Last collection of books

Swiss Family Robinson

1812, Johann David Wyss

This classic novel follows the adventures of a Swiss family who are shipwrecked on a deserted tropical island. Through ingenuity, hard work, and family cooperation, they overcome the challenges of isolation and the dangers of an unknown environment. The story showcases their efforts to build a new l

I'll Go To Bed At Noon

2004, Gerard Woodward

This novel delves into the complex and turbulent lives of the Jones family, living in London during the 1970s. Through exquisite prose, it explores themes of addiction, familial bonds, and the struggle for redemption amidst personal turmoil. The narrative focuses particularly on Colette Jones and he

Peace In War

1897, Miguel de Unamuno

This philosophical novel explores the internal and external conflicts experienced during a time of war, focusing on the personal struggles and moral dilemmas of its characters. Set against the backdrop of a besieged city, the narrative delves into themes of existentialism, the meaning of life, and t

Death In Summer

1998, William Trevor

This novel delves into the life of a widower grappling with the sudden loss of his wife in an accident, leaving him to care for their infant daughter alone. Amidst his grief, he encounters a series of potential nannies, each bringing their own complexities and the past into his meticulously ordered

The Blackwater Lightship

1999, Colm Tóibín

This novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics, reconciliation, and the AIDS crisis in 1990s Ireland. It tells the story of a young man who, after being diagnosed with AIDS, retreats to his grandmother's house in a small Irish village to spend his final days. His estrangement from his fa

Lark Rise To Candleford

1945, Flora Thompson

This book is a semi-autobiographical trilogy that paints a vivid portrait of rural English life at the end of the 19th century. Through the eyes of a young girl growing up in the hamlet of Lark Rise and later moving to the more prosperous neighboring village of Candleford, the narrative delicately e

Alberta And Jacob

1926, Cora Sandel

Set against the backdrop of a small Norwegian coastal town around the early 20th century, the novel explores the life of Alberta Selmer, a young woman stifled by the constraints of her conservative family and society. Yearning for freedom and an identity of her own, Alberta struggles with the expect

Pointed Roofs

1915, Dorothy Richardson

This novel, the first in a pioneering series, follows the journey of a young Englishwoman, Miriam Henderson, as she embarks on a new life teaching in a German finishing school at the turn of the 20th century. Through her eyes, readers experience the challenges and revelations of living abroad, the c

A Married Man

1979, Piers Paul Read

This novel delves into the life of a middle-aged London lawyer who finds himself at a crossroads, torn between the comfortable stability of his family life and the exhilarating yet perilous allure of an affair. As he navigates the complexities of love, fidelity, and the search for happiness, the pro

Teach Us To Outgrow Our Madness

1969, Kenzaburō Ōe

This book is a collection of four novellas that delve into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of family, madness, and the struggle for understanding in a post-war Japanese society. Through the eyes of its varied protagonists, including a father grappling with his son's disability and

Sour Sweet

1982, Timothy Mo

This novel delves into the lives of a Chinese immigrant family in London during the 1960s, exploring their struggles and aspirations as they navigate a new world far from their homeland. Through the lens of the Chen family, the narrative intricately weaves themes of cultural identity, adaptation, an

Family Matters

2002, Rohinton Mistry

This novel delves into the complexities of family life in Bombay, exploring the challenges and emotional turmoil within a small, crowded apartment that becomes a battleground of generational conflict. At the heart of the story is an elderly patriarch whose declining health necessitates care, leading

The Chateau

1961, William Maxwell

This novel unfolds in the post-World War II era, focusing on an American couple, Harold and Barbara Rhodes, who travel to France for a summer vacation. Their stay at a chateau becomes a lens through which the complexities of Franco-American relations, personal transformation, and the lingering shado

Invitation To The Waltz

1932, Rosamond Lehmann

This novel is a coming-of-age story that captures the excitement and anxieties of a young girl, Olivia Curtis, as she prepares for her first ball. Set in England in the early 20th century, the narrative unfolds over the course of Olivia's seventeenth birthday, leading up to the evening of the dance.

