English books

Poignant, heart-warming and gorgeously romantic, this is a love-story with pure, unadulterated happiness at its heart. A Year of Finding Happiness shows you that the little things in life can make you smile, even when you think you might never laugh again...Happiness doesn't factor on the deliciously rugged but utterly heartbroken Greg's radar much these days. Only his beloved Labrador Angus seems to understand his search for a way to make sense of tragedy, until he meets new neighbour Mallory Westerman...Instantly they know that the other understands how they feel, and over time, as romance blossoms, they dare to wonder if they might, one day, be truly happy again...There are two sides to every story, and A Year of Finding Happiness is Greg's journey back from the darkest depths to happiness...A Year of Finding Happiness was previously published as Bridge of Hope.'Heartwarming and uplifting... I was singing along from the very first page' Heidi Swain.

She's out of retirement – and out for revenge!When Georgina Garrett wakes in the night to find intruders in her house, she knows she must do everything she can to keep her children safe.But just when she thinks the ordeal is over, she realises something is terribly wrong. She arrives at her crime-lord husband David Maynard's London house to find a bloodbath. Six of David's best men lie dead and he is nowhere to be found.Georgina may have walked away from the game but she's still the best player on the street. Now, she will stop at nothing to get her husband back and to make whoever took him pay for ever daring to set foot in her town.'Terrific – read it and be hooked!' - bestselling author Jessie Keane'Fast moving, gritty and not for the faint hearted''This is a BRILLIANT book and Sam's fans will love it. Worthy of more than 5 stars!'

It only takes one defeat to topple an empire.With Britain still in the grips of World War Two, Georgina Garrett has her own battles to fight. She has made many enemies over the years, and with every victory she's only grown stronger.But following a bitter betrayal, Georgina must find a way to claw herself out of the depths of despair and back to the top position within London's criminal underworld. She'll do whatever it takes to secure her freedom and defeat those who'd rather to see her dead.Rivals beware: Georgina is back. And this Siren is ready for business – and ravenous for revenge.

"Squid Game" meets "The Hunger Games" in this thriller where modern-day recruits compete in an ancient, deadly game across the streets of Edinburgh.Welcome to the Pantheon Games. Let the streets of Edinburgh run with blood...The Games are the biggest underground event in the world, followed by millions online. New recruits must leave behind their twenty-first-century lives and vie for dominance in a gruelling battle to the death armed only with ancient weapons – and their wits.Tyler Maitland and Lana Cameron have their own reasons for signing up. Now they must risk their lives and join the ranks of seven ancient warrior teams that inhabit this illicit world. Their journey will be more extraordinary and horrifying than anything they could have dreamed, testing them to breaking point.This action-packed adventure thriller is perfect for fans of Pierce Brown's "Red Rising", "Battle Royale", and "The Running Man".

The second in an action-packed adventure thriller series, where modern-day recruits compete in an ancient fight to the death in the streets of Edinburgh.New Season. New Rules. Same deadly game...The Pantheon Games are the biggest underground event in the world, followed by millions online. New recruits must leave behind their twenty-first-century lives and vie for dominance in a gruelling battle to the death armed only with ancient weapons – and their wits.Last season's new recruits Tyler and Lana have lived to fight another day, but now they face a series of even more lethal clashes before the Grand Battle that will end the Season.It's survival of the fittest, in the most brutal fashion imaginable. Lana must face the demons of her past, and Tyler has the mother of all targets on his back.This action-packed adventure thriller is perfect for fans of Pierce Brown's ´Red Rising´, ´Battle Royale´, and ´The Running Man´.Praise for Chris Barrington:"´The Wolf Mile´ is a thrilling ride and a heck of a debut. C.F. Barrington knocks it out of the park'" - Matthew Harffy"´The Wolf Mile´ blurs the boundary between fantasy and real life with authoritative panache. The moment you ask yourself if it could just be true, the story has you'" - Anthony Riches"´The Wolf Mile´ had me hooked from the first page. Gripping and original – a terrific read!'" - Joe Heap

