SynopsisWritten by 'a sublimely elegant historical novelist as addictive as crack' (Daily Telegraph), the Inspector Troy series is perfect for fans of Le Carré, Philip Kerr and Alan Furst.1963.England is a country set to explode but Troy, now Britain's most senior police detective, is fighting his own battle against ill-health. While he is on medical leave, the Yard brings charges against an acquaintance of his, a hedonistic doctor with a penchant for voyeurism and young women, two of whom just happen to be sleeping with a senior man at the Foreign Office as well as a KGB agent.But on the eve of the verdict a curious double case of suicide drags Troy back into active duty. Beyond bedroom acrobatics, the secret affairs now stretch to double crosses and deals in the halls of power, not to mention murder.Trade ReviewFlawlessly re-creates the tensions of a society . . . teetering on the brink of a social and sexual revolution . . . Lawton's trick is to take the threads of history and weave them into his own tapestry. * The Times *Unputdownable narrative of spying, sexual intrigue, political scandal, and murder . . . a haunting novel transcending the bounds of genre fiction. * Daily Telegraph *John Lawton is so captivating a storyteller that I'd happily hear him out on any subject . . . Meticulous artistry . . . The Chekhovian echo brilliantly captures the end-of-days significance of every sordid indictment in this sprawling story. * New York Times Book Review *

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Book SynopsisJean Plaidy, one of the preeminent authors of historical fiction for most of the twentieth century, is the pen name of the prolific English author Eleanor Hibbert, also know as Victoria Holt. Jean Plaidy's novels had sold more than 14 million copies worldwide by the time of her deah in 1993.For further information about our Jean Plaidy reissues and mailing list, please visit www.randomhouse.co.uk/minisites/jeanplaidyTrade ReviewHer novels are still very much to be enjoyed ... Any writer who can both educate and thrill a reader of any age deserves to be remembered and find new fans ... One only has to look at the TV/Media to see that the appetite for this kind of writing is still very much there -- Matt Bates * WH Smith Travel *An exciting tale and Jean Plaidy tells it with accurate knowledge * Times Literary Supplement *Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama * New York Times *Jean Plaidy, by the skilful blending of superb storytelling and meticulous attention to authenticiy of detail and depth of charaterization has become one of the country's most widely read novelists * Sunday Times *Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting * Observer *

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Book SynopsisWinston Graham was the author of more than forty novels, including The Walking Stick, Angell, Pearl and Little God, Stephanie and Tremor. His novels have been widely translated and his famous Poldark series has been developed into two television series shown in twenty-four countries. Many of Winston Graham's books have been filmed for the big screen, the most notable being Marnie, directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Winston Graham was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and in 1983 was awarded the OBE. He died in July 2003.

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE McILVANNEY PRIZESHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA HISTORICAL DAGGER 2022A Raven and Fisher Mystery: Book 3Edinburgh, 1850. This city will bleed you dry.Sarah Fisher is keeping a safe distance from her old flame Dr Will Raven. Having long worked at the side of Dr James Simpson, she has set her sights on learning to practise medicine herself. A notion everyone seems intent on dissuading her from.Across town, Raven finds himself drawn into Edinburgh's mire when a package containing human remains washes up on the shores of Leith, and an old adversary he has long detested contacts him, pleading for Raven's help to escape the hangman.Sarah and Raven's lives seem indelibly woven together as they discover that wealth and status cannot alter a fate written in the blood.Trade ReviewA real slow burner of a novel which is a marvellous tale of murder and deception in Victorian Edinburgh. It handles some difficult subject matter with sensitivity and care and has a real feeling of authenticity * * Bloody Scotland, McIlvanney Prize Shortlist * *The ambience of mid-nineteenth-century Edinburgh is well captured and makes for a gripping read. The authors are astute observers of human behaviour and outlook. The three novels in the trilogy are clearly well researched and shine a light on the cruelties, injustices and inequalities of the period described . . . Based on some actual events it's more than mere entertainment * * Bookmunch * *[A] stellar third whodunit set in nineteenth-century Edinburgh . . . The integration of real history enhances a page-turning plot * * Publishers Weekly (starred review) * *Another brilliant evocation of mid-nineteenth century Scotland, this series just gets better and better. The backstory of the characters, loves, careers and ambitions, is as riveting as the mystery . . . A mix of drama, romance and thriller * * NB Magazine * *Praise for the series: Parry's Victorian Edinburgh comes vividly alive - and it's a world of pain -- VAL McDERMIDBrilliantly 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 . . . Wherever Parry takes them, I'll follow -- MICK HERRONA rip-roaring tale of murder amid the medical experiments of 19th-century Edinburgh. The book brings both city and period to colourful life and is a joy to read -- IAN RANKIN * * Guardian * *Menacing, witty and ingeniously plotted, Ambrose Parry's debut draws you into the dark heart of nineteenth-century Edinburgh and won't let you go until the final page -- S.J. PARRISGleeful, 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 * *An astonishing debut. The dark and dangerous past is brought thrillingly to life. I can't wait to read more of Raven and Sarah -- MARK BILLINGHAM

