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10 Great Feel Good Novels

March 18, 2011 By Uk Book Prices Editor 10 Comments

Sometimes watching the news can be like watching a disaster movie; the world seems to be dominated by tragedy, crime, stress, sadness and pain. So it’s wonderful to be able to switch off from reality every so often and turn to a book that’s life-affirming, funny, light-hearted and, ultimately, happy. A feel good novel can provide a perfect escape but at the same time remind us what is great about the world we live in. Here are 10 of the best, guaranteed to banish that doom and gloom and put a smile on your face…

The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride
William Goldman

One of the most thoroughly enjoyable books ever written, The Princess Bride is a swashbuckling adventure that overflows with romance, action, danger, melodrama, fantasy and comedy. Complete with dashing hero, beautiful princess, gentle giant and arch-villain, this is a fairy story for adults that blends romance and cynicism to perfection. Absurd, captivating and absolutely hilarious.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol and Two Other Christmas Books (Collector’s Library)
Charles Dickens

Charles Dicken’s classic tale about the miserable and friendless miser Ebenezer Scrooge and the three ghosts who visit him on Christmas Eve is the ultimate redemption story. A mean bitter old man is given a new lease of life when he learns the importance of friendship, kindness and love, and discovers that life can be both joyful and meaningful. It’s a magical and uplifting read – the perfect indulgence any time of the year.

Bridget Jones’s Diary

Bridget Jones’s Diary: A Novel
Helen Fielding

A year in diary form tells the hilarious and cringe-worthy misadventures of the delightfully flawed thirtysomething singleton as she works her way from one calamity to the next in her quest to find the perfect man. A novel that manages to be both satirical and heart-warming, and both light-hearted and intelligent, Bridget Jones’s Diary is a joy from start to finish.

A Room with a View

A Room with a View (Penguin Classics)
E.M. Forster

E.M.Forster’s A Room with a View is a timeless comedy of manners about the conflict between between duty and love, and between truth and hypocrisy. When young Lucy Honeychurch and her maiden cousin Charlotte complain about their viewless bedroom windows in a Florentine pensione over dinner, they are met with an unexpected response that has the potential to change Lucy’s life forever.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Book 1)
J. K. Rowling

Back in the early days when Harry first discovers that he’s a wizard, (before things become too dark and scary and our favourite characters get killed off), the adventures of Harry Potter and his friends are pure wish-fulfilment. From a tragic past and a miserable, insignificant existence, Harry is transported into a magical world beyond his wildest dreams in which he finds he not only belongs, but can flourish and triumph.

The Code of the Woosters

The Code of the Woosters
Sir P G Wodehouse

There’s no doubt that P.G.Wodehouse’s sublime brand of farcical slapstick will not appeal to everybody, but if a dose of perfect silliness in the company of the scatterbrained Bertie Wooster and his brilliant valet Jeeves sounds like your cup of tea, then you can’t go wrong with The Code of the Woosters. Packed to the brim with fun, frivolity and perfectly-crafted sentences that will make you laugh out loud, this is a gem of a novel.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Alexander McCall Smith

This, the first in the detective series quite unlike any other, introduces the reader to its rather unusual heroine. Precious Ramotswe is a size 22 African woman, who sells the cattle herd she has inherited from her father and uses the money to start a completely new life as Botswana’s first female private detective. It’s a gentle, humorous and affectionate novel written with a simple charm. With its delightful characters and intriguing plot, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency has deservedly become a publishing phenomenon.

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice (Vintage Classics)
Jane Austen

Everybody’s favourite romantic comedy positively sparkles with wit and sophistication. Every sentence is impeccably crafted and every character perfectly sculpted in Jane Austen’s comic masterpiece of mistaken impressions. The fortunes of the captivating Elizabeth Bennett and the haughty Mr Darcy have enchanted readers since the day Pride and Prejudice was published, and will undoubtedly continue to do so for generations to come.

About a Boy

About a Boy
Nick Hornby

A warm, funny and perceptive novel about the unlikely relationship that develops between a cool, rich, shallow thirtysomething and a decidedly uncool, quirky, bullied 12-year-old boy. When serial cad Will Lightman strikes upon the idea of visiting a single parent group in order to pick up women, he finds rather more than he bargained for. At times hilarious, this engaging and mature exploration of human experiences is a classic feel good story – and one of very few that will appeal to both men and women alike.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams

It might seem a little strange to include a book in a list of 10 great feel good novels that begins with the unexpected demolition of planet Earth to make way for a new hyperspace bypass. But don’t panic – there’s an entire universe out there to feel good in. So locate your towel, stick out your thumb and join Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect as they hitch-hike their way through a galaxy of laugh-out-loud humour, astonishing imagination and outrageous improbability. As long as you’ve got The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, everything will be fine.

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10 Great Thrillers

March 16, 2011 By Uk Book Prices Editor 10 Comments

They may not be the most literary or highbrow books around, but nothing has the power to captivate and enthral like a good thriller. Packed with suspense, tension and excitement, they can keep us on the edge of our seats for hours and are often almost impossible to put down. So if you’re in the mood for a powerful cocktail of crime, mystery, psychology and paranoia, here are 10 great thrillers that will have you double checking the locks and hiding under your duvet…

The Mermaids Singing

The Mermaids Singing
Val McDermid

This Gold Dagger Award winning thriller introduces criminal profiler Tony Hill, perhaps best known as the character played by Robson Green in the television adaptations The Wire in the Blood. Tony is dragged into the very heart of a horrifying case in which a serial killer is brutally mutilating and torturing men in the Northern town of Bradfield. With a narrative that alternates between the criminal investigation and the serial killer, The Mermaids Singing is a shocking and twisted exploration of a tormented mind. Not for the faint-hearted.

