<p>Hi
I preparation for a London trip this summer my D (who will be 18) would like some fiction to read with a London setting
I think she would enjoy something light ish , contemporary as opposed to Historical Fiction but I would love to hear any kind of suggestions. I may read some of the suggestions as well
If they are available on audio it would be even better
Thanks!</p>
<p>Both historical and contemporary? [London:</a> The Novel: Edward Rutherfurd: 9780449002636: Amazon.com: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/London-Novel-Edward-Rutherfurd/dp/0449002632]London:”>http://www.amazon.com/London-Novel-Edward-Rutherfurd/dp/0449002632)</p>
<p>Zadie Smith is a great contemporary British writer - her most recent book NW takes place in London as does White Teeth. (I believe they are both available on audio.)</p>
<p>Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen- Wonderful romance story and satire.
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens- classic story, humorous and timeless.</p>
<p>Many of Ian McEwan’s novels take place in London, such as *Saturday<a href=“contemporary”>/i</a> and his latest, *Sweet Tooth<a href=“the%201970s”>/i</a>.</p>
<p>And I second White Teeth, which is outstanding.</p>
<p>Two come quickly to mind:</p>
<p>Bridget Jone’s Diary: even if she has seen the movie, the book is great, written in diary entries & very light reading.</p>
<p>Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes: this is a psychological thriller about a girl putting her life together after an abusive boyfriend (very gripping).</p>
<p>My favorite romance novel … Knight in Shining Armour by Jude Deveraux. There are some steamy romance scenes though - I actually had an extra copy and cut some of those pages out before I gave it to my 20 year old daughter when she went to London. This is a time travel novel set in England in medeival times and modern times (90’s). And soooooo good. I’ve read it over and over and I don’t generally do that. :)</p>
<p>Thanks all!</p>
<p>I am currently reading The Secret Keeper, by Kate Morton. It’s a light sort of book set in London, alternating between 2011 and the 1940s. As a teen, the main character witnesses her mother murder a stranger. Now as an adult, her mother is dying, and the main character is desperately trying to find the connection between her mom and the man she saw her kill. </p>
<p>I’m about halfway through and I’m enjoying it. It was recommended to me on Goodreads.</p>
<p>Love british mysteries, so Deborah Crombie books, especially last few that take place in distinctive neighborhoods…last one had boat race and rowing as backdrop.</p>
<p>I didn’t think about mysteries
I think I read a Crombie a long time ago and enjoyed it
Thanks for all the great suggestions -some of these I have read -but had forgotten about</p>
<p>I adore Pride and Prejudice, but it does not take place in London.</p>
<p>^Was just going to say that.</p>
<p>many of Elizabeth George’s very erudite detective novels take place in contemporary London.</p>
<p>Our book group just read The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett.
[The</a> Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett ? review | Books | The Guardian](<a href=“http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/may/29/uncommon-reader-alan-bennett-review]The”>The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett – review | Paperbacks | The Guardian)</p>
<p>I also like mysteries by Dorothy Sayers& Sarah Caudwell.</p>
<p>[A</a> Most Ingenious Legal Mind: Sarah Caudwell](<a href=“http://www.mysteryscenemag.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1959:a-most-ingenious-legal-mind-sarah-caudwell&catid=38:profile&Itemid=191]A”>Mysteryscenemag)</p>
<p>
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<p>Part of it (minor) took place in London I recall but yes the majority of it was outside of London, but always worth reading anyway</p>
<p>I think I have Pride and Prejudice just about memorized </p>
<p>I have a Colin Firth thing (in addition to loving Austen)</p>
<p>Sherlock Holmes.</p>
<p>Austen & Conan Doyle are perhaps not modern enough?</p>
<p>This one is slightly more recent, Mrs Dalloway by Virgina Woolf,
also About A Boy by Nick Hornby.</p>
<p>And television series?
Jeeves & Wooster with Stephen Fry & Hugh Laurie
& 40 Something, also with Hugh Laurie.</p>
<p>D enjoyed these books & they are funny & contemporary.
[Angus</a>, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson: Louise Rennison](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Angus-Thongs-Full-Frontal-Snogging-Confessions/dp/0064472272]Angus”>http://www.amazon.com/Angus-Thongs-Full-Frontal-Snogging-Confessions/dp/0064472272)</p>
<p>Just started reading “Mrs Queen takes the train,” about a rogue Queen Elizabeth II.</p>
<p>Another vote for Elizabeth George’s many mysteries. Most are based in London but some are in other areas of England. Contemporary, extraordinarily well-drawn characters. Addictive!</p>