What are some of the best London novels?

Well, 'Peter Pan' by J.M. Barrie has a London setting. It's not just a story about Neverland but also about the Darling family in London. 'Howards End' by E.M. Forster is another excellent London - based novel. It delves into the relationships between different classes in London and the importance of human connection. And 'The London Eye Mystery' by Siobhan Dowd is a more modern take on London - based novels, with a mystery set in the city.

Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also a great one. Although part of the story is set on the train, it has strong connections to London. Poirot, the detective, uses his little grey cells to untangle a complex web of lies and murder. Christie's detailed character descriptions and intricate plots are always a delight.

'A Study in Scarlet' by Arthur Conan Doyle. Although it's not solely set in London, a significant part of the story takes place there. It's a classic that introduced the brilliant Sherlock Holmes. His deductive reasoning while solving crimes in London is truly fascinating.

One of the best contemporary London novels is 'NW' by Zadie Smith. It vividly portrays the lives of different characters in London. Another great one is 'Swing Time' also by Zadie Smith, which delves into themes of friendship, race, and ambition against the backdrop of London. And 'White Teeth' is a classic Zadie Smith novel that showcases the multicultural fabric of London in a very engaging way.

Some of the best Jack London novels include 'The Call of the Wild'. It's a story about a dog named Buck and his journey through the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. It vividly shows the harshness of nature and the struggle for survival.

One of the top Victorian London novels is 'Vanity Fair' by William Makepeace Thackeray. It offers a satirical look at the society in London during the Victorian period, with its various characters vying for status and wealth. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Dickens is also excellent. Set against the backdrop of London and Paris, it shows the political unrest and the impact on the people. 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins is a great mystery novel set in Victorian London. It has an engaging plot with a stolen diamond and a web of secrets and suspects that keeps the readers hooked.

One of the best London spy novels is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carré. It's a classic that gives a gritty and realistic look at the world of espionage in London during the Cold War era.

Another could be '1984' by George Orwell. It presents a dystopian future where the government has extreme control over the people. It's a powerful warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of individual freedom and privacy.

Agatha Christie's 'Poirot' series. Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective, often solves mysteries in London. Christie's masterful plotting and the unique character of Poirot make these novels a classic. The London settings, from posh mansions to seedy alleys, are integral to the stories.

For beginners, 'Sherlock Holmes' stories are a great start. They are easy to follow and Holmes is such an iconic detective. His adventures around London are really engaging.