Titles in This Set:
Once Upon a River
The Binding

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback

Overview:
Dive into a twin-pack of gothic brilliance with this two-book collection that pairs two luminous, boundary-pushing novels from two celebrated British authors. Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield weaves folklore, mystery, and maritime folklore into a suspenseful, atmospheric tale set along the serpentine twists of the Thames. It reads like a modern fairy tale with a bruised heart, inviting readers to question miracle and memory at the edge of belief. The Binding by Bridget Collins is a beguiling ‘book about books’ where memory itself becomes a phenomenally crafted object. It follows Emmett Farmer, an apprentice binder who writes fate into parchment by binding memories—until a secret volume with his name on it shatters his world. Together, these two standalone novels offer contrasting yet complementing paths into memory, myth, and moral ambiguity, making this collection a compelling choice for fans of literary suspense, intricate plotting, and immersive storytelling. A thoughtfully curated paperback set for curling up on dark evenings or bright, reflective weekends.

What Makes This Collection Special:
This pair is built for readers who crave atmosphere as much as plot. Both novels thrive on mood, voice, and the tactile magic of storytelling—one through a village mystery that blurs into legend, the other through a vault of memories where every binding hints at a hidden truth. The collection celebrates two distinct yet resonant takes on how stories shape us: in Once Upon a River, stories become life-rafts in a storm of doubt and wonder; in The Binding, memories are the currency of identity, secrets the perilous currency one risks to survive. The result is a cohesive, immersive reading experience that rewards steady pacing, careful attention, and a willingness to be transported. This set is ideal for readers seeking a generous, binge-ready pairing that deepens with every page turn, while still offering the comfort of a complete, self-contained reading journey.

Books Included in This Collection:
Once Upon a River
On a dark midwinter’s night in an ancient inn on the Thames, the regulars are entertaining themselves by telling stories when the door bursts open and in steps an injured stranger. In his arms is the drowned corpse of a child. Hours later, the dead girl stirs, takes a breath and returns to life. Is it a miracle? Is it magic? And who does the little girl belong to? Setterfield crafts a spellbinding blend of superstition, folklore, and emotional truth, inviting readers to weigh belief and memory against the evidence of the heart. This standalone novel remains a luminous, thoughtfully executed mystery with a lyrical, beguiling voice that lingers long after the last page.

The Binding
Emmett Farmer is a binder’s apprentice. His job is to hand-craft beautiful books and, within each, to capture something unique and extraordinary: a memory. If you have something you want to forget, or a secret to hide, he can bind it – and you will never have to remember the pain it caused. In a vault under his mentor’s workshop, row upon row of books – and secrets – are meticulously stored and recorded. Then one day Emmett makes an astonishing discovery: one of the volumes has his name on it. The novel explores how memory, truth, and storytelling can both liberate and threaten us, wrapped in a propulsive, elegant mystery whose revelations unfold with astonishing grace.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This set is ideal for adults and mature YA readers drawn to atmospheric, intelligent fiction with a strong sense of place and a twisty, page-turning core. It suits readers who enjoy literary mystery with mythic undertones, fans of intricate storytelling, and those who love books-within-a-book concepts. Gift buyers will find two complete, standalone novels in one value-packed collection that feels cohesive yet distinct—perfect for gifting to book clubs, bibliophiles, and collectors who appreciate beautifully crafted paperback editions with lasting reading appeal.

Key Benefits:

• Two complete, standalone gothic novels in one paperback collection
• Engaging, atmospheric storytelling with strong, memorable voices
• Thoughtful blend of mystery, folklore, and memory-themed intrigue
• Perfect for gifting to fans of literary fiction and suspense
• Great value for readers who want a paired, binge-friendly experience
• Consistent paperback format that’s easy to stack on shelves or display

About the Author:
Diane Setterfield writes sweeping, atmospheric fiction that blends folklore, mystery, and family secrets. Her work often threads myth and memory through richly drawn landscapes, earning a loyal readership that relishes intricate plotting and lyrical prose. Bridget Collins crafts immersive stories that explore memory and identity within evocative, bookish worlds. Her novels frequently feature metafictional elements and a strong sense of mystery, inviting readers to uncover layered truths alongside her protagonists. Together, these two authors bring a compelling dual spectrum of gothic storytelling to this collection—one grounded in folklore realism, the other in memory-driven fantasy. Their distinct voices complement each other, making this two-book set a robust introduction to contemporary literary suspense and melodic narrative craft.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
If you crave deep, atmospheric reads that reward patience with rich payoff, this collection is for you. You’ll enjoy the contrast between Setterfield’s mythic mystery and Collins’s memory-centered portal fantasy, all in a single, convenient paperback package. The books stand beautifully on a shelf, spark conversations in a reading group, and offer two immersive journeys that resonate long after you close the covers. For fans of BookTok favourites and collectors of literary thrillers, this duo represents both variety and a unified reading mood—perfect for expanding your personal library or gifting a friend who loves to lose themselves in a well-told story.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.