One of the best writers around today is Lawrence Osborne. Originally a travel writer, his modern fiction is atmospheric, gritty, and seductive – perhaps the best way to describe him is that he channels the ghost of Graham Greene, punctuated with the bite of early Ian McEwan short stories. Below are three of his best and most interesting works:

The Wet And The Dry
A funny and entertaining travelogue, where Osborne travels the world trying to get a drink. Moving from Milan to SoHo to Pakistan and beyond, the restrictions on alcohol in some countries result in him finding illegal watering holes off the beaten track, and often getting into entertaining scrapes in the pursuit of libation. There’s a deft line in respectfulness, curiosity and humour throughout The Wet And The Dry that rise it above what could be otherwise quite lightweight fayre.

The Forgiven
Now adapted into a hit film with Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain, The Forgiven begins with a car accident as a couple drive across the Moroccan desert to attend a party. The ramifications for this event resonate through this dark and thoroughly gripping book which addresses themes of duty, family and truthfulness, and keeps half an eye on how the upper classes sense of privilege can often be their undoing.

On Java Road
Set in a Hong Kong rife with protesters and random acts of violence, freelance English journalist Adrian Gyle is stuck. He has become a directionless recluse, more of a barfly than a reporter. When a local socialite goes missing, Gyre is caught up both the ensuing scandal and the implication of his rich best friend being involved. Moody and melancholic as all his best books are, On Java Road is immersive and will get under your skin.