Gorky Park

First book in the Arkady Renko series, which became an instant bestseller and changed the crime fiction genre. More

Moby-Dick

Often called the greatest American novel of all time. More

Jack Higgins

Why I write: Some years ago, although enjoying great success, I was accused by certain literary critics of repeating myself too much in my work. More

Master and Commander

First book in O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin series, widely regarded as the greatest series of historical novels ever written. More

Flashman

When this novel was first published, many critics mistakenly accepted it as a genuine historical memoir. More

Tracy Chevalier

I read because I want to know what it’s like to look at the world through someone else’s eyes, and reading is a remarkably efficient and vigorous way of doing that. More

Papillon

A bestselling phenomenon and classic memoir of prison breaks and adventure. More

Wolf Hall

Winner of the 2009 Man Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. More