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Book Synopsis*A Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller*Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen by bestselling historian Alison Weir, author of The Lost Tudor Princess, is the first in a spellbinding six novel series about Henry VIII''s Queens. Alison takes you on an engrossing journey at Katherine''s side and shows her extraordinary strength of character and intelligence. Ideal for fans of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick. ''Shatters the many myths about Henry VIII''s long-suffering first wife'' Tracy Borman''Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life'' GuardianA Spanish princess. Raised to be modest, obedient and devout. Destined to be an English Queen.Six weeks from home across treacherous seas, everything is different: the language, the food, the weather. And for her there is no comfort in any of it. At sixteen-years-old, Catalina is alone among strangers.Trade ReviewIn this, the first novel of the Six Tudor Queens series, Alison Weir brings Katherine of Aragon dazzlingly to life. Based upon extensive new research, it is a portrayal that shatters the many myths about Henry VIII's long-suffering first wife. Far from being the one-dimensional victim of history, she emerges as a charismatic, indomitable and courageous heroine whose story never fails to enthral -- Tracy BormanA tender understanding of and genuine sympathy for this proud, much-loved and honourable Queen... I was gripped [from] start to finish -- Mavis CheekWeir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life * Guardian *Yet again, Alison Weir has managed to intertwine profound historical knowledge with huge emotional intelligence, to compose a work that throws light on an endlessly fascinating historical figure. Yet her real gift in all of this is making it feel so fresh and alive -- Earl SpencerThis exquisite book charts the rise and fall of Henry VIII's first wife, Katherine . . . A fascinating insight into this period of our history. Weir's undeniable strength is her immaculate description, enabling the reader to be transported back to Tudor England * Sun *Weir manages to untangle the complex web of 16th-century politics, shown through Katherine's duties as ambassador, and her astute reading of the games being played. This adds greatly to the heft of the character, demonstrating what a competent woman she was becoming * Herald Scotland *Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen is a true tour de force. Finely crafted, this novel is wonderful historical fiction and an outstanding introduction to the Six Tudor Queens series * Queen Anne Boleyn Blog *Alison Weir clearly admires her heroine . . . meticulously researched * The Times *A majestic book! ... I felt every one of [Katherine's] emotions: her joy, her heart-wrenching despair and the passionate loyalty she shows to Henry. The bravery she displays is incredible and she must have been one hell of a Queen. It is beautifully written and captivating with so much attention to detail, that the Tudor court came alive in every sense * Baattyaboutbooks Blog *Captivating. . . The way that Katherine comes alive on the page is credit to the author who has such a breadth of knowledge about this Tudor period that it's a real pleasure to read her fictional work * Jaffareadstoo Blog *This well-researched and engrossing read gives a new perspective on the long-suffering first wife * Good Housekeeping *Known for bestselling historical biographies, Alison Weir is in command of her detail . . . her handling of Katherine's misery and dignified response to her predicament is very touching -- Elizabeth Buchan * Daily Mail *The authentic voice of Katherine rings true throughout. It is a study of a woman who inspires admiration as well as sympathy . . . a fitting tribute to a queen who was unduly wronged by history * The Lady magazine *This ambitious, engrossing novel tells Katherine's story from that moment, through her brief and controversial marriage to Prince Arthur and then to his brother, the handsome, gallant Henry VIII . . . Fascinating * S Magazine (Sunday Express) *Alison ensures that we not only come away knowing more of the real Katherine, we understand more of how it felt to be her. . . The author really enables us to feel the claustrophobia and paranoia as Katherine tries to make decisions for her day to day life on snippets of news from her advisors - advisors she begins to realise may not be telling her the truth * The Book Bag *Alison Weir brings Henry VIII's first queen to life, revealing a strong, spirited and intelligent woman fighting for her rights and those of her daughter * Choice magazine *Weir's opening foray into the life of Katherine of Aragon presents Henry's first and most enduring marriage from a refreshingly new and utterly gripping perspective * Lancashire Evening Post *Engrossing and meticulously researched . . . Katherine's life and world are brought vividly to life * Choice magazine *

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Book SynopsisTO SAVE HER OWN LIFE, WILL SHE SACRIFICE ANOTHER?June 1940: the first summer of the war. Berlin is being bombed and nightly blackouts suffocate the city. Then France falls and a shadow descends. A shadow has fallen over Clara Vine’s own life, too. She is an Anglo-German woman in a country that hates England. Then she is summoned to meet the Propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, who has decided that Clara should adopt a new role – as his spy.    Much as she dislikes the idea, Clara realises this might be the chance to find an escape route to England. But Goebbels has other ideas and soon Clara is drawn into a web that threatens to destroy her. As everything she holds dear is taken as ransom, she must fight to protect her family – and to survive…Solitaire delivers brilliantly engrossing wartime fiction for fans of  Sadie Jones, Rosie Thomas and Irene NemirTrade Review'The perfect fusion of history, suspense and high romance' * The Times on Black Roses *'A thoughtful but fast-moving novel' * Reader's Digest on Black Roses *'This well-researched story unfolds with utterly knuckle-whitening suspense, and it was my favourite escapist read of the year' * Saga Magazine on Black Roses *'Terrific' -- Elizabeth Buchan * The Sunday Times on Black Roses *'Jane Thynne's smooth writing, sensitive understanding of the era and sharp observations combine into an excellent historical thriller' -- Jessica Mann * Literary Review on Black Roses *'Fast-paced and gripping' * The Sunday Times on The Winter Garden *'A thoroughly enjoyable read: fast-paced, atmospheric and genuinely suspenseful' * Mail on Sunday on The Winter Garden *'Both historically fascinating and a proper thriller' * Reader's Digest on The Winter Garden *'An absolute cracker of a read...Thynne expertly maintains the suspense, while evoking the tension of Berlin as the city gathers its strength for war' * The Times on The Winter Garden *'A thumpingly good read with a strong denouement' * Mail on Sunday on The Winter Garden *'So convincing one forgets that it is a piece of fiction' * The Lady on The Winter Garden *'Pre-war Germany's atmosphere of reprehension, terror and Nazi hubris is vividly evoked in a gripping but sad tale' -- Jessica Mann * Literary Review on The Winter Garden *'A tale of suspense and intrigue...Thynne's grasp of the period is first-class, and she has woven in a tender wartime love story' * Mail on Sunday on A War of Flowers *'Darkly brooding horror hangs over Germany; an irresistible page-turner packed with historical detail and told from a most unusual perspective' * Kirkus Reviews on Faith and Beauty *‘This is the fourth of the addictive ‘Clara Vine’ novels, set in Berlin on the eve of war. Clara is a half-German British agent with access to the inner circle of Nazi wives. Portraits of women such as Magda Goebbels and Eva Braun are ruthlessly truthful, but drawn with compassion. It is early 1939, and Clara is drawn into investigating the murder of a girl at the League of Faith and Beauty finishing school. Brilliant’ * Saga magazine on Faith and Beauty *

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Book SynopsisElaine Everest was born and brought up in north west Kent, where The Woolworths Girls is set, and was once a Woolworths girl herself.Elaine has written widely for women's magazines, with both short stories and features. When she isn't writing, Elaine runs The Write Place creative writing school in Dartford, Kent, and the blog for the Romantic Novelists' Association.Elaine lives with her husband, Michael, and their Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Henry, in Swanley, Kent.Trade ReviewHeartwarming ... a must-read. * Woman's Own *A warm, tender tale of friendship and love ... sweet as a Woolies Pick 'n' Mix. -- Milly JohnsonA lovely read. * Bella *Elaine brings the heyday of the iconic high-street giant to life in her charming novel. * S Magazine *

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Book SynopsisIndependent-minded Sibylla Spencer feels trapped in nineteenth-century London, where her strong will and progressive views have rendered her unmarriageable. Still single at twenty-three, she is treated like a child and feels stifled in her controlling father’s house. When Benjamin Hopkins, an ambitious employee of her father’s trading company, shows an interest in her, she realizes marriage is her only chance to escape. As Benjamin’s rising career whisks them both away to exotic Morocco, Sibylla is at last a citizen of the world, reveling in her newfound freedom by striking her first business deals, befriending locals…and falling in love for the first time with a charismatic and handsome Frenchman. But Benjamin’s lust for money and influence draws him into dark dealings, pulling him ever further from Sibylla and their two young sons. When he’s arrested on horrible charges, the fate of Sibylla’s family rests on her shoulders, as she must decide whether she’ll leave him to his fate or help him fight for his life.

