Books Like...
'London Rules' in the 'Slough House' series by Mick Herron is a fast-paced spy novel filled with bumbling, conniving, and vicious office politics within the British secret service. The story revolves around the slow horses, a group of misfit spies condemned for sins more embarrassing than real, who find themselves involved in a terrorist attack in Derbyshire. Led by the sharp but disreputable head of Slough House, Jackson Lamb, the slow horses must navigate through the complexities of intelligence work while staying one step ahead of the A team spymasters at Regent's Park. The writing style is described as sophisticated, witty, and darkly humorous, with beautiful musings on the banality of everyday life and vivid descriptions of London.
If you liked London Rules, here are the top 3 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Slough House)
- #1
Save:A beautifully written, bittersweet novel that celebrates the quiet joys and heartbreaks of ordinary life - just be prepared for a gut-punch of an ending.
In "Small Pleasures" by Clare Chambers, set in 1957 England, Jean Swinney, a journalist on a local paper, investigates the claims of a woman named Gretchen Tilbury, who asserts that her daughter was the result of a virgin birth. As Jean delves into Gretchen's story, she becomes entangled in the lives of the Tilbury family, finding unexpected connections and a chance at happiness amidst her own lonely existence. The book beautifully captures suburban life in the 1950s, portraying characters with their own complexities and secrets, set against the backdrop of post-war London.
The article that started it all was not even on the front page, but was just a filler on page 5, between an advertisement for the Patricia Brixie Dancing School and a report on the AGM of the Crofton...July 2020•355 pages - #2
Save:An intelligent, subtly gripping introduction to one of spy fiction’s great characters. Not le Carré’s flashiest book, but a rewarding read for those who enjoy thoughtful, atmospheric mysteries.
"Call for the Dead" by John le Carre is the first novel in the George Smiley series, introducing the character of Smiley as a complex and introspective spy. The book combines elements of a murder mystery and spy thriller, set against the backdrop of the Cold War era. The writing style is described as vivid, detailed, and engaging, with a focus on human intelligence rather than gadgets, keeping readers guessing with its intricate plots and suspenseful storytelling.
When Lady Ann Sercomb married George Smiley towards the end of the war she described him to her astonished Mayfair friends as breathtakingly ordinary. When she left him two years later in favour of a...January 1961•188 pages - #3
Save:A short, charming, and utterly heartwarming read - perfect for book lovers and anyone who believes in the magic of friendship kindled by a shared passion.
'84, Charing Cross Road' by Helene Hanff is a charming collection of letters exchanged between a New York writer and a London bookshop over a period of 20 years. The book showcases the evolving friendship between the pen pals through their correspondence, highlighting the love for books and genuine kindness shared between them. The letters offer a glimpse into the cultural differences and similarities, as well as the humorous and heartwarming interactions between the characters.
Hanff's writing style in '84, Charing Cross Road' is described as witty, whimsical, and heartwarming, capturing the essence of a post-war bibliophile friendship through genuine and engaging correspondence. The book not only narrates the story of a transatlantic friendship but also delves into the shared passion for literature, creating a nostalgic and endearing portrayal of human connections formed through the love of books.
1970•145 pages
