Books to read in one sitting

1. The Woman in Black by Susan Black

Young solicitor Arthur Kipps is sent to the tiny village of Crythin Gifford to deal with the accounts left behind by one of his clients. Once there he resolves to sort through all the papers the client kept in her isolated home, Eel Marsh House. But Kipps soon realises that he should have listened to the warnings given to him by the villagers; he is not alone.

This is the perfect book to snuggle down with when it’s miserable and grey outside. At just over 200 pages, it’s the perfect length to while away an afternoon. Grab a hot drink, curl under the covers and prepared to be scared out of your wits.

2. Animal Farm by George Orwell

The animals of Manor Farm dream of a life of equality and freedom. When they overthrow their master, Mr Jones, it seems that this dream is within their reach. But the pigs Napoleon and Snowball start to take control, and the animals find that their dreams of freedom are further away than ever before.

This book is a very quick read at less than 150 pages, but within that short time Orwell creates a magnificent story with layers and layers of meaning that remains enjoyable despite its serious message. This is one classic that everyone should read. I have to warn you, though, that you’ll never look at pigs the same way again.

3. The Last Weekend by Blake Morrison

Ian receives a surprise phone call from an old university friend, inviting him and his wife for a few days by the sea. It should be a holiday filled with sun-drenched relaxation, but old tensions soon rise to the surface and, when an old bet from years before is resurrected, the days become a series of challenges that will have irreversible consequences.

Rather than settling down with an action film or psychological thriller on a weekend afternoon, sit in the garden with this book instead and I promise you’ll be just as entertained. Chilling, witty and with a steadily building sense of tension that will have you on the edge of your seat, this is a perfect read for a summer afternoon.

4. Sedition by Katharine Grant

In eighteenth century London, a band of City speculators require a pianoforte in order for their daughters to learn a talent that will make them attractive to prospective husbands. But they also need a teacher for their daughters, and in a changing world even a drawing room music lesson is not quite what it seems.

Fast-paced, sexy and often completely over the top, this is a light piece of entertainment that will utterly seduce you into its world. Add in great characters and a vivid evocation of history, and you’re onto a winner.

5. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Esther Greenwood is newly arrived in New York to embark on an internship at a popular fashion magazine. But despite the cocktail parties and seemingly glamorous lifestyle, Esther finds herself spiralling into a deep depression.

Okay, that probably doesn’t sound as enjoyable as the others on this list, but if you’ve never read it I highly suggest settling down somewhere comfortable and devoting an afternoon to this book. You won’t regret it. Brilliantly written and heartbreakingly relatable, you’ll always remember the first time you read The Bell Jar.

Kelly Pells graduated Brunel University with a first in English with Creative Writing. She has had her short stories published by magazines and runs the book review blog scribblerreview.blogspot.co.uk.