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Book SynopsisA hero once believed to be the chosen one must find a new path with the help of a band of unlikely allies in the sequel to The Art of Prophecy, an epic fantasy ode to martial arts and magic from the #1 New York Times bestselling author Wesley Chu. Once there was a prophecy that a Chosen One would rise to defeat the Eternal Khan, an immortal god king. But the prophecy was wrong. Now Jian, the former chosen hero of prophecy, is just an ordinary young man trying to find his own way. But he may yet have an extraordinary destiny, because he joins forces with Taishi, his grumpy grandmaster who instructs him in the ways of her powerful family war art. Jian still has a long way to go before he can become her heir, so she recruits a band of elderly grandmasters who have come out of retirement to whip him into shape and help with this one last job. And there are others who are also seeking their own destiny: Qisami, an assassin on a secret mission to protect a powerful noblewoman from her enemies. But as Qisami goes undercover to complete her mission, she takes on a new identity that gives her something she never had before: friendship, found family, and a new purpose. And Sali also thought her fate was already laid before her. She was supposed to be looking for the next Eternal Khan, and now finds her clain exiled from everything she ever knew. As she leads the survivors in search of a new home, Sali discovers that she's something she never thought she could be: a leader and revolutionary. Because sometimes destiny is grander than any prophecy can foresee. And the greatest destiny of all is the one you choose for yourself. 'An ambitious and touching exploration of disillusionment in faith, tradition, and family - a glorious reinvention of fantasy and wuxia tropes.' - Naomi Novik, NYT bestselling author of A Deadly Education

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling Richard and Judy Book Club pickThe Sunday Times Bestseller and BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick‘Dark, dramatic and full of danger’ - Daily MailFor readers of Circe and The Handmaid’s Tale, Kiran Millwood Hargrave's The Mercies is inspired by real historical events.The storm comes in like a finger snap . . .1617. The sea around the remote Norwegian island of Vardø is thrown into a vicious storm. A young woman, Maren, watches as the men of the island, out fishing, perish in an instant.Vardø is now a place of women . . .Eighteen months later, a sinister figure arrives. Absalom Cornet has been summoned to bring the women of the island to heel. With him travels his young wife, Ursa. In her new home, and in Maren, Ursa encounters something she has never seen before: independent women. But where Ursa finds happiness, even love, Absalom sees only a place flooded with a terrible evil, one he must root out at all costs . . .A story about how suspicion can twist its way through a community, about a love that could prove as dangerous as it is powerful.‘Gripping’ - Madeline Miller, author of Circe‘Took my breath away’ - Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl With a Pearl Earring‘A beautifully intimate story of friendship, love and hope’ - Douglas Stuart, author of Shuggie Bain ‘Something rare and beautiful’ - Marian Keyes, author of Again, Rachel‘Chilling and page-turning’ - The TimesTrade ReviewThe Mercies is among the best novels I’ve read in years. In addition to its beautiful writing, its subject matter is both enduring and timely * New York Times Book Review *A gripping novel . . . [Kiran Millwood Hargrave's] most vital insights are about the human heart: how terrifyingly quickly prejudices can turn into murder, and how desperately we need love and courage to oppose it. Beautiful and chilling -- Madeline Miller, author of CirceThis is a powerful story that gathers ever more momentum as it moves towards its conclusion * Sunday Times *The most interesting historical fiction speaks of the time of writing as much as of its subject . . . The Mercies shows us the patriarchal fear of women's strength and reason -- Sarah Moss, GuardianHistorical fiction fans looking for a Handmaid's Tale-style twist will love this novel . . . A story of danger, love and power - with Big Offred Energy * Cosmopolitan *The Mercies is storytelling at its most masterful. This is an exquisite tale of sisterhood, of love, of courage and of what happens when communities turn on each other . . . I raged, I laughed, I cried. I urge you to read this novel -- Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll FactoryExtraordinary! -- Jo Whiley, BBC Radio Book ClubA book for our times . . . Millwood Hargrave is a whirlwind, storm-building talent -- Daisy Johnson, Man Booker Prize shortlisted author of Everything UnderThe Mercies took my breath away . . . Kiran Millwood Hargrave has masterfully built up an incredible claustrophobic atmosphere, shot through with delicate intimacy. On finishing it I pressed the book to me, hoping to absorb some of her skill -- Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl With a Pearl EarringRead if you like Circe by Madeline Miller and Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel -- Sunday Times Style, 'Best New Books for 2020'Spun from real-life events, this lyrical novel charts the aftermath of a fatal storm in a 17th century Norwegian fishing village: a town almost exclusively composed of women and girls, and the violent witch-burning newcomer hell-bent on their conversion * Vanity Fair *Based on real events, this is a stunning, intensely told story about sisterhood, superstition and prejudice * Good Housekeeping *The Mercies is a gripping tale of love and obsession, inspired by the real events of a storm on the Norwegian island of Vardø in 1617 that prompted witch trials. Absalom Cornet, the man used to bring the women to submission, is a creepy creation by Millwood, in her debut adult novel * i-news *Elegant and chilling . . . an absorbing account of women finding power and grace and love even under the most harrowing circumstances * USA Today *A dark read filled with suspicion and fear * Psychologies *A mesmerising, heartwrenching novel which had me desperate for the women of Vardø to win through. A perfect book club choice -- AJ Pearce, author of Dear Mrs BirdPassionate, stirring and conveying a terrifying atmosphere of claustrophobic oppression, Hargrave’s gripping tale of courageous women facing overwhelming odds is helped along no end by the vividness of her bleak island location and her depiction of the dynamics of a God-fearing fishing village as opposing factions struggle for control * The Herald *Kiran Millwood Hargrave illuminates one of the darkest chapters of our history. -- Samantha Shannon, author of The Bone Season and The Priory of the Orange TreeBoth harrowing and beautiful. Through mesmerizing prose, Kiran Millwood Hargrave depicts the brutality of life for women on an isolated island in 1620 Norway during the witch trials. Yet amidst this horror and within the punishing landscape, she creates a set of brilliant characters and a moving love story full of tenderness and hope. This is a book to be savoured and read time and again. -- Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing GirlAbsolutely stunning. The Mercies is a very special book. -- Louise O'Neill, author of Asking For ItI loved The Mercies. It opened up a completely new chapter of history to me, and I loved the way it told its story in such beautiful language. I won't forget this story of these women in a Norway I knew little about. A searing historical novel -- Naomi Wood, author of Mrs HemingwayEvery once in a while, a modern day parable, perfectly told, reflects all that could happen in a world gone mad. Kiran Millwood Hargrave has written a novel for our times with artistry and skill. Maren's story is powerful, at turns, it is disturbing, and ultimately illuminating. You will ponder it long after you finish this magnificent work -- Adriana Trigiani, author of Lucia, LuciaBased on the real-life witch trials of 1621, this is an immersive and beautifully written tale. Highly recommended -- Alice O'Keeffe * Bookseller, Editor's Choice *Kiran Millwood Hargrave effortlessly transports us across hundreds of years and thousands of miles to a tiny Norwegian Island in the early seventeenth century and throws us into the lives and passions of an extraordinary cast of characters . . . deeply unsettling, entirely pertinent to our contemporary lives, and a completely addictive read. I cannot recommend it enough -- Sarah Butler, author of Jack and BetThis chilling tale of religious persecution is served up with a feminist bite -- Kirkus (starred review)Caught me from the very first page and held me right to the end. A vivid evocation of time and place and utterly believable, absorbing characters - I felt I breathed the same air . . . The Mercies is a story that will stay with me -- Helen Walmsley-Johnson, author of Look What You Made Me DoDark and menacing, retelling the story of a witch hunt on the isolated island of Vardo, off the coast of Norway . . . Millwood Hargrave slowly builds an atmosphere of suspicion and superstition as new loyalties and old rivalries rear up. * Express *

