Historical Fiction Books

Book SynopsisAfter being driven from home by their brutal father, the Willett sisters find themselves facing greater heartache in the wider world. Nell, the middle daughter, has left home to be with her lover, Cliff, fearing what reprisals might come from marrying against her father''s wishes. The couple head for Lancashire, but Nell''s happiness is short-lived. A gypsy palm-reader tells her she will still find her destiny, under ''three big trees on a hill'' and her luck does seem to change when she meets Hugh, and farmer and a gentleman who she can''t help but feel drawn to. Could the trees on his land be a sign, or will Nell be too damaged by her past to let herself love again?Trade Review`Another heart-warming but tense story from Anna…[She] runs us through the gamut of every human emotion in this epic heart-string-puller. The characterisation is superb, the feel for the period is absolutely spot on, and the plot, though a little predictable, is terrific.’ Booksmonthly

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Book SynopsisThe Booker-shortlisted Royal Flying Corps classic, reissued for the 50th Anniversary of its first publicationWith an Introduction by James Holland and an Afterword by Mike Petty"Robinson is probably the best novelist ever to write about fighter combat: surprising, hyper-realistic and very, very dark" Spectator World War One pilots were the knights of the sky, and the press and public idolised them as gallant young heroes. At just twenty-three, Major Stanley Woolley is the old man and commanding officer of Goshawk Squadron. He abhors any notion of chivalry in the clouds and is determined to obliterate the decent, gentlemanly outlook of his young, public school-educated pilots - for their own good. But as the war goes on he is forced to throw greener and greener pilots into the meat grinder. Goshawk Squadron finds its gallows humour and black camaraderie no defence against a Spandau bullet to the back of the head.Trade ReviewFit to sit on the same shelf as Waugh and Heller... Robinson's recreation of the exhausted savagery of 1918 is truly shocking... the descriptions of flying are brilliantly vertiginous; nobody puts you in the cockpit like Robinson. -- Mike Petty * Slightly Foxed. *The most readable novel of the year . . . I laughed aloud, several times. And was, in the end, reduced to tears. -- Nina BawdenGoshawk Squadron has the authoritative ring of a little classic on the subject of war. -- Claire TomalinA bleak and savage book, full of the terror of warfare and shot through with grim humour; a sort of First-World-War Catch-22. -- Nicholas Lezard * Guardian. *Robinson has a narrative gift that sets up the hackles of involvement. A rare quality. -- Paul Scott

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Book SynopsisThe Scottish Highlands, 1943 A family torn apart by the secrets of war. In a remote corner of Scotland something momentous is underway. When Effie's father receives a government notice to quit Kirk Farm, the lives of the Ross family and those of the whole community are utterly disrupted. But for Effie – irrepressible, beautiful, vital – wartime changes bring her close to Toni, an Italian prisoner of war sent to work on the farm. Before long, the young couple are planning a future together when the war is finally over. It’s a future that's under threat from the start. For there are those among them who cannot quite be trusted. Someone is determined to find out what lies behind the upheaval – and to pass those secrets into enemy hands. To stop them will create devastation beyond anything anyone could have imagined. Based on true events of the Second World War, this evocative novel captures the emotions, dangers and atmosphere of the days when the world faced its darkest hour.

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Book SynopsisConstance Kopp, America’s first female deputy sheriff, is back in another unforgettable romp by HWA-longlisted international bestseller Amy Stewart. While transporting a woman to an insane asylum, Deputy Kopp discovers something deeply troubling about her story. Before she can investigate, another inmate breaks free and tries to escape. In both cases, Constance runs instinctively toward justice. But 1916 is a high-stakes US election year, and any move she makes could jeopardise Sheriff Heath’s future — and her own. Constance’s controversial career makes her the target of political attacks. With wit and verve, Amy Stewart brilliantly conjures the life and times of the real Constance Kopp and her feisty sisters.Trade Review‘Suspenseful … boasts a deeper emphasis on character, politics, and social issues. A must for Constance’s growing fan base.’ STARRED REVIEW * Booklist *‘Stewart's intrepid deputy sheriff is back, this time enmeshed in a 1916 local election with uncomfortable contemporary resonance … Constance may just have turned 40, but this tough-minded, generous-hearted believer in second chances and equal rights for women looks set for many more adventures. A welcome addition to this sui generis series, always fresh thanks to its vividly imagined characters firmly grounded in historical fact.’ STARRED REVIEW * Kirkus *‘This is becoming a terrific historical mystery series.’ -- Jon Wise * Weekend Sport *‘Highly engaging without sanitising the attitudes of the times.’ * The Herald *‘Historically fascinating and with truculent characters and intrigues, these books are a guilty pleasure for fans of Janet Plum or Maisie Dobbs and deserve a larger audience.’ -- Maxim Jakbowski * Crime Time *‘Stewart skillfully builds nail-biting suspense … The blend of practicality, forthrightness, and compassion in her first-person narration is sure to satisfy series fans and win new admirers.’ * Publishers Weekly *‘Miss Kopp Just Won’t Quit is everything I look for in solid historical fiction … Constance Kopp makes a fierce and lively heroine who stands out as a “strong female character” in all the best ways.’ -- Dee Carey * Half-deserted Streets *‘The talented author has made a well-researched, rollicking story out of the three of them and Sheriff Heath, so that the reader can experience a flavour of life for women in the early 1900s in New Jersey just before the war.’ -- Caitlln Hicks * New York Journal of Books *‘The books are based on actual events with characters and deeds embellished to create marvellous historical novels. The present book finds Constance as both deputy and matron of the female prisoners at the Hackensack county jail in the autumn of 1916. Though she often sleeps at the jail, she still lives on the farm with her sisters ... the novel excels in revisiting a vanished time, place and sensibility.’ -- Katherine A. Powers * The Washington Post *‘The fourth, funniest and best of the Miss Kopp books finds Constance Kopp at a crossroads … Kopp's first-person account is wry and un-self-pitying, despite the long odds she faces both at the job and at home, where her quirky sisters are after her to bring home more money and less notoriety. The novel is more interested in characters than plot but it's great fun — fans of the Maisie Dobbs series will love it — and a timely reminder that women have been fighting the equity battle for generations.’ -- Chris Hewitt * Minneapolis Star Tribune *

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE 2022. An action-packed historical novel featuring Danish warrior Styrkar, and his journey through the violent Norman Conquest as he fights for vengeance. The champion of a dead king has nothing left to lose... And nothing more to fear. Hastings, 1066. Styrkar the Dane stumbles wounded and delirious from the corpse-strewn battlefield of Senlac Hill. He has watched his king butchered at the hands of foreign knights, seen his countrymen defeated in battle, and he will not stop until there is a reckoning. Styrkar embarks on a bloody quest to avenge his dead master, becoming an outlaw in the wilds and earning a fearsome reputation. When a Breton knight seeks to track down this fugitive and make his own name, he can little envisage the task he has set himself. For Styrkar, the Red Wolf, last surviving housecarl to King Harold Godwinson, will carve the story of his vengeance in Frankish flesh... or die in the attempt. Praise for Richard Cullen: 'Richard Cullen's writing is as sharp as the blade wielded by Styrkar, the series' protagonist, who cuts a bloody swathe through his Norman enemies on his quest for vengeance. Styrkar is a great heroic creation, and the Wolf of Kings series places Cullen in the top tier of historical action and adventure authors' Matthew Harffy 'Oath Bound is a terrific novel... It's a brutal yet compelling tale, and one that gripped me from the first page to the last' Paul Fraser Collard, author of FugItive 'A perfect example of tight, gritty, character-driven storytelling' Luke Scull, author of The Grim Company (on Herald of the Storm)Trade ReviewRichard Cullen's writing is as sharp as the blade wielded by Styrkar, the series' protagonist, who cuts a bloody swathe through his Norman enemies on his quest for vengeance. The books are fast-paced and packed with breathless action. Styrkar is a great heroic creation, and the Wolf of Kings series places Cullen in the top tier of historical action and adventure authors -- Matthew HarffyOath Bound is a terrific novel. Fast-paced and enthralling, the tale of Styrkar the Dane, the Red Wolf, charges along like a Frankish knight bearing down on a defenceless enemy. It's a brutal yet compelling tale, and one that gripped me from the first page to the last. The ending came far too quickly and I am looking forward to seeing what fate has in store for Styrkar as he heads towards an uncertain and dangerous future in the next book -- Paul Fraser Collard, author of FugitiveA perfect example of tight, gritty, character-driven storytelling -- Luke Scull, on Herald of the Storm