Tell No One

Tell No One
Harlan Coben

David Beck’s wife Elizabeth was kidnapped and murdered 8 years ago, and he was left for dead. But when an image of Elizabeth appears on his computer screen, David’s life is once more turned upsidedown as he is plunged into a desperate cat-and-mouse chase where nothing is as it seems and nobody can be trusted. An intelligent and terrifying narrative with twists and turns that will keep you guessing right until the end.

The Talented Mr. Ripley

The Talented Mr. Ripley
Patricia Highsmith

Patricia Highsmith’s subtle and chilling novel allows the reader the enter into the mind of its psychopathic anti-hero, Tom Ripley. When he is sent on a mission to bring Dickie Greenleaf back home from Italy, Tom Ripley finds himself captivated by Dickie’s lifestyle of wealth, sophistication and success, and gradually insinuates himself into Dickie’s life. At once sensitive, charming, brutal and ruthless, Tom redefines his identity with an utter disregard for morality. What’s really disturbing about The Talented Mr. Ripley, however, is that you’ll find yourself desperately hoping he’ll get away with it…

Angels and Demons

Angels and Demons
Dan Brown

If you can just suspend your disbelief, embrace the melodrama and allow yourself to be sucked into Dan Brown’s breathless real-time adventure, you’ll find that the benefits far outweigh any preconceptions you may have of Angels and Demons. When Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon discovers that the historically infamous society the Illuminati are implicated in the murder of physicist Leonardo Vetra and the theft of his final and deadly discovery, he embarks on a frantic hunt to prevent imminent catastrophe. Dan Brown pulls out all the stops in this explosive thriller.

Secret Smile

Secret Smile
Nicci French

Husband and wife team, journalists Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, are masters of the psychological thriller, and Secret Smile is one of their best. When Miranda Cotton has an affair and finishes it, she thinks it’s all over. But a few weeks later she realises that Brendan is now dating her sister, and will stop at nothing to be part of Miranda’s life. As events spiral out of control and the threats intensify, Miranda finds herself locked in a battle of nerves with a psychopath. A dark, sinister tale of obsession and revenge.

No Time For Goodbye

No Time For Goodbye
Linwood Barclay

Teenager Cynthia Bigge wakes up one morning with a nasty hangover to discover that her parents and younger brother have completely disappeared. 25 years later she takes part in a television show revisiting the case, still as much a mystery now as it was then. But for Cynthia and her new family, stirring up the past could be a big mistake… A fast-moving, well-crafted roller-coaster ride of a novel.

Child 44

Child 44
Tom Rob Smith

Tom Rob Smith has set his intelligent historical thriller in 1950s Stalinist Russia, a terrifyingly brutal regime in which anyone who dares to oppose the state is executed. At the heart of this self-proclaimed perfect and crimeless society, State Security agent Leo Demidov is ordered to deal with a colleague who suspects that his son has been murdered. Disillusioned with the system and a life of blind obedience, Leo decides to risk everything in attempt to catch a serial killer before he strikes again.

The Sculptress

The Sculptress
Minette Walters

Morbidly obese ‘The Sculptress’ Olive Martin pleaded guilty to the brutal and grisly murders of her sister and mother. But when journalist Rosalind Leigh accepts a commission to write about the case and interviews Olive in prison, she begins to uncover discrepancies in Olive’s confession and suspects that there is more to these murders than meets the eyes. Roz cannot resist delving deeper into the secrets of a case that will change her life forever. The Sculptress twists and turns its way towards a devastating conclusion.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Trilogy Book 1)
Stieg Larsson

Swedish publishing phenomenon The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an intelligent and gripping thriller in which Mikael Blomkvist, a recently convicted journalist, is hired by Henrik Vanger to investigate the disappearance of his niece Harriet nearly 40 years ago. When Blomkvist discovers that Vanger has also commissioned highly gifted private investigator Lisbeth Salander to investigate his own history, the two join forces to uncover the truth. Boasting one of literature’s most original anti-heroines, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a thoroughly riveting read.

Little Face

Little Face
Sophie Hannah

When Alice Fancourt returns home from her first trip out after the birth of her baby Florence, she finds the front door open, her husband asleep and a different baby in the cot. But her husband David insists that the baby is Florence. Is Alice losing her mind, or is there something more sinister afoot? Sophie Hannah has produced a taut, haunting and subtle psychological thriller that will keep you guessing right up to its spine-tingling conclusion.

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10 Great Agatha Christie novels

March 11, 2011 By Uk Book Prices Editor Leave a Comment

There aren’t many authors prolific enough to allow you to pick out 10 of their best works, and for each to be a classic. The fact is that Agatha Christie has written so many great murder mysteries that picking out only 10 was something of a challenge. Author of a staggering 80 novels that span through from 1920 to 1976, together with a number of successful West End theatre plays and various collections of short stories, Agatha Christie is (according to the Guinness Book of World Records) the best-selling writer of books of all time and, with William Shakespeare, the best-selling author of any kind. Her books have been translated into 103 languages and made into numerous films and television adaptations, and her stage play The Mousetrap is the longest running play on record, opening in 1952 and still going strong.

