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While the TV series Sherlock offers a thrilling and modern interpretation of the legendary detective stories, nothing compares to the original works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Within the pages of his iconic novels and short story collections, readers encounter the brilliance of Sherlock Holmes's deductive prowess, conveyed with Doyle's masterful storytelling and period-evocative prose that immerses us in late Victorian London. Every case is replete with intrigue, atmospheric detail, and an unparalleled sense of adventure that only the written word can fully capture.

Sliding into the narration of Dr. John Watson, readers are privileged with a firsthand account of Holmes's extraordinary ability to unravel the most perplexing of mysteries. Beyond the high-stakes thrill of the plotlines, Doyle's works intimately explore the enduring friendship between Holmes and Watson, against the backdrop of a world on the brink of great change. To truly appreciate the depth and genius of Sherlock Holmes, the original literary works reveal dimensions untapped by any screen adaptation, inviting the reader to venture into a world where each story beckons with timeless allure.

A modern update finds the famous sleuth and his doctor partner solving crime in 21st century London.

The Valley of Fear

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

The Return of Sherlock Holmes

His Last Bow

The Sign of the Four

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes

The Hound of the Baskervilles

A Study in Scarlet

Sherlock

The magic of books lies in their ability to paint vivid images and evoke deep emotions with mere words. By exploring the Pretty Little Liars series, you delve into a detailed world crafted by Sara Shepard herself. The intricacies of the characters' thoughts and unspoken tensions are captured in a way that only pages can express. Each novel invites you to imagine the scenes, letting you be a director of your own mental movie and providing a more personalized experience that a TV screen cannot replicate. 

Moreover, Sara Shepard's writing provides layers of backstory and internal monologues that the television series only hints at. Comprehending the deeper motivations and inner workings of the characters adds a rich layer to the suspense that can be missing in an episodic format. For those hungry for a more profound and immersive engagement with the world of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, these novels offer undiscovered treasures that promise to enhance your enjoyment and understanding of this thrilling narrative.

Based on the Pretty Little Liars series of young adult novels by Sara Shepard, the series follows the lives of four girls — Spencer, Hanna, Aria, and Emily — whose clique falls apart after the disappearance of their queen bee, Alison. One year later, they begin receiving messages from someone using the name "A" who threatens to expose their secrets — including long-hidden ones they thought only Alison knew.

Pretty Little Liars

Delve into the gripping world crafted by Tess Gerritsen, where the intricate cases of boston homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles come alive on a deeper level through meticulously written prose. Each novel presents a unique blend of psychological intrigue and forensic detail, inviting the reader to explore not just the haunting mysteries themselves, but the complex inner workings and personal journeys of the characters.

While the TV series captures the essence of Rizzoli and Isles' camaraderie, Gerritsen's novels offer a raw and unfiltered view into the minds of the protagonists and their adversaries. The books are rich with suspense and a palpable tension that keeps readers on edge, while providing a more immersive and nuanced understanding of the plot's development and its chilling, often unexpected, resolutions. Fans of crime fiction will relish Gerritsen's masterful storytelling, making reading her work a rewarding journey into the heart of human darkness.

Perhaps their strikingly different personalities make the relationship between detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles so effective. Jane, the only female cop in Boston's homicide division, is tough, relentless and rarely lets her guard down, while the impeccably dressed Maura displays a sometimes icy temperament — she is, after all, more comfortable among the dead than the living. Together, the best friends have forged a quirky and supportive relationship; they drop the protective shield in each other's company, and combine their expertise to solve Boston's most complex cases.

The Mephisto Club

Keeping the Dead

The Sinner

Body Double

The Killing Place

The Apprentice

The Surgeon

Vanish

Rizzoli & Isles

For fans of high-stakes thrillers and authentic military action, Chris Ryan's 'Strike Back' offers a gripping reading experience that delves deeper into the psyche of its characters than the TV series. As a former British Special Forces operative, Ryan's firsthand knowledge of combat gives the novel a level of detail and realism that can't be replicated on screen.