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Book SynopsisSoon to be a major television event from Pascal Pictures, starring Tom Holland. Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, the USA Today and #1 Amazon Charts bestseller Beneath a Scarlet Sky is the triumphant, epic tale of one young man’s incredible courage and resilience during one of history’s darkest hours. Pino Lella wants nothing to do with the war or the Nazis. He’s a normal Italian teenager—obsessed with music, food, and girls—but his days of innocence are numbered. When his family home in Milan is destroyed by Allied bombs, Pino joins an underground railroad helping Jews escape over the Alps, and falls for Anna, a beautiful widow six years his senior. In an attempt to protect him, Pino’s parents force him to enlist as a German soldier—a move they think will keep him out of combat. But after Pino is injured, he is recruited at the tender age of eighteen to become the personal driver for Adolf Hitler’s left hand in Italy, General Hans Leyers, one of the Third Reich’s most mysterious and powerful commanders. Now, with the opportunity to spy for the Allies inside the German High Command, Pino endures the horrors of the war and the Nazi occupation by fighting in secret, his courage bolstered by his love for Anna and for the life he dreams they will one day share. Fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Unbroken will enjoy this riveting saga of history, suspense, and love.Trade ReviewA Goodreads Choice Award Finalist, Historical Fiction A 2017 Goodreads Top 20 Most-Read Book A Goodreads Best Book of the Month “Exciting…taut thriller…Beneath a Scarlet Sky tells the true story of one young Italian’s efforts to thwart the Nazis.” —Shelf Awareness “Meticulous research highlights this World War II novel of a youth growing into manhood…a captivating read…” —RT Book Reviews “An incredible story, beautifully written, and a fine and noble book.” —James Patterson, New York Times bestselling author “Sprawling, stirring, like the richest of stories, and played out on a canvas of heroism and tragedy, Beneath a Scarlet Sky is like one of those iconic World War II black and white photos: a face of hope and tears, the story of a small life that ended up mattering in a big way.” —Andrew Gross, New York Times bestselling author of The One Man “Action, adventure, love, war, and an epic hero—all set against the backdrop of one of history's darkest moment—Mark Sullivan's Beneath a Scarlet Sky has everything one can ask for in an exceptional World War II novel.” —Tess Gerritsen, New York Times bestselling author of Playing with Fire “This is full-force Mark Sullivan—muscular, soulful prose evincing an artist’s touch and a journalist’s eye. Beneath a Scarlet Sky conjures an era with a magician’s ease, weaving the rich tapestry of a wartime epic. World War II Italy has never been more alive to me.” —Gregg Hurwitz, New York Times bestselling author of The Nowhere Man “Beneath a Scarlet Sky has everything—heroism, courage, terror, true love, revenge, compassion in the face of the worst human evils. Sullivan shows us war as it really is, with all its complexities, conflicting loyalties, and unresolved questions, but most of all, he brings us the extraordinary figure of Pino Lella, whose determination to live con smania—with passion—saved him.” —Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author of Suspicion and The Switch

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Book Synopsis''Fans of The Crown will enjoy this poignant look behind the royal curtain'' GEORGIE BLALOCK''A tantalizing and poignant tale of the young royal princesses'' STEPHANIE BARRONA crown princess. Her childhood nanny.A shocking betrayal...Marion Crawford is just twenty-two years old when she becomes governess to the little Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose in 1931. As their beloved ''Crawfie'', she is instantly confided in, trusted and immersed in the lives of the royal family.As World War II finally comes to an end, it''s clear that Princess Elizabeth has fallen in love. Now heiress presumptive to the British throne, no one believes that Prince Philip of Greece is a suitable husband for the future Queen of England. No one, that is, except for Crawfie. For Crawfie, too, has fallen in love - and has convinced her fiancé George that they must wait for Elizabeth and Philip to receive tTrade ReviewA tantalizing and poignant tale of the young royal princesses. Wise, loyal and fierce, Crawfie is a heroine for the ages. Arlen's storytelling should thrill anyone who loved The Crown. * Stephanie Barron, author of THAT CHURCHILL WOMAN *Fans of The Crown will enjoy this poignant look behind the royal curtain, and will celebrate and mourn with Marian Crawford, tutor to the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, as she is forced to choose between sharing the lives of the girls she loves or creating a life and family of her own. It's an emotional story of the struggle between duty to a sovereign and duty to one's heart. * Georgie Blalock, Author of THE LAST DEBUTANTES *

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Book SynopsisIt is the winter of 1915 and Iraq has been engulfed by the First World War. Hungry for independence from Ottoman rule, Ahmad leaves his peaceful family life on the banks of the Tigris to join the British-led revolt. Thousands of miles away, Welsh teenager Carwyn reluctantly enlists and is sent, via Gallipoli and Egypt, to the Mesopotamia campaign. Carwyn's and Ahmad’s paths cross, and their fates are bound together. Both are forever changed, not only by their experience of war, but also by the parallel discrimination and betrayal they face. Ruqaya Izzidien's evocative debut novel is rich with the heartbreak and passion that arise when personal loss and political zeal collide, and offers a powerful retelling of the history of British intervention in Iraq.Trade ReviewOffers a powerful retelling of the history of British intervention in Iraq. * Cambrian News *“A novel defined by love and moral conviction. . . Izzidien’s great triumph is to illustrate how nuanced and knotty history can be” * The National *There is a nuanced complexity in the characters, family dynamics, historical context, and sense of time and geographical location . . . . a beautifully rendered panoramic study of some of World War I’s secondary theaters of war. * Media Diversified *

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Book SynopsisThe No. 1Sunday Timesbestselling series set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, perfect for fans of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall trilogy and Netflix's The CrownGripping' Sunday TimesFast-paced and entertaining' Mail on SundayA TREASONOUS PLOTEngland, 1586. Giordano Bruno, heretic turned spy, passes on vital information to spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham. A band of Catholic Englishmen are plotting to kill Queen Elizabeth and install Mary, Queen of Scots, on the English throne.A DEADLY TRAPWalsingham, already aware of the plot, is allowing it to progress. He hopes that Mary will put her support in writing and condemn herself to a traitor''s death.A QUEEN IN DANGER Bruno must go undercover, join the conspirators and stop them. A queen is destined to die; Bruno must make sure it is the right onePraise for ExecutionA brilliantly realised fictionalisation of the Babington plot against Elizabeth 1' ObserverExecution has an atmospheric sense of place. The plot twists and turns' The TimesImmaTrade Review‘A brilliantly realised fictionalisation of the Babington plot against Elizabeth 1…Nimbly braiding history with suspense, this is a classy mystery’ Observer ‘Execution has an atmospheric sense of place. The plot twists and turns’ The Times ‘Immaculate… the depth of period detail, the all-enveloping sense of time and place, and the sheer gory drama’ Metro ‘Sumptuous’ New York Times ‘Parris’s attention to the details of Elizabethan life and her ability to create characters of depth are again on display in a gripping narrative’ The Sunday Times ‘Fast-paced and entertaining, it’s a well-researched and authentically claustrophobic romp through the Elizabethan underworld’ Mail on Sunday ‘Parris is one of the stars of historical crime fiction and this, her sixth Giordano Bruno novel, is among her best’ i ‘Excellent’ The Times ‘Superbly plotted, shimmeringly written, it will have you on the edge of your seat’ Kate Williams, author of The Storms of War ‘An impressive feat. The plot, one of exhilarating complexity, was handled with aplomb’ 'Marisa Haetzman, also writes as Ambrose Parry Praise for S. J. Parris: ‘A delicious blend of history and thriller’ The Times ‘A tight plot combines with subtly-realised characters and an omnipresent sense of danger … My pleasure in the vividly textured backdrop and a cracking story was accompanied by an uneasy shudder’ Daily Mail ‘Colourful characters, fast-moving plots and a world where one false step in religion or politics can mean a grisly death’ Sunday Times ‘S. J. Parris is one of my favourite authors – and unquestionably our greatest living writer of historical thrillers’ A.J. Finn ‘Vivid, sprawling … Well-crafted, exuberant’ Financial Times ‘Successful historical thrillers need three elements: a killer plot that weaves seamlessly into the history; an engaging protagonist; and an atmospheric sense of place. Parris nails all three’ The Times

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Book SynopsisA dazzling family saga, brimming with poetry and passion, that skillfully weaves together the private lives of individuals and major historical events in South America and Europe.  The house on Calle Santo Domingo in Santiago de Chile, with its lush lemon trees, has sheltered three generations of the Lonsonier family. Having arrived from the harsh hills of France’s Jura region with a single grape vine in one pocket and a handful of change in the other, the patriarch put down roots there in the late nineteenth century. His son, Lazare, back from World War I’s hellish trenches, would live there with his wife and build in their garden the most beautiful aviary in the Andes.    That’s where their daughter Margot, a pioneering aviator, would first dream of flying, and where she would raise her son, the revolutionary Ilario Da. Like Lazare before them, they will bravely face the conflicts of their day, fighting against dictatorship on both sides of the Atlantic.    In this captivating saga, Miguel Bonnefoy paints the portrait of an endearing, uprooted family whose terrible dilemmas, caused by the blows of history, reveal their deep humanity.

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Book SynopsisThe new novel from a master of the Cold War thriller . . .''This is Robert Harris storytelling territory'' Daily Mail''Outstanding'' Sunday Times''Tense, exciting and authentic'' Charles Cumming, author of Judas 62''Stunning'' The Times''Brilliantly plotted'' John Sweeney, author of Killer in the Kremlin''A standout thriller'' Financial Times1963. In a desolate Russian penal colony, a radio broadcasts news of the killing of President John F. Kennedy . . .Alexander Vasin''s new posting as director of a brutal gulag camp is far from a promotion. This is where disgraced KGB officers are sent to disappear, quietly, and forgotten.But when a violent revolt breaks out, Vasin must decide: run or die. So he runs. With him goes a mysterious prisoner an individual who might hold the key to an extraordinarily dangerous secret: the identity of who really ordered Kennedy's assassination.Racing from bleak Siberian wastelands to the grey streets of Soviet Moscow, Vasin needs to stay one step ahead of the most ruthless intelligence organization in the world in order to keep the most wanted man in Russia alive. And with his loyalty, morality and patriotic duty tested to the limits, he will face the ultimate choice: fall in line, or die fighting the system . . .Weaving together a critical moment in history with the cut-throat machinations of Soviet politics, this tautly told, nail-bitingly atmospheric novel is a superb Cold War thriller.