The perfect weekend away. A remote lodge, old friends... and murder.Set in a remote Scottish lodge in the depths of winter, this explosive and disturbing thriller asks what happens when dark secrets finally come to light.When a group of female friends gather at a beautiful but isolated Scottish island lodge for a weekend away, they're looking forward to relaxing, sharing updates on their lives, reminiscing...The furthest thing from their minds is death. But even though they've known each other since high school, some of these women have secrets. Dark secrets that can ruin friendships, ruin marriages – ruin lives.Things you thought you knew and loved can turn out to be your biggest nightmares. And when recriminations start to fly, it soon becomes clear: it's not a question of when, but if, these old friends will ever make it home again...Perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Lisa Jewell and Kerri Beevis.Reviews for P.R. Black:"A slow-burning thriller that builds to a devastating dénouement" - Mail on Sunday"It's edge-of-the-seat stuff... A cracker" - Bookbag"Copious amounts of suspense" - Novel Kicks

The inspiration behind ‘Eyes Wide Shut,’ starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, ‘The Dead are Silent’ is a tense psychological novella.Exploring the social parameters of 19th century Vienna, Schnitzler introduces us to Franz and Emma who are having an illicit affair. One evening, they hire a carriage with tragic consequences.‘The Dead are Silent’ is an evocative exploration of the hypocrisy of middle-class Viennese society and an unflinching dissection of the nature of grief.This novella is ideal for those new to Schnitzler's body of work.The son of a physician, Arthur Schnitzler (1862 – 1931) was born in Vienna. At the age of 17, he enrolled at the city’s university, studying medicine. After graduating, he began work as a doctor at the Vienna General Hospital.Despite seeing himself primarily as a man of science, Schnitzler began writing when he was 31. His first works, poems, and short stories, focusing on the themes of jealousy and adultery, laid the foundations for his first play, ‘Anatol.’ Due to its psychological nature, ‘Anatol’ was praised by Sigmund Freud and later adapted for film, starring Gloria Swanson.Schnitzler eventually retired from the medical profession to pursue his literary career. In addition to numerous plays, he also wrote two full-length novels, a dozen short stories, and two non-fiction books.

Serving as the inspiration to an episode of ‘M.A.S.H.’ starring Alan Alda, ‘Hands Around’ is a short play, covering the conversations between ten pairs of characters.With each pair from a different section of society, Schnitzler explores the idea that sex will not be bound by the construct of the social class system.Considered scandalous at the time, ‘Hands Around’ offers a psychological dissection of the thoughts and feelings of those in 19th century Vienna.‘Hands Around’ is perfect for those interested in adding a unique and unforgettable play to their reading list!The son of a physician, Arthur Schnitzler (1862 – 1931) was born in Vienna. At the age of 17, he enrolled at the city’s university, studying medicine. After graduating, he began work as a doctor at the Vienna General Hospital.Despite seeing himself primarily as a man of science, Schnitzler began writing when he was 31. His first works, poems, and short stories, focusing on the themes of jealousy and adultery, laid the foundations for his first play, ‘Anatol.’ Due to its psychological nature, ‘Anatol’ was praised by Sigmund Freud and later adapted for film, starring Gloria Swanson.Schnitzler eventually retired from the medical profession to pursue his literary career. In addition to numerous plays, he also wrote two full-length novels, a dozen short stories, and two non-fiction books.

Life as a cowboy in the Wild West was rarely as glamorous as John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. For the truest grit, you need to read this remarkable novel by Andy Adams."Reed Anthony, Cowman" is the fictional autobiography of a simple cowman, who after the Civil War migrates to Texas and begins a new life as a cowboy.Told in a diary format, it is steeped in the authenticity and knowledge gleaned by Adams during 12 years in the saddle.The daily drama of struggling to earn a living and to actually live are woven together with descriptions of the epic cattle drives from Texas to Dakota. With gunfights, deadly snakes, showdowns, and rustling... this has the lot!The fairness and kindness of his character, as well as the historical accuracy and vivid descriptions, make "Reed Anthony, Cowman" a satisfying read for all western enthusiasts.Andy Adams (1859-1935) was an American writer of westerns, who grew up on his family’s farm in Indiana. He worked as a cowboy and cattle driver, which later prompted him to start writing his cowboy stories.He started writing novels in his forties, and his work is characterised by its realistic descriptions of everyday life and the troubles ranchers and cowboys experienced. His best-known works include 'The Log of a Cowboy', 'Reed Anthony, Cowman', and 'Wells Brothers'.