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Book SynopsisA powerful retelling of Oedipus and Antigone from the perspectives of the women the myths overlooked, from Natalie Haynes, the Women's Prize-shortlisted author of A Thousand Ships and the Sunday Times bestseller Stone Blind.My siblings and I have grown up in a cursed house, children of cursed parents . . .Jocasta is just fifteen when she is told that she must marry the King of Thebes, an old man she has never met. Her life has never been her own, and nor will it be, unless she outlives her strange, absent husband.Ismene is the same age when she is attacked in the palace she calls home. Since the day of her parents' tragic deaths a decade earlier, she has always longed to feel safe with the family she still has. But with a single act of violence, all that is about to change.With the turn of these two events, a tragedy is set in motion. But not as you know it.'Haynes balances a fresh take on the material . . . giving new voice to the often-overlooked but fascinating Jocasta and Ismene.' - Madeline Miller, author of Circe.Trade ReviewA passionate and gripping account of a famously dysfunctional family. Haynes balances a fresh take on the material with a deep love for her sources, wearing her scholarship with grace, and giving new voice to the often-overlooked but fascinating Jocasta and Ismene. -- Madeline Miller, Women's Prize winning author of The Song of AchillesHaynes’s fascination with this long vanished world is evident in every line . . . Her Thebes... is vividly captured: a place of hard light and sharp shadows, dust, fountains and dry heat. * Guardian *Natalie Haynes takes on Sophocles in her vivid and affecting second novel -- Fiction to look out for in 2017 * Observer *Glorious, gripping and brutal . . . I loved it -- Victoria DerbyshireNew life is breathed into a powerful ancient story through Natalie Haynes's clever and vivid story telling. -- Martha KearneyNearly every page of Natalie Haynes's The Children of Jocasta could stand alone as poetry. This is a visceral, engrossing, and meticulously-crafted reimagining of two of the most important stories of all time. A truly remarkable feat -- Dr Amanda ForemanIn this gripping novel, Haynes takes us to the breaking heart of one epically dysfunctional family and makes heroines of those previously doomed to be spectators of their own tragedy -- Damian Barr, author of Maggie & MeHaynes is master of her trade, crafting perfect sentences and believable characters who speak and think in delicately nuanced language. [She] succeeds in breathing warm life into some of our oldest stories to show how remarkably little basic human relationships and emotions have changed * Telegraph *Atmospherically evoking a landscape of longed-for lakes and dark mountains, Haynes also subtly explores the “space between us and them” – between rulers and the people; parents and children; our personas and most secret selves * Observer *A wonderful and inventive take on an ancient tale -- Antonia Senior * The Times *Haynes has written her own version of the tragedy, finding new space in the narrative by looking at it through the eyes of two characters neglected by antiquity: Oedipus’s mother/bride Jocasta and their youngest daughter Ismene . . . Some of this novel’s greatest satisfactions come from the way Haynes translates the story out of the mythic and into a naturalistic register of love, loss and ambition . . . The ancient city state comes vividly alive in Haynes’s hands, and canny deviations from the archetypal outline keep the suspense going. In The Children of Jocasta, Haynes has written a fine new story between the old lines. * Spectator *

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Book SynopsisIn this epic and haunting love story set on the Oregon Trail, a family and their unlikely protector find their way through peril, uncertainty, and loss. The Overland Trail, 1853: Naomi May never expected to be widowed at twenty. Eager to leave her grief behind, she sets off with her family for a life out West. On the trail, she forms an instant connection with John Lowry, a half-Pawnee man straddling two worlds and a stranger in both. But life in a wagon train is fraught with hardship, fear, and death. Even as John and Naomi are drawn to each other, the trials of the journey and their disparate pasts work to keep them apart. John’s heritage gains them safe passage through hostile territory only to come between them as they seek to build a life together. When a horrific tragedy strikes, decimating Naomi’s family and separating her from John, the promises they made are all they have left. Ripped apart, they can’t turn back, they can’t go on, and they can’t let go. Both will have to make terrible sacrifices to find each other, save each other, and eventually…make peace with who they are.Trade ReviewA 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards Semifinalist: Best Historical Fiction “The genuine bond between John and Naomi will keep readers turning the pages.” —Publishers Weekly “Harmon brings the tribulations of the vast westward migration to life in this sweeping, majestic narrative…filled with tension and honest reflection, as well as missteps and disappointments, all of which add a rich realism to this sumptuous historical novel.” —Booklist (starred review) “Where the Lost Wander is as much a perilous story…as it is an enduring tale of harmony, friendship, love, and hope.” —Historical Novel Society “If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you’ll find Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon, a wonderful read…this story is one of courage in the face of the unknown and the importance of perseverance when all feels lost.” —Barbara Delinsky, New York Times bestselling author