The Three Paradoxes

2007, Paul Hornschemeier

This graphic novel intricately weaves together the story of a young man's visit to his parents' home with philosophical musings and historical vignettes. Through a blend of autobiographical elements and fictional narratives, it explores complex themes such as the nature of reality, the passage of ti

The Shrimp And The Anemone

1944, L. P. Hartley

This novel explores the complex relationship between two siblings, Eustace and Hilda, during their childhood in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a seaside town in England, the story delves into themes of innocence, cruelty, and the loss of innocence through the lens of their inter

The Millstone

1965, Margaret Drabble

This novel explores the life of a young, single, and intellectual woman living in London during the 1960s, who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant after a one-night stand. As she decides to keep the baby, she faces the challenges of motherhood alone, in an era when single parenthood was stigmatized.

My New York Diary

1999, Julie Doucet

This graphic novel offers a raw and unflinching autobiographical account of a young woman's experiences when she moves to New York City. Through a series of vivid, often gritty, comic strips, the narrative delves into her struggles with relationships, her aspirations as an artist, and her battles wi

Roxana

1724, Daniel Defoe

This novel tells the story of a beautiful and intelligent woman who, after being abandoned by her financially irresponsible husband, navigates the treacherous waters of 18th-century English society to secure her and her children's future. Facing moral and societal challenges, she assumes the identit

Manservant And Maidservant

1947, Ivy Compton-Burnett

In this incisive novel, readers are introduced to the tyrannical Horace Lamb, who rules over his household and children with an iron fist, reveling in the power he wields and the misery he inflicts. However, the dynamics within the Lamb household begin to shift with the arrival of new servants and t

The Sound Of My Voice

1987, Ron Butlin

This novel offers a poignant and introspective look into the life of its protagonist, a successful advertising executive who is grappling with a deep-seated sense of dissatisfaction and the creeping realization of his alcoholism. Through a unique second-person narrative, readers are drawn intimately

The L Shaped Room

1960, Lynne Reid Banks

This novel explores the life of a young, unmarried woman who finds herself pregnant and is subsequently disowned by her father. In search of a new beginning, she moves into a dingy L-shaped room in a boarding house in London. The narrative delves into her struggles and the relationships she forms wi

Room Temperature

1990, Nicholson Baker

This novel offers an intimate glimpse into the mind of a young father as he feeds his infant daughter a bottle of milk in the span of one hour. Set against the backdrop of a quiet afternoon in their family home, the narrative delves deep into the protagonist's stream of consciousness, exploring his

The Face Of Another

1964, Kobo Abé

This novel explores the profound psychological journey of a man disfigured in an accident, who becomes obsessed with creating a mask so perfect it allows him to reintegrate into society unnoticed. Through his meticulous crafting, he not only seeks physical camouflage but also grapples with the deepe

The Getaway

1958, Jim Thompson

This novel plunges readers into the dark world of Doc McCoy and his wife, Carol, as they navigate the treacherous aftermath of a bank robbery gone awry. With the law on their heels and their criminal associates proving to be as dangerous as the authorities, the couple's desperate bid for freedom and

The League Of Frightened Men

1935, Rex Stout

In this gripping mystery, a brilliant and eccentric private detective is hired to address the fears of a group of men who believe they are being targeted by someone seeking revenge for a prank gone wrong years ago, which resulted in a tragic accident. As members of the group begin to meet untimely e

Whose Body?

1923, Dorothy L. Sayers

In this classic detective novel, a perplexing mystery unfolds when a dead body is discovered in a bathtub, wearing nothing but a pair of pince-nez glasses. The protagonist, an aristocratic amateur sleuth with a sharp wit and keen intellect, is drawn into the investigation. As he delves deeper, navig

Live Flesh

1986, Ruth Rendell

This novel delves into the life of Victor Jenner, a man released from prison after serving a sentence for a violent crime that left a police officer paralyzed. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human nature as Victor attempts to navigate his newfound freedom

Exit Music

2007, Ian Rankin

In "Exit Music," readers are plunged into the gritty streets of Edinburgh, where Detective Inspector John Rebus faces the twilight of his career. With retirement looming, Rebus is drawn into a complex case following the murder of a dissident Russian poet, which spirals into a high-stakes investigati

The Hanging Gardens

1998, Ian Rankin

This novel is a gripping entry in the detective genre, where the protagonist, a seasoned investigator, finds himself embroiled in a complex case that leads him through the dark underbelly of a city teeming with secrets. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the crime is linked to a ser

