Margins
The Mapp & Lucia Novels book cover 1
The Mapp & Lucia Novels book cover 2
The Mapp & Lucia Novels book cover 3
The Mapp & Lucia Novels
Series · 12
books · 1920-2014

Books in series

Queen Lucia book cover
#1

Queen Lucia

1920

Mrs. Lucas, Lucia to her intimates, resides in the village of Riseholme, a pretty Elizabethan village in Worcestershire, where she vigorously guards her status as "Queen" despite occasional attempts from her subjects to overthrow her. Lucia’s dear friend Georgie Pillson both worships Lucia and occasionally works to subvert her power.
Miss Mapp book cover
#2

Miss Mapp

1922

Arch-schemer and social climber, Miss Mapp spends her days using opera glasses and a notebook to chart her neighbors' affairs. Among her interests are Major Benjamin Flint, whom she has been trying to marry for years.
Lucia in London book cover
#3

Lucia in London

1927

Here is Lucia in one of her most extraordinary adventures: can she conquer her new home of London, and still hold her societal ground over the stately country mansions of Riseholme as well? Will the citizens of Riseholme - hurt and maddened by Lucia's desertion for the great city - carry out their plot of revenge?
Mapp and Lucia book cover
#4

Mapp and Lucia

1931

Subtly brilliant comedy of social rivalry between the wars. Emmeline Lucas (known universally to her friends as Lucia) is an arch-snob of the highest order. In Miss Elizabeth Mapp of Mallards Lucia meets her match. Ostensibly the most civil and genteel of society ladies, there is no plan too devious, no plot too cunning, no depths to which they would not sink, in order to win the battle for social supremacy. Using as their deadly weapons garden parties, bridge evenings and charming teas, the two combatants strive to outcharm each other - and the whole of Tilling society - as they vie for the position of doyenne of the town.
The Worshipful Lucia book cover
#5

The Worshipful Lucia

1935

Lucia Lucas, the eternally effervescent dowager, continues to consternate and beguile friends and antagonists alike in the English countryside where she becomes embroiled in high finance, buried treasure, politics, and love
Trouble for Lucia book cover
#6

Trouble for Lucia

1939

In Trouble for Lucia, Lucia learns to ride a bicycle, and we live through the saga of Blue Birdie (Mrs. Wyse's dead budgerigar [parakeet] invoked in a seance). Lucia and Georgie renew their acquaintance with the operatic diva Olga Braceley and the composer Cortese, but nobody in Tilling believes her when she claims to have entertained a duchess overnight. Lucia becomes Mayor of Tilling and Miss Mapp is appointed her Mayoress. This is the sixth volume in the Lucia Series.
Lucia in Wartime book cover
#7

Lucia in Wartime

1985

Across the Channel, the battle rages ... On the Tilling front, another battle is being fought-the constant war of wits and social ascendancy between Lucia Pillson and Elizabeth Mapp-Flint. Lucia, with her superior style, timeless elegance, occasional low cunning and husband Georgie-whose talent for transforming powdered eggs and canned meat into gourmet fare has turned him into a minor celebrity-invariably wins the day. Although Elizabeth may have lost a battle or two, she definitely hasn't lost the war-until she carelessly gives Lucia the ultimate weapon against her, upsetting the balance of power in Lucia's favor. But how long will Lucia be able to retain the admiration of all Tilling if her power remains unchecked? After all, absolute power corrupts absolutely. Originally published in 1985, Lucia in Wartime is the first of Tom Holt's officially sanctioned sequels to the hilarious "Lucia" novels of E.F. Benson.
Lucia Triumphant book cover
#8

Lucia Triumphant

1986

In postwar Britain, the quaint town of Tilling is feeling the pull of both the modern world and its Norman past. Elizabeth Mapp-Flint, in yet another bid to wrest power back from her social rival Lucia Pillson-now the town's mayor-purchases a motor-car. Hoping to improve her shaky motoring skills in private, she makes a significant tactical error by leaving town. Lucia profits from Elizabeth's absence by putting one of her "ideas" into action: the embroidery of a tapestry depicting the history of Tilling, one that will surely surpass Bayeux's. All Lucia's subjects are called upon to labour long and hard in its execution. Meanwhile Elizabeth, stranded in Southampton, happens upon a game of Monopoly in her hotel room, and-minus her broken-winged chariot-hurries home to rescue her fellow Tillingites from the tedium of Lucia's latest worthy endeavor. Who will prove the greater master of Monopoly? What will become of the abandoned tapestry? Is Elizabeth really descended from Norman nobility? Is Mallards haunted, and if so, who saw the ghost first-Lucia, its current resident, or Elizabeth, its former owner? It is not in the best interests of the Tillingites to allow either woman to prevail for long. For in the end, Lucia and Elizabeth's tactical maneuvering and petty victories and defeats offer the best entertainment in town. Originally published in 1986, Lucia Triumphant is the second of Tom Holt's officially sanctioned sequels to the hilarious "Lucia" novels of E.F. Benson.
Major Benjy book cover
#10

Major Benjy

2008

This welcome addition to the hugely popular Mapp and Lucia series finds Major Flint in need of a new servant, Miss Mapp in need of a summer tenant, and Quaint Irene in need of a pint of bitter. Romantic entanglements stir the still waters of Tilling society, cunning plots are laid, and unforeseen complications ensue. Who is doing what to whom with a bottle of sesame oil? What is the truth behind the great Tilling chocolate cake mystery? Why does Major Flint need a loaded elephant gun? Did Miss Mapp really poison the Padre? Are Diva Plaistow's days as a single woman numbered? How will Mr Wyse measure up as a man of action? Or Susan as a marriage counsellor? Oh yes . and what really happened to Lucy? Double best-selling author Guy Fraser-Sampson, a life-long Mapp and Lucia fan, superbly captures the literary style of the original series, and offers us a new depth of understanding for many of Tilling's best-loved characters.
Lucia on Holiday book cover
#11