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Book Synopsis‘A page-turner of a crime thriller . . . This is a world conveyed with convincing, terrible clarity’ – C. J. Sansom, author of Dissolution.Winner of the HWA Debut CrownWinner of the Specsavers Debut Crime Novel AwardBlood & Sugar is the thrilling debut historical crime novel from Laura Shepherd-Robinson for fans of C. J. Sansom and Andrew Taylor.June, 1781. An unidentified body hangs upon a hook at Deptford Dock, London – horribly tortured and branded with a slaver’s mark.Some days later, Captain Harry Corsham – a war hero embarking upon a promising parliamentary career – learns that an old friend, passionate abolitionist Tad Archer, had been about to expose a secret that he believed could cause irreparable damage to the British slaving industry. He’d said people were trying to kill him, and now he is missing . . .To discover what happened to Tad, Harry is forced to pick up the threads of his friend’s investigation, delving into the heart of the conspiracy Tad had unearthed. His investigation will threaten his political prospects, his family’s happiness, and force a reckoning with his past, risking the revelation of secrets that have the power to destroy him.And that is only if he can survive the mortal dangers awaiting him in Deptford . . .'A brilliant book . . . Absolutely superb' – James O'BrienShortlisted for the CWA New Blood DaggerShortlisted for the CWA Historical DaggerLonglisted for the Theakston's Crime Novel of the YearTrade ReviewLaura Shepherd-Robinson has written a story that is not only a page-turner of a thriller but, to an extent unusual in historical novels, where you feel you really are listening to a voice from the eighteenth century. This is a world conveyed with convincing, terrible clarity’ -- C. J. Sansom, author of Dissolution, Tombland and Winter in MadridA novel of astonishing skill * Financial Times *A tightly plotted crime story with vivid details of Georgian England * Sunday Times *Stunning . . . Blood & Sugar is a harrowing and brutal epic [that] shocks and thrills in equal measure * Express *A striking historical thriller . . . Few first novels are as accomplished as this -- Andrew Taylor, author of The Ashes of LondonEpic, harrowing, thrilling, brutal, addictive. I read it flat out in one day -- C. J. Tudor, author of The Chalk ManEnthralling * Daily Telegraph *Magnificent . . . A tense and gripping historical thriller that shines an unwavering light on a dark period in British history. Unmissable. -- Antonia Hodgson, author of The Devil in the MarshalseaPhenomenal . . . A shoo-in for one of the books of the year -- David Young, author of Stasi ChildA searing, ingeniously constructed story * The Times *Extraordinary -- Caz Frear, author of Sweet Little LiesTruly addictive -- Jenny Quintana, author of The Missing GirlA passionate indictment of British involvement in the slave trade but it never neglects its duty to chill and thrill * Sunday Express *With a hugely likeable hero at its heart, this rich and beautifully written debut marks out Laura Shepherd-Robinson as a major new talent -- Fiona Cummins, author of RattleThe finest Georgian intrigue * The Times Crime Club *A remarkably assured debut -- Elizabeth Fremantle, author of The Queen's GambitA page-turning dive into the torrid depths of London in the 1780s -- Mary Paulson-Ellis, author of The Other Mrs WalkerGripping and original . . . I absolutely loved it -- Karen Hamilton, author of The Perfect GirlfriendImmersive and exhilarating . . . I was completely swept away -- Holly Seddon, author of Love Will Tear Us ApartExtraordinary, immersive, addictive and moving -- Olivia Kiernan, author of Too Close to BreathI can’t recommend it enough -- Jo Jakeman, author of Sticks and StonesUtterly compelling . . . The next star of historical crime fiction has arrived -- R. N. MorrisThe most absorbing, intelligent and breathtakingly atmospheric novel I’ve read in a long time -- Chris WhitakerI haven't read such an accomplished historical novel since I was introduced to C.J. Sansom. -- Jo SpainA gripping mystery . . . I loved it -- Laura Marshall, author of Friend RequestOne of the best historical novels I’ve read in ages. -- Kaite Welsh, author of The Wages of SinDeptford, a gateway to and from Britain’s expanding empire, is evoked in pungent detail. The British slave trade was an appalling episode in our history and the novel is unflinching in its refusal to sentimentalise motives or to row back on the savagery of the times. * Daily Mail *A brilliant book . . . Superb . . . Absolutely superb' -- James O'Brien, presenter of LBC Radio and bestselling author of How To Be RightOne of the most sophisticated crime novels of the past few years * The Critic *Read Daughters of Night by Laura Shepherd-Robinson, but read Blood & Sugar first: a) because it's brilliant, and b) because the characters overlap. They're both murder mysteries set in a meticulously and hyper-vividly drawn 18th-century London. The first is eye-opening about slavery, the second is about prostitution, or rather the first is about race and the second is about woman. Total page-turners -- India Knight * Sunday Times *

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Book Synopsis''[Gervase Phinn is] a worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing.'' - bestselling author Alan Titchmarsh''A shining light in our dark days'' - 5 STAR reader reviewAfter an eventful start to his first ever teaching post in the sleepy village of Risingdale, Tom Dwyer is hoping for a bit of calm. Nursing a broken heart after a romantic disappointment, he just wants to keep his head down and get on with his job. But it is not to be. A beautiful London artist sets tongues wagging when she moves into the village, and her precocious yet frail son is in Tom''s class. On top of that, his colleague''s malicious ex-husband is back, determined to create mischief, and a tragedy on one of the winding country roads sends the village reeling. And all this alongside a class of children who still seem to know more about farming than fractions. With its colourful mix of characters both old and new and its many laugh-out-loud momentTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR GERVASE PHINN:Good old-fashioned yarn-spinning * The Bookbag *Packed with delightful and authentic characters, juicy gossip, precarious romance and good old-fashioned village drama, this is a warm-hearted and hilarious account of a struggling school in a small community. * Good Book Guide *As Yorkshire's favourite school inspector turns to fiction, you can enjoy memorable characters and turns of phrase. * Choice *Written with all the humour and warmth one has come to expect from this master storyteller. * Countryman *A worthy successor to James Herriot, and every bit as endearing. * Alan Titchmarsh *

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Book SynopsisBook 4 in the bestselling 4-book Christian fiction series that has sold over 1.3 million copies!A story about God's unending faithfulness, the power of family love, and the healing miracle of redemption, from Karen Kingsbury, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of heart-tugging and emotional (Romantic Times) life-changing fiction.A New ChapterWith the demands of Hollywood life behind them for now, Dayne and Katy Matthews continue to adjust to life in Bloomington as they look forward to a new chapter togetherexpanding their family. Meanwhile, the entire CKT staff is busy preparing for the first production in Dayne and Katy's theater.A Time of UncertaintyThe Flanigans rally to support Bailey and Connor as they try out for lead roles in the musical, but then the family receives tragic news that weighs heavily on everyone's mind. At the same time, Jim Flanigan faces a decision that could drastically chan

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Book SynopsisBorn in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, Margaret Dickinson moved to the coast at the age of seven and so began her love for the sea and the Lincolnshire landscape. Her ambition to be a writer began early and she had her first novel published at the age of twenty-five. This was followed by many further titles including Plough the Furrow, Sow the Seed and Reap the Harvest, which make up her Lincolnshire Fleethaven Trilogy. She is also the author of Fairfield Hall, Jenny's War and The Clippie Girls. Margaret is a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller.

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Book SynopsisThe Teashop Girls is a warm and moving tale of friendship and love in wartime, by the bestselling author of the Woolworths series, Elaine Everest.It is early 1940 and World War Two has already taken a hold on the country. Rose Neville works as a Lyon’s Teashop Nippy on the Kent coast alongside her childhood friends, the ambitious Lily and Katie, whose fiancé is about to be posted overseas in the navy. As war creates havoc in Europe, Rose relies on the close friendship of her friends and her family.When Capt. Benjamin Hargreaves enters the teashop one day, Rose is immediately drawn to him. But as Lyon’s forbids courting between staff and customers, she tries to put the handsome officer out of her mind.In increasingly dark and dangerous times, Rose fears there may not be time to waste. But is the dashing captain what he seems?Praise for Elaine Everest:'Heartwarming . . . a must read' - Woman's Own'A warm, tender tale of friendship and love' - Milly Johnson'A lovely read' - BellaTrade ReviewHeartwarming . . . a must-read * Woman's Own *A warm, tender tale of friendship and love . . . sweet as a Woolies pick’n’mix -- Milly Johnson on The Woolworths GirlsA lovely read -- Bella on The Woolworths GirlsElaine brings the heyday of the iconic high-street giant to life in her charming novel -- S Magazine on The Woolworths Girls