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Book SynopsisDon't miss Stacey Halls' captivating new novel THE HOUSEHOLD - available to pre-order now!*WINNER of the WOMEN'S PRIZE FUTURES AWARD*A Waterstones Best Book of the YearLonglisted for the Walter Scott PrizeLonglisted for the Portico Prize'Highly atmospheric and tense' Richard Osman From the bestselling author of The Familiars and The Foundling comes Stacey Halls' most compelling and ambitious novel to date.'Something's not right here. In the house. With the family.'West Yorkshire, 1904. When newly-graduated nurse Ruby May takes a position looking after the children of Charles and Lilian England, a wealthy couple form a powerful dynasty of mill owners, she hopes it will be the fresh start she needs. But as she adapts to life at the isolated Hardcastle House, it becomes clear there's something not quite right about the beautiful, mysterious Mrs England. Ostracised by the other servants and feeling increasingly uneasy, soon a series of strange events will force Ruby to question everything she thought she knew . . .Simmering with slow-burning menace, Mrs England is a portrait of an Edwardian marriage, weaving an enthralling story of men and women, power and control, courage, truth and the very darkest deception. Set against the atmospheric West Yorkshire landscape, Stacey Halls' third novel proves her one of the most exciting and compelling new storytellers of our times.Praise for MRS ENGLAND:'Stacey Halls is a writer of great originality, great imagination and great sense of place. Atmospheric, intelligent, accessible, every novel is worth reading, then reading again and again' Kate Mosse'As treacherous and invigorating as the moors. I didn't want it to end' Laura Purcell 'Enticing and beautifully written' Sunday Express'The new Hilary Mantel' Cosmopolitan'Utterly compelling. Menacing and marvellously written, this is a hugely accomplished Edwardian chiller' Daily Mail'Outstanding. Haunting, compelling, atmospheric' Emma Stonex, bestselling author of The Lamplighters'Mesmerising, entrancing, a spellbinding novel of emotion and mystery, a heroine caught in an impossible world of twists, turns and lies. Gripping to the very last page' Kate Williams'Full of gothic menace, this Edwardian mystery is convincing and absolutely enthralling' Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City'A captivating, sensuous novel' Inga Vesper, author of The Long, Long Afternoon'I was gripped from start to finish' Joanna Glen, Costa shortlisted author of The Other Half of Augusta Hope'Jaw-droppingly brilliant. Exquisitely written, incredibly atmospheric, a masterclass in rising tension. The deliciously addictive love-child of Daphne Du Maurier and Henry James' Liz Hyder'Brilliant. An utterly gripping exploration of female fortitude in adversity, with a propulsive, atmospheric plot. Ruby is a wonderful protagonist' Caroline Lea**THE HOUSEHOLD, the brand new novel from Stacey Halls, is available to pre-order now***Sunday Times bestseller June 2021 and January 2022**Winner of Women's Prize for Fiction x Good Housekeeping Futures award - Good Housekeeping 14 Oct 2022*Trade ReviewUtterly compelling. Menacing and marvellously written, this is a hugely accomplished Edwardian chiller. * Daily Mail *Outstanding. Haunting, compelling, atmospheric. * Emma Stonex, bestselling author of The Lamplighters *Stacey Halls is a writer of great originality, great imagination and great sense of place. Atmospheric, intelligent, accessible, every novel is worth reading, then reading again and again. * Kate Mosse *With a desolate setting that shimmers with menace, Stacey Halls' tense novel masterfully tackles issues such as the abuse of power. This enticing and beautifully written story should delight those fans of historical fiction. * Sunday Express *Hugely readable with a palpable sense of dread, this is a truly brilliant book. * The Sun *The Familiars author has fast become the queen of historical lit and this new offering, set in 1904, might be her best yet... Evocative and captivating. * Heat Magazine *Halls hits the sweet spot between commercial and literary historical fiction and this feminist gothic thriller is a lovely stealth read, simmering with tension. * Metro *Mesmerising, entrancing, a spellbinding novel of emotion and mystery, a heroine caught in an impossible world of twists, turns and lies. Gripping to the very last page. * Kate Williams *Halls shows genuine skill in building the sense of menace within the England household and in the unfolding of its secrets. * Sunday Times *This enthralling read is a powerful examination of an Edwardian marriage, and the underlying currents of control, courage and power. * Woman & Home *

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Book SynopsisCity of Vengeance is an explosive debut novel by D. V. Bishop set in Renaissance Florence, the first in a historical thriller series which continues with The Darkest Sin, winner of the CWA Historical Dagger Award 2023.'He is fast becoming a serious rival to C. J. Sansom and S. J. Parris' – Historical Novel SocietyFlorence. Winter, 1536. A prominent Jewish moneylender is murdered in his home, a death with wide implications in a city powered by immense wealth.Cesare Aldo, a former soldier and now an officer of the Renaissance city’s most feared criminal court, is given four days to solve the murder: catch the killer before the feast of Epiphany – or suffer the consequences.During his investigations Aldo uncovers a plot to overthrow the volatile ruler of Florence, Alessandro de’ Medici. If the Duke falls, it will endanger the whole city. But a rival officer of the court is determined to expose details about Aldo’s private life that could lead to his ruin. Can Aldo stop the conspiracy before anyone else dies, or will his own secrets destroy him first?'A first-class historical thriller . . . Bishop’s spirited and richly detailed story is a tour-de-force' – David Baldacci'An impressive and immersive debut set in a beautifully realized sixteenth-century Florence' – Antonia Hodgson, author of The Devil in Marshalsea'Richly atmospheric . . . transports you to another time and place' – Ambrose Parry, author of The Way of All FleshTrade ReviewAn impressive and immersive debut set in a beautifully realized sixteenth-century Florence. Investigator Cesare Aldo is a fascinating and charismatic protagonist. Highly recommended -- Antonia Hodgson, author of A Death at Fountains AbbeyA first-class historical thriller with echoes of The Name of the Rose . . . a tour-de-force and clearly demonstrates the sixteenth century was as full of thrills and mysteries as the twenty-first, perhaps even a shade more -- David Baldacci, author of the Amos Decker seriesRichly atmospheric . . . transports you to another time and place -- Ambrose Parry, author of The Way of All FleshSo fluid and fluent, the pages almost turn themselves . . . Aldo is a great creation, resourceful, driven and forced to hide who he really is, but nevertheless is compelled to find justice for those who deserve it -- James Oswald, bestselling author of the Inspector McLean seriesCross-dressing, torture, oodles of violence — this pungent example of historical noir has the lot * The Times *Brings to life the 16th century Italian city, from the rankest taverns in its darkest alleys to the corridors of power showing a city of art and literature that is also riddled with corruption, anti-Semitism and violence * Evening Standard *Written with a finesse and authenticity which augurs well for a series with all the hallmarks of historical fiction masters like CJ Sansom and Ken Follett, City of Vengeance delivers a trip to Florence that you won’t forget! * Lancashire Evening Post *A complex, intriguing plot which weaves its way through the treacherous streets of sixteenth century Florence, encountering danger at every dark corner -- Sarah Maine, author of The House Between TidesIn Cesare Aldo, Bishop has created a character with the cunning, bravery and balls of steel to take on the twisty, toxic politics of the Medicis with panache. I can't wait for his next outing -- Alison Belsham, author of The Tattoo ThiefThis atmospheric murder mystery is packed with political intrigue and questionable morality. Secrets and conspiracies abound, danger is ever present and tension rises within the complex plotting * Choice *Rich in period detail - a compelling journey into Florence’s dark past -- Philip Gwynne Jones, author of the Nathan Sutherland Venetian mysteriesCompelling and assured. Does not miss a step through the dark intrigues of sixteenth century Florence, but convinces to the last. Aldo is a man as fitting for our times as for the bloody streets he takes us to. And D. V. Bishop makes it all seem effortless -- Shirley McKayDramatic and compelling, a great example of quality historical crime fiction . . . But the crowning glory of the book has to be the character of Cesare Aldo: bold, disquieting and complex; beautifully crafted with a deep and sensitive understanding of human frailty. An exciting, engaging story, masterfully told -- Laura Carlin, author of The Wicked ComethThis dramatic and compelling book, with the larger than life, complex, charismatic and enduring and towering figure of Aldo holding it all together, is for all who enjoy well-written and enthralling historical mysteries * Crime Review *D. V. Bishop has hit the ground running by introducing us to Cesare Aldo, a “hero” we can all root for as he continues to seek justice in this beautiful, rich but corrupt medieval city . . . A terrific historical thriller that held me gripped from start to finish * Historical Novel Society *Rich in atmosphere, and chilling in its authenticity, Bishops paints a vivid image of 16th-century Italy * Scottish Field *Bishop has an impressive command of Florence’s history, its beauty, ambition, and taste for violence. Readers will eagerly await the sequel * Publishers Weekly *A thrilling historical crime novel, with more twists and turns than the river Arno, and a fantastic cast of characters both fictional and factual -- Bookliterati

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Book SynopsisThe multi-million-copy bestseller that blends truth and fiction in a “devastating indictment of American policy” (New York Times Book Review).Trade Review"Slashing.… Draw[s] the reader into a vital subject rarely treated by fiction." -- Time"A powerful, searching book." -- Los Angeles Times

