Action & Adventure

Animation

Comedy

Crime

Drama

Family

History

Kids

Mystery

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Soap

War & Politics

Western

Dive into P. D. James' masterful storytelling with 'Shroud for a Nightingale'. Unlike a television adaptation, the book offers an immersive experience into Commander Adam Dalgliesh’s world, providing intricate details and character depths that can’t be captured on screen.

James’ writing meticulously sketches the psychological landscape of her characters, weaving them into the fabric of a chilling and suspenseful plot. Her fluid narrative style garners a unique blend of psychological thriller and classic detective fiction that invites readers to explore the mystery at their own pace.

Reading the novel provides the full breadth of James' nuanced dialogue and atmospheric settings, which are only hinted at in the series. Her writing allows readers to become detectives themselves, piecing together clues, feeling every twist and turn, as they follow along with Dalgliesh in uncovering the truth.

Chief Supt Dalgliesh investigates a murder in an hospital setting.

Shroud for a Nightingale

For those seeking a deeper dive into the enchanting world of 'Vice Versa,' the novel by JittiRain offers an experience that transcends the audiovisual charm of the series. The written word allows readers to explore the characters' internal landscapes more thoroughly, unveiling their deepest thoughts and emotions in ways only a book can offer.

JittiRain's storytelling captures the subtle nuances of the protagonists' journey, providing a rich tapestry of emotions and visceral moments that expand upon the series' plot. Engaging with the novel offers readers the opportunity to visualize the fantastical elements and romantic nuances at their own pace, ensuring a more personalized and immersive experience that no screen adaptation can fully replicate.

After drowning,Talay wakes up in another universe in a rich kid’s body, where he must find a way home with the help of an old friend.

Vice Versa

Delve into the intricate world of ancient China through the pages of 'The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty' by Meng Xishi. The novel offers a more nuanced exploration of the socio-political dynamics of the Ming era, rich with historical context and vibrant character details. As you leaf through the story, you'll embark on a journey that television can only begin to depict, filled with intricate plots and rich illustrations of the period. 

While the TV series provides a visually dramatic depiction, the book immerses you in the essence of the historical narrative, allowing you to savor the subtleties and depth of each character's development. Every chapter offers new insights into the captivating detective work of the protagonist, providing a rewarding experience for those who cherish historical mysteries. Reading the novel allows you to engage your imagination, painting a vivid picture of the suspenseful and cleverly woven plot that unfolds in this ancient world.

Set during the 14th year of Chenghua Emperor's reign, Tang Fan, a sixth rank official and Sui Zhou, an embroidered uniform guard, join hands to crush a conspiracy to maintain peace and order for the people.

The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty

The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty

Dive into the gripping world of 'A Good Family,' the novel by Matt Goldman, where the underlying themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption are explored with rich detail and nuance. As you turn each page, you'll be drawn into the complex web of relationships and the dark secrets that bind them, experiencing an intimacy with the characters that only the written word can convey.

While the TV series offers a visual adaptation of the story, the novel delivers an immersive experience that delves deeper into the protagonists' innermost thoughts and emotions. The author's intricate narrative style creates a vivid tapestry of intrigue and complexity that is bound to engage and captivate readers, inviting them to ponder the moral dilemmas faced by each character.

Reading 'A Good Family' allows you to explore the subtle layers of storytelling that transcend visual representation, providing a profound understanding of the characters’ motivations and the repercussions of their actions. Engage with the original literary masterpiece to fully appreciate the depth and artistry of Matt Goldman's compelling narrative.

Anna and Henrik are thrust into a dangerous underworld when their son brings a heinous crime to their doorstep. Parental instincts quickly overcome morality as the couple does everything in their power to protect their family and future.

A Good Family

Delve into the pages of Jeanette Winterson's 'Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit' to experience the story as it was originally intended. The novel offers a profoundly personal narrative that draws the reader into the struggles and triumphs of the protagonist’s journey to self-acceptance in a restrictive society. Unlike the TV adaptation, the book allows for intimacy with the main character’s internal dialogue and provides a deeper understanding of her complex relationship with faith and identity.