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Book SynopsisManda Scott is a veterinary surgeon, writer and climber. Born and educated in Scotland, she now lives in Suffolk with two lurchers and too many cats. She began her literary career as a crime writer - her debut, Hen's Teeth, was shortlisted for the Orange Prize and The Times proclaimed her 'one of Britain's most important crime writers'. DREAMING THE EAGLE, the first book in the Boudica series, is also available by Bantam Books and the third boo, DREAMING THE HOUND, by Bantam Press.Trade ReviewUtterly convincing and compelling ... a stunning feat of the imagination and an absolute must-read for lovers of historical fiction -- STEVEN PRESSFIELDStaggeringly imaginative ... Breathtakingly good, it reveals the best and worst in all of us -- VAL McDERMIDAn extraordinary work combining history and imagination. At times I was moved to tears, at others, immensely proud to be bred from a tradition that made warriors of women -- JENNI MURRAYOne of the boldest of recent adventures in historical fiction ... richly textured, robustly plotted * Independent *A powerful novel, alive with the love, deceit, wisdom and the heroics of humanity -- JEAN M. AUEL

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Book SynopsisAD 636. Anglo-Saxon Britain. Beobrand has land, men and riches. He should be content. And yet he cannot find peace until his enemies are food for the ravens. But before Beobrand can embark on his bloodfeud, King Oswald orders him southward, to escort holy men bearing sacred relics. When Penda of Mercia marches a warhost into the southern kingdoms, Beobrand and his men are thrown into the midst of the conflict. Beobrand soon finds himself fighting for his life and his honour. In the chaos that grips the south, dark secrets are exposed, bringing into question much that Beobrand had believed true. Can he unearth the answers and exact the vengeance he craves? Or will the blood-price prove too high, even for a warrior of his battle-fame and skill?Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR THE BERNICIA CHRONICLES SERIES: 'Murder, betrayal and vengeance fuel tribal warfare and personal combat. Beobrand is the warrior to follow' David Gilman. 'Historical fiction doesn't get much better than this' Angus Donald, author of The Outlaw Chronicles. 'Matthew Harffy’s tale of England in the Dark Ages is nothing less than superb' * Historical Novel Society *

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Book SynopsisTHE THIRD NOVEL IN THE BESTSELLING CHOCOLAT SERIES''Expertly crafted, typically mouthwatering'' DAILY MAILWhen Vianne Rocher receives a letter from beyond the grave, she allows the wind to blow her back to the village in south-west France where, eight years ago, she opened up a chocolate shop. But Lansquenet is different now: women veiled in black, the scent of spices and peppermint tea, and, on the bank of the river Tannes, facing the church: a minaret.Nor is it only the incomers from North Africa that have brought change. Father Reynaud, Vianne''s erstwhile adversary, is disgraced and under threat. Could it be that Vianne is the only one who can save him now?''A brave and grippingly confected story'' SUNDAY TIMES''Like Chocolat, this book is a feast for the senses. Every page is steeped in scents, colours and tastes'' LITERARY REVIEW''Prepare to be transported by Joanne Harris as she revisits the characters and setting of her first bestseller, Chocolat'' GOOD HOUSEKEEPINGTrade ReviewVianne - unconventional, good-hearted, slightly magical - blows in like a refreshing breeze, forcing people to question their prejudices. A delight * The Times *Expertly crafted, typically mouthwatering * Daily Mail *A delightful jumble of the sensuous sights, sounds and smells the author describes so well * Glamour *Her characteristic love affair with texture – scents, smells and sounds – immerses the reader in a bath of seductive imagery in a brave and grippingly confected story * The Sunday Times *Prepare to be transported by Joanne Harris as she revisits the characters and setting of her first bestseller, Chocolat...Deftly tackling the subject of religious intolerance, this bewitching novel stirs the senses * Good Housekeeping (Book of the Month) *

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Book Synopsis- 5 STARS"The drama never lets up - it is gripping" - 5 STARS"I'm just gutted to have finished it!" - 5 STARS"Verrens rules, ok?"Trade ReviewScourge of Rome is a compelling and urgent account of one of the darkest events in Roman history. Douglas Jackson brings history to life in a compelling way. -- Kate Atherton * SUNDAY EXPRESS *A writer at the top of his game, his books are the complete package, filled with intrigue, action and adventure. But more than that they are filled with history, with heart and emotion and characters that will make you bleed and cry and love . . . I cannot recommend this highly enough. * PARMENIONBOOKS *

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Book SynopsisGosport, 1941. The Bluebird Girls - Rainey Bird, Bea Herron and Ivy Sparrow - are on their way to stardom. From working mens' clubs to the glamour of the Savoy Hotel, fame and fortune beckon as the south coast's favourite singing trio work to charm their way into the hearts of the nation.But the war rages on, and reaching the top of their game will not be easy. Blonde bombshell Bea is still dealing with the fallout of a traumatic encounter last winter. Rainey is determined to live up to her mother's belief in her, but finds herself struggling with the whirlwind of life in showbusiness. And Ivy, usually so self-possessed, is hopelessly in love...As bombs rain down and rationing bites harder, it will take all their grit, good humour and the support of friends and family to see them through. Can the girls keep their dream alive through Britain's darkest hour?'Rich in period detail and, as always, passion, drama, friendship and family take star billing. [A] warm and appealing story' Lancashire Evening Post on The Bluebird GirlsTrade ReviewA heart-warming wartime story about friendship, hope, motherhood and music's ability to heal * Culturefly *

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Book SynopsisSet in Renaissance Italy, this classic of American popular fiction is the story of Andrea Orsini, a peasant boy who rises to perform delicate political, military, and romantic missions for Cesare Borgia.Trade ReviewA novel as colorful as the era itself. Fiction yes, but convincing fiction, based on sound scholarship and inspired research. * San Francisco Chronicle *A superior performance...It is long and exciting and romatic and filled with precusely accurate historical detail...A rich abundance of hairbredth escapes, last-minute resces, splendid feats of arms and masterly intrigues. But the age was crammed with just such matters and thes do not strain credulity more than the conventions of historical romance allow...Good popular story-telling and a lively pageant of life in the Italy of the Borgia. * The New York Times *A magnificent job from beginning to end—a completely absorbing book. * Boston Herald *There are many reasons for reading Prince of Foxes—not least, as some reviewers like to say, that it's just about impossible to put it down once you start it—but I would like to put it forward as a textbook example of what American were reading during the golden age of American popular fiction. This period lasted for about three decades, from the early 1930's to the late 1950's, during which much of the commercial fiction that millions of American read for pleasure—ficstion that made the best-seller lists—was work of considerable literary skill and stylistic distinctiveness. That stands in sharp contrast to the popular fiction Americans now read...None wrote better than Shellabarger...Shellabarger was an educator by training and inclination, and he wanted readers to learn from his novels as wella s be entertained by them. To say that you will learn a lot about Renaissance Italy from Princes of Foxes is an understatement. -- Jonathan Yardely, Pulitzer Prize winning book critic and columnist for the Washington Post and author of six books.If you like historical novels (personally, I do) it is certainly required reading. * Saturday Review Of Literature *With equal skill he touches on the complex nature of that fierce and flowering age, manipulates love as well as battle, agitates one, amid a ceaseless whirl of pomp, murder, sex , intrigue, romance, war, high adventure, into a near swoon os suspense. Dr. Shellabarger displays his great learning with exceptional skill. The sets are opulent, but so adroitly organized that one is not so much impressed by the erudition they manifest as hypnotized by their glowing vitality...A faithful and fascinating resurrection of the spirit and look of a furiously exciting, cruel and splendid age. * The New York Times *