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Book SynopsisSoul Sisters by Lesley Lokko is a rich, intergenerational tale of love, race, power and secrets which centres on the lifelong friendship between two women: Scottish Jen McFadden and South African-born Kemisa Mashabane, known to her friends as Kemi.Since childhood, Jen and Kemi have lived like sisters in the McFadden family home in Edinburgh, brought together by a shared family history which stretches back generations. Kemi was educated in Britain alongside Jen and the girls could not be closer; nor could they be more different in the paths they take in life. But the ties that bind them are strong and complicated, and a dark family secret exists in their joint history.Solam Rhoyi is from South Africa’s black political elite. Handsome, charismatic, charming, and a successful young banker, he meets both Kemi and Jen on a trip to London and sweeps them off their feet. Partly influenced by her interest in Solam, and partly on a journey of self-discovery, Kemi, now 31, decides to return to the country of her birth for the first time. Jen, seeking an escape from her father’s overbearing presence, decides to go with her.In Johannesburg, it becomes clear that Solam is looking for the perfect wife to facilitate his soaring political ambitions. But who will he choose? All the while, the real story behind the two families’ connection threatens to reveal itself – with devastating consequences . . .Trade ReviewThe period is wonderfully evoked and the characters are skillfully drawn * Daily Mail *Lesley Lokko's rich, poignant novel simmers with the potent consequences of race, power and love. * Woman's Own *A brilliant read. * Bella *Praise for Little White Lies: [A] hugely enjoyable page-turner * Woman & Home *Praise for A Private Affair: Exciting from start to finish. It's well-written, engaging and fast-paced, with a plot you'll be gripped by . . . I couldn't put it down * Daily Mail *

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Book Synopsis________________Set in a 5th century Britain besieged by invading bands of Saxons and Franks, Irish and Picts, Giles Kristian's epic novel tells - in Lancelot's own words - the story of the most revered yet reviled of all Arthur's knights, the warrior who fought at his lord's side - yet stole his wife.Trade ReviewIt is a masterpiece in the true sense of the word. -- CONN IGGULDEN, author of The Falcon of SpartaSome of us grew up with T H White’s Once and Future King as our touchstone for authenticity in the Arthurian myths; others found that Rosemary Sutcliff, Bernard Cornwell or Mary Stewart filled that role. Giles Kristian pulls together the best of the best and infuses it with his own utterly transformative understanding of myth, magic – and the many faces of love . . . There are so many modern retellings of the Arthurian myth, but this one stands head and shoulders above the rest, in the company of true greatness. -- MANDA SCOTT, author of BoudicaWithout doubt this is Giles Kristian’s finest novel to date. Glorious. Tragic. Lyrical. Totally gripping. I loved it. -- BEN KANE, author of Clash of EmpiresThis most fascinating character from Arthurian legend has been plucked from the 14th-century romances and positioned firmly back in the early medieval environment he belongs in. Giles is an extraordinary writer, able to capture sounds, smells, sensations in a sentence. No other writer thinks and feels his way back to the medieval past the way he does . . . Lancelot is an exceptional book and does what only great historical fiction can do: transport you back through time to feast, fight and feel alongside fascinating characters from the past. No one does this better than Giles Kristian. -- DR JANINA RAMIREZA gorgeous, rich retelling of the Arthurian tale. -- Antonia Senior * THE TIMES *I loved the post Roman chaos of Giles’ vision, just as I imagine it would have been but with the life of that vision breathed into it to render it in stark and bloody tones. But what I enjoyed most was the sheer glorious brutality of the age, delivered by a writer with the heart of a warrior and the soul of a poet. It’s really, really good. -- ANTHONY RICHES, author of The Centurions seriesHis Lancelot is no airy tale of magic and romance, but a muscular telling of warriors and survival, beautifully rendered in a prose that is both visceral and lyrical. This is historical fiction at its very best. -- ELIZABETH FREMANTLE, author of The Girl in the Glass TowerIntense and powerful . . . written with deep expression and enormous feeling. It is a marvellous historical adventure. * Sunday Express *Kristian is a writer with rare power to grab you at the opening of the story and to keep the pace going. Lancelot is a powerful reworking of the King Arthur myths. The pages turn by themselves. -- JUSTIN HILL, author of Viking FireMy impression as I was reading Lancelot was of a flare being held up in the gloom of this peculiarly dark passage of history. Every detail illuminated, every motive believable, every heart laid bare. A bright intensity but passing away, guttering, about to go out. And, by the time his tale comes to its conclusion, that seems to be his point. A gentle lament at the onrushing of a dark and inexorable tide which comes to extinguish a bright and golden age of Britain forever. Lancelot is a gem of a book. If there were six stars, it could have them all. Or, to use the words of Spinal Tap, “This one goes to eleven.” Loved it. -- THEODORE BRUN, author of The Wanderer ChroniclesTruly magical . . . reads with the authority and gravitas of Manda Scott's Boudica books, such that I found it utterly believable throughout . . . it was a stroke of genius to retell this legend through Lancelot's POV, the betrayer rather than the betrayed. -- ANNA STEPHENS, author of GodblindGiles Kristian’s brilliant take on the Arthurian love-triangle is impressively fresh and original . . . the language is arrestingly beautiful, poetic and poignant; the fights are satisfyingly bloody; the background is a believably muddy, pagan and benighted post-Roman Britain, against which Giles unfolds a tender and tragic love story. We know it will end badly, but reading this enchanting and elegiac novel, you can’t help rooting for Lancelot and his love and hoping it will all work out somehow by the final page. -- ANGUS DONALD, author of OutlawAuthentic, epic, and wonderfully Arthurian. -- CHRISTIAN CAMERON, author of The Ill-Made KnightKristian is one of the finest storytellers in the genre . . . this is a novel that you feel as much as you read. What we end up with is utterly staggering . . . Giles has surpassed the Cornwell trilogy in a single title. -- ROBIN CARTER * Parmenion Books *Fiercely beautiful and gripping. -- ANNA SMITH-SPARK, author of The Court of Broken KnivesIt’s difficult to think of any author more gifted to retell Lancelot’s story than Giles Kristian . . . [he] writes so beautifully. He brings these post-Roman years so vividly to life. I love the way in which the recent Roman past haunts this landscape. There is myth here, there is the Druid Merlin, and we’re reminded of many of the famous Arthurian legends, such as Excalibur, but Giles Kristian evokes a time rooted in history and in the land around us even now . . . his writing comes closest to the feeling, mood and beauty of the Old and Middle English verse that I love so much . . . there is power here, deep expression and enormous feeling. I cried and cried as the story ended in the only way it could. -- KATE ATHERTON * For Winter Nights *

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Book SynopsisAn ailing mother forces Nuannuan to abandon her cherished metropolitan life and return to Chu Wang. Once there, she finds her birthplace fragmented and forgotten by modernity. Despite warnings, she quickly reconnects with Kaitian, a childhood sweetheart.The village is centred around Red Lake, whose misty shores once provided solace to ancient kings and their entourages. The couple unearth forgotten treasures left behind from this royal past and are quick to capitalise, setting off a boom in tourism.Word of the lake’s beauty spreads, attracting rampant outsider investment and infecting the sleepy village with dark tastes and unsettling appetites. Drunk on power, the newly elected mayor quickly starts to reshape Chu Wang to his own corrupt ends. Determined to share in this new abundance, will the villagers swap one type of poverty for another?

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Book SynopsisBe whisked away in this sunny, heartwarming read' Woman's OwnI adored it' Milly JohnsonEnchanting and wonderfully romantic' Cathy BramleyI adored it. The perfect summer read!' Lesley PearseGrace Quinn loves her job at Cohen's Convenient Storage Company, finding occasional treasure in the forgotten units that customers have abandoned. Her inquisitive nature is piqued when a valuable art collection and a bundle of letters and diaries are found that date back to the 1930s.Delving deeper, Grace uncovers the story of a young English woman, Connie Levine, who follows her heart to Italy at the end of the Second World war. The contents also offer up the hope of a new beginning for Grace, battling a broken heart and caring for her controlling mother.Embarking on her own voyage of discovery, Grace's search takes her to a powder pink villa on the cliff tops overlooking the Italian Riviera, but will she unravel the family secrets and betrayals that Connie tried so hard to overcome, and find love fTrade ReviewPraise for Alex Brown: ‘A really lovely read' Sarah Morgan ‘Very lovely’ Jill Mansell ‘Lose yourself in this gorgeous, captivating romance’ Carmel Harrington ‘An intriguing and heart-warming story you will love’ Katie Fforde ‘Warm and cosy’ Lucy Diamond 'Poignant and moving, the cleverly entwined stories kept me turning the pages.’ Trisha Ashley ‘Alex Brown at her very best – charming, witty, heartwarming and full of absorbing characters' Carmel Harrington 'A lovely, warm-hearted and compassionate tale’ LoveReading ‘This was genuinely one of the most special books I've read this year.’ Bookish Escapes A lovely book to curl up and unwind with, as sweet and charming as home made apple pie’ Milly Johnson 'Warm, wonderful characters – a really lovely read.' Sarah Morgan, author of Sleigh Bells in the Snow