Lucia on Holiday

2012

The much-loved Mapp and Lucia series takes a new turn as the two legendary protagonists travel to the continent to lock horns in an idyllic Italian setting. The welcome return of Olga Braceley, Georgie’s opera singer soul-mate, is counterpointed by new distractions in the form of an Indian Maharajah from Major Benjy’s past, and a mysterious American millionaire. Who is the sinister old gypsy woman who haunts the hotel grounds, and has she put a curse on Lucia? Why is Major Benjy driving a huge Bugatti? What has taken Mr and Mrs Wyse several hundred miles off course? And how could the great Wall Street crash of 1929 affect Tilling’s finest Englishmen and women? Find the answers to these and much more in Lucia on Holiday, a further addition to the Mapp and Lucia canon by best-selling author Guy Fraser-Sampson based on the immortal characters first created by E.F. Benson. Perfect reading for followers of Benson’s original novels and sure to be equally loved by P.G. Wodehouse fans, this is a pitch-perfect and deliciously enjoyable social satire of an England long gone but not forgotten. Lucia is back! This is a wonderful new adventure for our magnificent heroine, written with all the style and humour of Benson himself. A triumph. Uno, due, tre ... read it! -Alexander McCall Smith [Praise for 'Major Benjy' by Guy Fraser-Sampson] More Mapp and Lucia - what bliss! Major Benjy on the rampage - what joy! -Gyles Brandreth [Praise for 'Major Benjy' by Guy Fraser-Sampson] As you read Guy Fraser-Sampson's sinuous narrative and needle-sharp dialogue, Tilling suddenly takes shape all around you ... Benson himself would have loved this book, and so will you. -Tom Holt An agreeable romp, with at least one treat for the Benson aficionado—The Spectator Brilliant, quite quite brilliantly wonderful...This is a simply delicious book and I loved every single word...I hope this sells in millions and trillions as it deserves to do so. -Random Jottings Imbued with all the satire and wit of the originals, spiced up with titbits of real events, this well-written novel will amuse Benson fans and neophytes alike. -Sussex Life What a delightful, funny, captivating read this book is from start to finish...A really good old fashioned and light-hearted story with endearing characters which will leave you with a smile on your face. -Kath Thornton, lovereading.co.uk This book was a delight to read, capturing the mood and essence of the Benson originals...I think anyone who enjoyed the original books, or who likes P G Wodehouse, will have fun with this book. -Lindsey Whittle, lovereading.co.uk I love and adore Major Benjy and (now) Lucia on Holiday by Guy F-S.The reason they are so delicious is that Guy 'gets' the voice of Benson so perfectly. I can honestly say that, while reading Lucia on Holiday, I kept forgetting that it wasn't Benson's pen which had written it - and what higher compliment could possibly be paid? —Stuck In A Book
Au Reservoir book cover
#12

Au Reservoir

2014

The final part of Guy Fraser-Sampson's trilogy of sequels to E.F. Benson's hugely popular Mapp and Lucia series, Au Reservoir finds the residents of Tilling on fine form. The War has wrought great changes, and Lucia struggles to come to terms with rationing, exchange controls and, worst of all, a Labour Government. While Georgie and Olga hobnob with the stars in London, Lucia comforts herself with the thought that a title would nicely round off a life of dedicated charitable giving. 'Dame Lucia' does have a certain ring to it. However, even Lucia's best-laid plans are not guaranteed success, especially with the redoubtable Mapp poised for any opportunity to frustrate them. So determined is she finally to gain the upper hand that she even resorts to military strategy under the slightly less than expert guidance of her husband, Major Benjy. Perfect reading for followers of Benson's original novels and sure to be equally loved by P.G. Wodehouse fans, this is a pitch-perfect and deliciously enjoyable social satire of an England long gone but not forgotten.
Make Way for Lucia book cover
#1-6

Make Way for Lucia

1977

All the Lucia novels in one volume.

Authors

Tom Holt
Tom Holt
Author · 51 books

Tom Holt (Thomas Charles Louis Holt) is a British novelist. He was born in London, the son of novelist Hazel Holt, and was educated at Westminster School, Wadham College, Oxford, and The College of Law, London. Holt's works include mythopoeic novels which parody or take as their theme various aspects of mythology, history or literature and develop them in new and often humorous ways. He has also produced a number of "straight" historical novels writing as Thomas Holt and fantasy novels writing as K.J. Parker.

E.F. Benson
E.F. Benson
Author · 62 books

Edward Frederic "E. F." Benson was an English novelist, biographer, memoirist, archaeologist and short story writer. E. F. Benson was the younger brother of A.C. Benson, who wrote the words to "Land of Hope and Glory", Robert Hugh Benson, author of several novels and Roman Catholic apologetic works, and Margaret Benson, an author and amateur Egyptologist. Benson died during 1940 of throat cancer at the University College Hospital, London. He is buried in the cemetery at Rye, East Sussex. Last paragraph from Wikipedia

Guy Fraser-Sampson
Guy Fraser-Sampson
Author · 10 books

Guy Fraser-Sampson is an established writer best known for his series of ‘Mapp and Lucia’ novels which have been featured on BBC Radio 4 and optioned by BBC television. Originally a corporate lawyer, he currently teaches at Cass Business School and acts as a board advisor to high growth companies.

548 Market St PMB 65688, San Francisco California 94104-5401 USA
© 2025 Paratext Inc. All rights reserved
The Mapp & Lucia Novels