Collecting coins, banknotes, medals, seals (numismatics) – The Bell Bookshop

The Royal Mint Puzzle Book

Emma — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A brilliantly engaging and richly rewarding puzzle book from one of Britain’s oldest and most respected institutionsSharpen your wit and delve into the fascinating world of British currency with The Royal Mint Puzzle Book, which offers a treasure trove of challenges for history buffs and puzzle enthusiasts alike.Journey through over a thousand years of British coinage, from the enigmatic reigns of early monarchs to the modern-day minting process, encountering mythical beasts and modern icons along the way. Crack cryptic codes inspired by precious metals, untangle brain teasers fit for a royal court and decipher ancient secrets hidden in plain sight.Whether you’re a history buff, a dedicated coin collector, or simply enjoy a good mental workout, The Royal Mint Puzzle Book promises hours of entertainment and intellectual stimulation. So, put on your thinking cap and prepare to embark on a journey that takes you from Alfred the Great to Sir Mo Farah.Featuring biographies of some of British history’s most notable figures, including Oliver Cromwell, Sir Isaac Newton, and Queen Elizabeth II.

10 Marchfield Square

Emma — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

‘Cosy and classy in equal measure’ JANICE HALLETT
‘Beautifully unguessable … bursting with life … brilliant!’ ALEX HAY

The Maid meets Only Murders in the Building in this twist-packed cosy mystery set in the smallest residential square in London.

Marchfield Square was meant to be a haven from the outside world. A place for those who need somewhere safe from their pasts, or who could otherwise not afford to stay in the city they call home. That was Celeste Van Duren’s plan. One of her tenants being murdered in his own kitchen, and the police trying to pin it on his long-suffering wife, was not.

So Celeste does what anyone with a lot of money, a strong sense of justice and a bad hip would do: she recruits some help to track down the real murderer. Her cleaner, Audrey, knows everyone in the square and is liked by all, while failed crime writer, Lewis, is known by no one. He hates his job, hates his life, and he’s not that fond of Audrey either, but Celeste is persuasive. In theory his knowledge of police procedure and her way with people should help them find the killer – if they don’t kill each other first…

Despite their differences the two soon discover the victim’s dodgy art deals may hold the key to the mystery – but have they missed something closer to home? After all, how well do you really know your neighbours?

The perfect summer read for fans of Tom Hindle, Janice Hallett and Kristen Perrin.

‘A hugely impressive debut that’s cosy and classy in equal measure. A super-smart and delightful mystery that teases out the secrets of an entire neighbourhood’ JANICE HALLETT, bestselling author of THE APPEAL

‘I just loved 10 Marchfield Square. Clever, funny, ingeniously constructed – and what a cast! The mystery is gripping and beautifully unguessable, the characters are bursting with life, and the square itself is drawn with such subtlety and love. Brilliant!’ ALEX HAY, bestselling author of THE HOUSEKEEPERS

‘Whyte crafts a brand new kind of cosy mystery that leaps off the page and keeps you thinking throughout … A proper cosy whodunnit that oozes charm, wit and bloody murder‘ JONATHAN WHITELAW, author of THE BINGO HALL DETECTIVES

‘Utterly delightful. Whyte writes with both cool wit and warm charm, and combines a charismatic cast of eccentric characters with a properly knotty murder mystery. This book is a real winner for anyone who wants a crime novel with a Golden Age feel but modern sensibilities. More please‘ ALICE BELL, author of GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

Moneta

Emma — Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

*A Sunday Times and Mail on Sunday Summer Read of 2024*

The extraordinary story of ancient Rome, history’s greatest superpower, as told through humankind’s most universal object: the coin.

‘Fantastic’ CONN IGGULDEN, author of Nero
‘Brilliant’ EMMA SOUTHON, author of A History of the Roman Empire in 21 Woman
‘Wonderful’ CHRISTOPHER HADLEY, author of The Road

Moneta traces ancient Rome’s unstoppable rise, from a few huts on an Italian hilltop to an all-conquering empire spanning three continents, through the fascinating lives of twelve remarkable coins. In these handcrafted pieces of ancient art we witness Caesar’s bloody assassination, follow the legions to the edge of the known world, take a seat in the packed Colosseum, and ultimately, watch as barbarian armies mass at the gates.

The Romans saw coins as far more than just money – these were metal canvases on which they immortalised their sacred gods, mighty emperors, towering monuments, and brutal battles of conquest. Revealed in those intricate designs struck in gold, silver, and bronze was the epic history of the Roman world.

Hold the glory and the infamy of ancient Rome in the palm of your hand.