Agatha Christie’s success lies largely in her ability to structure the plots of her novels; her whodunits often leave readers guessing right to the very end, even though clues are scattered plentifully throughout the pages to give them a fair chance of solving the mystery themselves. She has created numerous ‘impossible’ locked-room crimes, and the murderer is almost always the last person you would expect it to be. And of course, her celebrated detectives, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, are amongst some of the world’s best-loved literary characters.

If you’ve never encountered Agatha Christie’s books before, then you’re in for a treat; they’re the ultimate in comfort reading. So you won’t be overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of novels to choose from, here are 10 of her most brilliant whodunits to start you off…

Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot)
Agatha Christie

A snowdrift leaves Hercule Poirot stranded aboard the Orient Express with a dead body and a carriage full of suspects and clues. A connection between the victim and an unresolved crime in the past opens up a whole range of possibilities as Poirot tackles one of his most difficult and morally challenging cases.

A Murder is Announced

A Murder is Announced: (Miss Marple)
Agatha Christie

When a strange notice appears in the morning paper of a perfectly ordinary small English village inviting friends to a murder that will take place on Friday 29th October at Little Paddocks at 6.30pm, a number of villagers allow their curiosity to get the better of them. At 6.30pm precisely, the lights go out and a shot rings out, and the party guests discover that this is no game…

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Poirot)
Agatha Christie

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is one of Agatha Christie’s best known and most controversial novels, with an innovative and audacious twist that has shocked readers for generations. Poirot is called in to investigate the death of Roger Ackroyd, who was stabbed to death before he could reveal the truth about the deaths of the woman he loved and her first husband.

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas

Poirot – Hercule Poirot’s Christmas
Agatha Christie

A festive splattering of Christmas cheer sees Hercule Poirot offering to assist when a family reuinion is shattered by a deafening crash of furniture, a high-pitched wailing scream and a brutal, bloodthirsty murder. How was the tyrannical Simeon Lee killed inside a locked room? And are his house guests really who they claim to be?

And Then There Were None

And Then There Were None (Agatha Christie Collection)
Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None is Agatha Christie’s best-selling novel with 100 million sales to date, making it the world’s best-selling mystery ever. In a startling break from her traditional formula, Agatha Christie abandons Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple to tell the sinister and atmospheric story of 10 strangers, who are lured to and then stranded on an island. It soon becomes all too apparent that one of them is a murderer…

The Mirror Crack’d From Side to Side

Miss Marple – The Mirror Crack’d From Side to Side
Agatha Christie

The arrival of glamorous American film star Marina Gregg in Miss Marple’s home village of St Mary Mead spells tragedy for one of her adoring fans. Heather Badcock dies when she unwittingly drinks a poisoned cocktail – but was it really intended for her?

Cat Among the Pigeons

Poirot – Cat Among the Pigeons
Agatha Christie

Summer Term at Meadowbank School for Girls turns out to be not quite what the teachers or pupils had bargained for when diamonds, kidnapping, blackmail, espionage and murder find their way onto the curriculum. A refreshingly different setting for a thrilling whodunit.

The Seven Dials Mystery

The Seven Dials Mystery (Agatha Christie Signature Edition)
Agatha Christie

Adventure and romance lie at the heart of one of Agatha Christie’s more light-hearted and entertaining novels, as a group of young friends gather for a house party at a magnificent ancestral mansion, Chimneys. A practical joke takes on a unexpected significance when a murderer strikes, and it soon becomes clear that a sinister secret society lies at the heart of the mystery.

The ABC Murders

The ABC Murders (Hercule Poirot)
Agatha Christie

A serial killer is on the loose, working his way through victims and locations based on the alphabet and leaving a copy of the ABC Railway Guide open beside each body. A direct and personal challenge from the killer to Hercule Poirot sees the famous Belgian detective fighting for his professional reputation…

Death on the Nile

Death on the Nile (Hercule Poirot)
Agatha Christie

In this classic conflict of motive and opportunity, Agatha Christie has produced a flawless plot in one of her most exotic murder mysteries. With unforgettable characters and a gripping narrative, Death on the Nile is a masterpiece of detective fiction.

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10 Great Film Adaptations

March 9, 2011 By Uk Book Prices Editor Leave a Comment

It is a truth universally acknowledged that you should always read the book before you see the film. Time and again great novels are massacred on the silver screen – the casting’s all wrong, crucial parts of the narrative are ignored, the spirit of the book is lost along the wayside. By the time you’ve seen the film you wouldn’t want to read the book after all – or if you’ve already read it, the film’s ruined your memory of the book.

But just occasionally they get it spot on. Everything comes together, and a wonderful film inspires you to go ahead and read an equally wonderful book, or simply serves to remind you how good the book actually was in the first place. Here are 10 such film adaptations that hit the nail squarely on the head – but remember: read the book and then watch the DVD…

Gone with the Wind

by Margaret Mitchell

Gone with the Wind (book)

Gone with the Wind (DVD)

The epic spirit of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind is perfectly captured through the glorious, sweeping technicolor of David O’Selznick’s timeless masterpiece. With to-die-for performances from Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Leslie Howard and Olivia de Havilland, and magnificent cinematography that brings the deep South and the American Civil War to life before our very eyes, it’s impossible to read the book without picturing the film.