Where the TV series condenses events and themes, the book expands on them with rich prose and metaphorical depth. Winterson's inimitable voice shines through, giving readers an unmatched literary experience that engages the mind and evokes emotion. By reading the novel, you immerse yourself in its imaginative and multilayered world, experiencing a narrative that combines wit, warmth, and wisdom in every chapter.

Seven-year-old Jess is removed from her peculiar Pentecostal home and sent to school.

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

Dive into the gripping universe of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct novels, where the pages crackle with the raw tension of urban life. Unlike the relatively tame television adaptations, McBain's books delve deep into the psyche of the detective squad, offering readers an unfiltered view of gritty crime-solving awash in nuanced character exploration. The richness of his storytelling creates a vivid tapestry of a city alive with undercurrents of danger and intrigue.

By choosing the novels over the TV series, you'll experience the stories as they were meant to be told, rich with detail and authenticity. Each book provides an immersive journey through the procedural challenges facing the fictional city’s detectives, capturing the pulse of a metropolis fraught with crime. McBain’s knack for crafting suspense and fully-dimensional characters ensures that his novels remain a timeless testament to the dark allure of crime fiction.

87th Precinct is an American crime drama starring Robert Lansing, Gena Rowlands, and Ron Harper, which aired on NBC on Monday evenings during the 1961–1962 television season.

Cop Hater

Killer's Payoff

The Mugger

The Con Man

Lady Killer

Killer's Choice

The Pusher

Killer's Wedge

87th Precinct

The novel 'Ivanhoe' by Sir Walter Scott is a timeless classic that offers a rich tapestry of historical detail, intertwined with compelling themes of honor, loyalty, and romance. Unlike the TV series adaptation, the novel provides deeper insight into the intricate social dynamics of medieval England and the complexities of the characters. Through Scott’s vivid prose, readers are transported to a world filled with noble knights, captivating tournaments, and the poignant struggle between Saxons and Normans.

Reading 'Ivanhoe' allows for a personal engagement with the characters and their moral dilemmas, encouraging readers to reflect on issues of justice, prejudice, and bravery. The narrative's elaborate descriptions and historical references provide a context that adds depth to the reader’s experience, making it more than just a story but a journey into the past. For those seeking more than visual entertainment, 'Ivanhoe' promises an enriching exploration of a bygone era, offering insights and enchantment that surpass the confines of a television screen.

Ivanhoe is a British television series first shown on ITV in 1958-59. The show features Roger Moore in his first starring role, as Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, in a series of adventures aimed at a children's audience. The characters were drawn loosely from Sir Walter Scott's 1819 novel.

Ivanhoe

Discover the rich tapestry of early American history with James Fenimore Cooper's 'The Last of the Mohicans.' Dive into a novel that captures the essence of a burgeoning nation and the people who navigated its uncharted frontiers. Through Cooper's vivid storytelling, readers encounter a world of daring survival, profound honor, and complex relationships between Native Americans and European settlers.

Unlike the TV adaptation, which condenses the sweeping narrative, the novel delves into deeper character development and moral dilemmas. Follow Hawkeye, Uncas, and Chingachgook as they embark on a journey filled with both breathtaking landscapes and tension-filled encounters. Cooper's masterful use of language immerses readers in a captivating atmosphere, allowing them to experience the adventure as if they were living it themselves.

For those who appreciate tales of adventure, cultural conflict, and the untamed spirit of early America, 'The Last of the Mohicans' offers an unparalleled literary experience. While the TV series provides a glimpse into Cooper's world, the novel invites readers to explore the intricate layers of this classic American epic in its fullest form. Embrace the drama and delve into the pages of a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with themes of identity, loyalty, and the enduring human spirit.

Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans was set in New York's Hudson Valley during the French and Indian war in the 1750's and depicted the adventures of Hawkeye and his Indian blood brother Chingachgook, the last member of the Mohican tribe. The series based on stories by James Fenimore Cooper.

