A unique account of birds on pub signs, their history and natural history, and their association with art, music and literature
John Lawton Book order
John Lawton expertly navigates the space between American and British cultures, translating their nuances for readers on both sides of the Atlantic. His works, often thrilling in nature, delve into significant social and political landscapes, offering sharp observations on the human condition. Lawton's distinctive style is marked by suspense and psychological depth, drawing readers into intricate plots and complex moral quandaries. He possesses a unique talent for capturing the zeitgeist while simultaneously crafting compelling narratives that resonate long after the final page.






- 2023
- 2023
The newest literary spy thriller from a master of the genre, Moscow Exile is a richly populated, gripping tale of espionage set in Washington, D.C. during the post-war period.
- 2020
Exploring the unpredictable nature of destiny, the story delves into the lives of characters whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. As they navigate through challenges and serendipitous encounters, themes of chance, choice, and the consequences of their actions emerge. The narrative captures the essence of how seemingly random events can shape lives, leading to profound transformations and realizations about love, friendship, and self-discovery.
- 2020
The third Joe Wilderness spy thriller from a master of the genre, moving from icy Finland to tumultuous Cold War Prague, Hammer to Fall is a tale of vodka smuggling and a legendary female Red Army general who is playing a dangerous game.
- 2017
Friends and Traitors
- 352 pages
- 13 hours of reading
A new novel in the Inspector Troy series, a tale of Cold War spy dealings centred around Guy Burgess
- 2016
The Unfortunate Englishman
- 368 pages
- 13 hours of reading
The second book in the Joe Wilderness series.
- 2013
Blue Rondo
- 384 pages
- 14 hours of reading
The fifth book in John Lawton's Inspector Troy series, selected by Time magazine as one of 'Six Detective Series to Savour' alongside Michael Connelly and Donna Leon.
- 2013
Then We Take Berlin
- 432 pages
- 16 hours of reading
An historical thriller from the author of the Inspector Troy series, moving from London during the Blitz, to divided post-war Berlin - and introducing Joe Wilderness. John Holderness, known to the women in his life as 'Wilderness', comes of age during World War II in Stepney, East London, breaking in to houses with his grandfather. After the war, Wilderness is recruited as MI5's resident 'cat burglar' and finds himself in Berlin, involved with schemes in the booming black market that put both him and his relationships in danger. In 1963 it is a most unusual and lucrative request that persuades Wilderness to return - to smuggle someone under the Berlin Wall and out of East Germany. But this final scheme may prove to be one challenge too far. Then We Take Berlin is a gripping, meticulously researched and richly detailed historical thriller - a moving story of espionage and war, and people caught up in the most tumultuous events of the twentieth century
- 2012
Old Flames
- 448 pages
- 16 hours of reading
The second book in John Lawton's Inspector Troy series, selected by Time magazine as one of 'Six Detective Series to Savour' alongside Michael Connelly and Donna Leon.
- 2012
Riptide
- 368 pages
- 13 hours of reading
The fourth book in John Lawton's Inspector Troy series, selected by Time magazine as one of 'Six Detective Series to Savour' alongside Michael Connelly and Donna Leon.