The Princess Bride

by William Goldman

The Princess Bride (book)

The Princess Bride (DVD)

Both the book and the film of The Princess Bride have established an extraordinary cult following. Given that the success of the novel is heavily dependent on the irresistibly absurd narrative voice, director Rob Reiner and William Goldman himself adopted a quite different approach for the film, producing a new but equally delightful experience. A witty, satirical and swashbuckling fairy tale for all ages, packed to the brim with comedy, romance, fantasy and adventure.

Bridget Jones’s Diary

by Helen Fielding

Bridget Jones’s Diary: A Novel (book)

Bridget Jones’s Diary (DVD)

The hilariously cringe-worthy misadventures of hapless thirtysomething singleton Bridget Jones are brought brilliantly to life in the film adaptation of Helen Fielding’s bestselling comic masterpiece. The novel is loosely based on Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice, and in a stroke of pure casting genius, Colin Firth reprises his role in the BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s book as the haughty but dreamy Mr Darcy.

The Lord of the Rings

by J.R.R.Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings (3 Book Box set) (book)

The Lord of the Rings (DVD)

People feel very strongly about The Lord of the Rings; making films of Tolkien’s classic novels was always going to be a risky business. But Peter Jackson’s films are such a labour of love that watching them is an experience never to be forgotten. The incredible scale of the plot, the extraordinary special effects, the brilliant casting, the detail of the craftsmanship and the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand result in films that are every bit as beautiful and powerful as the books they are based on.

A Passage to India

by E.M.Forster

A Passage to India (book)

A Passage to India (DVD)

David Lean’s final film was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, and it isn’t difficult to see why. It’s a faithful and accurate adaptation of E.M.Forster’s classic novel, subtly blending the mystical and the human in this compelling tale of racism in colonial India. A beautiful film and a fascinating book.

Rebecca

by Daphne du Maurier

Rebecca (Virago modern classics) (book)

Rebecca (DVD)

Alfred Hitchcock’s beautiful black and white adaptation of Rebecca is every bit as haunting and atmospheric as Daphne du Maurier’s psychological thriller. From its unforgettable opening scene to its thrilling conclusion, the film oozes class as the new Mrs de Winter gradually uncovers the dark secrets surrounding the mysterious death of her predecessor.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

by J.K.Rowling

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Book 1) (book)

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (DVD)

They’re not perfect, but there’s no denying that the films of the much-loved Harry Potter novels have completely shaped the way we now read them. It’s impossible to read the books without picturing Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and the rest of the star-studded cast, or recalling the spectacular special effects and set-pieces of the films. The magic, the mystery and the charm of the books lie at the very heart of the Harry Potter films, and that’s what’s made them such a phenomenal success.

The Remains of the Day

by Kazuo Ishiguro

The Remains of the Day (book)

The Remains of the Day (DVD)

The Merchant-Ivory film of The Remains of the Day is as beautifully understated and quietly restrained as the book is. In a world of over-acted blockbusters, Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins deliver outstanding performances in this intelligent, thought-provoking and compassionate award-winner.

Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens

Great Expectations (Penguin Classics) (book)

Great Expectations (DVD)

Although it doesn’t include the full plot of Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, David Lean’s 1946 film of the novel captures its essence to perfection. The richness of character, the warm humour and the atmospheric settings of the novel form the basis of the film, whilst its page-turning plot translates into compelling viewing.

About a Boy

by Nick Hornby

About a Boy (book)

About a Boy (DVD)

This unlikely relationship that develops between a cool, rich, shallow thirtysomething and a decidedly uncool, quirky, bullied 12-year-old boy is portrayed with wit and charm by Hugh Grant and Nicholas Hoult in the 2002 film adaptation of the novel. The Badly Drawn Boy soundtrack provides the ideal backdrop and the script is warm, funny and perceptive. A classic feel-good story.

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10 Great Whodunits

March 4, 2011 By Uk Book Prices Editor Leave a Comment

There’s nothing quite a good old-fashioned whodunit to help you curl up by the fire on a rainy day, while away a long train journey or escape on a sunny beach. By very definition whodunits are primarily plot-driven, and the very best of the genre are edge-of-the-seat page-turners that twist and turn their way towards seemingly impossible solutions. Whether you’re in the company of Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot or Chief Inspector Morse, the ultimate challenge of the whodunit for the humble reader is to solve the crime before the detective does. So disconnect that phone, dig out your magnifying glass and switch on those little grey cells, because here are 10 classic whodunits that will keep you glued to your seat until the penny drops…

Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot)
Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie is the best-selling writer of books of all time and, with William Shakespeare, the best-selling author of any kind. Author of a staggering 80 detective novels and creator of two of the world’s best-loved fictional detectives, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Agatha Christie is the undisputed Queen of Crime. Murder on the Orient Express is a genuine masterpiece of detective fiction, in which Hercule Poirot finds himself stranded in a snowdrift with a dead body and a carriage full of suspects.