Written just eight years before the Wright brothers made their first powered flight, ‘The Argonauts of the Air’ follows the fortunes of eccentric millionaire, Monson. Monson is determined to build the world’s first flying machine. However, with his fortune dwindling and time against him, will he be successful in his mission?Another example of Wells’ extraordinary prescience, ‘The Argonauts of the Air’ is a thought-provoking and taut read, and possibly the only book to put London’s Worcester Park on the literary map.H.G. Wells (1866 – 1946) was a prolific writer and the author of more than 50 novels. Additionally, he wrote more than 60 short stories, alongside various scientific papers. Many of his most famous works have been adapted for film and television, including ‘The Time Machine,’ starring Guy Pearce, ‘War of the Worlds,’ starring Tom Cruise, and ‘The Invisible Man,’ starring Elizabeth Moss. Because of his various works exploring futuristic themes, Wells is regarded as one of the ‘Fathers of Science Fiction.’

The bed-ridden widow Julia Charnock Poynsett lives at home with her two youngest sons, but soon her three eldest children, who left home to get married, will return with their wives for the very first time.Raymond, an MP and heir to his mother's fortune, has married his second cousin, while Julius is the new rector of the parish. The third son, Miles, has sent his wife Anne back ahead of him while he completes his tour of duty.Living under the same roof as their crippled mother, the sons begin to learn a lot about their new wives.‘The Three Brides’ is a family drama full of romance, betrayal, and greed, perfect for fans of the Brontë sisters.Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823 - 1901) was a prolific and popular English novelist, biographer, editor, historian, essayist, and journalist. She is most famous for her novels which include ‘Heartsease’, ‘The Daisy Chain’, ‘The Young Stepmother’, and the commercially successful ‘The Heir of Redclyffe’ (1853).Yonge was also a founder and editor for forty years of ‘The Monthly Packet’ magazine, while her book, ‘History of Christian Names’, is considered to be the first serious attempt at recording the subject. Profits from her books were often donated to charitable causes.

In England, fans of Charles Dickens were gripped by the four ghosts that visited Ebenezer Scrooge in 'A Christmas Carol' to get him to change his mean ways.At the same time, Edgar Allen Poe's 'Angel of the Odd', made out of a keg and wine bottles, drops in on the narrator, who does not believe in strange occurrences.He chases the angel away and has a booze-induced afternoon nap.When he wakes, his house is on fire. A ladder appears at the window and down he climbs - only to collide with a pig, fracturing his arm in the fall.Things cannot get worse, can they? They sure can! For he is given the elbow by his would-be wife, who notices that he wears a wig because it was burnt off in the blaze.The mishaps just keep coming. But when the 'Angel of the Odd' reappears, will the poor man swallow his pride and halt the barrage of blows?'Angel of the Odd' is the ideal read for those interested in Poe's lesser-known works.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Despite a brief life, he was celebrated for his poetry, short stories and tales of the supernatural. He is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction.In 1827, Poe joined the US Army under an assumed name and had his first collection, 'Tamerlane and Other Poems,' published anonymously. He worked as a literary critic and moved around America, writing as he went while his works gradually built an audience.His most famous works include ´The Raven´ (1945), ´The Black Cat´ (1943), and ´The Gold-Bug´ (1843).

Written by the English author Charlotte Mary Yonge, ‘The Caged Lion’ (1870) tells the story of King James I of Scotland - the caged lion of the title - who has been a prisoner in England since childhood.It’s 1421, Scotland is in chaos, and Malcolm Stewart is desperate to protect his sister and tenants. He enters service as a royal kinsman to James I and sets out on a journey that will see him fight for his King, his country, and for love.‘The Caged Lion’ is an ideal read for those new to Yonge's authorship.Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823 - 1901) was a prolific and popular English novelist, biographer, editor, historian, essayist, and journalist. She is most famous for her novels which include ‘Heartsease’, ‘The Daisy Chain’, ‘The Young Stepmother’, and the commercially successful ‘The Heir of Redclyffe’ (1853).Yonge was also a founder and editor for forty years of ‘The Monthly Packet’ magazine, while her book, ‘History of Christian Names’, is considered to be the first serious attempt at recording the subject. Profits from her books were often donated to charitable causes.

