The Best British Books to Take You Away
It is crazy how many British books Kirsten and I have read. We take for granted the number of books originally published in the UK that has been published here as well.
From mysteries to romance and contemporary fiction, these British books are all books we have read and absolutely loved. So, grab some tea, put on a fascinator, and get ready for some great reading.
This post fulfills a prompt for the 2024 reading challenge! It’s not too late to join!
Best British Mystery Books
Plot
When Gwenda moves into a new home with her husband, eerie things start to happen and Gwenda begins to feel familiar with the house in ways she shouldn’t. Enter Miss Marple to solve the case!
Why Kirsten loves it
This is my favorite of all the Miss Marple books! I think about this Miss Marple story all the time. The scene when she discovers the wallpaper stood out to me as such creative storytelling. I remember the chills that went up my arm when I read it.
Find this book in: Agatha Christie Books in Order / British Books
The Guest List
Author: Lucy Foley
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller, June 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I’ve just read THE thriller
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve become very picky about thrillers recently and this one is hands down my favorite of the year so far. It also made our Best of 2020 list!
Adaptation Information
This story is soon to be a TV series on Hulu. Liz Tigelaar is set to write and produce the show.
Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Best British Mysteries / Books Becoming Movies in 2024 / Best Beach Reads / British Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books
Maisie Dobbs
Author: Jacqueline Winspear
Year: 2003
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Maisie Dobbs #1
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Maisie Dobbs is not your typical private investigator. For a start, she is a woman working as a PI in 1929. She is a psychologist and a detective who trained under renowned Maurice Blanche a former member of Scotland Yard. She branches out and decides to start her own business.
Maisie’s first case seems like it should be a simple case of infidelity. Instead, it leads her to a murder and back to WWI where she was a nurse. She is smart, thoughtful, and fun to read.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this cozy mystery novel in one day. It was so refreshing to see post-war England through Maisie’s eyes as she entered a field dominated by men. I cannot wait to read more books in this fabulous series.
Find this book in: Detective Books / Historical Mystery Books / British Mystery Books / Jazz Age Novels
Books set in Cornwall
A Cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware
This was my pick for our Reading Challenge. It’s a reread for me, but I’ve always loved Cornwall, so much so that we have a whole list of books set in Cornwall. This romance is part historical fiction, part contemporary romance as Blythe Barton retreats to an estate in Cornwall after her high-profile divorce.
Suddenly she can get glimpses into her ancestor’s past and the mystery of her disappearance. The winner for
Plot
A young girl is abandoned on a ship headed to Australia. When she arrives, the only thing in her possession is a suitcase with some clothes and a book of fairy tales. The dock master and his wife adopt Nell and tell her the story of her arrival in Australia on her 21st birthday. She goes back to England on a quest to find her lost identity.
Unsuccessful, her granddaughter later takes up the search and tries to assemble the pieces of her grandmother’s mystery and unlock the secrets of her past.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Infertility
Why Kirsten loves it
I was swept away by this story and found myself dreaming of Cornwall while reading. This gothic fiction is a perfect book for fall.
Find this book in: Kate Morton Books / Cozy Books / Family Saga / Books set in Cornwall / Historical Mystery / British Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books
Rebecca
Author: Daphne Du Maurier
Year: 1938
Genre: Thriller
More info: National Book Award Winner, 1938
Anthony Award Winner, 2000
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The OG psychological thriller book, Rebecca is a book set in Cornwall that will leave you checking behind you when you walk down a dark hallway.
The new Mrs. de Winter is haunted by her husband’s first wife, Rebecca. The deceit will have you second-guessing everything you read while you yell at the pages. It is a chilling novel about a naive second wife discovering the truth behind the wife who came before her.
The Netflix book adaptation stars Lily James and it reignited this popular thriller book’s success. If you have not read this book, it is a perfect book for fall.
Why Kirsten loves it
One of the most acclaimed psychological thriller authors, Daphne Du Maurier is at her best in this chilling psychological thriller. Everything about this gothic thriller will make you feel a little bit uncomfortable. I love Du Maurier and I have read this classic more than once.