The Last of the Mohicans

Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans

While the animated series Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds offers a charming and whimsical retelling of the classic tale, diving into Alexandre Dumas's original novel, "The Three Musketeers," brings readers an unparalleled depth and richness of storytelling. The pages of this timeless classic are filled with intricate plots, historical settings, and nuanced character development that engage the adult mind and enrich the imagination far beyond what a twenty-minute episode can deliver.

Reading "The Three Musketeers" allows for a fuller appreciation of the political intrigue, the daring escapades, and the complex interplay of honor, loyalty, and friendship that Dumas masterfully weaves. The novel's vivid portrayals of 17th-century France, the exquisite detail in its action sequences, and the sophistication of its dialogue offer literary pleasures that encourage reflection and engagement with themes of bravery and justice. Embarking on this literary journey provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the story and ensures that the legacy of d'Artagnan and his companions is not just seen but truly experienced.

France, 17th century, under the reign of Louis XIII. Dogtanian is an impetuous and innocent peasant from Gascony, as well as a skilled swordsman, who travels to Paris with the purpose of making his dream come true: to join the Corps of Muskehounds of the Royal Guard.

The Three Musketeers

Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds

Delving into the gripping pages of Len Deighton's 'Game, Set, and Match' trilogy offers an experience richer and deeper than its television adaptation. Deighton's masterful storytelling captures the tension of the Cold War era with unparalleled detail, immersing readers in the life of secret agent Bernard Samson. The novels invite readers into a world of subterfuge and suspense, unraveling complex plots that are interwoven with Samson's personal struggles and professional battles. The atmospheric and meticulous descriptions take you from the shadowy streets of Berlin to the vibrant milieu of Mexico, creating a visceral sense of place and mystery.

The trilogy’s nuanced exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the shifting allegiances of the international espionage world makes for a more compelling journey in written form. Readers will appreciate the depth of character development and Deighton's keen insight into the human condition, which are only hinted at in the series. In Samson, Deighton crafts a protagonist who is not only an adept spy but also a deeply flawed and relatable human being, grappling with the moral ambiguities of his profession. Choosing the source texts over the televised story allows for a more intimate and thrilling exploration of these themes, drawing the reader into a captivating narrative that is both intellectually rewarding and endlessly entertaining.

Focuses on Bernard Samson (Ian Holm), beginning with his search for the "mole" that threatens the Brahms Network in East Germany. Samson is sent to Berlin to bring out a Brahms agent. He is then sent to Mexico to try to persuade a KGB major (Gottfried John) to defect, using his childhood friend Verner Volkmann's wife Zena as bait. After it appears another traitor is working at London Central, Samson himself becomes one of the prime suspects.

Mexico Set

London Match

Berlin Game

Game, Set, and Match

Dive into the exuberant world of Armistead Maupin's 'Further Tales of the City,' where the book provides a richer exploration of the quirky and endearing characters that populate this iconic series. While the TV adaptation offers a visual rendition, reading Maupin's work allows you to fully appreciate the nuances and inner thoughts that might be glossed over on screen. 

Maupin's writing is celebrated for its fluid storytelling and deep emotional resonance. The novel captures the intricacies of human relationships with wit and sensitivity, which creates a truly immersive experience for the reader. Unlike the condensed nature of television storytelling, the book unfolds at a pace that lets you savor every plot twist and character revelation.

Moreover, 'Further Tales of the City' reflects an authentic sense of time and place, capturing the spirit of 1980s San Francisco with vivid detail. Reading the book enables you to become truly intertwined with the vibrant culture and the affectionate community at Barbary Lane, making it a must-read for those who wish to experience a piece of literary history firsthand.

Residents of 28 Barbary Lane continue to navigate human life, flawed love, and blind hope in 1980's San Francisco.

Further Tales of the City

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of ancient Chang'an by diving into Ma Boyong's novel, 'The Longest Day in Chang'an.' This gripping tale unravels the intricacies of Tang dynasty politics and society with breathtaking attention to detail. Unlike the television series, the book provides an in-depth exploration of characters' motivations and the historical context that adds layers to the compelling narrative.