The Various Haunts Of Men

The Various Haunts Of Men (Simon Serrailler 1)
Susan Hill

The enormously talented novelist Susan Hill turned her hand to detective fiction for the first time with The Various Haunts Of Men. The result gives you the best of both genres; a beautifully-written, character-driven novel combined with a thrilling and suspenseful mystery. You’ll find yourself half way through before you even notice turning the pages, and the twist will leave you reeling…

Dissolution

Dissolution (Shardlake)
C. J. Sansom

C.J.Sansom’s Shardlake novels are crime stories set during the reign of Henry VIII. This, the first in the series, sees the hunchbacked lawyer, Matthew Shardlake, dispatched to the monastery of Scarnsea on the Sussex coast to investigate the horrific death of Cromwell’s Commissioner. With its refreshingly flawed protagonist, its vivid and atmospheric depiction of Tudor England and its enthralling plot, Dissolution represents the very best of historical crime novels.

The Moonstone

The Moonstone (Penguin Classics)
Wilkie Collins

Famously describe by T.S.Eliot as ‘the first, the longest and the best of modern English detective novels’, The Moonstone is often seen as the ultimate template for modern whodunits. Complete with its archetypal sleuth, Sergeant Cuff, a memorable cast of suspects, a number of mysterious clues and a seemingly impossible crime, The Moonstone is beautifully written and impeccably constructed.

The Way Through The Woods

The Way Through The Woods (Inspector Morse)
Colin Dexter

Immortalised by John Thaw and Kevin Whately in the television series, Chief Inspector Morse and his trusty sidekick Lewis tackle one of their most challenging and extraordinary cases in The Way Through The Woods. Morse is on holiday when he chances upon an article in The Times – an article that will throw the unsolved mystery of a missing woman wide open again…

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Stieg Larsson

The three novels that make up Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest have become a publishing sensation, and justly so. Sharply penned, with multi-layered plotlines and one of the least conventional heroines ever written, Larsson’s detective novels are a cut above the rest.

A Place of Execution

A Place of Execution
Val McDermid

Probably better known for her Tony Hill ‘Wire in the Blood’ thrillers, Val McDermid has created in A Place of Execution a perfectly-crafted and thoroughly satisfying stand-alone murder mystery. Journalist Catherine Heathcote is writing a book about the chilling case of 13-year-old Alison Carter, who disappeared from her isolated Derbyshire hamlet 35 years ago. But when one of the chief witnesses withdraws his evidence, Catherine is forced to reinvestigate the mystery – with devastating results.

The Name Of The Rose

The Name Of The Rose (Vintage Classics)
Umberto Eco

Brother William of Baskerville is forced to turn detective when his investigation into accusations of heresy in a wealthy medieval Italian abbey is overshadowed by a series of grotesque murders. Umberto Eco blends together theology, history and religion with vivid characterisation and a sinister plot to create a classic novel that is as enlightening as it is gripping.

Mystery Mile

Mystery Mile (Campion Mystery)
Margery Allingham

Judge Crowdy Lobbett has found evidence pointing to the identity of the criminal mastermind behind the deadly Simister gang. After four attempts on his life, he enlists the assistance of amateur gentleman sleuth, Albert Campion. Margery Allingham’s deceptively affable hero is plunged into one of his most dangerous adventures as he attempts to protect his client and uncover the truth behind the Simister gang. Light-hearted, action-packed and thoroughly entertaining.

The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles (Penguin Classics)
Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson travel to the desolate moorlands of Devon in an attempt to solve the mystery of the death of Sir Charles Baskerville before his heir meets an equally gruesome fate. With its dramatic plot twists, its atmospheric location and, of course, its legendary detective, The Hound of the Baskervilles remains one of the most powerful whodunits of all time.

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10 Great Crossover Novels

March 2, 2011 By Uk Book Prices Editor Leave a Comment

The ‘crossover novel’ is a relatively new term in the world of publishing, although in reality we have been reading crossover novels for years. In essence, a crossover novel is a book that can be enjoyed equally by adults and by children. They are often coming-of-age stories dealing with controversial or difficult topics that will challenge young readers. In recent years, publishers have begun to recognise that really good quality children’s literature is often only fully appreciated by adult readers, and have met this growing adult demand by publishing novels with two different covers designed to appeal to either the children’s or the adult market. Thus commuters can enjoy their Harry Potter novel without fear that their fellow-passengers will judge them for reading a ‘children’s’ book…

Here are 10 of the best crossover novels to sink your teeth into (whether they’ve all come through yet or not)…

The Book Thief

The Book Thief
Markus Zusak

The Book Thief is a startlingly original novel about an illiterate 9-year-old girl living in Nazi Germany, narrated by Death himself. The reader is treated to a dazzling new perspective, through which the horror of the holocaust is translated into a heart-warming celebration of humanity, love and language.

The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings (3 Book Box set)
J. R. R. Tolkien

Tolkien’s epic masterpiece has been entertaining adults and children alike for decades. A young hobbit and his friends are plunged into adventures beyond their wildest dreams when they undertake to fulfil a quest that could defeat the evil Lord Sauron once and for all.