Why Jackie loves it
I was at least 50 pages into this book when I called Kirsten and asked if I would ever learn the new Mrs. De Winter’s name. The fact that the main character remains nameless throughout the book adds to the thrill of the book. It is a classic that everyone should read at least once.
Find this book in: Best Mystery Novels / Popular Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Classic Books / British Books / Best Psychological Thriller Books
British Romance Novels
Red, White & Royal Blue
Author: Casey McQuiston
Year: 2019
Genre: Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
We don’t think about royals and the LGBTQ community because we don’t usually see openly gay royals, which is so sad in today’s society. And to think it all starts with a NYE kiss!
This charming book is a fabulous pick from LGBTQ romance novels. I crushed hard for their romance and found myself smiling the entire time. (Also love the nod to a female president…where do I sign up for one of those?)
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
The LGBTQ romance is charming but add in a female president and I am all in.
Why Jackie loves it
Not only is the relationship between these two charming but a female president and a royal angle as well makes this a must-read!
Find this book in: Royal Romance Books / Enemies-to-Lovers Books / New Year’s Books / British Romance Novels/ Books With a Color in the Title / British Books / Best YA Romance Books
The Royal We
Author: Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Year: 2015
Genre: Fiction
More info: Royal We #1
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This novel spans from the time Bex and Prince Nick meet in college until the night before their wedding. It goes through the ups and downs of the relationship and ends on a cliffhanger. But do not worry. The Heir Affair is already out and you can read that one next.
Why Kirsten loves it
Look no further than this royal romance. If you haven’t read this romance loosely based on Wills and Kate’s love story, read no further. This is the end-all, be-all of Royal Reads.
Find this book in: Books Set in College / Royal Reads / Books Like The Selection / Best Beach Reads / British Books / Best YA Romance Books
Plot
Ella has moved to Oxford to study for one year before heading back to America to work on a political campaign, fulfilling a lifelong dream to study in the famed English school. But then she falls for her professor and must decide what she wants from the future.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer
Why Kirsten loves it
I picked up this contemporary fiction book to help combat my Royal Wedding withdrawal. I assumed it was going to be a light and fluffy romance — I had no idea I was going to be sobbing my eyes out with what is essentially the newest JoJo Moyes.
Adaptation Information
Netflix has not yet announced the release date of the film, though they did unveil the cast. Sophie Carson, Corey Mylchreest, Dougray Scott, and Catherine McCormack are all set to star.
Find this book in: Books Set in College / Best Contemporary Fiction / British Romance Novels / British Books / Books Becoming Movies
The Duke and I
Author: Julia Quinn
Year: 2000
Genre: Romance
More info: Bridgerton #1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
There is something about Daphne and Simon that I adore. This book is a perfect historical romance. The Netflix book adaption smashed records and caused a boom in book sales.
Daphne Bridgerton is the fourth of eight children and is beginning her first season in the ton. As young women of marrying age search for a husband, Daphne is not quite like other girls.
When the eligible Simon Bassett suggests they begin fake dating to allow them both a chance to breathe. However, things do not always go as planned. To make matters more complicated, Lady Whistledown always seems to know the truth and the information ready for everyone to read. This is one of our fake dating books of all time.
Why Jackie loves it
I watched the show and LOVED it so much. I previously read some of the others in the series but I really wanted to read this first book in the Bridgerton book series and I have to say, it was my favorite.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love a great historical romance and this one had everything I was looking for – great characters, a steamy romance, and a happy ending.
Find this book in: Fake Dating Books / Bridgerton Books in Order / Best Netflix Adaptations of 2023 / Best British Books / Best Historical Romance Novels
Love Romance Novels? We do too! That’s why we created the Ultimate List of Romance Novels carefully divided by trope.