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Book SynopsisAmidst the glamour of high society, a tawdry secret will change Lily’s life forever…1958. The last year debutantes will be presented at court to the young Queen Elizabeth and officially come out into society. To appease her traditional mother, aspiring university student Lily Nicholls agrees to debut and do the Season – a glittering and gruelling string of endless balls and cocktail parties.There she befriends two women: aloof Leana Hartford, whose apparent perfection hides a darker side, and ambitious Katherine Norman, who dreams of a career after helping her parents find their place among the elite.But the sparkle of the Season dims when Lily learns a devastating secret that threatens to destroy her entire family. Faced with a murky past, what will she choose for her future: her family legacy, or her own, uncertain happiness?A fast-paced and compelling historical novel for fans of Kate Morton and The Crown.Praise for The Last Dance of the Debutante "Between the crinkling of crinolines and the popping of champagne corks, Last Dance of the Debutante leads us on a glorious dance through the traditional glamour and suffocating expectations of a bygone era." Genevieve Graham, bestselling author of Letters across the Sea"Julia Kelly elegantly brings to life the last official presentation of debutantes at court with her exquisitely researched and beautiful written detail. This story was so decadent, I wanted to don silk and crinoline and read it with a glass of champagne." Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Bookshop in London"Refreshing, intriguing, oozing with elegance, and with three female leads who will keep you thoroughly engrossed, a charming gem of a novel which will delight fans of The Crown." Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter"An insightful and engaging look at this neglected subject … an unforgettable journey of a young woman's liberation." Piper Huguley, author of By Design: the story of Ann Lowe, Society's Best-Kept Secret"Peels back layers of lush glamour and the extraordinary expectations of the London Season to give us a glimpse into a world teetering on the brink of change and the choices facing those who navigated it. Woven with heartfelt emotion, this novel is a captivating, unforgettable story of one woman's journey to find love, truth, and, most importantly, herself." Kelly Bowen, author of The Paris Apartment"Kelly's descriptions of the glamorous, though long nights, are captivating. The pressure these young women feel to impress and make the right match is exhausting, and Kelly evokes compassion for her characters. The story is full of allure, society scandals, and the determination for these young women to eschew the dying traditions of the time." Booklist"The engrossing narrative dishes out the right amount of tension while moving the plot forward at a satisfying pace... Kelly succeeds at bringing a bygone world to life." Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisJust one man can make all the difference . . .1931, Lancashire:When Finn Carlisle loses his wife and unborn child, he spends a few years travelling to keep the sad memories at bay. Just as he''s ready to settle down again, his great-uncle dies and leaves everything to him. This includes Heythorpe House in Ellindale just down the road from Leah Willcox and her little fizzy drink factory.Finn finds a village of people in dire need of jobs, a house that hasn''t been cleaned or lived in for thirty years and Reggie, an eleven-year-old who''s run away from the nearby orphanage and its brutal Director Buddle. When Finn sees the marks left by regular beatings, he decides Reggie will never go back there.But Buddle has other plans for the child, and will stop at nothing to get Reggie back in his cruel grasp. Finn''s new neighbours help him save Reggie but other surprises throw his new plans into turmoil.***********Trade ReviewPraise for the Ellindale series * :- *One of the most lovely and heartwarming books I have ever read! ***** * Between the Pages *A book of family, love, friendship and loyalty. ***** * Stardust Book Reviews *I was gripped from the very first word on the very first page and I wasn't released until the last word on the last page . . . When I finished I felt like I had been through an emotional wringer. ***** * Ginger Book Geek *Praise for Anna Jacobs * :- *[Anna Jacobs' books have an] impressive grasp of human emotions * The Sunday Times *Anna Jacobs' books are deservedly popular. She is one of the best writers of Lancashire sagas around * Historical Novels Review *[Anna Jacobs is] especially big on resourceful, admirable women. Great stuff! * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Insanely gripping' - India Knight'A mystery, a love story and a ghost story, all at once' - SJ WatsonCornwall, 1972. Three keepers vanish from a remote lighthouse, miles from the shore. The entrance door is locked from the inside. The clocks have stopped. The Principal Keeper’s weather log describes a mighty storm, but the skies have been clear all week.What happened to those three men, out on the tower? The heavy sea whispers their names. The tide shifts beneath the swell, drowning ghosts. Can their secrets ever be recovered from the waves?Twenty years later, the women they left behind are still struggling to move on. Helen, Jenny and Michelle should have been united by the tragedy, but instead it drove them apart. And then a writer approaches them. He wants to give them a chance to tell their side of the story. But only in confronting their darkest fears can the truth begin to surface . . .The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex is an intoxicating and suspenseful mystery, an unforgettable story of love and grief that explores the way our fears blur the line between the real and the imagined.‘Gripping’ – Guardian‘Riveting’ – Independent‘Excellent’ – Observer‘A triumph’ – Daily MailTrade ReviewI loved The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex – lighthouse keepers, ghosts, warring widows. It’s a wonderfully smart and atmospheric story. * Observer *Outstanding. Literary and insanely gripping. -- India KnightSuperbly accomplished . . . The Lamplighters is a whodunnit, horror novel, ghost story and fantastically gripping psychological investigation rolled into one. It is also a pitch-perfect piece of writing * Guardian *Atmospheric and suspenseful . . . Part psychological drama, part mystery, part ghost story, The Lamplighters is a triumph * Daily Mail *A remarkable book, through every page, every character, the writing resonates with the dark, powerful presence of the sea -- Raynor Winn, author of The Salt PathAn intoxicating and beautifully written mystery about love and loss, as moving as it is suspenseful -- C.L. Taylor, Sunday Times bestselling author of The MissingFull of atmosphere and dread, it’s the perfect way to escape right now * Stylist *Beautifully written and evocative, this is a mystery, a love story and a ghost story, all at once. It kept me gripped throughout, and I didn’t want it to end. Wonderful. -- S J Watson, bestselling author of Before I Go to SleepRiveting . . . Stonex’s clever slow reveal is as much keen psychological drama as it is an intriguing thriller * Independent *A true pager-turner fashion, a mystery told through vivid prose that had me completely absorbed from start to finish. Haunting, harrowing and heartbreaking, this is a novel that will stay with you -- Ashley Audrain, author of The PushThe Lamplighters draws you in and keeps you utterly gripped, with Stonex's writing particularly excelling in her gorgeous and evocative descriptions of the sea. A haunting, hugely atmospheric book * Heat *Beautiful, absorbing and utterly riveting . . . I treasured every moment of this dazzlingly accomplished and completely unforgettable novel -- Rosie Walsh, author of The Man Who Didn't CallA really enjoyable literary mystery. Stonex's descriptions of the storms and the sea are wonderful -- Claire Fuller * author of Unsettled Ground *A gorgeous page-turner that is at once a mystery and a novel about mysteries -- Charlotte Rogan, author of The LifeboatWise, beautiful and quietly devastating, The Lamplighters gets under the skin in a way that few books do. Weeks on from reading the last page, it still makes my heart ache -- Kate Riordan, author of The Heat WaveA deeply atmospheric and utterly gripping mystery . . . Superb -- Wyl Menmuir, Man Booker Prize longlisted author of The ManyCompulsive, taut, and unforgettable. The Lamplighters is that rare book which is as exquisitely written as it is page-turning. I'm already telling everyone I know to read it. -- Lucy Clarke, author of The Sea SistersA beautifully written, utterly compelling tale. -- Jenny Colgan, Sunday Times bestselling author of Meet Me at the Cupcake CaféThe Lamplighters took my breath away. A cracking mystery, perfectly plotted, and oh-so-beautifully written. -- Lucy DiamondBeautifully written, gripping and haunting . . . This genre-defying, literary mystery has it all, including a haunting look at love, loss and guilt. We loved it * Woman and Home *One of the most magical books I’ve ever read. The writing is dazzlingly good. The mystery is uniquely crafted and utterly beguiling. I loved it with all my heart -- Emylia Hall, author of The Book of SummersI can't remember when I last enjoyed a book this much. A compulsive, bewitching read . . . Deftly written and atmospheric, I didn't want it to end. Brilliant -- Tor Udall, author of A Thousand Paper BirdsA brilliant page-turner, a compelling mystery laced with the most haunting descriptions of the ocean and life on a remote lighthouse -- Hannah Richell, author of Secrets of the TidesA beautifully written but totally gripping page-turner * Fabulous Magazine *Gorgeously written * The i *Stonex's spectacular debut wraps a haunting mystery in precise, starkly beautiful prose * Publishers Weekly *Stonex’s story has the mesmerism of a churned winter sea * Sunday Times *Immersive, chilling, atmospheric and beautifully written -- Harriet Tyce, author of Blood OrangeLyrical, poetical and intensely gripping . . . A compelling mystery, where sinister shadows cast intrigue over the lives of each of the three men who keep the light -- Fiona Valpy, author of The Beekeeper's PromiseA compelling, deeply evocative mystery * iNews *Excellent . . . [with] a satisfying, surprising conclusion . . . An elegant novel that is as interested in the notion of hope and acceptance as it is in murder and revenge * Observer *Gripping . . . A haunting mystery in the tradition of Wilkie Collins * Sunday Express *

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Book Synopsis'Atmospheric, wise and warm . . . comforting and unputdownable . . . an enchanting hug of a novel' - Cathy Kelly on The Kitchen FrontTo have. To hold. To sew. Jennifer Ryan’s The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle is ‘A Great British Sewing Bee’ set in the Second World War, and inspired by true events.After fashion designer Cressida Westcott loses both everything she owns in the Blitz, she has nowhere to go but the family manor house she fled decades ago.Cressida is at a loss as to how to rebuild her business from a small country village. The answer comes from an unlikely source: the local sewing circle. With clothes rationed, wartime brides are left with no choice but to 'make do and mend' and after helping local vicar’s daughter, Grace Carlisle, repair her mother’s dress, Cressida finds herself inundated with similar requests.Before long, the sewing circle find themselves mending wedding dresses for brides across the country. And as the women dedicate themselves to helping others celebrate love, they might also find it for themselves . . .Trade ReviewJennifer Ryan’s wonderful ability to weave an atmospheric, wise and warm story makes The Kitchen Front entirely comforting and unputdownable. . . an enchanting hug of a novel -- Cathy Kelly on The Kitchen FrontAbsolute 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 FrontA delight! A charming blend of intriguing characters and a high-stakes cookery competition, served with the perfect amount of pathos and humour. -- 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 FrontDelightful . . . it manages to be sad and funny, exciting and heartwarming, all at the same time. Quite an achievement -- Barbara Erskine on The Chilbury Ladies’ ChoirThe 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’ Choir

