recommended English books

Here are some of our favourite authors. All the books mentioned here are personal recommendations from visitors to this web site. If you would like to recommend a particular book to others please let us know on our Discord server.

Agatha Christie

Reading Agatha Christie will immerse you in brilliantly crafted mysteries filled with unexpected twists, unforgettable characters, and the timeless thrill of solving the perfect "whodunit."

Bernard Cornwell

Reading Bernard Cornwell will transport you into the heart of epic historical battles, with vividly detailed storytelling and characters who bring history to life in a way that's both thrilling and deeply immersive.

The Brontë Sisters

Reading the Brontë sisters will immerse you in deeply emotional and hauntingly beautiful stories, where complex characters navigate love, passion, and societal constraints against the backdrop of the wild, moody landscapes of 19th-century England.

Charles Dickens

Reading Charles Dickens will captivate you with his richly detailed portraits of Victorian life, where unforgettable characters and masterful storytelling shed light on social injustices while delivering timeless tales of resilience, redemption, and humanity.

Dick Francis

Reading Dick Francis will pull you into the fast-paced, suspenseful world of horse racing, where gripping mysteries and relatable, resilient characters combine for thrilling, edge-of-your-seat storytelling.

Irvine Welsh

Reading Irvine Welsh will plunge you into the gritty, raw, and unapologetically real world of Edinburgh’s underbelly, where dark humour, vibrant dialect, and unforgettable characters challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of contemporary fiction.

James Herriot

Reading James Herriot will warm your heart with his charming, humorous, and deeply humane tales of life as a country vet, where the bond between people and animals is beautifully celebrated against the backdrop of the idyllic Yorkshire countryside.

Jane Austen

Reading Jane Austen will enchant you with her sharp wit, keen social commentary, and timeless tales of love and marriage, where brilliantly drawn characters navigate the intricate dance of Regency-era society.

Joanne Harris

Reading Joanne Harris will captivate you with her richly sensory storytelling, where themes of magic, identity, and the complexities of human relationships are woven into evocative, atmospheric tales that linger long after the final page.

Lindsey Davis

Reading Lindsey Davis will transport you to the vibrant, dangerous world of ancient Rome, where clever plots, richly detailed historical settings, and a touch of humour combine in thrilling mysteries led by the unforgettable detective duo, Falco and Flavia Albia.

Michael Palin

Reading Michael Palin will take you on a journey around the world with his engaging, humorous, and insightful storytelling, where his boundless curiosity and warmth bring every adventure to life, making even the most distant places feel wonderfully familiar.

Nick Hornby

Reading Nick Hornby will draw you into the witty, relatable world of modern life, where his sharp observations on music, relationships, and personal growth resonate with humour, heart, and an unmistakable love for pop culture.

P. D. James

Reading P. D. James will immerse you in intricately plotted, atmospheric mysteries, where her masterful blend of psychological depth, moral complexity, and richly detailed settings elevate crime fiction to a new level of literary excellence.

Reginald Hill

Reading Reginald Hill will engage you with his clever, intricately layered mysteries, where sharp wit, complex characters, and a deep exploration of social themes make his crime fiction both intellectually stimulating and deeply satisfying.

Rosamunde Pilcher

Reading Rosamunde Pilcher will envelop you in heartwarming, beautifully crafted stories of love, family, and the enduring charm of the British countryside, where her rich characterisations and evocative settings provide a comforting escape into a world of gentle, timeless romance.

Thomas Hardy

Reading Thomas Hardy will immerse you in the profound, often tragic beauty of rural life, where his richly drawn characters and evocative landscapes explore the harsh realities of fate, love, and societal constraints with timeless emotional depth and literary artistry.