Best British Contemporary Fiction Books
Wives Like Us
Author: Plum Sykes
Year: 2024
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
In the English countryside, there is drama all around. From an American divorcee newly arrived in the neighborhood, to meddling neighbors, a butler far too good at his job, and bombshell after bombshell, this Cottswolds’ neighborhood is filled with gossip and shenanigans.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve long been a fan of Plum Sykes’s satirical look at the upper classes. Wives Like Us is her first romp in the English countryside and it was filled with everything I’ve come to expect with her writing. If you look stories by Kevin Kwan, this one is right up your alley!
Find this book in: Best British Books
Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal
March 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Looking for a laugh-out-loud contemporary fiction book? This novel is about an Indian woman trying to marry her modern English identity with her parents’ conservative Indian values.
She takes up teaching a writing course for widows in her community and she learns so much about herself and them in the process. Between each chapter are hysterical and sometimes raunchy tales written by the widows in her class. I dare you not to smile while reading this book about books.
Lockdown on London Lane by Beth Reekles
This story is so adorable! It’s Love Actually, Quarantine edition. It’s not a scary pandemic read AT ALL. Instead, it’s an interwoven tale of various couples stuck together for a week-long lockdown.
There is a group of bachelorettes, a new couple who have only shown their good sides to each other, an established couple struggling, a man separated from his girlfriend, and my personal favorite – a one-night stand turned week-long visit.
Charming and hysterical, this contemporary fiction book lifted my spirits and had me laughing out loud which is amazing for a quarantine fiction.
Find this book in isolation novels / forced proximity trope
Bridget Jones’s Diary
Author: Helen Fielding
Year: 1999
Genre: Romance
More info: #1 Bestselling Book
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I remember reading this contemporary fiction book shortly before it was turned into a hit movie starring Colin Firth and Renee Zellweger. This modern Pride and Prejudice retelling is told in diary form over the course of one year.
Hysterical and silly, Bridget’s antics are quite something. Mark and Daniel are deliciously brought to life via Bridget’s inner monologue. If you love the movie, try the book.
Bridget starts her diary on New Year’s Day which makes it a perfect pick for books about New Year’s!
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Pride and Prejudice retellings and this is one of the best ones I have ever read. Even though it just had its 25th anniversary, it is still relevant and funny. The fact that it is written as a year of diary entries is icing on the cake!
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Best British Books / New Year’s Eve Books / Books Like Pride and Prejudice
Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction Novels to Love in 2024
For more contemporary fiction books like these, check out our ultimate list for dozens of recommendations.
Best British Books Set in London
Plot
This tear-jerking story blew me away. It was a romance story for the first 30% of the book, but then it became something much deeper.
Josie mails a letter to her deceased parents every Christmas, but this Christmas she accidentally hits a stranger named Max with her bike on the way to the post box.
As she explores the holiday season with Max her feelings start to grow, but when he leaves unexpectedly, she’s left to deal with the aftermath of the impact he had on her heart. But fate isn’t done with their story yet as they bump into each other throughout the year.
Why Kirsten loves it
Probably my favorite Christmas romance book of 2021, this one is a tear-jerker for sure. I sobbed for the entire last 10% of the book and it will most likely, emotionally wreck you. This book is a testament to the healing power of love and the kind of impact each of us can make on each other.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but if you are looking for a Christmas book that ends with a bow and smile, you may want to look elsewhere. Despite this, we needed to include this on our list of best holiday books. #gifted by
Find this book in: Books That Will Emotionally Wreck You / Best British Books / Best Holiday Books / Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Best Christmas Romance Books / Christmas Book Club Books / Christmas Novels for 2021 / Emily Stone Books Ranked
Girl on the Train
Author: Paula Hawkins
Year: 2015
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Movie Starring Emily Blunt
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Rachel takes the same train every day and peers out the window watching people. She watched two people in particular as they led what appeared to be a perfect life until one day she saw something terrible while watching them.
She reports it to the police but, can they trust a dysfunctional alcoholic? This is a domestic thriller story that will have you questioning who is telling the truth from the beginning until the end. Unreliable narrators like Rachel make the best page-turners! You’ll never know what to believe!
