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Original poster

Action packed/Tense historical fiction for DH

14 replies

handbagofoblivion · 03/12/2009 21:38

Any ideas?

He has enjoyed 'The name of the Rose'
'Morality Play' by Unsworth

He doesn't like love stories but romance ok as a secondary plot.

TIA

OP posts:
inthesticks · 04/12/2009 10:05

How about World Without End by Ken Follett?

SummerLightning · 04/12/2009 10:07

I was going to suggest Ken Follett - but I think Pillars of the Earth - the first one - is the real classic.

KurriKurri · 04/12/2009 15:26

I find this usually throws up some good ideas. literature map

inthesticks · 04/12/2009 15:54

That's a weird but strangely compelling website!

Mistletoesnowman · 04/12/2009 16:06

Has he read any of Robert Harris's books? Very very thrilling. There are three set in the 20th Century - Fatherland, Enigma and Archangel. The three set in Roman times are my favourites though - Pompeii, Imperium and Lustrum (haven't read this last one yet as DH has been hogging it).

SleepingLion · 04/12/2009 16:12

I'm assuming he's read all the Sharpe novels by Bernard Cornwell? My DH is also reading the Simon Scarrow series set in Ancient Rome and really enjoys Conn Iggulden's novels as well.

JaneiteMightBite · 04/12/2009 16:19

The Matthew Sardlake novels by CJ Shansom - brill. The 1st one is 'Dissolution' I think. Also his 'Winter In Madrid'.

Yes to 'Pillars Of The Earth' which is a bit cliched and clod-hoppy in places but a good yarn - and the follow up, which I liked better.

KurriKurri · 04/12/2009 16:20

It is isn't it Inthesticks? I have become a bit obsessed with it often recommend it.

Original poster
handbagofoblivion · 04/12/2009 16:34

Thanks for the suggestions. I will investigate further when DCs are asleep. I am sure I'll find something to please.

He enjoyed the Sharpe series on TV but I don't think he's read any of the books.

OP posts:
Original poster
handbagofoblivion · 04/12/2009 16:40

He also likes the page turning thriller aspect of Dan Brown but I would prefer something where the writing was better quality so that I can enjoy it when he's finished.

OP posts:
Mistletoesnowman · 04/12/2009 17:14

Definitely Robert Harris then.

hocuspontas · 04/12/2009 17:23

Love the literature map!

I put in Jane Austen and one of the closest authors was Bill Bryson! Bizarre but both favourite authors of mine!

Agree with C J Sansom - good reads set in Tudor times with gore and tension in equal amounts.

JaneiteMightBite · 04/12/2009 17:27

Sansom - sorry, I gained an 'h' somewhere.

I also love Jane Austen (well, obviously!) and Bill Bryson.

Original poster
handbagofoblivion · 04/12/2009 21:15

I've read reviews for many of these suggestions and ordered quite a few. Thanks again!

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