Forty-year-old Alwyn Egremont seduces Alice, an 18-year-old nursery governess, in his brother's employ.Scared he will lose his inheritance for doing so, Alwyn denies the affair and abandons her and their unborn daughter, Nuttie.When the supposedly dead Alwyn Egremont appears on Alice’s doorstep some 17 years later, Nuttie’s life is changed forever.Taken from her childhood home, she must adapt to a new life. But can Nuttie overcome her mother’s blind devotion to a destructive Alwyn and her own resentment of her absent father?‘Nuttie’s Father’ (1885) is a romantic novel that will delight any reader interested in Victorian literature.Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823 - 1901) was a prolific and popular English novelist, biographer, editor, historian, essayist, and journalist. She is most famous for her novels which include ‘Heartsease’, ‘The Daisy Chain’, ‘The Young Stepmother’, and the commercially successful ‘The Heir of Redclyffe’ (1853).Yonge was also a founder and editor for forty years of ‘The Monthly Packet’ magazine, while her book, ‘History of Christian Names’, is considered to be the first serious attempt at recording the subject. Profits from her books were often donated to charitable causes.

Doctor Nikola’s goal in life is to achieve world domination and immortality. When he finds out that a secret society in Tibet is way more powerful than any other human being or government on the planet, he decides to set off on a long adventure. This society can teach Nikola how to extend life and raise the dead. But are they willing to share their knowledge? Can Doctor Nikola somehow force them to do so? Find out in "Dr Nikola Returns".Guy Boothby was an Australian author who lived in the period 1867-1905. His earlier works described life in Australia, but he gained wide popularity with his later fiction, which offered a vivid combination of crime, science fiction and horror stories.Boothby is well known for his Doctor Nikola series, a collection of novels telling the story of an occultist who seeks immortality and world domination.Other popular stories by him are "A Prince of Swindlers", which tells the story of a thief, and "Uncle Joe's Legacy and Other Stories", which is a collection of ghost stories. All in all, Guy Boothby left the world a colourful and rich literary legacy.

This book contains excerpted anecdotes from the biographies of Swift, Curran, O'Leary and O'Connell, relating humorous snippets of politics in 18th and 19th century Ireland. For some these may be poignant in addition to being humorous and for others they may be humorous in addition to being poignant.

Virtually ignored when first published and almost lost entirely, these are the first published works of one of America's great writers.Edgar Allen Poe's 'Tamerlane and Other Poems' contains many early sparks of his creative genius and writing power.The poems were inspired by a who's who of great poets: Percy Bysshe Shelley, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and Lord Byron.The main poem, 'Tamerlane', tells of a great conqueror on his death bed, wishing he had stayed with his childhood sweetheart and ignored his ambition.Others focus on the themes of love, loss, rejection, egotism, and death.Having been called "the trumpet blast announcing that a new poet has stepped upon the stage", Poe's entrance into the literary world is confident and filled with promise.'Tamerlane and Other Poems' is ideal for those interested in reading Poe's first published work.Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) was an American poet, author, and literary critic. Despite a brief life, he was celebrated for his poetry, short stories, and tales of the supernatural. He is also regarded as the inventor of the detective genre and a contributor to the emergence of science fiction, dark romanticism, and weird fiction.In 1827, Poe joined the US Army under an assumed name and had his first collection, 'Tamerlane and Other Poems,' published anonymously. He worked as a literary critic and moved around America, writing as he went while his works gradually built an audience.His most famous works include ´The Raven´ (1945), ´The Black Cat´ (1943), and ´The Gold-Bug´ (1843).

