1. ‘Midwinter of the Spirit’ by Phil Rickman

Ancient and modern worlds co-exist wonderfully in Phil Rickman’s novels. Merrily Watkins is a parish priest in the medieval city of Hereford. She’s also a single mother. And an exorcist. Her first case, following the discovery of a body in the River Wye, seems at first to be a matter for the police. Then a church is desecrated. Peculiar things start to happen in the cathedral. Against the backdrop of a frozen city, Merrily will be brought face to face with an inhuman evil. ‘Midwinter of the Spirit is currently being filmed by ITV.

2. ‘The Eyre Affair’ by Jasper FForde

If you prefer your fiction to be surreal rather than supernatural, you might want to try Jasper FForde. He lives on the borders, but is much -loved by the children of Hereford, after setting his Dragonslayer trilogy in the city. His novels for adults feature a place even stranger than Herefordshire, an alternate reality in which criminals hide in the plot-lines of classic novels, and scholarly debates can lead to war. ‘Literary Detective’ Thursday Next tries to make sense of it all.

3. ‘Journeyman – One Man’s Odyssey Through the Lower Leagues of English Football’ by Ben Smith

When he was sixteen, Ben Smith trained at Highbury with players such as Ian Wright and Dennis Bergkamp. This promising start led to a seventeen year career in the game, but not at the level he’d hoped. There were moments of glory, including eventful FA cup appearances, but the trajectory was mostly downward. Brutally-honest, and quick to laugh at himself, the author makes a great companion as we travel through this largely unexplored world of lower-league players. The chapter entitled, ‘Finally, Things Start to Look Up’ covers his 2006/7 season with Hereford United.

4. ‘Meadowland’ by John Lewis-Stempel

Hereford-based author John Lewis-Stempel won 2015’s prestigious Wainwright Prize for this captivating piece of nature writing. It follows an ‘ordinary’ English meadow for a single year, from January to December, chronicling the rich lives of its small inhabitants. One critic wrote, “Books have been written about whole countries that contain a less interesting cast of characters.”

5. ‘The Land Where Lemons Grow’ by Helena Attlee

Another Herefordshire author, who is winning national acclaim. Helena has just been shortlisted for the Food Guild’s 2015 Food Book of the Year Award. This is an unusual and gorgeous exploration of Italy’s past, told through its citrus fruits.

6. 'Rome: The Art of War' by Manda Scott

Simon Scarrow called this Roman epic, set in AD69 (the Year of the Four Emperors) “one of the most interesting novels I have ever read”. Hereford-based author Manda Scott has already made a name for herself internationally, and looks set to become a big name in this country too. Her gripping and blood-thirsty Boudica series is also worth a look.

7. ‘The Old Straight Track’ by Alfred Watkins

A beautiful new edition of this classic book, in which Alfred Watkins introduces the idea of 'ley lines' criss-crossing the English countryside. First published in 1925, this fascinating work of landscape history has inspired many authors, including Robert Macfarlane, and is now attracting a new generation of admirers. Legend has it that Watkins’ ‘revelation’ came while he was standing on a hillside in his native Herefordshire (he was born in the Imperial Hotel on Widemarsh Street).

8. ‘Walking the Old Ways of Herefordshire’ by Andy and Karen Johnson

Inspired by reading about the county’s rich history? This pretty but practical guide encourages you to see the ancient places for yourself. It contains 52 circular walks, taking in Saxon dykes, Iron Age farmsteads, deserted medieval villages and many other fascinating sites. Most of the walks are between 3 and 6 miles. Charming maps, photos and easy-to-follow directions make you feel that you are in safe hands.

9. ‘Tales of the Country’ by Brian Viner

Having established a highly successful career as a journalist and critic (the Independent, The Guardian, The Daily Mail), Brian Viner made the difficult decision to leave London. This is the funny and warm true-life account of the highs and lows of his family’s move to rural Herefordshire. Brian’s wife is the author Jane Sanderson.

10. ‘Made in Herefordshire’ by Rebecca and Simon Wild

Produced entirely in the county, this beautiful book showcases the best recipes Herefordshire’s producers and gastronomes have to offer. Some are familiar (Chocolate and Stout Cake). If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not try Rabbit in Cider, or Pheasant and Prune Casserole? A wonderful celebration of this foodie region.

  • List provided by Waterstones of Hereford