We all know that Devon is beautiful and no doubt you’ll be eagerly awaiting the time when you can visit again, in the meantime, enjoy your time at home by reading some of these books written by Devon based authors. These authors often draw on the inspirational surroundings that Devon offers and you might be inspired yourself to put pen to paper next time you come to the county!

You don’t even need to go out to find books, as Devon’s library system, like many in the UK offers an ebook and audio book service straight to your device!

Nicholas Nickleby – Charles Dickens

Though more famous for his examination of Victorian society in London, Charles Dickens actual began writing Nicholas Nickleby while living in Devon. His parents lived at Alphington and he was said to say that Exeter was “the most beautiful city in this most beautiful of English Counties.”

The Mirror and the Light - Hilary Mantel

The third instalment in Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy about the life of Thomas Cromwell has only recently been released and being a hefty book, will certainly take up a lot of time. She is the president of the Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival and lives in the town.

 The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath

Ok, Sylvia Plath isn’t a Devonite born and bred like some of the writers on our list, but she lived in North Devon for a time while finishing her semi autobiographical novel, The Bell Jar and many of the poems in her Ariel collection. She and her husband, poet, Ted Hughes. Their former home, Court Green is on Essington Road in North Tawnton, the home is also mentioned in The Journals of Sylvia Plath.

Harry Potter series – J K Rowling

Yes, you’re right, Rowling is not from Devon, however she studied at the University of Exeter and has said that much of her inspiration came from the city, especially some of the bustling back alleys which bear a striking resemblance to Diagon Alley.

And Then There Were None - Agatha Christie

A list about books connected to Devon wouldn’t be complete without Agatha Christie really would it? The queen of crime was born in Torquay and spend much of her time in the region, her novel And Then There Were None was inspired by Burgh Island in south Devon as were many others.

You’ll Never See Me Again – Lesley Pearse

Lesley Pearse is another Torquay based writer, she currently lives in the town and features on the Literary Tour of the English Riviera. To date she has sold over 2 million copies of her books and is a prolific writer cover all kinds of genres. You’ll Never See Me Again was voted one of the best books of last summer and is even based in Devon!

Have you read any of these or have any other suggestions for books to read by Devon authors? You can get in touch with us on TwitterFacebook and Instagram.