Can anyone recommend three books for holiday reading?

[Rosieeo]

It might be wishful thinking with two little 'uns, but I plan on buying three books for my hols and don't want to do it last minute at the airport.

I want something really thick and meaty, that I can really get into. It's been so long since I read a book like that!

I (generally) don't like chick or victim literature, not too keen on detective stuff or Dan Brown stylee. I normally like the bookclub type novels but have been a bit with some of them recently.

It would be great to have recommendations, if anyone has any?

I read a review of a book that was a bit more offbeat. Where was it? Ah, here it is. www.english-specialist.com/english-reviews.html#Riddle

Old book, probably available for free on a Kindle. I'm going to try and read this in the summer. I like a spy novel and an old one from 100 years ago sounds good.