The novel allows readers to immerse themselves fully in the internal conflicts and motivations driving the protagonists, which is often limited in a visual format. The depth of character development and storytelling in the book brings an added dimension to the narrative, giving readers a more profound appreciation of the stakes involved. Exploring 'Strike Back' in its original literary form promises an imaginative adventure that weaves together adrenaline-pumping sequences with insights into real-life military strategy.

The series follows John Porter, a former British Special Forces soldier, who is drafted back into service by Section 20, a fictional branch of the Secret Intelligence Service.

Strike Back

Dive into the richly detailed world of Ken Follett's 'The Pillars of the Earth' to experience the full depth of medieval intrigue and passion as it unfolds over generations. The novel offers a more immersive and expansive exploration of its characters, allowing readers to develop a deeper connection with protagonists like Tom Builder, Prior Philip, and Lady Aliena. Follett's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the complex socio-political landscape of 12th-century England in ways that only a novel can, providing readers with the full spectrum of emotions and stakes that defined this tumultuous period.

While the TV series captures the broad strokes and visual grandeur of the story, only the book delves into the intricate motivations and personal battles of its characters, as well as the historical and architectural catalysts for the construction of a great cathedral. Enjoy a narrative that invites readers to ponder the mysteries of faith, love, ambition, and mankind's eternal drive to create something monumental. Follett's novel allows for a more reflective and personal journey, engaging the reader's imagination in a way that transcends the visual limitations of the screen.

A sweeping epic of good and evil, treachery and intrigue, violence and beauty, a sensuous, spirited story set against a backdrop of war, religious strife and power struggles in 12th Century England.

The Pillars of the Earth

For those captivated by The Sandhamn Murders television series, delving into Viveca Sten’s original novels offers an enriched experience overflowing with depth and nuance. Sten’s adept storytelling in her book series enhances the vivid backdrops and layered characters, providing an unmatched insight into their complex lives. The atmospheric prose invites readers to experience Sandhamn’s serene yet mysteriously looming aura first-hand, something often only hinted at in the visual medium.

The suspense in Viveca Sten's writing is delectably drawn out, allowing the reader to savor every twist and turn with intricates rooted in business and personal motives, societal structures, and intricate human relations set against the stark and serene Swedish archipelago. The novels build an immersive environment that encourages readers to become detectives alongside the protagonists, piecing together clues scattered across the pages, and experiencing the chills and thrills of unearthing deeply hidden secrets that the island conceals beneath its charming facade.

Viveca Stens popular novels come to life in "The Sandhamn Murders", a perfect mix of Nordic crime & the beautiful surroundings of the outer Stockholm archipelago.

In the Shadow of Power

Tonight You're Dead

Still Waters

Guiltless

Closed Circles

The Sandhamn Murders

Dive into the imaginative world of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, where 'Going Postal' stands out as one of its most engaging novels. Unlike the TV adaptation, the book offers a deeper exploration of character development and intricate plot details intertwined with Pratchett's signature blend of wit and wisdom. 

Immerse yourself in the satirical fantasy of Ankh-Morpork, where Moist von Lipwig's tale takes on a new life on the pages, as Pratchett's prose brings to light the absurdities of human nature, bureaucracy, and redemption. Reading the novel allows you to fully appreciate the richness of Discworld, an experience unmatched by the screen.

Moist von Lipwig is a con-man with a particular talent-- he is utterly unremarkable. When his execution is stayed in Terry Pratchett's remarkable Discworld, he must work off his debt to society as the land's head Postman. Things are not always as they seem, and soon Lipwig is delivering mail for his very life!

Going Postal

Dive into the timeless epic of 'Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ' by Lew Wallace, a masterpiece that brings the grandeur of the Roman Empire to life in a way that no screen adaptation could fully capture. The novel intricately weaves the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who suffers a betrayal, into a narrative enriched by its historical accuracy and depth, exploring themes of clashing empires, personal revenge, and spiritual redemption.

Reading the original novel offers an immersive experience where you witness Judah's transformation amidst meticulously crafted historical settings. Wallace's portrayal of the ancient world, infused with rich details and powerful character development, invites readers to explore the complexities of faith and forgiveness. Choose the book for a profound exploration of human resilience and divine intervention that resonates beyond the drama of any TV interpretation, offering insights that linger long after the final page.