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Book SynopsisNow in paperback, a bewitching collection of stories and novellas that are “suspenseful, thought-provoking, mystical, and haunting” (Publishers Weekly)Trade Review"Counternarratives is an extraordinary work of literature. John Keene is a dense, intricate, and magnificent writer." -- Christine Smallwood - Harper’s"Of the scope of William T. Vollmann or Samuel R. Delany, but with a kaleidoscopic intuition all its own, Counternarratives is very easily one of the most vividly imagined and vitally timed books of the year. I haven’t felt so refreshed in quite a while as a reader." -- Blake Butler - Vice"Keene exerts superb control over his stories, costuming them in the style of Jorge Luis Borges. Yet he preserves the undercurrent of excitement and pathos that accompanies his characters’ persecution and their groping toward freedom." -- Sam Sacks - The Wall Street Journal

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Book SynopsisAN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERONE OF BARACK OBAMA''S FAVORITE BOOKS OF 2023NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY NPR, TIME, ESQUIRE, VOGUE, LA TIMES, SLATE, HARPER''S BAZAAR and others ?Part historical, part horror, part breathless thriller, part wilderness survival tale, The Vaster Wilds is a story about the lengths to which we will go to stay alive.?NPR staff pick ?Lauren Groff just reinvented the adventure novel.?Los Angeles Times?Glorious…surroundings come alive in prose that lives and breathes upon the page.?Boston GlobeA taut and electrifying novel from celebrated bestselling author Lauren Groff, about one spirited girl alone in the wilderness, trying to survive A servant girl escapes from a colonial settlement in the wilderness. She carries nothing with her but her wits, a few possessions, and the spark of god that burns hot within her. What she finds in this terra incognita is beyond the limits of her imagination and will bend her belief in everything that her own civilization has taught her. Lauren Groff?s new novel is at once a thrilling adventure story and a penetrating fable about trying to find a new way of living in a world succumbing to the churn of colonialism. The Vaster Wilds is a work of raw and prophetic power that tells the story of America in miniature, through one girl at a hinge point in history, to ask how?and if?we can adapt quickly enough to save ourselves.

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Book SynopsisAs secrets come to light at the abandoned manor house Pembrooke Park, will Abigail find the hidden treasure and love she seeks...or very real danger?

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Book SynopsisThe first in an epic trilogy charting the legend of Merlin.The legend begins...In the town of Segontium, a fugitive is washed ashore. He brutally rapes the granddaughter of the king of the Deceangli tribe, leaving her to bear his son, Myrddion Merlinus. Spurned as a demon seed, the boy is raised by his grandmother and he is apprenticed to a skilled healer who hones his remarkable gift. Meanwhile, the High King of the Celts, Vortigern, is rebuilding the ancient fortress at Dinas Emrys. According to a prophecy, he must use the blood of a demon seed to make the towers stand firm. Myrddion''s life is in jeopardy. But the boy has a prophecy of his own and a richer destiny to fulfil. Soon Vortigern shall be known as the harbinger of chaos, and Myrddion must use his gifts for good in a kingdom besieged by evil. So begins the healer''s journey to greatness...Trade ReviewPraise for M. K. Hume's Arthurian trilogy: 'Historical fiction of the most bloodthirsty and roistering kind * Australian Bookseller & Publishers Magazine *Exciting, violent and bloody... Up there with Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell * www.lovereading.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisA spy thriller, a love story and a chilling look at a resurgent superpower...At the dawn of the new millennium, Finn, an MI6 spy, and Anna, a colonel of the KGB, have been sent to spy on each other. Instead they find a love that becomes to only truth they can trust. A source deep within the Kremlin tells Finn of a plan, hatched in the depths of the Cold War, to dismantle the edifice of the communist state and to bring about the rise of a new imperium within Russia: a plan to control the whole of Europe. Finn''s masters in London are blinded by the new wealth pouring out of Russia and he must leave the Service and work in secrecy to uncover the deadly threat it poses to the freedom of every one of us.Trade ReviewAlex Dryden's brilliant and unforgettable novel has told me more about the making of modern Russia than I could learn from all books of journalism and contemporary history combined. That it has done so in the form of a compulsively readable spy story, love story and moral fable is nothing short of miraculous * Stephen Fry *Alex Dryden is the real thing. If he got any realer, he would step out of the pages and physically punch you, with both elegance and regret * Hugh Laurie *... terrifying, quite frankly ... chillingly unputdownable - everything you didn't want to know about Putin but were afraid to ask * Emma Thompson *...could not be better timed... [Dryden] is grimly authoritative on the power plays of Putin and the new Russia * Daily Express *

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Book Synopsis1593: Elizabethan London seethes with political and religious intrigue, while across the sea thousands perish in the flames of the Spanish Inquisition. On the surface Roderigo, the Queen''s physician, is a loyal subject of the Crown but secretly he and his family are Jewish conversos, hiding their illegal religion. Rebecca, Roderigo''s daughter, is torn between her duty - which includes a loveless marriage to a converso - and her fascination with the heady world of Elizabethan London. Slipping out of her household one night, disguised as a man, Rebecca stumbles into a swordfight with someone equally romantic and heedless: Will Shakespeare, an ambitious young dramatist who, like Rebecca, has secrets to conceal and mysteries to unravel. Together, they embark on an adventure that plunges them into the sinks and stews of Elizabethan England - and into the course of history itself...

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Book SynopsisKaren Swan is the Sunday Times top three bestselling author of twenty-six books and her novels sell all over the world. She writes two books each year which are published in the summer and at Christmas. Previous summer titles include The Spanish Promise, The Hidden Beach and The Secret Path and, for winter, Together by Christmas, Midnight in the Snow and The Christmas Postcards.She lives in Sussex with her husband, three children and two dogs.The Lost Lover is the third book in the historical Wild Isle series, based on the dramatic evacuation of the Scottish island St Kilda in the summer of 1930.

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Book SynopsisDiscover explosive action and white-knuckle drama in the spectacular second instalment in Harry Sidebottom''s vivid five-part series, perfect for fans of Bernard CornwellAD256. The spectre of treachery hangs ominously over the Roman Empire.The sparks of Christian fervour have spread through the empire like wildfire, and the imperium is alive with the machinations of dangerous and powerful men.All the while, Sassanid forces press forward relentlessly along the eastern frontier.When battle-bloodied general Ballista returns to the imperial court from the fallen city of Arete, he discovers that there are those who would rather see him dead than alive.Soon caught in a sinister web of intrigue and religious fanaticism, Ballista''s courage and loyalty will be put to the ultimate test in the service of Rome and the Emperor . . .The Warrior of Rome is back.Praise for Harry Sidebottom''Sidebottom''s