I Capture The Castle

I Capture The Castle (Vintage Classics)
Dodie Smith

A captivating coming-of-age story about the eccentric and impoverished Mortmain family who live in a crumbling old castle in the 1930s. Narrated with honesty and wit by the charismatic 17-year-old Cassandra, I Capture The Castle is a warm and funny gem that will hold its well-deserved place on bookshelves for many more years to come.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
J. K. Rowling

The book that launched 400 million sales. The adventures of the world’s most famous boy-wizard all kick off here in this innocent-looking volume. Inventive, exciting, funny and entertaining, books don’t get much more magical than this.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Mark Haddon

An entertaining, quirky and highly original novel narrated entirely from the point of view of an autistic teenager as he embarks on a quest to solve the mystery surrounding the death of a neighbourhood dog. Mark Haddon provides a fascinating insight into a life in which the world is seen from a very unusual perspective.

To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird
Harper Lee

Harper Lee’s beautifully written novel describes a young girl’s experiences of prejudice, perspective and love as her father attempts to steer her on the right course through a society blinded by hatred. A true classic, To Kill A Mockingbird is one of literature’s most enduring coming-of-age stories.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights (His Dark Materials)
Philip Pullman

In this, the first novel in his trilogy, Philip Pullman explores themes as profound as the soul, the afterlife, original sin and organised religion at the same time as presenting the reader with one of the most exciting and entertaining fantasy adventure stories of all time.

A Gathering Light

A Gathering Light
Jennifer Donnelly

Book-loving Mattie Gokey, torn between ambition, love and responsibility, is given a bundle of letters by a girl shortly before she drowns in mysterious circumstances. An absorbing and haunting blend of murder, romance, mystery and history.

Twilight

Twilight (Twilight Saga)
Stephenie Meyer

Stephenie Meyer’s teenage vampire novels have taken the publishing world by storm, resulting in the creation of a hugely successful film franchise and an entirely new section in bookshops: Dark Romance. They may not be the most original or brilliantly-written novels around, but they’re strangely difficult to put down…

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
John Boyne

An extraordinary and powerful masterpiece about innocence and evil. John Boyne’s language is deceptively simple; his message is devastating.

Filed Under: 10 Great..., Crossover Novels Tagged With: crossover novels, ebooks, recommendations, recommended books, Reviews, teenage books, teenage fiction

10 great Classics that everybody should read…

February 23, 2011 By Uk Book Prices Editor Leave a Comment

It’s the section in the bookshop that we rarely go near but always feel we should pay a visit: the Classics. Most of us have encountered one or two so-called Classics in our youth and have maybe even attempted to improve ourselves in later life by tackling one every now and again. But unless we’re feeling particularly virtuous, there’s a temptation to pretend that Classics are just too much like hard work and to sidle sheepishly back to the contemporary fiction shelves. The language is too difficult, the descriptions are too long-winded, the situations are too dated.

But the fact is that, in the majority of cases, they’re called Classics for a very good reason. If we go through life avoiding them, we’d be missing out on some of the most unforgettable plots, some of the most delightful characters and some of the most beautiful language in literary history. Certainly some Classics are difficult to understand and have lost their relevance in today’s society – but if you want to throw yourself into a book that will both enrich and enthral, then look no further. We’ve compiled a list of 10 of the most accessible and enjoyable Classics ever written, so sit back and improve your mind the easy way…

Great Expectations

Great Expectations (Penguin Classics)
Charles Dickens

Great Expectations is one of the most accessible novels from the king of storytelling, and is at once an absorbing mystery, a rags-to-riches drama and a love story. With its motley cast of characters, its rich humour and pathos, and its page-turning plot, this is a novel that will haunt you for many years to come.

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics)
Charlotte Brontë

This masterpiece tells the unforgettable story of the plain, outspoken and passionate anti-heroine, Jane Eyre, as she rises from obscurity and dares to hope for happiness. A sinister Gothic mystery and a beautiful love story.

Dracula

Dracula (Penguin Classics)
Bram Stoker

The influence that Dracula had on our culture – and is still having – is extraordinary. This is where it all began: the ultimate vampire story. A thrilling battle between good and evil turns into a race against time in this genuinely chilling horror story that still has the power to shock and entertain.

The Woman in White

The Woman in White (Penguin Classics)
Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collin’s most well-known and loved novel is a dark, action-packed psychological mystery. With its skilful use of multiple narrative, its extraordinary characters and its intricate plot, this is a sinister page-turner that knocks the spots off most modern thrillers.

The Three Musketeers

The Three Musketeers (Penguin Classics)
Alexandre Dumas

One of the greatest adventure stories ever written, this swashbuckling tale of heroism and friendship races along at a breakneck pace as D’Artagnan and his friends attempt to save the day. Timeless, funny and thoroughly entertaining.

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice (Penguin Classics)
Jane Austen

Everybody’s favourite romantic comedy positively sparkles with wit and sophistication. Every sentence is impeccably crafted and every character perfectly sculpted in Jane Austen’s comic masterpiece of mistaken impressions. Pride and Prejudice has captivated its readers since the day it was published, and will undoubtedly continue to do so for generations to come.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray (Penguin Classics)
Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s witty prose is used to dazzling effect in his cautionary tale. A frivolous wish comes true with devastating consequences in this fascinating blend of humour and the macabre.

Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights (Penguin Classics)
Emily Brontë

The dark and gloomy Yorkshire Moors provide the brooding backdrop to this haunting tale of Emily Brontë’s passionate star-crossed lovers, Cathy and Heathcliff. One of the most powerful love stories of all time, the layered narrative is filled with unforgettable characters and spectacular imagery.

