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My Favourite Books
55
items A list of my favourite books featuring historical, mystery, gothic, fantasy, thriller and non-fiction. More recs to come soon. (Some of my posts contain affiliate links (see each post for details), which means I may earn a small commission if you cli...
Sections
10
Historical Fiction
Historical Mystery
Sci-fi
Fantasy
Gothic
Thrillers
Historical Fiction
Historical fiction. Includes links to UK and US booksellers.
The author of The Cadfael Chronicles. This historical novel starts in 1399 and centres around the Battle of Shrewsbury. I really enjoyed reading this one. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
A Bloody Field by Shrewsbury by Edith Pargeter | Waterstones UK
This historical novel starts in 1399 and centres around the Battle of Shrewsbury. I really enjoyed reading this one. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
A Bloody Field by Shrewsbury - Barnes & Noble US
A fantastic historical novel set during the Hundred Years' War. Fast paced with many likeable characters. Also known as The Archer's Tale in the US. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Harlequin by Bernard Cornwell | Waterstones UK
A fantastic historical novel set during the Hundred Years' War. Fast paced with many likeable characters. Also known as Harlequin in the UK. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
The Archer's Tale (Grail Quest Series #1) |Paperback - Barnes & Noble US
Pillars of the Earth is about a family trying to survive in Medieval England, the building of a cathedral and the community that grows around it. It's a classic of the historical fiction genre. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett | Waterstones
Pillars of the Earth is about a family trying to survive in Medieval England, the building of a cathedral and the community that grows around it. It's a classic of the historical fiction genre. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
The Pillars of the Earth - Barnes & Noble US
Historical Mystery
My favourite historical mystery (mostly Medieval but also other time periods). Includes links to UK and US booksellers.
A brilliant whodunnit by Agatha Christie. Perfect for classic mystery novel fans.. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie | Waterstones
A brilliant whodunnit by Agatha Christie. Perfect for classic mystery novel fans. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
And Then There Were None and Other Classic Mysteries Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions | Hardcover US
This is the first novel in the Brother Athelstan mystery series. It's set in 1376 and features murder, intrigue and a locked room mystery. I'm a massive fan of Paul Doherty and this novel is no exception. (Affiliate link.)
The Nightingale Gallery by Paul Doherty | Waterstones
Sci-fi
My favourite science-fiction books. Includes links to UK and US booksellers.
A cosy sci-fi novel. It felt like being wrapped in a blanket as I read it. Love it! UK Bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers | Waterstones UK
A cosy sci-fi novel. It felt like being wrapped in a blanket as I read it. Love it! US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet - Barnes & Noble US Bookseller
This is a collection of imaginative short stories by N.K. Jemisin. I love her style of writing. It feels fresh. (Affiliate link.)
How Long 'til Black Future Month? by N. K. Jemisin | Waterstones UK
A collection of imaginative sci-fi and fantasy short stories by N.K. Jemisin. I love her style of writing. It feels fresh. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
How Long 'til Black Future Month? | Barnes & Noble US Bookseller
A fast paced and funny sci-fi novel. Very difficult to put down. (Affiliate link).
The Martian by Andy Weir | Waterstones UK
A fast paced and fun sci-fi read. US bookseller link. (Affiliate link.)
The Martian | Paperback - Barnes & Noble US
Fantasy
My favourite fantasy novels. Includes links to UK and US booksellers.
One of my favourite fantasy novels! It's inspired by Renaissance Italy and follows a group of people trying to reclaim their home's name. Beautiful writing and stunning locations. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay | Waterstones
I adore this high fantasy novel! It's beautifully written with complex characters. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Tigana: Anniversary Edition | Barnes & Noble
This was the first Bernard Cornwell novel I ever read and it remains one of my favourites. (Affiliate link.)
The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell | Waterstones UK
One of my favourite Bernard Cornwell novels. Link to US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
The Winter King (Warlord Chronicles Series #1) | Paperback - Barnes & Noble US
A wonderfully charming and fun read! (Affiliate link.)
The Princess Bride by William Goldman | Waterstones UK
The Princess Bride is a wonderful read and just as enjoyable as the film. Link to US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
The Princess Bride by William Goldman I Hardcover - Barnes & Noble US
The first book in the superb fantasy series ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin | Waterstones UK
A superb opening novel to the A Song of Ice and Fire series. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1)| Barnes & Noble US
I read A Game of Thrones, the first novel in ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ when I was a teenager and have loved them ever since! Superb series! UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin | Waterstones UK
The A Song of Ice and Fire series boxset - as paparbacks and ebooks. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire Series |eBook - Barnes & Noble US
The Graphic Novel for The Hedge Knight. It's the story of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire Egg, set around 90 years before the events in A Game of Thrones. Very enjoyable read. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
The Hedge Knight Graphic Novel by George R. R. Martin, Ben Avery | Waterstones UK
Gothic
My favourite gothic novels (mostly classics). Includes links to UK and US booksellers.