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Book SynopsisWhat is the What is Dave Eggers''s astonishing novel about one of the world''s most brutal civil warsValentino Achak Deng is just a boy when conflict separates him from his family and forces him to leave his small Sudanese village, joining thousands of other orphans on their long, long walk to Ethiopia, where they find safety - for a time. Along the way Valentino encounters enemy soldiers, liberation rebels and deadly militias, hyenas and lions, disease and starvation. But there are experiences ahead that will test his spirit in even greater ways than these . . .Truly epic in scope, and told with expansive humanity, deep compassion and unexpected humour, What is the What is an eye-opening account of life amid the madness of war and an unforgettable tale of tragedy and triumph.''If there was ever any doubt that Dave Eggers is one of our most important storytellers, What Is the What should put it to rest... [A] strange, beautiful and unforgettable work'' San Francisco Chronicle''A remarkable book: harrowing, witty, wretched, delightful; and always compelling, always surprising'' London Review of BooksAll of the author''s proceeds from this book will go to the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation. Read more at: www.valentinoachakdeng.com.Trade ReviewRead Dave Eggers' What is the What – it's the best book of the year * Guardian *If there was ever any doubt that Dave Eggers is one of our most important storytellers, What Is the What should put it to rest... [A] strange, beautiful and unforgettable work * San Francisco Chronicle *'A remarkable book: harrowing, witty, wretched, delightful; and always compelling, always surprising' London Review of BooksIf there was ever any doubt that Dave Eggers is one of our most important storytellers, What Is the What should put it to rest... [A] strange, beautiful and unforgettable work * San Francisco Chronicle *

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Book SynopsisThe higher one climbs, the further there is to fall.As war with Napoleon seemingly draws to a close, opportunities for advancement are limited and Jack Aubrey faces the ultimate indignity the possibility of being yellowed', or retired, and set aside with no squadron of his own. But the blockade of Brest presents dangers to equal those of the furthest shores.Who poses the greater threat to a naval man through and through? A resurgent Bonaparte or the Admiralty itself?On every page [O'Brian] reminds us with noble artistry of the most important of all historical lessons: that times change but people don't, that the griefs and follies and victories of the men and women who were here before us are in fact the maps of our own lives.'RICHARD SNOW, New York TimesThese novels are a brilliant achievement. They display staggering erudition on almost all aspects of eighteenth-century life.'Times Literary SupplementTrade 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 ‘My hero is Patrick O’Brian. It’s basically impossible to write that well.’David Mamet ‘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

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Book SynopsisEntrusted with a secret mission, the perils of the South China Sea await.In the fight against the French, a treaty with the Sultan of Pulo Prabang, a piratical Malay state, may prove decisive. Captain Jack Aubrey and ship's surgeon Stephen Maturin, along with a hand-picked crew, must survive the dangers of the high forties and convey a diplomatic envoy to ensure this key alliance, but dangers, both natural and man-made, will dog their every move.When echoes of the past return, no one is safe.If Jane Austen had written rousing sea yarns, she would have produced something very close to the prose of Patrick O''Brian.''TimeWritten with the most engaging enthusiasm that can't fail to give pleasure to anybody who enjoys historical adventure flavoured with more than a dash of realism.'Sunday TimesTrade 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 ‘My hero is Patrick O’Brian. It’s basically impossible to write that well.’David Mamet ‘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 ‘ash of realismOne 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

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of North and South and Mary Barton, Elizabeth Gaskell''s Cranford is a standalone publication of Elizabeth Gaskell''s best-known work, with a critical introduction by Patricia Ingham in Penguin Classics.Cranford depicts the lives and preoccupations of the inhabitants of a small village - their petty snobberies, appetite for gossip, and loyal support for each other in times of need This is a community that runs on cooperation and gossip, at the very heart of which are the daughters of the former rector: Miss Deborah Jenkyns and her sister Miss Matty, But domestic peace is constantly threatened in the form of financial disaster, imagined burglaries, tragic accidents, and the reapparance of long-lost relatives. to Lady Glenmire, who shocks everyone by marrying the doctor. When men do appear, such as ''modern'' Captain Brown or Matty''s suitor from the past, they bring disruption and excitement to the everyday life of Cranford.In her introduction, Patricia Ingham places the novel in its literary and historical context, and discusses the theme of female friendship and Gaskell''s narrative technique. This edition also contains an account of Gaskell''s childhood in Knutsford, on which Cranford is based, appendices on fashion and domestic duties supplemented by illustrations, a chronology of Gaskell''s life and works, suggestions for further reading, and explanatory notes.Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-65) was born in London, but grew up in the north of England in the village of Knutsford. In 1832 she married the Reverend William Gaskell and had four daughters, and one son who died in infancy. Her first novel, Mary Barton, was published in 1848, winning the attention of Charles Dickens, and most of her later work was published in his journals. She was also a lifelong friend of Charlotte Brontë, whose biography she wrote.If you enjoyed Cranford, you may like Jane Austen''s Mansfield Park, also available in Penguin Classics.

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate Rome storyThe young Julius Caesar is serving on board a war galley, gaining a fearsome reputation. Then his ship is captured and he is abandoned on the North African coast. After gathering a legion of men powerful enough to gain vengeance on his captors and to suppress an uprising in Greece, he returns to Rome a hero.At the moment of his triumph, Julius finds he must fight again. A savage rebellion threatens the city, led by a gladiator named SpartacusThe second instalment in the bestselling Emperor series.Trade Review‘Iggulden is in a class of his own when it comes to epic, historical fiction’ Daily Mirror ‘A brilliant story – I wish I’d written it. A novel of vivid characters, stunning action and unrelenting pace. It really is a terrific read.’BERNARD CORNWELL ‘The descriptions of combat in the circus, slaves in revolt, skirmishes in Greece, amputations and street fighting are all convincing.’TLS ‘A rich and compelling novel that draws the reader into an extraordinary time and the life of an extraordinary man.’DAVID GEMMELL

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its incredible range of best-loved, essential classics.I believe a leaf of grass is no less than the journey work of the starsFirst published in 1855, and edited, revised and expanded over thirty years, Leaves of Grass' has become one of the most celebrated poetry collections in the history of American literature. A master of free verse, Walt Whitman captures the true spirit of his homeland and its people through his poetry. He explores a wide range of themes, encompassing American identity and cultural values, democracy, nature and the mysteries of the human spirit.Featuring the poems of the original 1855 edition, Leaves of Grass' remains an influential work within the American literary tradition, studied and treasured around the world.Trade Review‘I greet you at the beginning of a great career.’ Letter from Ralph Waldo Emerson to Walt Whitman, 1855 ‘The most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed.’ Ralph Waldo Emerson ‘America's poet… He is America.’ Ezra Pound ‘If you are American, then Walt Whitman is your imaginative father and mother, even if, like myself, you have never composed a line of verse.’ Harold Bloom, literary critic

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Book SynopsisThe first romantic historical novel and international bestseller, Waverley (1814) tells the story of Edward Waverley, a naïve, sensitive young man who is posted to Scotland with his regiment, and becomes caught between the clans of the Jacobite Rising and the forces of the Hanoverian regime. He must decide whether he will follow the civilization he has always known, or be drawn into an older world of honour and loyalty - and must also choose between the quiet, constant Rose, and the passionate, principled Flora.

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