Frankenstein

Frankenstein: Or, the Modern Prometheus (Penguin Classics)
Mary J Shelley

This horrifying fable about the dangers and moral implications of scientific advancement was, astonishingly, written by a 18-year-old girl almost 200 years ago. The language may feel a little archaic to begin with, but the story is as relevant, as moving and as controversial as it ever was.

The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles (Penguin Classics)
Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Doctor Watson are plunged into one of their most famous and exciting adventures as they attempt to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville and the legend of the Hound of the Baskervilles. A classic detective story complete with eery location and twists and turns galore.

Filed Under: 10 Great..., Classics Tagged With: 10 great classics, accessible classics, recommendations, recommended books

10 Great Picture Books to Read Aloud

February 16, 2011 By Uk Book Prices Editor 3 Comments

Children’s early encounters with reading are incredibly important; positive first experiences with books can make them readers for life. Fortunately there’s an astonishing wealth of picture books available for the lucky children of the twenty-first century to choose from. With their beautiful brightly-coloured illustrations, unforgettable characters and stories that can entertain, teach and inspire, picture books can become an integral part of a young child’s daily routine, to be shared with and enjoyed by every member of the family. We’ve compiled a list of our 10 favourite classic picture books that no family home should be without…

Elmer

Elmer: The Story of a Patchwork Elephant
David McKee

Elmer tells the story of a multicoloured elephant who attempts to blend in with the crowd only to discover that it is his personality, not his appearance, that makes him the elephant he is. A humorous and unforgettable picture book that teaches children a valuable lesson about the importance of simply being yourself.

The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew it Was None of His Business

The Story of the Little Mole Who Knew it Was None of His Business
Werner Holzwarth

An unfortunate little mole wakes up one morning to discover that something rather unpleasant has been deposited on his head. This outrageously funny picture book takes its readers on a unique journey as the mole sets out on a mission to uncover the culprit. A picture book gem that will have adults as well as children laughing out loud.

I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato

I Will Not Ever Never Eat a Tomato (Charlie and Lola)
Lauren Child

This first outing of Charlie and Lola’s hilarious brother and sister act tackles a situation that parents can identify with only too easily. The ingenious Charlie resorts to extremely creative subterfuge in order to persuade his little sister Lola to eat her vegetables. Lauren Child perfectly captures the voices of her characters, and her quirky illustrations bring the story brilliantly to life.

How to Catch a Star

How to Catch a Star
Oliver Jeffers

Writer and artist Oliver Jeffers’ first picture book is an enchanting and poignant story about dreams coming true. Its simple, humorous storyline works perfectly with the stunning illustrations, making it a beautiful gift for 3-5 year olds.

Mog the Forgetful Cat

Mog the Forgetful Cat
Judith Kerr

The first of Judith Kerr’s Mog stories is a true classic that has stood the test of time. Mog’s forgetfulness is always getting her into trouble until she accidentally saves the day by helping to catch a burglar. An engaging story about a very big personality, full of warmth and humour.

Where The Wild Things Are

Where The Wild Things Are
Maurice Sendak

When Max gets set to bed without any supper, his imagination takes him on a fantastical journey into a mysterious and wonderful land in which he is King of all the wild things. An adventure story in which a young boy discovers that life isn’t all about having things your own way, and that home isn’t such a terrible place after all.

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy (Hairy Maclary and Friends)
Lynley Dodd

When Hairy Maclary goes for a walk with some of his friends, they are met by a nasty surprise… Lynley Dodd’s rhythmic and rhyming prose makes Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy a fantastic story to read along with, complete as it is with comical sound effects. A lively and charming bedtime read.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle

This colourful and much-loved classic takes very young children on a culinary adventure as the caterpillar eats its way through the pages towards a delightful surprise. With counting and tactile pages, this is a book that satisfies on many levels.

The Gruffalo

The Gruffalo
Julia Donaldson

Julia Donaldson’s most popular rhyming picture book tells the story of a quick-witted mouse whose imaginative invention turns out to be rather less of an invention than he’d expected. The Gruffalo won the gold award (in the 0–5 years category) of the 1999 Nestle Smarties Book Prize and the Blue Peter Best Book To Read Aloud award, and it isn’t difficult to see why.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Michael Rosen

The simple but beautifully-written repetitive phrases in this firm family favourite make it the perfect story for young children to learn and join in with. A family expedition turns into more of an adventure than anybody was expecting!

Filed Under: 10 Great..., Children's Books, Picture Books Tagged With: 10 great picture picture books, book reviews, books to read aloud, children's books, ebooks, picture books, recommendations

10 Great Books for Boys

February 11, 2011 By Uk Book Prices Editor Leave a Comment

Boys can be notoriously tricky customers when it comes to choosing a novel to read. Most girls will read pretty much anything, but for many parents with boys, finding a book that appeals to their child can be a daunting task. Anything pink on the cover rules the book out immediately, and often a lead female character or even a female author can be enough to put boys off. Boys like books that look as if they have been produced specifically with boys in mind. They enjoy action adventure stories, quirky humour and silly characters that make them laugh. So if you’re struggling to find something that your boy will consider reading, here are a few suggestions to get you started…

Cinderboy

(5-7 years)

Cinderboy (Seriously Silly Stories)
Laurence Anholt

Laurence Anholt’s series of Seriously Silly Stories are fantastic for early reluctant readers. They take traditional fairy stories and turn them upsidedown, with hilarious results. In this story, Cinderella becomes Cinderboy, whose dream is to play football for Crystal Palace United. It’s funny, unthreatening and illustrated with some seriously silly cartoons.