Ma Boyong's masterful storytelling presents a rich tapestry of mystery and suspense that draws readers into a world where every decision could alter the course of the city forever. His elaborate depictions of the capital’s labyrinthine streets, the vivid atmosphere, and the palpable tension convey a historical authenticity that transports readers directly into the heart of the action.

By reading 'The Longest Day in Chang'an,' you gain an appreciation for the profound subtleties and historical nuances that even the finest screen adaptation might miss. Ma Boyong's novel invites you not just to witness the events play out, but to truly engage with the cultural and historical underpinnings of this thrilling period in Chinese history.

Chang'an. The city of Eternal Peace. China's ancient imperial capital and the world's most magnificent metropolis. Its treasures and wealth are now under siege from a mysterious army. In 24 hours the enemies will launch a devastating attack. While the nobles panic and flee, the city's most notorious criminal will be its savior!

The Longest Day in Chang'an

Dive into the gripping universe of Largo Winch through the captivating novels by Philippe Francq and Jean Van Hamme. Experience the thrill and intricacies of corporate adventures on a deeper level than the TV adaptation could ever convey. The books offer rich character development and intricate plotlines that extensively explore the vast empire inherited by Largo, taking readers through a rollercoaster of high-stakes decisions and thrilling escapades. 

Reading the novels allows for an immersive exploration of Largo Winch's world, filled with witty dialogue, strategic business maneuvers, and moral complexities that challenge the young billionaire every step of the way. The intimate and personal connections you develop with the characters are far more profound than what is translated on screen, offering a slow-burn appreciation for the series' overarching themes of power, betrayal, and redemption.

Largo Winch is a television program based on the Belgian comic book series of the same name by Philippe Francq and Jean Van Hamme that first aired on January 26, 2001 in France on M6, and May 3, 2001 in Germany on ProSieben. The show lasted two seasons.

Guest stars included Kim Poirier, Vernon Dobtcheff, Elisha Cuthbert and David Carradine.

Largo Winch

Dive into the world crafted by Gigi Levangie Grazer in 'The Starter Wife', where the written narrative allows for a deeper connection with the protagonist's inner struggles and triumphs. In the book, you’ll discover a richly layered story with a sharp wit and poignant insights that the screen adaptation only touches upon.

Reading 'The Starter Wife' offers a unique experience, capturing the Hollywood glamour and societal satire that unfolds through Grazer’s vibrant storytelling. The novel lends a more intimate perspective into the protagonist's journey, making it a compelling choice for those looking to explore the intricacies of her life beyond the televised version.

The events of one woman's life following her divorce after years of marriage to a Hollywood studio executive. Based on the best-selling novel by Gigi Levangie Grazer.

The Starter Wife

Dive into Jane Austen's original novel 'Sense and Sensibility' to experience the rich, nuanced world she created in your own imagination. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the characters' inner thoughts and motivations, something that no screen adaptation can fully capture. Austen's wit and social commentary are interwoven seamlessly into the narrative, offering not just a love story, but a keen observation of society. 

Reading the novel allows you to embark on a journey to understand the contrasts between sense and sensibility through the lives of the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne. Each character’s development is depicted with careful attention, providing a more comprehensive insight into their personalities and growth. Austen’s masterful prose brings the 19th-century setting to life, immersing you in an era of complex social norms and expectations.

Moreover, the novel contains subtleties that are often lost in translation to screen. Austen's unique voice and literary techniques, such as free indirect speech, invite readers to delve deeper into the story's emotional depth and social critique. By engaging with the text, you gain a better appreciation of Austen's skill as you uncover layers of meaning with every turn of the page. Choose the book to fully appreciate the timeless themes and incisive commentary on human relationships that only the novel can deliver.

The story revolves around Elinor and Marianne, two daughters of Mr. Dashwood by his second wife. They have a younger sister, Margaret, and an older half-brother named John. When their father dies, the family estate passes to John, and the Dashwood women are left in reduced circumstances.

Categories

TV Series by Year

TV Series