London, 1932. Thomas James Wise is the toast of the literary establishment. A prominent collector and businessman, he is renowned on both sides of the Atlantic for unearthing the most stunning first editions and bringing them to market. Pompous and fearsome, with friends in high places, he is one of the most powerful men in the field of rare books. One night, two young booksellers - one a dishevelled former communist, the other a martini-swilling fan of detective stories - stumble upon a strange discrepancy. It will lead them to suspect Wise and his books are not all they seem. Inspired by the vogue for Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, the pair harness the latest developments in forensic analysis to crack the case, but find its extent is greater than they ever could have imagined. By the time they are done, their investigation will have rocked the book world to its core. This is the true story of unlikely friends coming together to expose the literary crime of the century, and of a maverick bibliophile who forged not only books but an entire life, erasing his past along the way.
Joseph Hone Book order
British author Joseph Hone is celebrated for his spy novels, most notably featuring the globetrotting agent Peter Marlow. Critics have frequently compared his intricate plots and atmospheric settings to those of espionage masters like Eric Ambler, Len Deighton, and John le Carré. Hone's writing skillfully blends thrilling narratives with a keen sense of place and historical context. Beyond his contributions to spy fiction, he has also explored the genre of travel writing and penned personal memoirs, revealing a versatile literary talent.






- 2024
- 2020
The Paper Chase
- 368 pages
- 13 hours of reading
The printer was not the only villain, though, and Harley had to find the unknown writers who wished to bring the government down. Full of original research, The Paper Chase tears through the backstreets of London and its corridors of power as Edwards's allegiances waver and Harley's grasp on parliament threatens to slip.
- 2014
The Paris Trap
- 266 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Joseph Hone's The Paris Trap, first published in 1977, saw him step aside from his sequence of 'Peter Marlow' novels to offer a different kind of political thriller. Jim Hackett and Harry Tyson first met in Paris, in days of hope - Hackett a promising actor, Tyson a budding writer. Twenty years later, their dreams soured, they are reunited in Paris for a substantive project: Hackett, now a movie actor, has been cast in a major film derived from a spy novel authored by Tyson, who now works for British intelligence. But the plot of the film, concerning a Palestinian terrorist cell, is about to be overtaken in the dramatic stakes by real events. 'A fine example of a vastly popular genre - the thinking man's thriller.' Irish Times 'Through a distorting filter of betrayals, private and public, Joseph Hone conducts us to a final scene so dire that Hamlet by comparison leaves the stage tidy.' Guardian
- 2014
Goodbye Again
- 296 pages
- 11 hours of reading
A painter uncovers a hidden treasure in his mother's attic, which thrusts him into the shadowy realm of underground art dealings. As he navigates this dangerous landscape, he encounters a web of intrigue, deception, and hidden truths that challenge his understanding of art and morality. The journey not only tests his artistic integrity but also reveals secrets about his family's past, pushing him to confront the consequences of his newfound knowledge.
- 2013
Tells about uncomfortable journeys, frightful hotels, dreadful meals, and broken-down capitals.
- 2009
Wicked Little Joe
- 264 pages
- 10 hours of reading
This autobiography explores deep self-reflection and personal history, drawing parallels to the works of Nabokov and O'Connor. It delves into the complexities of identity and memory, offering insights into lesser-known aspects of Ireland's cultural landscape. The narrative promises to become a classic, enriching the genre with its unique perspective and evocative storytelling.