Best Books set in London

I love books set in London! I know there are so many and books set in other cities are becoming a welcome trend but because I live in London I still love to read books set in my beloved city.

Best Books set in London

Today I’m sharing some of my favourites (and the best) books set in London

Bridget Jone’s Diary by Helen Fielding

This book hasn’t really aged well – the movie is a bit better – but I do love this book and the sequel. Do not read more than that though because the third book is dreadful (the third is surprisingly good though!) With scenes set in Borough Market, across Waterloo bridge, in SoHo and many other places, this is a London A-Z in fiction.

A Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

The first in the Cormoran Strike crime series by Robert Galbraith, otherwise known as JK Rowling, this London-set crime series is a love story to Soho in London. With Cormoran’s office on Denmark Street, just off Charing Cross Road between Tottenham Court Rd and Leicester Square station this book includes many a London landmark.

Dear Mrs Bird by A.J. Pearce

Set in the Second World War during the Blitz, this heartwarming historical fiction novel gives you a real sense of the city and the Keep Calm spirit that that era of London is now perpetually known for having.

One Day by David Nicholls

Partially set all over, but mainly set in London. This tragic love story of two friends is addictive as well emotional. You’ll need tissues by the end of it, that’s for sure. David Nicholls is a master of emotion and you can tell he has a lot of love for this city in the way he writes it.

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

This book actually ends up in Somerset, but the first portion of it is set in a London I know well. A London of people snapshots of their food for Instagram and having tiny rooms for massive rent. A career girl looking to get on the ladder but ultimately falling down and returning to her roots.

Our Stop by Laura Jane Williams

This romcom is stellar. Starting off with the Metro’s ‘Rush Hour’ love column where commuters can ask each other out without ever breaking the silent rule on the tube. A book of near-misses likes Sleepless in Seattle, but more like Love in London.

Hot Mess by Lucy Vine

Another contemporary rom-com set in London – perfectly depicts how hard dating is in this city. And how many of us are a hot mess as well?

Sofia Khan is Not Obliged by Ayisha Malik

I love this book. It is about a Muslim woman in London navigating her faith, romance, career and annoying neighbours in the big city. A fun, funny and diverse romp. Exactly what our bookshelves need right now.

If you have any other suggestions for books set in London let me know in the comment below! Any era, any genre. I love them all!

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