The books which Kate Allan would take with her to a desert island to enjoy over and over again.

1. ROGUE MALE - GEOFFREY HOUSEHOLD

The classic thriller that still gets your heart racing with the emotion of the chase as the hero becomes a hunted man.

2. BRIDESHEAD REVISITED - EVELYN WAUGH

Superby observed characterisation in this novel always gives something new to think about on each read.

3. DR THORNE - ANTHONY TROLLOPE

Deep in Anthony Trollope's Barchester world is this romantic story waiting, like a long, hot bath, to sink into.

4. THE GREAT GATSBY - F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

Every word counts in this short, acutely observed world that intrigues and yet always tantilises.

5. WUTHERING HEIGHTS - EMILY BRONTE

The neverending enigma of Heathcliff.

6. REBECCA - DAPHNE DU MAURIER

Even though you know the end, the suspense is too powerfully put across not to get to you every time.

7. MOLL FLANDERS - DANIEL DEFOE

A riot of colourful highs and lows in what reads like the most compelling of autobiographies.

8. THE WAY WE LIVE NOW - ANTHONY TROLLOPE

The utter selfishness of characters like Carbury and Melmotte illumates uncomfortable truths in this striking example of a rise and fall story.

9. TOM JONES - HENRY FIELDING

An eclectic romp, a soap opera and ever-hilarious.

10. THE MASK OF DIMITRIOS - ERIC AMBLER

The best suspense is simple.