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Book SynopsisLili and Goli have argued endlessly about where their mother, Bibijan, should live since the Iranian Revolution. They disagree about her finances too, which remain blocked as long as she insists on waiting for her son—still missing but not presumed dead yet—to return from the Iran–Iraq war. But once they begin to "share" the old woman, sending her back and forth between Paris and Los Angeles, they start asking themselves where the money might be coming from. Only their Persian half-sister in Iran and the Westernized granddaughter of the family have the courage to face up to the answers, and only when Bibijan finally relinquishes the past can she remember the truth. A story mirrored in fragmented lives, Us&Them explores the ludicrous and the tragic, the venal and the generous-hearted aspects of Iranian life away from home. It is a story both familial and familiar in its generational tensions and misunderstandings, its push and pull of obligations and expectations. It also highlights how "we" can become "them" at any moment, for our true exile is alienation from others. Acclaimed author Bahiyyih Nakhjavani offers a poignant satire about migration, one of the vital issues of our times.Trade Review"Us&Them is a timely exploration of the Iranian psyche, a nuanced reflection of the Iranian character: its largesse, its rich absurdity and genuine warmth, but also its complexity, its contradictions and internal conflicts. As an Iranian born in the U.K. I found it challenging, funny, moving and I'm now fretting about where I belong: am I one of 'us' or one of 'them'?" * Omid Djalili *"With Swiftian wit and prose both pithy and poetic, Us&Them offers a searingly honest satirical image of Iranian society and its large diaspora. In the alchemy of Bahiyyih Nakhjavani's masterful narrative, this becomes a tale of the traumas of exile, and of the human condition in a troubled time." -- Abbas Milani, Hamid and Christina Moghadam Director of Iranian Studies * Stanford University *"A glitteringly poignant novel. Beautifully cadenced, drily acute about human relationships, it keeps global and local perfectly in balance and addresses one of the central topics of our time: how to live within the losses and suspensions of diaspora while grieving the dead, honouring the family and being as honest as we can." -- Ruth Padel * author of Where the Serpent Lives and Darwin—A Life in Poems, Judge of 2016 International Man Booker Prize *"Sensitive, subtle, evocative. Bahiyyih Nakhjavani weaves threads of silk with her words, skillfully filling in the silences within and between cultures. It is a rare author who can write with such clarity of vision, compassion of heart and power of words and leave us readers in awe of her wisdom at the end." -- Elif Shafak * author of The Bastard of Istanbul and The Forty Rules of Love *

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Book SynopsisPapa always told us that to be brave doesn't mean you have no fear. It just means you can move forwards in spite of that fear. 2019. When Imogen Wren's husband dies, she must realise their dream of moving to France on her own. She finds a beautiful abandoned chateau and starts to rebuild her life among its ruins. But she soon notices that the locals won't come near. A dark web of secrets surrounds the house, and it all seems to centre on the war... 1944. Since the moment German troops stepped foot in her village, the sole aim of Simone Varon's life has been to avoid them. Until one soldier begins leaving medicine bottles for her sick brother, and she gets to know the man behind the uniform. Then the Resistance comes calling, and she must choose between love and duty – with devastating consequences that will echo through the decades. As Imogen restores the chateau, she's determined to uncover the truth – and set to rest the ghosts of the past. A beautiful and devastating dual timeline novel that spans from occupied France in World War Two, to the war-ravaged chateau in 2019. Perfect for fans of Gill Paul, Lucinda Riley and Lorna Cook. Reader love All That We Have Lost! 'Will truly sweep you away... I could really imagine the characters. A standout novel and Suzanne Fortin's best yet!' NetGalley 5* Review 'It will crush you then revive you... Absolute stunner of a book! I hope we will be blessed with many more books by this author' Goodreads 5* Review 'An excellent read! I really enjoyed the double time eras and the stories of both modern and WWII kept me enthralled. Such brilliant research and warm characters that brought the French countryside to life' Anne Marie Brear, 5* Review 'Wonderful novel – historical fiction at its best. I really enjoyed the dual timeline the book drew me in kept me reading late into the night... Highly recommend' NetGalley 5* Review 'Fabulous read from beginning to end... Amazing characters who worked so well together, it really was a story off love and loss in during WW2... I want to give nothing away only that I highly recommend ?' Goodreads 5* Review 'Brilliant dual timeline historical fiction story... Hard to put down and five stars from me. I highly recommend' Karen Reads Books, 5* Review 'A brilliant read... This book had it all, part romance, part mystery, throw in intrigue and a little history and you come up with this excellent book... Heartening and at times heartbreaking story' Goodreads 5* ReviewTrade ReviewAn excellent dual-time novel and a memorable one. Readers who enjoy the genre will love it * Historical Novel Society *

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Book Synopsis‘Intensely moving . . . feminist . . . a riveting tale of love’ - ObserverAnita Diamant’s The Red Tent is an extraordinary and engrossing tale of ancient womanhood and family honour.Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her fate is merely hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the verses of the Book of Genesis that recount the life of Jacob and his infamous dozen sons.Told in Dinah’s voice, The Red Tent opens with the story of her mothers – the four wives of Jacob – each of whom embodies unique feminine traits. Then follows Dinah’s own startling and unforgettable story of betrayal, grief and love.Deeply affecting and intimate, The Red Tent is a feminist classic which combines outstandingly rich storytelling with an original insight into women’s society in a fascinating period of early history. Such is its warmth and candour, it is guaranteed to win the hearts and minds of women across the world.Trade ReviewIntensely moving . . . The red tent is a place of seclusion for menstruating women, forbidden to men; Diamant leads the reader into this storyteller's haven, creating a riveting tale of love, betrayal and revenge without compromising her historical facts. * Observer *I was hooked . . . It was riveting – the wives of Jacob telling biblical stories from their perspective . . . it's just wonderful -- Julia Roberts * O Magazine *I genuinely fell into this rich and colourful world and Dinah and Leah have stayed with me as ancestors and sisters brought to life by Anita Diamant’s imaginative novel -- Maureen LipmanAn affecting tale of betrayal, grief and love * Scotland on Sunday *A compelling story, a celebration of the age-old community and continuity of women . . . The Red Tent combines outstandingly vivid storytelling with an original insight into women’s society in a remarkable period of early history * Yorkshire Post *An intense, vivid novel . . . It is tempting to say that The Red Tent is what the Bible would be like if ithad been written by women, but only Diamant could have given it such sweep and grace * Boston Globe *If you don't read it you'll be missing out * Eve *Dinah, famously a daughter and a sister, finally tells her own story . . . through the lens of Anita Diamant’s moral imagination – the colours couldn’t be more vivid, and the oldest story of all could never seem more original, or more true -- James Carroll, author of An American RequiemBy giving a voice to Dinah, one of the silent female characters in Genesis, the novel has struck a chord with women who may have felt left out of biblical history. It celebrates mothers and daughters and the mysteries of the life cycle * Los Angeles Times *Diamant vividly conjures up the ancient world of caravans, shepherds, farmers, midwives, slaves and artisans . . . Her Dinah is a compelling narrator that has timeless resonance * Christian Science Monitor *

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Book SynopsisThe action-filled climax ofthe epic story of the Batavi uprising in AD 69, from the author of the bestselling Empire series. **NOW FEATURING AN ADDITIONAL SHORT STORY**''A masterclass in military historical fiction'' - Sunday ExpressVictory is in sight for Kivilaz and his Batavi army. The Roman army clings desperately to its remaining fortresses along the Rhine, its legions riven by dissent and mutiny, and once-loyal allies of Rome are beginning to imagine the unimaginable: freedom from the rulers who have dominated them since the time of Caesar. The four centurions - two Batavi and two Roman, men who were once comrades in arms - must find their destiny in a maze of loyalties and threats, as the blood tide of war ebbs and flows across Germania and Gaul. For Rome does not give up its territory lightly. And a new emperor knows that he cannot tolerate any threat to his undisputed power. It can only be a Trade ReviewPraise for Anthony Riches * : *This thrilling, insightful and compelling trilogy [...] is a masterclass in military historical fiction anddemonstrates how the trauma of war affected the ordinary Roman soldier. * Sunday Express *This 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 IgguldenA master of the genre * The Times *A damn fine read . . . fast-paced, action-packed. -- Ben KaneStands head and shoulders above a crowded field . . . . real, live characters act out their battles on the northern borders with an accuracy of detail and depth of raw emotion that is a rare combination. -- Manda ScottRiches highlights the chaos and fragility of an empire without an emperor . . . dense, complicated and rewarding. * The Times *

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times No.1 BestsellerThe sequel to Jessie Burton’s million-copy bestseller The Miniaturist, The House of Fortune returns to Nella's mysterious family in historic 18th-century Amsterdam for a story of fate and fortune.‘Elegant, atmospheric, compelling. I absolutely loved it’ - Marian Keyes, author of Again, Rachel‘A book of beauty and insight . . . awe-inspiring. Burton is a master storyteller’ - Elizabeth Day, author of Magpie1705. In the golden city of Amsterdam Thea Brandt is turning eighteen, and she is ready to welcome adulthood with open arms. At the city’s theatre, the love of her life awaits her, but at home all is not well – her father Otto and Aunt Nella argue endlessly, and the Brandt family are selling their furniture in order to eat. On Thea’s birthday, also the day that her mother died, the secrets of the past begin to overwhelm the present.Nella is desperate to save the family and maintain appearances, to find Thea a husband who will guarantee her future, and when they receive an invitation to Amsterdam’s most exclusive ball, she is overjoyed – perhaps this will set their fortunes straight.But, as Thea discovers new miniatures, Nella’s fears are realized. Eighteen years after she first entered the family’s life, the miniaturist may have plans of her own . . .The House of Fortune is a glorious, sweeping story of ambition, secrets and dreams, and one young woman’s determination to rule her own destiny.Trade ReviewA more than worthy sequel to The Miniaturist. Elegant, atmospheric, compelling. I absolutely loved it -- Marian Keyes, author of Again, RachelA book of beauty and insight . . . awe-inspiring. Burton is a master storyteller . . . I felt I could see, smell, live and breathe every page . . . a delight for anyone who is about to read it -- Elizabeth Day, bestselling author of The Party and MagpieClever and satisfying . . . Burton is an acute observer . . . A worthy sequel, mature and thoughtful * Guardian *Satisfying . . . a moving celebration of the possibilities for change and regeneration in life * Sunday Times *A joyous read: compassionate, wise and fabulously immersive . . . a beguiling, tender sequel . . . Brilliant * i *Sumptuous, elegant and atmospheric * Prima *The most beautiful book you'll read this year. A spectacular achievement . . . [it] will break your heart and put it back together again . . . Shining, sinuous, truly a marvel -- Kate WilliamsElegant historical suspense * Grazia *Returning to the world of her bestselling The Miniaturist, Jessie Burton’s tale of a curious young woman in 18th-century Amsterdam finds her at the top of her game * Observer *A satisfying, page-turning romp with a heroine to root for * Sunday Express *Beautifully crafted and brimming with historical detail * Sunday Post *Fans of The Miniaturist are in for a treat with this sequel * Red *The mysterious writing draws in any curious reader * The Herald *

