Paul French

Paul French is a pseudonym used by Isaac Asimov for the 'Lucky Starr' series of science fiction books.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Midnight In Peking

    How the Murder of a Young Englishwoman Haunted the Last Days of Old China

    Set against the backdrop of 1937 Peking, this gripping true crime narrative delves into the mysterious and brutal murder of a young British woman, Pamela Werner. As tensions rise with the impending Japanese invasion, the investigation unfolds through the eyes of a determined British detective and a seasoned Chinese investigator, who navigate a web of political intrigue, cultural clashes, and societal secrets. The story intricately weaves historical context with the chilling details of the crime, offering a vivid portrayal of a city on the brink of chaos and the relentless pursuit of justice amidst a backdrop of looming war.

    The 5143rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. House Of Correction

    In a gripping tale of suspense and psychological intrigue, a woman finds herself trapped in a small-town prison, accused of a murder she cannot remember committing. As she navigates the labyrinth of her own mind and the hostile environment around her, she must piece together fragmented memories and uncover hidden truths to prove her innocence. With time running out and the odds stacked against her, she embarks on a desperate quest for justice, revealing shocking secrets and challenging the very fabric of her reality.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Lucky Starr, Book 3

    The Oceans of Venus

    In the third installment of the series, the protagonist embarks on a thrilling adventure to the planet Venus, where he faces a complex web of intrigue and danger. Tasked with uncovering the truth behind mysterious occurrences affecting the planet's terraforming project, he must navigate through a society fraught with political tension and hidden agendas. Utilizing his keen intellect and resourcefulness, he confronts both human and environmental challenges, ultimately striving to maintain peace and order in a volatile setting. The narrative combines elements of science fiction and detective work, offering a captivating exploration of loyalty, justice, and the quest for truth.

  4. 4. Baby Bjornstrand

    Set against the backdrop of a desolate beach, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of three friends who encounter a mysterious creature that challenges their perceptions of reality and friendship. As they grapple with the creature's enigmatic presence, the story delves into themes of isolation, companionship, and the blurred lines between imagination and reality. The sparse dialogue and evocative illustrations create a haunting atmosphere, inviting readers to ponder the complexities of human connection and the unknown.

  5. 5. Zoo Story

    Set against the backdrop of a bustling urban zoo, the narrative delves into the intricate lives of both the animals and the humans who care for them. Through a series of interconnected stories, it explores themes of captivity, freedom, and the complex relationships that form between species. The characters, both human and animal, grapple with their own desires and constraints, offering a poignant reflection on the nature of existence and the invisible cages that bind us all. The story is a vivid tapestry of emotion, insight, and the enduring quest for connection in a world that often feels isolating.

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  6. 6. The Grey Bastards

    Live in the Saddle. Die on the Hog.

    In a gritty and unforgiving world where half-orcs, known as "hoofers," ride powerful hogs across the desolate wastelands, a band of outcasts known as the Grey Bastards strive to protect their territory from monstrous threats and rival factions. The story follows Jackal, a daring and ambitious member of the gang, as he navigates the treacherous landscape of betrayal, loyalty, and ambition. As Jackal seeks to rise through the ranks, he uncovers dark secrets that challenge his understanding of friendship and leadership, ultimately forcing him to confront the true nature of his identity and the harsh realities of the world he inhabits.

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  7. 7. The Free Bastards

    A brutal, rousing finale to a savage fantasy saga, it follows a battle-scarred half-orc rider who takes command of a ragtag hoof to rally the Lot Lands against invading armies and treachery within. As blood feuds erupt and fragile alliances form, he’s forced to confront the ghosts of his past and the cost of freedom. Brotherhood, identity, and hard-won hope drive a desperate fight to carve out a future for his people.

  8. 8. The True Bastards

    After becoming chief of a struggling half-orc hoof, a battle-hardened woman fights to keep her riders and their giant hogs alive as a mysterious blight, scheming nobles, and otherworldly threats close in on a brutal frontier. Balancing fragile alliances with humans, elves, and orcs, she hunts for the source of the curse and the truth behind her own scars, even as war and betrayal force her to decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to protect her people.

  9. 11. The Unheard

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  10. 12. Saturday Requiem

    A Frieda Klein Novel

    A psychotherapist is asked to re-examine the decade-old case of Hannah Docherty, a young woman accused of slaughtering her family and locked away in a secure hospital. Finding Hannah traumatized and unreachable, she uncovers a trail of neglect, buried secrets, and overlooked evidence that suggest the truth was never properly pursued. As she digs into a small community’s tangled loyalties and hidden abuses, a dangerous figure from her own past resurfaces, putting her friends and safety at risk. The investigation becomes a race to give a silenced woman a voice and expose a killer hiding in plain sight.

  11. 13. North Korea

    State of Paranoia

    A concise, accessible history and analysis of the DPRK that traces the rise and consolidation of the Kim dynasty, outlines the mechanisms of control—personality cult, surveillance, political prisons—and examines the economic collapse, famine and persistent human-rights abuses, while placing the regime’s nuclear and military ambitions in regional and historical context; drawing on archival research, defector testimony and on-the-ground reporting, it illuminates everyday life inside an opaque, paranoid state and the political contradictions that sustain it.

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