The world’s largest submarine The Neptune is missing, lost somewhere at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.When Willy hears about it, he sets out right away with rambunctious Randolph, his fuzzy teddy, to rescue the crew of The Neptune. Along the way he’ll meet Sybil Seagull, The Rightaway Bird and Boris the Blue Whale, who will help him take on Konrad the Killer Kipper who has taken the crew of the Neptune hostage. Can Willy and his new found friends save the crew before they become Konrad’s lunch?A delightful children's story from best-selling author, Jeffrey Archer. Jeffrey Archer is a British novelist, Baron and former politician. During his political career, Archer began to write, his second novel ‘Kane and Abel’ becoming an international bestseller. The novel became a mini-series some years later starring Sam Neil. He is the author of the ‘Clifton Chronicles’ as well as a number of short stories and plays, as well as several best-selling children’s novels. His best known works include ‘ First Among Equals’, ‘Kane and Abel’ and ‘Only Time Will Tell’.

On the Greek island of Phrosos, Count Antonio has forsaken his rank and his Prince for what he thinks is Right. He now lives as an outlaw in the hill yet he is still remembered fondly by those who knew him. Ambrose the Franciscan goes through archives and to meet people who met him to learn more, and even the Prince would do well to listen to what he comes to discover.Sir Anthony Hope Hawkins (1863-1933), alias Anthony Hope, was a British barrister, author and playwright. He wrote many novels but is mostly remembered today for his Ruritanian trilogy, which falls under the "Ruritanian romance"-genre, characterised by a fictional country in Eastern or Central Europe (Ruritania), focusing on characters from the the ruling class, and full of adventures, intrigues, and high romance.

Educated Evans and The Miller are back in Edgar Wallace’s Christmas novel ‘A Present for Evans’.Set in the backdrop of seedy London streets between the two World Wars, our favourite cockney tipster is ready for more trials and tribulations of love, loss, and laughter. And that’s not forgetting the prize-winning racehorse!Highly relatable and daringly funny, this rip-roaring tale is ideal for comedy fans of ‘Only Fools and Horses’.Edgar Wallace (1875-1932) was an English writer so prolific, that his publisher claimed that he was responsible for a quarter of all books sold in England.An author, journalist, and poet, Wallace wrote countless novels, short stories, screenplays, and stage plays, along with historical non-fiction. His work has been adapted into more than 160 films.In 1932, Wallace died suddenly in Hollywood, during the initial drafting of his most famous work, ‘King Kong’.

When Leslie comes to meet her father, Caspar Brooke, for the first time, she is keen to learn why her mother left him.While living with him, Leslie sets herself the task of reuniting her estranged parents. In Sergeant’s typically observant style, the circumstances that surround Brooke’s separation from Lady Alice have as much to do with their characters as they have to do with a chain of events.‘Brooke’s Daughter’ is an incisive exploration of human relationships and how a simple misunderstanding can change the course of someone’s life. In Caspar, we have one of the most appealing characters in Sergeant’s canon, despite her trademark criticisms of male Victorian values.A fascinating and rewarding read, ‘Brooke’s Daughter’ is sure to delight any reader familiar with her body of work.Emily Frances Adeline Sergeant (1851 – 1904) was one of the most prolific novelists of the 19th century. Born in Derbyshire, Emily was the daughter of Richard Sergeant, a Methodist missionary, and Jane Hall, a writer of children’s books. Jane published her stories under the name Adeline, which Emily was later to adopt.During her lifetime, Adeline Sergeant wrote over 90 novels, including ‘The Story of a Penitent Soul,’ ‘No Saint,’ and ‘The Idol Maker.’ Many of her works explored the theme of religion, as her views changed from committed faith to agnosticism, and finally, to Catholicism.

A mysterious murder-stabbing. A deaf and dumb butler. And a caged starling desperate to set themselves free.When the reclusive owner of a distinguished house is found dead inside the circular study, Gryce knows a complex web of passion and rage must run straight to the heart of the motive.And with the help of an ambitious young cop and the infamous Amelia Butterworth, this tale of betrayal and revenge seems ripe for the picking. But with one lonesome bird singing his heart out, can Gyrce crack the cryptic code and locate the killer?Book 9 in the ‘Ebenezer Gryce’ series, ‘The Circular Study’ weaves a rip-roaring tale of murder and deceit, celebrated today as one of the ‘Ninety Classics of Crime Fiction’.Ideal for fans of Benedict Cumberbatch's ‘Sherlock’.One of the first writers of detective fiction, Anna Katharine Green (1846-1935) was an American poet and novelist. Born in Brooklyn New York, her bestselling ‘Ebenezer Gryce’ series explores the trials and tribulations of the much-loved detective Gryce of the New York Metropolitan Police.Celebrated as popularising the detective genre a decade before Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’ mysteries, Green is remembered today as ‘the mother of the detective novel’.