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Book SynopsisContinuing the saga begun in Annie Murray's Chocolate Girls, and set in 1960s Birmingham, The Bells of Bournville Green is a story of families whose lives are entwined, of belonging and loss . . . and of a young woman's search for transforming love.Pretty seventeen-year-old Greta has never known a stable family life. With no father, and loathing her mother Ruby's latest boyfriend, Greta finds life hard at home and is happiest at work with her friends at the Cadbury factory in Birmingham, where she is popular with the boys.Life takes a turn for the worse when her missing vixen of a sister Marleen turns up during the freezing winter of 1962. Greta decides that her only way out is marriage, but all too soon she discovers that life with her old classmate Trevor is not a ticket to freedom and happiness. She finds herself on the streets, pregnant and homeless . . .She is taken in by her mother's old friends, Edie and Anatoli Gruschov. In Anatoli, Greta finds the father she has never had. Kindly Edie loves to mother people and is desperately missing her son David and his family, who have settled in Israel. But the love and security of this haven is soon shattered by appalling tragedy, which affects all the chocolate girls and their children and changes life forever . . .The next novel in Annie Murray''s gritty family saga is Secrets of the Chocolate Girls

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Book Synopsis''A story to savour, complete with wonderful settings stretching from Paris to the glorious countryside of southern France'' Dinah JefferiesA LOVEREADING BOOK OF THE YEAR from the bestselling author behind Channel 5''s Carol Drinkwater''s Secret Provence________Since her teenage daughter went missing four years ago, Kurtiz Ross has blamed and isolated herself. Until, out of the blue, Lizzie is sighted in Paris.But within hours of her arrival, Kurtiz sees the City of Light plunged into terror.Amid the fear and chaos, a hand reaches out. A sympathetic stranger offers to help a terrified mother find her daughter.The other woman''s kindness - and her stories of her own love and loss in post-war Provence - shine unexpected light into the shadows. The night may hold the answers to a mystery - but dare Kurtiz believe it could also bring a miracle?________''A gripping tale'' SunTrade ReviewRanging across time periods this is a story to savour, complete with wonderful settings stretching from Paris to the occupied territory of the West Bank, and to the glorious countryside of southern France and La Côte d'Azur. Most of all I enjoyed the descriptions of France, particularly the 'wild heady scents', the sloping vineyards and the olive groves of the south. I felt I was breathing the fragrant air and eating dinner beneath the stars -- Dinah Jefferies * Number One Sunday Times bestselling author of The Tea Planter's Wife *The perfect holiday read that manages to keep you guessing the whole way through * Living France *An unforgettable journey of family, romance, regret and renewal * The Gloss *Carol Drinkwater is a great and compassionate writer -- Danuta Kean * Guardian *Mesmerising, haunting and extraordinarily relevant * Lovereading *A gripping tale * Sunday Post *An emotional tale of loss and kindness * French Property News *The Lost Girl is a story of love and loss, of sadness and great joy . . . Through a cast of frequently complex but immensely likeable characters, the author takes us on a journey - across five generations - that challenge a wide range of political, social and moral mores. Ultimately, The Lost Girl offers a message of hope and regeneration, in addition to the timely reminder that it is often darkest before the dawn * The Middle East *A brilliantly told story set against that dreadful night. The characters are superbly written . . . I couldn't put it down * NetGalley Reviewer *A great book, one you become immersed in, highly recommended * NetGalley Reviewer *Great read and easy to follow, look forward to reading more * NetGalley Reviewer *Superb book . . . two different eras that tie in beautifully . . . I couldn't put the book down * NetGalley Reviewer *Praise for The Forgotten Summer * - *Secrets, tragedy, hidden pasts and family secrets all set in glorious Provence - I loved this -- Santa MontefioreA lovely book packed with the sunshine, scents and savours of the South of France. Plenty of page-turning drama but also mouthwatering descriptions of Paris and Provence. Enough to make you rush straight to the Eurostar * Daily Mail *This atmospheric read will whisk you straight to the South of France as you become immersed in the tale of secrets and heartbreak * Marie Claire *Gripping * Candis *I loved this book. I kept snatching a few more pages whenever I could. It has left me wanting to head to warmer climes and take part in the grape and olive harvests. Well I can dream can't I? * Mumsnet *

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Book SynopsisSince winning the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her first novel, The Hungry Tide, Val Wood has become one of the most popular authors in the UK.Born in the mining town of Castleford, Val came to East Yorkshire as a child and has lived in Hull and rural Holderness where many of her novels are set. She now lives in the market town of Beverley.When she is not writing, Val is busy promoting libraries and supporting many charities. In 2017 she was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Hull for service and dedication to literature.Find out more about Val Wood's novels by visiting her website: www.valwood.co.ukTrade ReviewAs always, Val tells it from the heart . . . A stirring story of faith, hope and charity will enthral you * Peterborough Telegraph *Praise for Val Wood * - *'A heart-warming story filled with compelling action' * Rosie Goodwin *'Hull's answer to Catherine Cookson' * BBC Radio 4's Front Row *'With fully developed characters and a compelling story, it's no wonder the author won the Catherine Cookson Prize for Fiction for her debut... A great choice for a book club' * Belfast Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe thrilling third installment in Terri Nixon''s Penhaligon Saga series - perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Dilly Court and Rosie Goodwin.Cornwall, 1911. Freya Penhaligon is eagerly awaiting the return of her beau, the historian Tristan MacKenzie, but the surprise arrival of her mother on the same coach brings uneasiness and suspicion to more than the Penhaligon family.When Tristan proposes marriage to Freya it feels like the beginning of a new life for her, and an excuse to shake off their troubled past; but not all his family are pleased with the news, and Freya finds herself viewed with hostility and mistrust.Meanwhile the Batten family is launching an ambitious new building project, but, faced with financial difficulties, and family secrets coming to light, they discover that station and privilege are no barriers to intrigue and disaster.When Freya finally discovers the truth behind Isabel''s return, it shakes her to the core and Trade ReviewThis is the kind of novel that makes you look forward to bedtime so you can read some more - an epic true romance story * Historical Novel Society *

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Book SynopsisSunday Post's best reads of the year, 2018Rome, AD 63. Vespasian has been made Governor of Africa. Nero, Rome's increasingly unpredictable Emperor, orders him to journey with his most trusted men to a far-flung empire in Africa to free 500 Roman citizens who have been enslaved by a desert kingdom. Vespasian arrives at the city to negotiate their emancipation, hoping to return to Rome a hero and find himself back in favour with Nero. But when Vespasian reaches the city, he discovers a slave population on the edge of revolt. With no army to keep the population in check, it isn't long before tensions spill over into bloody chaos. Vespasian must escape the city with all 500 Roman citizens and make their way across a barren desert, battling thirst and exhaustion, with a hoard of rebels at their backs. It's a desperate race for survival, with twists and turns aplenty.Meanwhile, back in Rome, Nero's extravagance goes unchecked. All of Rome's elite fear for their lives as Nero's closest allies run amok. Can anyone stop the Emperor before Rome devours itself? And if Nero is to be toppled, who will be the one to put his head in the lion's mouth?______________________________________________Don't miss Robert Fabbri's epic new series Alexander's Legacy Trade ReviewFabbri does an excellent job with this scintillating source material. -- Antonia Senior * The Times *Stuffed with political deviousness and vivid depictions of war and torture, Fabbri's eighth book of the series is shockingly good. * Sunday Sport *Robert Fabbri has a winner on his hands. * The BookPlank *A stonking read. * Classic FM *Fabbri's Vespasian novels have been creating quite a stir. * The History Girls *Picked as one of the best reads of the year * Sunday Post *

