Other books that might interest you

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  The Vampyre

  John Polidori

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  The Vampyre by John Polidori, narrated by Declan McHugh, is one of the earliest and most influential vampire tales in literary history. This dark and atmospheric story follows the mysterious and sinister Lord Ruthven, an aristocratic figure whose charm hides a terrifying secret. As Lord Ruthven lures his unsuspecting victims, the chilling truth about his nature is slowly revealed, drawing listeners into a world of gothic suspense and supernatural horror. 
  Narrator Declan McHugh brings the eerie, otherworldly quality of the story to life with his captivating performance, capturing both the menace and allure of the vampire. His narration immerses listeners in the fog-shrouded, moonlit landscapes and chilling encounters that make this story a timeless classic. 
  Perfect for fans of gothic literature and vampire lore, The Vampyre is a must-listen for those who enjoy dark, haunting narratives filled with suspense and mystery. This audiobook offers an unforgettable journey into the origins of the vampire mythos, where danger and seduction intertwine.

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  Crocker's Hole - From their pens...

  R D Blackmore

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  Richard Doddridge Blackmore was born on 7th June, 1825 at Longworth in Berkshire (now part of Oxfordshire), where his father, John Blackmore, was Curate-in-charge of the parish. His mother died a few months after his birth the victim of an outbreak of typhus. With this loss the family moved to Bushey, Hertfordshire, then on to their native Devon.  His elder brother Richard (by a year), however, was taken by his aunt to live near Oxford. His father married again in 1831, whereupon Richard returned to live with them.  With much of his childhood spent in the lush and pastoral "Doone Country" of Exmoor, and along the Badgworthy Water, Blackmore came to love the very countryside he immortalised in Lorna Doone.  In November 1853 he married his wife Lucy.  And the following year, 1854, his literary career began with a collection of Poems and for the next 15 years he would write in the winters and garden in the summers.  In 1860 with inherited money he built a house in Teddington just outside of London and established a market garden for the cultivation of fruit.  He loved horticulture but having little business experience could never really exploit it.  However with the publication of Lorna Doone in 1869 he was catapulted to fame.  And although he continued to write extensively nothing caught the public imagination quite like Lorna Doone.  RD Blackmore died at Teddington on 20th January, 1900 after a long and painful illness, and was buried next to his wife in Teddington cemetery.

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  The Call of the Wild

  Jack London

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  Set in Yukon, Canada, during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush, when strong sled dogs were in high demand. The central character of the novel is a dog named Buck. 

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  The Merchant of Venice

  William Shakespeare

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  A conflict between a nobleman and a moneylender drives this suspenseful comedy filled with twists and turns.Bassanio, a Venetian nobleman and reckless spender, has found himself in financial straits, making it difficult for him to court the woman he loves, Portia. His wealthy friend who usually bails him out, Antonio, will not have funds available until his merchant ships come in. Borrowing from Shylock, the Jewish moneylender, and using Antonio as a guarantor, appears to be Bassanio’s only option if he wants to win Portia’s hand. Shylock, at first reluctant to get involved with the anti-Semitic Antonio, finally offers to waive interest on the loan—if he can take a pound of Antonio’s flesh should the money not be repaid on time. But when Bassanio’s ships are reported lost at sea, danger awaits, in this masterpiece by the Bard, William Shakespeare.

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  Howards End

  E. M. Forster

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  "Howards End" is one of E.M. Forster's most celebrated novels, first published in 1910. At the heart of the story is the country house, Howards End, which becomes a symbol for the narrative's exploration of the social, economic, and class divisions in early 20th-century England. The novel intertwines the lives of three families: the idealistic, intellectual Schlegel sisters, the wealthy, pragmatic Wilcoxes, and the working-class Basts. Through their interconnected relationships, Forster scrutinizes the changing societal landscape, especially the diminishing values of the Edwardian era and the rise of modernity. Themes of inheritance, belonging, love, and betrayal are delicately interwoven, showcasing Forster's profound understanding of human nature and societal constraints.

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  The Sign of the Four

  Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

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  London, 1888.  
  A Ms. Mary Morstan arrives at 221B Baker Street with a case for Sherlock Holmes and his companion, Dr. John Watson. Some ten years prior, her father, Captain Arthur Morstan, returned to London while on leave from his post in India—only to go missing. Adding another layer to the mystery are six pearls in her possession, having received one per year since 1882. The sixth and most recently received pearl was accompanied by a letter asking for a meeting, claiming Ms. Morstan is a wronged woman.  
  Holmes and Watson's deductive skills are put to the test in a thrilling adventure involving a map of a fortress bearing four names, poison darts, and high-speed boat chases.   
  The second of the four Sherlock Holmes novels, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Sign of the Four follows Holmes and Watson's debut in A Study In Scarlet. Originally commissioned by Lippincott's Monthly, the novel was published in the magazine in 1890. In the summer of 2024, Doyle's original handwritten manuscript sold for over $900,000 at auction.

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