With Malta being so close to Sicily, people sometimes question whether there's any Mafia presence here. Although this question isn't answered directly in this book, it tells a twisted tale involving the Mafia and quaint little Gozo. In his Mafia thriller Man on Fire, the first in a series that also spawned a movie adaptation, A J Quinnell tells the story of Creasy and his adventures related to a Mafia kidnapping, and also includes an affair with a Gozitan local - saucy!

The Sword and the Scimitar by David Ball offers a more interesting way of learning about local history. While the Knights of Malta have shaped the islands with their lasting legacy of historical architecture and traditions, this book tells how the feud between Christian Europe and the Ottoman Empire shaped the lives of people living in those times. This historical novel tells a story of love and war through the adventures of a young Maltese brother and sister. Its sequel, Ironfire, continues the tale of adult Nico and Maria, while also featuring prominent historical figures including Grand Master De La Valette.

This powerful and gripping story manages to transport readers vividly into life in Malta during the Great Siege, this time set around a mother’s search for her lost son. The Ottomans may call the Knights the 'Hounds of Hell' while the Knights refer to themselves as 'The Religion', yet this mother cares only about beating all odds to save her son from this Holy War.

Another important event in history that has shaped the islands and their people is certainly World War II. What better way to experience that dark history than through the depiction of Maltese day-to-day life from the perspective of a priest in service during the war? In The Kappillan of Malta, Nicholas Monsarrat offers a graphic description of the drama played out during six days of war, revealing the story of the island and its homeless, starving people.

On a lighter note, we return to more recent times, just a few generations ago, when women were still meek and malleable… or were they? When Genoveffa’s manuscript is uncovered by her grandson, it becomes clear that she was neither gullible nor saintly; rather she was full of passion and clearly had a mind of her own! Her love story with Zanzu unfolds amidst the antics of stereotypical Maltese characters. The Secret Life of Nanna Genoveffa is very 'Maltese', for adults only, and guaranteed to make you laugh.

Romance and the magic of Malta are the theme of this heartwarming tale, another perfect read by the pool when blood and angst are not on your wishlist. One Summer in Malta by Sue Moorcroft tells the story of Tina and her fostered orphaned nephew, who find themselves amidst family intricacies while enjoying a summer in Malta. 

If murder and mystery are your thing, Death in Malta by Rosanne Dingli - a Maltese author - is likely to appease your appetite. In addition, you will also be served with romance, passion, intrigue and humour. The tale recounts how an Australian novelist escapes his crumbling marriage seeking inspiration for a new novel in Malta. When a child goes missing, he finds his muse. Meanwhile, a series of characters and a local romance lead him to even more questions on love and loss.