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Book Synopsis'Heart-pounding action' THE TIMES. FRANCE: 1356. Ten years ago, the greatest army in Christendom was slaughtered at Crécy. Archer Thomas Blackstone stood his ground and left that squalid field a knight. He has since carved out a small fiefdom in northern France, but the wounds of war still bleed and a traitor has given the King of France the means to destroy the English knight and his family. As the traitor's net tightens, so the French King's army draws in. Blackstone will stand and fight. He will defy his friends, his family and his king. He may yet defy death, but he can't defy his destiny: MASTER OF WAR.Trade ReviewI'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell... The level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level' -- Sharon PenmanPage-turning and gritty * Daily Mail *Gilman does heart pounding action superlatively * The Times *A gripping ride -- Wilbur SmithThe 100 Years' War is the new Rome for historical adventure novels -- Ben KaneA thrilling, fast-moving, engaging tale, with unexpected twists, beautiful prose, excellent characterisation and dialogue, human sentiment and motivation, and graphic descriptions of war. The reader is utterly convinced by the medieval world in this stunning work. I am reminded of great books such as those of Zoe Oldenbourg. And, move over Bernard Cornwell! * Historical Novel Society *The author writes his scenes so powerfully... It's that level of writing skill that helps this book stand apart from the crowd' * Parmenion Books *A vivid snapshot of 14th-century Normandy life in all its bloody, gritty glory by a great story-teller. Historical fiction heaven! * The Bookbag *Gilman is a master author. His books are meticulously researched and historically accurate whilst at the same time being thrilling and suspenseful... in the same class as Bernard Cornwell' * Army Rumour Service. *This novel is, to put it simply, marvellous. The early Hundred Years War brought alive in all its violence, chaos and valiance... It's not often military historical fiction moves me to tears but this book managed it' * For Winter Nights. *Brilliant, really brings across the brutality of the period, an author at the top of his game -- Mark Kearney, GoodreadsI loved the story and felt I was taken back to medieval times with the descriptions... A great story' * Comet BabesBooks *I would recommend this book if you want to get lost in history and the drama of the battle! * The Lilac Linnet *An excellently written book with descriptions so clear that throughout the entire story I genuinely felt I was standing next to Thomas Blackstone. It gives an excellent insight to a very turbulent time in France's history and how it affected the people who lived there * Book Lover Worm Blog *Like a punch from a mailed fist, Master of War gives a true taste of the Hundred Years War. It is a gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty. The stench and harshness of medieval life is ever present -- Robert Fabbri, bestselling author of the Vespasian series

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Book Synopsis'A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' ROBERT FABBRI. Tuscany, 1358: Thomas Blackstone has built a formidable reputation in exile, fighting as a mercenary amid the ceaseless internecine warring of Italy's City States. But success has bred many enemies, and when a dying man delivers a message recalling him to England, it seems almost certain to be a trap. Yet Blackstone cannot disobey – the summons is at the Queen's demand. On his journey, Blackstone will brave the terrors of the High Alps in winter, face the Black Prince in tournament, confront the bloody anarchy of a popular revolt and submit to trial by combat. And every step of the way, he will be shadowed by a notorious assassin with orders to despatch him to Hell.Trade ReviewI'm totally bedazzled. The suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level – it is impossible for a reader to predict what will be coming next -- Sharon PenmanPage-turning and gritty * Daily Mail *Gilman does heart pounding action superlatively * The Times *The 100 Years' War is the new Rome for historical adventure novels -- Ben KaneLike a punch from a mailed fist, Master of War gives a true taste of the Hundred Years War. It is a gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty. The stench and harshness of medieval life is ever present -- Robert Fabbri, bestselling author of the Vespasian seriesA very original and real picture of the time, no gloss of modern sensibility is added to this fantastic tale of personal growth in bloody times * Parmenion Books *

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Book SynopsisA lush, feminist re-imagining on what happened to Wendy after Neverland, for fans of Circe and The Mere Wife. LOCUS AWARD FINALIST FOR BEST FIRST NOVEL Find the second star from the right, and fly straight on 'til morning, all the way to Neverland, a children's paradise with no rules, no adults, only endless adventure and enchanted forests - all led by the charismatic boy who will never grow old. But Wendy Darling grew up. She has a husband and a young daughter called Jane, a life in London. But one night, after all these years, Peter Pan returns. Wendy finds him outside her daughter's window, looking to claim a new mother for his Lost Boys. But instead of Wendy, he takes Jane. Now a grown woman, a mother, a patient and a survivor, Wendy must follow Peter back to Neverland to rescue her daughter and finally face the darkness at the heart of the island...Trade Review"Feminist twists and creeping dread abound in this intriguing retelling of Peter Pan"Library Journal"Intelligent and deftly executed"TOR.com“This book hooked me immediately with Wendy’s voice and rage and longing... what Wise does with the Peter Pan mythos here is nothing short of astonishing”Sam J. Miller, Nebula Award-winning author of Blackfish City“Wendy, Darling is a daring, gothic re-envisioning of everything we think we know – and an important, vivid adventure” Fran Wilde, two-time Nebula award-winning, World Fantasy finalist author of Updraft"Richly imagined, surprisingly dark, and heartbreakingly beautiful"Marian Womack, author of The Swimmers"A dark and delightful retelling of Peter Pan. Wendy, Darling is a gorgeous achievement, and one you don't want to miss." Gwendolyn Kiste, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The Rust Maidens and Boneset & Feathers"Neverland is more nightmare than dream... This rich tale of memory and magic is sure to resonate with fans of reimagined children’s stories."Publishers Weekly"It's the horror-tinged feminist Peter Pan retelling I never knew I needed... a brilliant re-imagining of a classic boy's club story."Bonnie Jo Stufflebeam, author of 'Mantles' and 'Entanglement'"A gorgeously imagined journey into the unfathomable depths of childhood myth."Kelly Robson, author of Gods, Monsters and the Lucky Peach"A well crafted retelling that gently explores a variety of themes including trauma, toxic masculinity, feminism, and sexuality. Fans of the original story will want to get to know the grown-up Wendy."Booklist"Magnificent... eloquently written and full of indelible characters, Wendy, Darling is a darkly beautiful story that proves to be as memorable as — and more meaningful than — its inspiration."Locus"Beautifully detailed and unexpectedly unnerving"Culturefly ReviewPraise for Catfish Lullaby"This luscious, unsettling Louisiana horror novella from Wise boasts a contemporary, living-folklore aesthetic… visceral language conveys an experience of eerie magic that simultaneously lures and repels." Publishers Weekly, starred review“With a potent atmosphere, a formidable antagonist, and well-drawn, unforgettable characters, this book has definitely got it all. An absolute must-read." Gwendolyn Kiste, author of The Rust Maidens"Catfish Lullaby seamlessly combines Southern folklore with cosmic horror. There's an elegiac undertone to this lullaby that's as deep and mysterious as the bayou where it takes place." Craig Laurance Gidney, author of A Spectral Hue

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Book SynopsisAlexandre Dumas (Author) Alexandre Dumas was a French playwright, historian and prolific novelist, penning a string of successful books including The Three Musketeers (1844), The Count of Monte Cristo (1845), and Twenty Years After(1845). His novels have been translated into a hundred different languages and inspired over two hundred films. In his day Dumas was as famous for his financial irresponsibility and flamboyant lifestyle as for his writing. Dumas died in 1870.Trade ReviewA family story that everyone can enjoy * Guardian *For all its darkness, [The Nutcracker] appeals to parents and their children because it's like one of those glowing glass globes that you can shake and see the snow swirl. It's a dream bubble, a vision of middle-class happiness and fantasy that precedes the Russian Revolution and all the horrors of the last century and this one. That world may have faded, but it is still our sweetest dream * New York Times *An enduring Christmas classic * Daily Telegraph *Like Hansel And Gretel, The Nutcracker is a slightly dark story, but it s also magical...a world of childhood imagination * Glasgow Herald *

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Book SynopsisThe secret struggle between Assassins and Templars hits the Vietnam War in a special, complete edition of this exciting graphic novel! An exciting thriller set in the world of Assassin's Creed, from Guillaume Dorison (Assassin's Creed: Conspiracies, Devil May Cry) and artist Ennio Bufi (They Made History). When a Japanese hacker discovers a massive Templar data leak, his investigation leads him to relive the memories of an Assassin cell operating in the depths of 'Nam! Collects volumes one and two of the thrilling Bloodstone graphic novel saga.Trade Review“a grittier and darker take … the art feels heavy and unsympathetic, perfectly fitting the atmosphere of the book. 7/10” - The GWW “Bloodstone … the best Assassin’s Creed graphic novel to date” - Slings and Arrows

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Book SynopsisAs the war rages on around her, one girl in blue's life is about to change forever... Even in wartime, East End girl Nancy Evans has reason to hope. She's a rising star in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and she'll be walking down the aisle any day now... but then a brutal night of bombing changes her life forever. Newly pregnant and single, Nancy swaps her blue uniform for a pinny, taking on housekeeping duties for handsome village doctor, David Denny. And though Nancy tries to stay cheerful and contribute to the war effort in any way she can, it isn't long before she finds herself leaning on David for comfort... The countryside is a world away from the home she grew up in, and Nancy soon learns not everyone approves of her Poplar roots – or her romantic entanglement with David. But David doesn't care about where she comes from... does he?

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Book SynopsisTurn a Blind Eye is the third instalment in the gripping story of Detective Inspector William Warwick, by the master storyteller and Sunday Times number one bestselling author of the Clifton Chronicles.William Warwick, now a Detective Inspector, is tasked with a dangerous new line of work, to go undercover and expose crime of another kind: corruption at the heart of the Metropolitan Police Force. His team is focused on following Detective Jerry Summers, a young officer whose lifestyle appears to exceed his income. But as a personal relationship develops with a member of William’s team, it threatens to compromise the whole investigation.Meanwhile, a notorious drug baron goes on trial, with the prosecution case led by William’s father and sister. And William’s wife Beth, now a mother to twins, renews an old acquaintance who appears to have turned over a new leaf, or has she?As the undercover officers start to draw the threads together, William realizes that the corruption may go deeper still, and more of his colleagues than he first thought might be willing to turn a blind eye.‘Peerless master of the page-turner’ – Daily MailTrade ReviewProbably the greatest storyteller of our age * Mail on Sunday *If there were a Nobel Prize for storytelling, Archer would win * Daily Telegraph *Jeffrey Archer is one of my literary heroes. * Fraser Nelson, The Spectator *

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