Lush Life

2008, Richard Price

This novel is a vivid exploration of life on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, focusing on the aftermath of a random street crime that shakes the community. The narrative delves into the lives of the victim, the witnesses, and the suspects, painting a rich tapestry of urban life with its complexitie

Hard Revolution

2004, George P. Pelecanos

This novel is a gripping crime drama set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. It follows the life of a young police officer who finds himself caught in the turbulent racial tensions of Washington D.C. during this era. As the city he loves is engulfed in violence and chaos

Nineteen Seventy Seven

2000, David Peace

This novel is the second installment in a gripping quartet of books that delve into the gritty and dark underbelly of Yorkshire, England, during the 1970s and 1980s. Set against the backdrop of the year 1977, it intertwines the lives of a journalist and a detective as they navigate through a landsca

Blacklist

2003, Sara Paretsky

In this gripping mystery, a private detective is hired to investigate seemingly unrelated cases: a clandestine love affair from the 1950s and a modern-day murder. The investigation leads her into the heart of Chicago's exclusive society, where she uncovers a complex web of deceit involving blacklist

Toxic Shock

1988, Sara Paretsky

This gripping novel plunges readers into the heart of a chilling mystery when a seemingly routine investigation turns deadly. The protagonist, a tenacious private investigator, finds herself embroiled in a complex case involving a tampered toxic shock syndrome study, corporate greed, and a trail of

The Strange Borders Of Palace Crescent

1934, E. Phillips Oppenheim

This novel is a captivating tale set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Europe, weaving together elements of mystery, political intrigue, and romance. The story follows the adventures of an English gentleman who becomes embroiled in a complex plot involving espionage, a struggle for power, a

The Great Impersonation

1920, E. Phillips Oppenheim

This novel revolves around a thrilling case of identity exchange set against the backdrop of pre-World War I Europe. The story begins when an English gentleman, after a chance encounter in Africa, decides to impersonate a German aristocrat, leading to a complex web of espionage, political intrigue,

Enduring Love

1997, Ian McEwan

This novel opens with a dramatic and tragic hot-air balloon accident that brings together two strangers, Joe Rose and Jed Parry. While Joe is a science journalist in a stable relationship, Jed is a deeply religious man who becomes obsessed with Joe following their brief encounter. This obsession qui

52 Pick Up

1974, Elmore Leonard

In this gripping crime novel, a man's life spirals into chaos when he becomes the target of a blackmail scheme. After his extramarital affair is caught on tape, he refuses to pay the demanded sum, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the blackmailers. As he attempts to outmaneuver his a

Death At The President's Lodging

1936, Michael Innes

In this classic detective novel, readers are introduced to Inspector John Appleby, who is tasked with solving a perplexing murder at an esteemed college. The victim, the president of the college, is found dead within the confines of his secure lodging, leading to a complex investigation that delves

Silence Of The Grave

2003, Arnaldur Indriðason

In this gripping crime novel, a skeleton is discovered half-buried in a construction site on the outskirts of Reykjavik, leading Detective Erlendur and his team on a haunting journey into Iceland's past. As they dig deeper, the investigation intertwines with a decades-old mystery involving domestic

A Rage In Harlem

1957, Chester Himes

This novel is a gripping tale set in the vibrant yet tumultuous streets of Harlem, where intrigue and danger lurk around every corner. It follows the desperate and chaotic journey of a man, deeply in love, as he navigates the dark underbelly of the city in an attempt to recover a fortune that he bel

Bones And Silence

1990, Reginald Hill

In this gripping installment of a renowned detective series, the protagonist, a shrewd and seasoned detective, finds himself embroiled in a complex case that intertwines a mysterious death, which at first glance appears to be a suicide, with the intricacies of a local amateur dramatic society's prod

Tourist Season

1986, Carl Hiaasen

In this darkly comedic novel, readers are plunged into the chaos of Florida's tourist season, where a motley crew of characters, including unorthodox journalists and eccentric locals, find themselves entangled with a radical group intent on sabotaging the state's booming tourism industry. As bizarre

The Ministry Of Fear

1943, Graham Greene

Set against the backdrop of World War II London during the Blitz, this gripping novel follows Arthur Rowe, a man haunted by guilt over his wife's mercy killing. His life takes a dramatic turn when he unwittingly wins a cake at a fête, which thrusts him into a world of espionage, murder, and intrigue

