When I was a young teacher I got into trouble for reading his short stories to my students. Not that I cared.

Red and Blue Army!

Wonder whose short stories are permissible now. There will be teachers copping it in years to come when the wheel of condemnation has turned again.

Something a bit different - Phil Rickman

A whole series of the Merrily Watkins novels: female exorcist in the CofE with stroppy teenage daughter dealing with strange deaths and even stranger goings on, often working with the police. Set on the Welsh borders with a great sense of place and the weird history of the area. Sounds a bit naff but Rickman is a brilliant writer.... for starters possibly try The Chalice - set in Glastonbury and not a Watkins novel.

Also great historical novels on John Dee - Queen Elizabeth I's magician

A stairway to Heaven and a Highway to Hell give some indication of expected traffic numbers

I always recommend this novel about football to anyone who will listen - then again, I did write it :-)

[Link]

Buy my book: The Great Football Conspiracy! [Link]

the OP wanted a GOOD book, not a GOD book

"The facts have changed", Rishi Sunak

Thanks everybody, for all your suggestions.

Such a wide range of ideas, and as usual some humorous posts. You're a well read lot I'll give you that.

Now for the difficult part - making a selection or two. Perhaps the list will also provide inspiration for others of you.

Dad and I watched games standing on the muddy slope of the Holmesdale Road end. He cheered and I rattled.