5 Must Read Sidney Sheldon Novels

I remember, casually picking up a novel, a few years back from a friend who was a big fan of Sidney Sheldon. I have always been fond of reading and thus was constantly on the lookout for finding something to read. It was my first Sidney Sheldon book and am glad that it was the first because till date it remains my favourite. I have read and re-read it several times after that day. The novel was the master storyteller’s “Master of the Game”.

There are equally amazing books by the author, and there is no doubt that he occupies the position of one of the best selling authors of all times. His novels open a whole new world. Reading them is like watching a highly interesting movie. There is never a dull moment and the scenes keep on moving rapidly in your mind. Every moment is filled with thrill, anticipation and suspense. Each of his books are absorbing with something new to offer.

Here I am giving a list of 5 must read Sidney Sheldon books, but trust me, in two or three, you are already hooked and you won’t stop after five 😉

Must Read Sidney Sheldon Novels

1. The Naked Face

The first book written by Sheldon. Promising from the very start. The majority of Sheldon’s books have female protagonists. This being the first among the few with a male lead. Dr. Judd Stevens is a successful psychiatrist, a very sensitive and caring person caught in a deadly web as someone out there is determined to kill him. He has no option but to go after the culprits himself, in the course, some of his prominent patients come in his circle of doubt. A mind gripping novel with a heart racing climax. A must read Sidney Sheldon novel.

2. Nothing Lasts Forever

Paige Taylor, Kate Hunter and Honey Taft share a beautiful bond of friendship, each carrying the burden of their past and trying to prove themselves in the world of medicine. Their life falls apart when Kate enters in a deadly bet, followed by a tragic incident where a patient who seemingly hated Paige leaves all his inheritance to her. Paige says it was euthanasia but “they” shout murder.

In this fast paced novel, really nothing lasts forever. The lows turn to high, the highs turn to tragic at the snap of a finger. Highly gripping, full of drama and suspense.

3. If Tomorrow Comes

Sheldon’s heroines have always been remarkable. Be it Jennifer Parker in Rage of Angels, Elizabeth Roffe in Bloodline, Lara Cameron in The Stars Shine down, they have all been enchantingly beautiful, brilliant, ambitious, fearless yet vulnerable and magnetically feminine. Tracy Whitney is probably my favourite of all his heroines. She embodies everything Sheldon’s heroines are known for and more. Having been wronged terribly and suffered inhuman treatment during her tenure in the prison, Tracy was not a woman whose spirit could be broken.

She comes out seeking revenge and full of life as ever. She certainly is a lovable con artist. And her pairing with Jeff Stevens add double charm to all their adventures.

4. Master of the Game

My favourite of all, Master of the Game. The novel which gave birth to my love for Sheldon’s books. The book spans over four generations taking us through the thicks and thins of the Blackwell family and their life blood, the Kruger-Brent.

Beginning in the sands of South Africa where Jamie Mc Gregor struck diamond after immense struggle, it sees the birth of Kruger-Brent. But the star is Kate Blackwell. Love for Kruger-Brent runs in her veins. She is charming, intelligent and strong and we see her manipulating the ones closest to her for she wants everyone to share her love for the company. This jeopardizes her relationships especially the one with her son, Tony. But Kate’s love and dedication for the company is so pure that not for a moment she realizes that she might be wrong in expecting so much of others. She always believes that her steps are for the good of the family. She meets her match in her granddaughter Eve. Though Eve has the beauty and intelligence like her grandmother, but there was something in her which made her evil and Kate knew that.

Family, ambition, love, friendship, betrayal, the novel sees the Blackwell’s struggle with each of these emotions. It is a complete package and a totally un-putdownable novel.

5. The Sands of Time

Dealing with the lives of four nuns, who are forced to face the life outside their monastery is a heart touching tale of love and loss. Each destined towards uncertainties. Driven paranoid by her guilt of abandoning her sister’s baby, Sister Teresa meets a rather sad end. Sister Megan finds out about her inheritance to her family business. Graciella gives up on her love to return back to the convent while Lucia decides to settle for a simple life with the love of her life. The story is a palette of mixed emotions as we see the sisters break out of their cocoon and embrace gracefully whatever circumstances have thrown upon them.

Check out my must watch movies to lift up your spirits here.