Charlotte Mary Yonge’s ‘The Young Step-Mother’ - or ´A Chronicle of Mistakes´ - is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of the heroine, Albinia Ferrars, who leaves her happy home to marry Edmund Kendal, a widower fifteen years older than her.She takes on the role of encouraging wife and stepmother to his three children, however, she quickly finds that other tasks and obstacles come her way.Her husband has depression, his children are sickly, and those around the family are hostile to change. Albinia tackles all these problems without judgement and begins to believe things have improved, up until her stepchildren begin to fall in love, with disastrous results.A novel to be enjoyed by fans of Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’ or Jane Austen’s novels, Yonge’s fiction has a subtle theme of moral teaching.Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823 - 1901) was a prolific and popular English novelist, biographer, editor, historian, essayist, and journalist. She is most famous for her novels which include ‘Heartsease’, ‘The Daisy Chain’, ‘The Young Stepmother’, and the commercially successful ‘The Heir of Redclyffe’ (1853).Yonge was also a founder and editor for forty years of ‘The Monthly Packet’ magazine, while her book, ‘History of Christian Names’, is considered to be the first serious attempt at recording the subject. Profits from her books were often donated to charitable causes.

Doctor Nikola has finally found the secret to immortality, but he hasn’t put it to the test yet. He needs someone who can help him conduct some experiments. Doctor Ingleby seems to be the perfect choice since he is currently struggling financially and as such, seems willing to go to great lengths to get himself out of misery. Will Nikola and Ingleby’s experiments be successful? Find out in "Dr Nikola’s Experiment".Guy Boothby was an Australian author who lived in the period 1867-1905. His earlier works described life in Australia, but he gained wide popularity with his later fiction, which offered a vivid combination of crime, science fiction and horror stories.Boothby is well known for his Doctor Nikola series, a collection of novels telling the story of an occultist who seeks immortality and world domination.Other popular stories by him are "A Prince of Swindlers", which tells the story of a thief, and "Uncle Joe's Legacy and Other Stories", which is a collection of ghost stories. All in all, Guy Boothby left the world a colourful and rich literary legacy.

This is a tale of a railroad in Western America that is rampant with fraud, murder, and a stolen steam engine, while one less-than-tough man in the midst of it all, tries to overcome misfortune and resentment with his courage and love.Francis Lynde's ‘The Taming of Red Butte Western’ is a railroad, Western novel that will be enjoyed by fans of ‘The Lone Ranger’.Francis Lynde was an American author whose novels were set in the mountains of Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, and the stories often revolved around mining or railroad engineers.Three of Lynde’s novels were adapted for film – ‘Across the Burning Trestle’, ‘Stranded in the Arcady’, and ‘Bucking the Line’ (based on his 1915 novel ‘The Real Man’).Alongside his novels, Lynde also published a collection of short detective stories that would be enjoyed by fans of Sherlock Holmes, entitled ‘Scientific Sprague’.

A seamless blend of fact and fiction, ‘The Royal Life Guard, or The Flight of the Royal Family’ tells the story of the downfall of the French Monarchy.Set during the French Revolution, this novel paints Marie Antoinette as the villain of the piece.By comparison, King Louis XIV is depicted as an accommodating monarch with his people’s interests at heart.Historians will know the outcome of this thrilling tale but, even so, will find it fast-paced and brimming with intrigue and conspiracy.The adventure-packed narrative is supported by historical observations and Dumas’ rapier-sharp political knowledge.A superb read for those new to his work and for those who want to read beyond the romantic romps of ‘The Three Musketeers.’Alexandre Dumas (1802–1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, ‘King Henry III and his Courts.’After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as ‘La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,’ and ‘Le Capitaine Paul.’Many of Dumas’ later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as ‘The Three Musketeers’, starring ‘Lord of the Rings’´ Orlando Bloom, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, starring ‘Superman’ star, Henry Cavill.