The Vampyre (1819) is a gothic short story about Lord Ruthven and his travelling companion. The story idea came from the contest between Byron, Polidori and the Shelleys and features the first gentleman vampire. This is an enjoyable read. (Affiliate ...
The Vampyre by John William Polidori | Waterstones
The Vampyre by John William Polidori featuring the first gentleman vampire in gothic fiction. (Affiliate link.)
The Vampyre and Other Tales of the Macabre | Barnes & Noble US
Thrillers
My fave thriller novels. Includes links to UK and US booksellers.
This is a modern thriller about a captain of a luxury yacht whose life is turned upside down when he finds an abandoned and partially destroyed boat in the Bahamas. A fast-paced and very enjoyable read. (Affiliate link.)
Crackdown by Bernard Cornwell | Waterstones UK
A fast-paced thriller about a man who is dragged from the sea with no name and no memory and soon finds himself running from assassins. (Affiliate link.)
The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum | Waterstones
The second in the Bourne series. This one sees Jason travel to Hong Kong and Peking to rescue his love. (Affiliate link.)
The Bourne Supremacy by Robert Ludlum | Waterstones
A terrific series of thrillers by Robert Ludlum. Link to US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
The Jason Bourne Series 3-Book Bundle |eBook - Barnes & Noble US
Craft
My favourite craft books, for both inspiration and reference. Includes links to UK and US booksellers.
A how-to book on spindle spinning. Really useful to own if you're just getting into this craft or have been spinning for a time. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Respect the Spindle by Abby Franquemont | Waterstones
A how-to book on spindle spinning. Really useful for both beginners and more experienced spinners. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Respect the Spindle - Barnes & Noble US
A wonderful resource for spinning different types of yarns such as plying, boucle, cable, core, novelty and more. (Affiliate link.)
The Spinner's Book of Yarn Designs by Sarah Anderson, Judith MacKenzie | Waterstones
A wonderful resource for spinning different types of yarns such as plying, boucle, cable, core, novelty and more. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
The Spinner's Book of Yarn Designs- Barnes & Noble US
A very useful book for knitting from your hand spun and how to get the yarn you desire. (Affiliate link.)
Yarnitecture by Jillian Moreno, Clara Parkes | Waterstones
A very useful book for spinning the yarn you need for your knitting. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Yarnitecture: A Knitter's Guide to Spinning | Barnes & Noble US
This book is a wonderful resource for inkle loom patterns. (Affiliate link.)
The Weaver's Inkle Pattern Directory by Anne Dixon | Waterstones
A wonderful resource for inkle loom patterns. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
The Weaver's Inkle Pattern Directory - Barnes & Noble US
A lovely book for ideas on braiding. (Affiliate link.)
200 Braids to Loop, Knot, Weave & Twist by Jacqui Carey | Waterstones
This is the tatting book I learned from. It's perfect for learning the basics and includes some lovely patterns plus more advanced techniques. (Affiliate link.)
Complete Book of Tatting by Rebecca Jones | Waterstones
A lovely book of ideas for beginner shuttle tatters. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Tatting Jewellery by L Morton | Waterstones
A lovely book of ideas for beginner shuttle tatters. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Tatting Jewellery - Barnes & Noble US
A great book for tatting ideas. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Contemporary Tatting by Judith Connors | Waterstones
This loom knitting pattern book has some lovely ideas for scarves. (Affiliate link.)
How to Knit Fashionable Scarves on Circle Looms by Denise Layman | Waterstones
This loom knitting pattern book has some lovely ideas for scarves. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
How to Knit Fashionable Scarves on Circle Looms - Barnes & Noble US
A beginner friendly book on learning to knit on a long loom or rake. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Learn to Knit on Long Looms by Anne Bipes | Waterstones
A lovely book full of colourwork knitting inspiration and patterns. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Creative Colour Knitting by Cecilie Kaurin, Linn Bryhn Jacobsen | Waterstones UK
This is a lovely book. One day I'm determined to level up my knitting skills to create some of these designs. (Affiliate link.)
Knitting in the Details by Louisa Harding | Waterstones
Journaling and Writing
My favourite notebooks and books about writing. Includes links to UK and US booksellers.
A lovely book for left-handed calligraphy. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Left-Handed Calligraphy by Vance Studley | Waterstones UK
A really useful book for the beginner left-handed calligrapher. US bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
Left-Handed Calligraphy | Paperback Barnes & Noble US
Memoir
I occasionally read memoirs so here are my faves. Includes links to UK and US booksellers.
This book covers the first part of David Niven's life. A funny read. (Affiliate link.)
The Moon's a Balloon by David Niven | Waterstones
Non-Fiction
A coffee table book about famous left-handed people. UK bookseller. (Affiliate link.)
A Left-Handed History of the World by Ed Wright | Waterstones
This short productivity book is about how to arrange your tasks in such a manner that you can achieve what you want to achieve. I found it to be a useful addition to my library. (Affiliate link.)
The One Thing by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan | Waterstones UK