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a thriller that is unexpected and original. The unreliable narrator is one of my favorite thriller tropes and Hawkins did it to perfection in this book.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved to hate Rachel. She is the perfect unreliable narrator and I never guessed what would happen next.
Find this book in: Books with Stalkers / Domestic Thrillers / Unreliable Narrators / Psychological Thriller Books / British Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels
Best British Feel Good Books
Bloomsbury Girls by Natalie Jenner
I loved this book set in a bookstore! Taking place just after WWII, the women of Bloomsbury Books are struggling to make their own way in the changing world.
We get to see alternating narrators, one of which was in Jenner’s first book, The Jane Austen Society. Each of the 3 females in the story is striving for their dreams and interacting with some of the most famous literary figures of their day!
I squealed with delight when Daphne Du Maurier appeared on the page, but you’ll see Peggy Guggenheim, Ellen Doubleday, and more scattered throughout this charming tale. At its heart, this is a book about friendship and it is an absolute delight.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Author: Gail Honeyman
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: June 2107 Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I wasn’t sure how I felt about this contemporary fiction book initially. Initially, Eleanor’s behavior and responses to people and situations upset me. I had the outside perspective of a reader to understand how Eleanor is misinterpreting situations. She is not supposed to be likable initially which is why I persevered and ended up loving the book and Eleanor.
Eleanor has difficulty with social skills and is used to being alone until one day, she saves an elderly man who has fallen with the help of Raymond from her work. The three develop a friendship that helps Eleanor heal.
Trigger Warnings
Loneliness
Why Jackie loves it
As we get to know Eleanor and understand her profound loneliness, it made me think about what initial judgments I make in other areas. Eleanor is able to find herself and understand herself in this wonderful, feel-good book.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you love a character-driven novel, this is the book for you. Eleanor changes so much from the beginning of the story to the end, I loved taking the journey with her.
Find this book in: Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine / Books Like A Man Called Ove/ Books About Scotland / British Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Best Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books
All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle
This contemporary fiction book was my surprise star of the summer so far. I had not heard of the book and thought it sounded great. I loved every minute of it.
Hubert Bird is a widower who has weekly conversations with his daughter in Australia. He tells her amazing stories about how he spends his time. The problem? It is all made up.
With his daughter coming to visit, Hubert must find friends and a life to show his daughter.
Hubert gets a second chance at love and friendship but the book dives deeper into Hubert’s past as well. The depth and sincerity in this book are wonderful and I cannot say enough good things about this feel-good book from our list of books like A Man Called Ove.
Want more? Check out our Ultimate List of FeelGood books!
Best British Books for Book Club
The Jane Austen Society
Author: Natalie Jenner
Year: 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: International Bestseller
Age Range: 14+
Plot
What a wonderful book for historical fiction lovers. Set just after WWII, a group of unlikely friends come together to save Jane Austen’s cottage.
A movie star, a farmer, a doctor, and a widow all have personal struggles to overcome. Over the course of the book, the society is able to save more than just the cottage.
I felt like each of the characters were personal friends by the book’s end. It was a lovely read to rekindle hope perfect for those looking for books about Jane Austen.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love Jane Austen so this book was right up my alley. The characters are amazing and I love the story of this book.
Why Jackie loves it
I could not stop reading this book the minute I picked it up, I fell in love with the characters and the completely original plot line.
Find this book in: Best British Books / Best Books for Book Clubs / Books Like Pride and Prejudice / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffner and Annie Barrows
Year: 2008
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This story about the island of Guernsey’s occupation during WWII features a book club that started to deceive the German soldiers. The members of the book club quickly become friends. Can you think of a better book for book clubs than one about a book club?
When a young novelist finds out about their society, she begins a correspondence and eventually visits them to learn more. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society must remain secret for their safety rather than by choice.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death
Why Jackie loves it
The story is told entirely in letters and was recently turned into a Netflix movie! I love this heartwarming novel. If you have not read this cozy book, I highly recommend it to anyone who loved The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner.
