Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired) leads a quiet life in the village of St. Mary, England, until his brother's death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. Drawn together by their shared love of literature and the loss of their respective spouses, the Major and Mrs. Ali soon find their friendship blossoming into something more. But will their relationship survive in a society that considers...

When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock and the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling's first novel for adults.

Love is deadly. Adrian Carthallow, a dramatic and talented artist, is no stranger to controversy. But this time it's not his paintings that have provoked a blaze of publicity -- it's the fact that his career has been suddenly terminated by a bullet to the head. Not only that, but his wife has confessed to firing the fatal shot. Inspector Penross of the town constabulary is less than convinced by Helen Carthallow's story, but has no other explanation...

A spate of equestrian thefts has hit Long Farnden. Lois Meade agrees to listen out for any incriminating rumours. Once again, Lois proves herself invaluable to Chief Inspector Hunter Cowgill, but things take a more dangerous turn when she finds herself a prime target . . . The trail leads Lois into the world of horse racing, which it becomes clear, holds more secrets and sorrow than youd ever imagine...

Miss Read brings to life the children of Fairacre in this first installment of her Fairacre chronicles.