The struggle between the Roman Empire and its rebellious conquest Judaea, and two best friends caught in a terrible moment in history.

Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

Ben Hur

While the TV series 'Shiki' masterfully brings ominous visuals and haunting music to the screen, the original novel provides a depth of storytelling and character exploration that is hard to capture in a televised format. Fuyumi Ono's writing allows readers to delve deeply into the psyche of each character, experiencing their fears, thoughts, and transformations with an intimacy that the adaptation only hints at.

Reading the source material reveals layers of subtext and themes about life, death, and humanity's darker side. The novel presents a richly detailed environment and a slower, more contemplative pace that lets suspense build gradually, drawing readers into the sinister enigma of Sotoba village. Immersing yourself in the book's world offers a unique and personalized horror experience that surpasses the visual spectacle of the series.

Sotobamura is a small village with around 1300 residents; so small the village isn't even connected to a single highway. An isolated village in which old customs, such as the burial of the dead, are still practiced. One day, the bodies of three people are found dead. Although Ozaki Toshio, the village's lone doctor, feels uncertain, he treats the deaths as a normal occurrence. However, in the days following, the villagers start to die one after the other.

Shiki

Dive into the literary world of 'Fatmagul'un Suçu Ne?' by Vedat Türkali, and experience the depth of storytelling that only a novel can provide. The book offers an intricate exploration of its characters, giving readers a profound connection to their struggles, growth, and resilience. Türkali’s masterful narrative invites you to delve beyond the surface, uncovering hidden layers that a visual medium might overlook.

While the TV series adapts the essence of the story, the novel enriches the reader with its nuanced storytelling and intricate prose. The book paints a vivid backdrop of societal values through its pages, providing a deeper understanding of the motivations and cultural contexts that drive the story. Replete with emotion and social commentary, Türkali’s original work stands as a testament to the power of literature, urging readers to lose themselves in its pages rather than just watching the storyline unfold on screen.

Fatmagül'ün Suçu Ne? is a Turkish television drama series produced by Ay Yapım and broadcast on Kanal D. The series is based on Vedat Türkali's novel, Fatmagül'ün Suçu Ne?, which was made into a film in 1986. The series is written by duo Ece Yörenç and Melek Gençoğlu. The soundtrack was done by Toygar Işıklı.

Fatmagul'un Suçu Ne?

Fatmagul

The novel 'Any Human Heart' by William Boyd offers a profound and immersive dive into the life of Logan Mountstuart. Reading this book allows you to explore the nuanced internal monologues and intricacies of Logan’s character that a television series cannot fully capture. Boyd's masterful storytelling takes you on a deeply personal journey through 20th-century history, giving you not only the external events but also intimate insight into the protagonist's mind and emotions, as he navigates through the triumphs and tragedies of his expansive and varied life.

While the TV adaptation provides a visual representation of Logan's world, the novel provides a more detailed and rich tapestry of his experiences and thoughts. Every page turns with emotion, providing deeper connections with the character's journey. The literary form allows readers to pause and reflect, to ponder the moral complexities and introspections of life, which are precisely what Boyd excels in portraying. Choose the novel to savor the richness of Boyd’s writing and to fully engage with the breadth and depth of Logan’s story in a way that only literature can provide.

Logan Mountstuart, writer and adventurer, narrates his life, from the Paris of the twenties to the eighties in London, passing through the New York of the fifties.

Any Human Heart

Delve into the gritty underworld of Galway with Ken Bruen's spellbinding novels featuring Jack Taylor. As a former Garda turned private investigator, Taylor's character is vividly portrayed with layers of complexity, introspection, and a flawed humanity that feels palpable within the pages. The novels offer a rich tapestry of Irish culture, history, and dark humor, inviting readers to explore Taylor's tumultuous life with authenticity and depth that only a book can provide.