When Mr. Henley answers a letter that is not addressed to him, his life is immediately thrown into chaos.Full of supernatural suspense, this gripping ghostly tale follows Mr. Henley as he treads the thin line between life and death.Heavily influenced by the writings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891), founder the Theosophical Society, ‘The Ghost of Guir House’ is a perfect read for anyone interested in a unique ghost story.Charles Willing Beale (1845-1932) was an American writer of horror and science fiction novels and short stories. A prolific writer, he contributed many short stories to various periodicals but is best known for his novels, ‘The Ghost of Guir House (1897), ‘Miss Jack, of Tibet’ (1910), and his hollow earth story, ‘The Secret of the Earth’ (1898).

When the gambler, John Oakhurst, senses that he may have outstayed his welcome in the mining camp of Poker Flat, he sets off to find pastures new.Accompanied by the local drunk, Uncle Billy, and two prostitutes, he makes his way towards Sandy Bar. However, when things do not go according to plan, and the weather turns, Oakhurst must look deep inside himself to work out what to do.A gritty tale, riddled with tragedy and romance, ‘The Outcasts of Poker Flat’ does not spare the horses when it comes to depicting the difficulties faced by ordinary folk in the Old West.Born in New York, Bret Harte (1836 – 1902) was a prolific poet, author, and journalist. The son of one of the founders of the New York Stock Exchange, Harte’s education was erratic, and he left school at the age of 13.Four years later, he moved to California, trying out a number of jobs, including working as a miner and a journalist. After an unsuccessful stint as a stagecoach guard, he became a schoolteacher.Later, he was hired as an editor for ‘The Golden Era’ magazine. His piece on the Wiyot Massacre resulted in death threats, and Harte was forced to flee to San Francisco. There, he became a journalist for ‘The Atlantic Monthly’ and was instrumental in founding ‘The Californian’, and ‘The Overland Monthly’. The latter was to publish one of his most well-known stories, ‘The Luck of Roaring Camp and Other Sketches’.During his lifetime, Harte published more than 30 books.

‘The Pillars of the House Volume 2’ - or ´Under Wode, Under Rode´ - is the second instalment of English writer Charlotte Mary Yonge’s story about the Underwood children.Set in the industrial town of Bexley, this Victorian family saga continues the story of the orphaned children as they struggle to survive and find their way in the world against all odds.A story of hope, love, sacrifice, and family, ‘The Pillars of the House Volume 2’ will surely delight anyone interested in great family sagas.Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823 - 1901) was a prolific and popular English novelist, biographer, editor, historian, essayist, and journalist. She is most famous for her novels which include ‘Heartsease’, ‘The Daisy Chain’, ‘The Young Stepmother’, and the commercially successful ‘The Heir of Redclyffe’ (1853).Yonge was also a founder and editor for forty years of ‘The Monthly Packet’ magazine, while her book, ‘History of Christian Names’, is considered to be the first serious attempt at recording the subject. Profits from her books were often donated to charitable causes.

A coming-of-age novel, ‘The Road to the Open’ follows the complicated liaisons of composer, Baron Georg von Wergenthin.While a talented man, Wergenthin lacks motivation and, instead of working, prefers to socialise with members of the Viennese bourgeoisie.A committed Christian, his life becomes even more complex when he finds himself falling for a Jewish girl, Anna Rosner.Through this story, Schnitzer documents the collapse of the freethinking Austrian society, as antisemitism and patriotism start to take its place.A classic novel from one of Vienna’s most noteworthy authors, this is ideal for those new to Schnitzler's body of work.The son of a physician, Arthur Schnitzler (1862 – 1931) was born in Vienna. At the age of 17, he enrolled at the city’s university, studying medicine. After graduating, he began work as a doctor at the Vienna General Hospital.Despite seeing himself primarily as a man of science, Schnitzler began writing when he was 31. His first works, poems, and short stories, focusing on the themes of jealousy and adultery, laid the foundations for his first play, ‘Anatol.’ Due to its psychological nature, ‘Anatol’ was praised by Sigmund Freud and later adapted for film, starring Gloria Swanson.Schnitzler eventually retired from the medical profession to pursue his literary career. In addition to numerous plays, he also wrote two full-length novels, a dozen short stories, and two non-fiction books.