Find this book in: Secret Society Books / Books About WWII / Friendship Books / Books About Books / British Books / Epistolary Novels / Books with Food in the Title
Hamnet
Author: Maggie O’Farrell
Year: 2020
Genre: Literary Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
This is the story of Shakespeare’s life, family, and extraordinary wife during the time of the plague. Shakespeare himself is never actually mentioned by name in this extraordinary and heartbreaking book that was so hard to put down.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death
Why Jackie loves it
I had this book on my TBR for so long and I am so happy that I finally had a chance to read it. I know why it made so many lists of top books for 2020. And if you are looking for biographical novels about writers, this one is a must-read.
Adaptation Information
Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are set to star in the movie adaptation of this bestseller. Chloé Zhao is going to direct it!
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Books About Books / Books Becoming Movies
Want more books for your book club? We do too! That’s why we created a list of the 52 Best Books for Book Clubs to Read.
Best Historical Fiction Set in Britain
Plot
Ursula Todd is born one night in 1910 and died before taking her first breath. She is born again on the same snowy night in 1910 and so the story continues.
Ursula lives her life over and over and hopes that she can get it right and change her story. As she grows, she grapples with family life and WWII.
Why Kirsten loves it
This masterful work by Kate Atkinson is a family drama, historical fiction, and magical realism all rolled into one fantastic book. This unique story is one of the best books I’ve ever read.
Why Jackie loves it
The story is so unique and Atkinson’s writing is wonderful. This story felt fresh, even when watching Ursula live her life over and over again. The story gives such a fresh glimpse of WWII but is also a story about family.
Find this book in: Best WWII Books / Books Like the Time Traveler’s Wife / Magical Realism / Time Loop Books / British Books
Plot
Nella is the owner of a shop that used to be a renowned apothecary to treat women but, after her mother died and Nella faced unspeakable loss, her shop is now the bringer of death to men who have wronged the women in their lives.
In the present day, Caroline is spending her 10th wedding anniversary alone in London after discovering her husband is a lying, cheater. When she finds a vial while mud larking, she cannot resist the pull. What is the story behind this vial?
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this dual-timeline story that shows the power of women. It is a unique page-turner that will leave you sad when you get to the last page.
Adaptation Information
It’s early days still, but the rights to this book have been purchased by Fox.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Historical Fiction Books / British Books
Love Historical Fiction? We do too! That’s why we created the Ultimate List of Historical Fiction carefully divided by time period.
Books About Bookshops (Set in Britain)
With Love from London
Author: Sarah Jio
Year: 2022
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
When Valentina was a teenager, her beloved mother left her to return home to her native London and never returned. Val was left heartbroken with her father.
Now, Val has returned to London to her mother’s apartment and bookshop to try to understand her mother, her life, and why she would leave. The change could not have come at a better time for Valentina who is going through a divorce of her own.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this book about a librarian who inherited a bookshop from her estranged mother. This book was such an easy and wonderful read.
Find this book in: Books About Librarians / British Books
The Bookshop on the Corner
Author: Jenny Colgan
Year: 2016
Genre: Fiction
More info: The Bookshop on the Corner #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This contemporary fiction book was the first book I read by Jenny Colgan and is different from her others. It is not centered around food but rather, books.
When Nina, a librarian, finds herself without a job, she embarks on a journey with a mobile bookshop in Scotland. There is nothing not to love in this sweet and cozy book.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you are ever in a reading slump, please pick up this story! I felt like I was with Nina puttering around the lanes of Scotland in her bookmobile. The romance in the story was charming as well! This remains my favorite Jenny Colgan story.
Find this book in: The Best Jenny Colgan Books Ranked / Novels About Scotland / Books About Books / Books about Bookstores / British Books
The Last Bookshop in London: A Novel of World War II by Madeline Martin
Wow, did I love this book. Grace has always wanted to live in London and finds herself working at a bookshop as WWII looms on the horizon. Grace’s new found love of books, the store and the friends who have become family, become the glue that holds her together during air-raids, blitzes and nights spent in darkness.
I am happy to have any excuse to recommend this great historical fiction and a list of British Books is the perfect place.
Love books about books? Check out our post here.