Unlike the TV series, which condenses and sometimes alters narratives to fit the screen, Bruen's novels allow for a more immersive and nuanced experience. Every page brings Galway to life, capturing the essence of its streets and the souls that wander them. The books offer a playground for the imagination, where readers can pace themselves, savoring the prose, and allowing Bruen's masterful storytelling to unfurl in its full glory. If you love complex characters and atmospheric settings, the Jack Taylor books are essential reads that transcend the limitations of television.

Jack Taylor is an Irish television drama based on a series of novels by Ken Bruen. Set in Galway, the series stars Iain Glen in the eponymous role of Jack Taylor, a former officer with the Garda Síochána who becomes a "finder" after leaving the service. Taylor is a man who goes looking for clues where others have not bothered to. He also knows the streets of his hometown like the back of his hand.

The Magdalen Martyrs

The Killing of the Tinkers

Priest

The Dramatist

Cross

The Guards

Sanctuary

Jack Taylor

While the TV series 'Arn: The Knight Templar' brings an impressive visual portrayal of Arn Magnusson's journey, the original novels by Jan Guillou offer a far richer and more nuanced understanding of the world and its characters. Through the pages of 'The Road to Jerusalem', 'The Knight Templar', and 'Kingdom at the End of the Road', Guillou masterfully conveys not just the epic battles and political machinations of medieval Europe, but also the introspective growth and inner struggles of Arn himself. You will find intricate historical details and profound explorations of loyalty, faith, and honor that are often too complex for the screen to capture fully.

Engaging with these novels allows readers to dive deeply into Arn Magnusson’s saga and experience his life's trials and tribulations with a depth that only literature can provide. Each book builds layer upon layer of compelling narrative and authentic historical context, painting a vivid landscape of the 12th century. These stories invite readers to imagine the triumphs and dilemmas of a knight torn between worlds. Jan Guillou's masterful storytelling grips the reader’s imagination, making it a truly enriching alternative to the abridged nature of the television series. Embark on a journey through the intriguing tapestry of medieval history and discover the legend of Arn as it was originally intended.

Arn has to endure so much before he can get the love of his life Cecilie, who has been put away in a monastery.

The Knight Templar

The Road to Jerusalem

Kingdom at the End of the Road

Arn: The Knight Templar

Dive into the enchanting world of Joseon-era Korea through the captivating pages of Jung Eun Gwol's novel 'The Lives of Sungkyunkwan Confucian Scholars.' While the television adaptation, 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal,' presents a visually delightful experience, the original novel offers a rich tapestry of details, character motivations, and cultural insights that only a book can impart. Delve deeper into the inner thoughts and historical nuances that might be glossed over in a TV series format.

By reading the book, you'll uncover the intricate layers of the characters' personalities and their relationships, which are beautifully fleshed out in prose. Jung Eun Gwol masterfully crafts a narrative that weaves romance, intrigue, and tradition, providing a more immersive and historically authentic experience. For readers who appreciate the depth and contemplation of a well-written novel over a visual representation, 'The Lives of Sungkyunkwan Confucian Scholars' is a compelling choice that promises insight and satisfaction beyond the screen.

In the Joseon dynasty, a female breadwinner takes a job as a substitute test-taker, but soon finds herself attending a men's university in disguise.

The Lives of Sungkyunkwan Confucian Scholars

Sungkyunkwan Scandal

Delve into the rich tapestry of ancient China with 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms,' an epic novel that captures the tumultuous period of the late Eastern Han dynasty and the Three Kingdoms era. Luo Guanzhong masterfully weaves together historical events and legendary tales, offering readers a profound exploration of loyalty, leadership, and ambition. Unlike the TV series, the novel allows you to immerse yourself in the intricate details of character motivations and historical strategies, providing a deeper understanding of iconic figures like Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan.

The book is an unparalleled narrative of war, diplomacy, and the quest for power, and its influence on Chinese literature and culture is monumental. Reading the original text enables you to appreciate the nuances and historical context in a way that a visual adaptation cannot fully capture. By engaging directly with Luo Guanzhong's work, you embark on a literary journey that illuminates the complexities and tragedies of one of history’s most fascinating periods, leaving you with insights and reflections that will linger long after the last page is turned.

A Chinese television series based on the events in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period.

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