A Gun For Sale

1936, Graham Greene

This novel is a gripping tale of intrigue and betrayal, revolving around the life of Raven, a disfigured hitman who is embroiled in international espionage after being hired to assassinate a European minister. The plot thickens as Raven becomes a fugitive, pursued by both the police and his own empl

You Only Live Twice

1964, Ian Fleming

In this thrilling installment of a renowned spy series, the protagonist, a British secret service agent, is sent on a mission to Japan following a personal tragedy that has left him despondent and seeking a purpose. Tasked with convincing the head of the Japanese secret intelligence service to provi

A Quiet Belief In Angels

2007, R. J. Ellory

This novel follows the life of Joseph Vaughan, a boy growing up in a small Georgia town during the 1930s and 1940s, who is haunted by a series of brutal murders of young girls. As the community is ravaged by fear and suspicion, Joseph makes a vow to protect its children. However, the killings contin

Vendetta

1990, Michael Dibdin

This book is a gripping installment in a series that follows an Italian detective as he navigates the complex and often dangerous landscape of crime in his country. In "Vendetta," the detective is drawn into a convoluted case that begins with a seemingly straightforward investigation into a series o

A Rich Full Death

1986, Michael Dibdin

This novel is a thrilling mystery set in the picturesque city of Florence in the 19th century, where a series of bizarre and gruesome murders captures the attention of the local populace and authorities. The narrative intricately weaves historical figures into its fabric, notably the poet Robert Bro

Dirty Tricks

1991, Michael Dibdin

This book is a darkly comic thriller that delves into the life of a disillusioned English teacher living in Oxford. The protagonist finds himself embroiled in a web of deceit, adultery, and murder after becoming involved with the wife of a colleague. As events spiral out of control, the narrative ta

Dead Lagoon

1994, Michael Dibdin

In "Dead Lagoon," readers are taken on a suspenseful journey through the atmospheric and enigmatic city of Venice. The narrative follows a detective who returns to his hometown to investigate a missing person case, only to find himself entangled in a web of secrets, corruption, and murder that chall

Poetic Justice

1970, Amanda Cross

This novel is a captivating mystery that follows Kate Fansler, a literature professor and amateur sleuth, as she is drawn into a perplexing case at a prestigious law school. When a brilliant female student is accused of plagiarism and subsequently found dead, Fansler is enlisted to navigate the comp

The Asphalt Jungle

1949, W. R. Burnett

This novel delves into the gritty underworld of urban crime, focusing on a meticulously planned jewelry heist that promises to be the ultimate payday for its diverse crew of small-time crooks and down-on-their-luck characters. However, as the operation unfolds, the group's carefully laid plans begin

The Tin Roof Blowdown

2007, James Lee Burke

In this gripping novel, the narrative delves into the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as it ravages New Orleans, exposing the city's darkest corners and the resilience of its inhabitants. Through the eyes of a dedicated detective, the story explores a complex web of crime, survival, and moral

The Neon Rain

1987, James Lee Burke

This novel introduces readers to a hard-nosed detective navigating the gritty underbelly of New Orleans. The protagonist finds himself embroiled in a complex web of murder, corruption, and betrayal after discovering the body of a young woman. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters

The Poisoned Chocolates Case

1929, Anthony Berkeley

In this classic detective novel, a group of amateur sleuths, known as the Crimes Circle, is presented with a perplexing case involving a box of poisoned chocolates that leads to the death of a gentleman and nearly kills his sister. The members of the Circle, each employing their own unique methods o

Journey Into Fear

1940, Eric Ambler

This classic espionage thriller follows the harrowing journey of an English engineer, Graham, who, while on a business trip to Istanbul during World War II, becomes entangled in a deadly web of international intrigue. After discovering that Nazi agents are plotting to assassinate him in order to pre

Epitaph For A Spy

1938, Eric Ambler

In this classic espionage thriller, a humble language teacher vacationing in a small French coastal town finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes game of international intrigue when he is mistakenly accused of being a spy. To prove his innocence, he must identify the real spy among the eclectic gues

Heavy Weather

1933, P. G. Wodehouse

This book is a humorous tale set in the idyllic English countryside, revolving around the chaotic lives of the aristocratic Blandings Castle inhabitants. The story focuses on the theft of a valuable manuscript, a pig-napping, and the various romantic entanglements of the characters, all under the wa