Books to Read Before You Die

From intense deduction methods and trusty sidekicks to supernatural dogs and grizzly murders, ´The Elementary Sherlock Holmes Collection´ offers a generous glimpse into some of the best adventures of the most famous detective of all time. Follow the notorious detective and his companion, Dr Watson, as they try to solve the eerie mystery behind an attempted murder in ´The Hound of the Baskervilles´, or help them solve the mystery of a father gone missing in ´The Sign of the Four´. These are just some of the thrilling adventures included in the collection, which also features the first-ever Sherlock Holmes story ´A Study in Scarlet´ alongside ´His Last Bow´ and ´The Valley of Fear´. Beautifully portrayed by the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch and Robert Downey Jr, Sherlock Holmes has appeared in multiple iterations, most notably as a "high-functioning sociopath" in BBC's ´Sherlock´. With nine exhilarating adventures, ´The Elementary Sherlock Holmes Collection´ serves as the perfect introduction to one of the most famous written characters of all time. It is ideal for fans of "Enola Holmes" on Netflix.

Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast…' When Alice follows a white rabbit in a waistcoat into the extraordinary world of Wonderland, she discovers a place where reality is upended and everyone is delightfully absurd. She puzzles over the grinning Cheshire Cat, attends the Mad Hatter's tea party and even plays croquet with the Queen of Hearts. Full of word play and whimsy, "Alice in Wonderland" and its sequel "Through the Looking-Glass" have enchanted readers for over a hundred years – offering a timeless escape to a world where imagination reigns and nonsense makes perfect sense.

Weaving together a crackling Christmas collection from master novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens himself, this fierce, fiery, and festive anthology will leave you cosy yet cold with the chill of a real and raw Victorian Christmas... We'll deep dive into Dickens' moral message in the famous 'A Christmas Carol', before encountering more Christmas spirits in 'The Chimes'. This time, however, ghostly spirits are replaced by ghastly goblins… We'll then step into the tantalising world of toys - and cosy critters - in 'The Cricket on the Hearth'. Meanwhile, 'The Battle of Life' will see the Christmas message of peace, love, and kindness bubble to the surface. Last but not least, we'll have to reckon with a fantastically festive haunted mansion in 'The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain'. ´Charles Dickens' Christmas Stories´ is a must-read for lovers of classical literature, festive fanatics of ´The Muppets Christmas Carol´, and fans of Dev Patel's ´The Personal History of David Copperfield´.

It's 1812. Russia is on the brink of invasion. Three individuals are intent on saving and sacrificing it all. When Napoleon's army sets foot on Russian soil, Russia swiftly responds by declaring an all-out war on France that leaves no prisoners behind. From the peasants to the nobility, it's impossible for Russian society to escape the clutches of war. And when the entwined fates of three unlikely friends come to fruition, there's no telling who will suffer the most. Weaving a rip-roaring tale of love, loss, and sacrifice unique to the emerging new era of the long 19th century, Tolstoy's epic family saga ´War and Peace´ was adapted into the 1960s blockbuster hit starring Audrey Hepburn and Henry Fonda. It is perfect for fans of Ken Follett's 'The Century Trilogy'.

Anne has as many shades as a rainbow and every shade is the prettiest while it lasts…' Fall in love with the most charming of children's characters, 'Anne of Green Gables', in Lucy Montgomery's complete trilogy. Inquisitive, insightful, and full of imagination, Anne is a bright, bubbly, and fiery force to be reckoned with. But she's also orphaned and alone – all at the grand old age of 11. When Anne is mistakenly sent to live with ageing siblings, she soon encounters the trials and tribulations of both an imperfect childhood, alongside the messy facts of adult life. She'll make those around her think twice with her spirited heart, but she'll also learn to navigate social expectations. Weaving a touching and intoxicating coming-of-age tale of one girl's search for belonging, Lucy Montgomery's much-loved series is the ideal tale for fans of Netflix's 'Anne with an E'.

Deep dive into one of the greatest coming-of-age stories by the master novelist of the Victorian era, Charles Dickens. Charting young Pip's experiences of poverty, prison, and fights to the death, 'Great Expectations' follows the entwined fates of wealthy spinster Miss Havisham, the beautiful but aloof Estella, and unsophisticated yet kind blacksmith Joe. As Pip journeys through life, his expectations are shaped and shunned by the people around him. Weaving the ultimate tale of good over evil, he must question love and loss at a time when social struggles are rife. The novel has been adapted into countless films and stage adaptations, most notably the 2012 blockbuster hit ´Great Expectations´, starring Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter. Challenging our preconceived judgements, social standing, and moral cues, ´Great Expectation´ is ideal for fans of Dev Patel's 'The Personal History of David Copperfield' and fans of West End's 'Oliver!'

Deep dive into the delightful collection of adventure animal tales from the creator of Peter Rabbit, Thornton W. Burgess. In 'The Adventures of Paddy the Beaver', we'll join Paddy as he works to build his dam and protect his home. But when a group of humans threatens to destroy his beloved dam, can Paddy use his resourcefulness to save and secure his home, future, and fate? From escaping the clutches of Granny Fox in 'The Adventures of Reddy Fox' to learning valuable life lessons in 'Old Mother West Wind', the antics of the lovable animal characters of the Green Meadows and Green Forest will keep readers of all ages entertained. Weaving a thrilling animal adventure collection featuring furry friends such as Peter Rabbit and Reddy Fox, 'Selected Thornton W. Burgess' is the perfect companion for fans of Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne in the animated adventure, 'Peter Rabbit'.

Deep dive into this cracking collection of 'Selected Joseph Conrad', featuring fantastic tales of love, loss, and adventure on land, sea and in the dark and mysterious jungle. From rip-roaring tales of voyage and strife such as 'The Mirror of the Sea', to dazzlingly dramatic sagas of greed and guilt in 'Almayer's Folly' and 'Heart of Darkness', you'll explore a powerfully profound compilation from the master writer of nautical fiction. 'Selected Joseph Conrad' is the perfect companion for fans of Chinua Achebe's ´Things Fall Apart´.

Deep dive into Alexandre Dumas' swashbuckling historical adventure tale of honour and chivalry, set during the backdrop of the French monarchy's slow demise, ´The Three Musketeers´. Kickstarting the epic trilogy, ´The Three Musketeers´ follows D'Artagnan's desperate attempt to leave home and join the elite Musketeers of the Guard in Paris. When he befriends three other formidable musketeers his age, the group soon take it upon themselves to save the state and control the courts! But when rogue do-gooders step on the toes of France's Ancien Régime, there's bound to be trouble. And violence. Will it be off with the heads? Or will the musketeers show France what a true republic looks like? Weaving a whirlwind adventure tale of courage and might, Dumas' 'The Three Musketeers´ is a must-read masterpiece for fans of Luke Evans, Orlando Bloom, and Logan Lerman in the eponymous blockbuster hit film adaptation.