Ferno the Fire Dragon

(6-8 years)

Ferno the Fire Dragon (Beast Quest)
Adam Blade

Adam Blade’s Beast Quest series is to boys what the Rainbow Magic series is to girls. The books have become something of a publishing phenomenon, with boys counting down the days until the release of the next books in the series. The enchanting blend of adventure, action, magical beasts and heroism has proved irresistible to boys of a certain age.

Horrid Henry

(6-8 years)

Horrid Henry
Francesca Simon

The first in the hilarious series about every teacher’s nightmare pupil, together with his brother Perfect Peter and his arch-enemy Moody Margaret. The boy whose fiendish plots are forever landing him in trouble is brilliantly brought to life through Tony Ross’s illustrations. Francesca Simon has created a firm family favourite who’s stood the test of time – and she’s still busy writing new Horrid Henry stories!

The Adventures of Captain Underpants

(7-9 years)

The Adventures of Captain Underpants
Dav Pilkey

This is a book unlikely to appeal to adults, but there can be no denying its popularity with young boys – and anything that encourages them to read can be no bad thing! When serial pranksters George and Harold try to elude punishment by hypnotising their headteacher, they accidentally create a very unusual superhero. Laugh-out-loud humour of the potty-theme variety.

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning

(7-10 years)

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning
Lemony Snicket

Lemony Snicket’s very original take on children’s literature appeals to boys largely because it is the very opposite to what you might expect from a children’s story. The enormously successful series tells the tale of the Baudelaire siblings, Violet, Klaus and Sunny, who suffer a series of macabre misfortunes and horrible adventures. The books are fast-moving, darkly comic and thoroughly addictive.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

(7-10 years)

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Jeff Kinney

Written in diary format complete with a handwritten type face and cartoons, Diary of a Wimpy Kid tells the story of the goofy Greg Heffley as he attempts to elevate his status from class loser to class clown at his new school. Greg and his even uncooler sidekick Rowley find themselves in a series of hilarious situations as they embark upon their quest.

Artemis Fowl

(8-12 years)

Artemis Fowl
Eoin Colfer

Described by Eoin Colfer himself as ‘Die Hard with fairies’, Artemis Fowl poses a unique and modern twist on the world of magic that defies stereotypes and lets the imagination run riot. 12-year-old criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl hatches a dastardly plot to relieve the fairyfolk of their pot of gold by kidnapping a leprechaun and holding her to ransom. A rip-roaring and humorous slice of modern escapism.

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

(9-13 years)

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Rick Riordan

When troubled schoolboy Percy Jackson discovers that he is in fact the son of the Greek God Poseidon, a whole new world of possibilities are opened up to him. Enrolled into Camp Half-Blood and accused by the God Zeus of stealing his thunderbolt, Percy and his friends embark on a quest fraught with danger. A hugely entertaining, pacey and funny adventure story that will appeal to fans of Harry Potter.

Stormbreaker

(12-15 years)

Stormbreaker (Alex Rider)
Anthony Horowitz

Anthony Horowitz has concocted a delicious blend of James Bond and Mission Impossible in Stormbreaker, the first in his series about the teenage spy Alex Rider. When 14-year-old Alex’s uncle dies in suspicious circumstances, Alex makes a shocking discovery that will turn his world upside down. Recruited into MI6, Alex is sent on his first mission to investigate the truth behind billionaire Herod Sayle’s Stormbreaker computers. Slick, action-packed and mature, teenage boys will find this difficult to put down.

Cirque Du Freak

(13-17 years)

Cirque Du Freak (The Saga of Darren Shan Book 1)
Darren Shan

Dark, witty, gory and compulsive, Cirque Du Freak is the first in a series of horror stories for teenage boys. It tells the story of Darren Shan and his friend Steve, who acquire tickets for a banned freak show. Mesmerised by what they see, Darren and Steve find themselves plunged into a terrifying world of vampires and giant poisonous spiders – a world from which there is no escape. Not for the faint-hearted.

Filed Under: 10 Great..., Books for Boys, Children's Books Tagged With: book reviews, children's books, Great Books for Boys, recommendations, recommended books

10 Great Books for Reading Groups

February 9, 2011 By Uk Book Prices Editor Leave a Comment

There’s nothing worse than joining a Reading Group only to discover that you don’t enjoy reading the books on the reading list. If the books are too dull or too intimidating or too simplistic, you’ll end up either not reading them at all or leaving the group. Any Reading Group worth its salt will allow you to have some influence over the choice of books the group is going to read, so make the most of the opportunity and ensure that the list includes some titles you can really get your teeth into. Try to pick books that are well-written, not too long, challenging but not intimidating, and with themes, characters and ideas that could provoke plenty of discussion. You can never be sure that everybody in the group will enjoy every book on the list, but these tried and tested Reading Group classics, together with some discussion starting points, should ensure that you have plenty to talk about…

Atonement

Atonement
Ian McEwan

In a nutshell: A thoughtful and provocative novel about the very nature of storytelling and the disastrous consequences of a young girl’s overactive imagination.