Titles in This Set The Bee Sting Skippy Dies Details Condition: New Format: Paperback Publisher: Hamish Hamilton (The Bee Sting); Penguin (Skippy Dies) Age Range: Adult Overview The Paul Murray Collection brings together two of Ireland's most celebrated contemporary novels in one brand-new paperback set. The Bee Sting, a 2023 Booker Prize shortlisted family drama, and Skippy Dies, a Costa Award shortlisted coming-of-age tragicomedy, showcase Murray's trademark blend of sharp wit, deep compassion and unflinching honesty. Ideal for fans of literary fiction, book clubs and readers who love darkly funny, emotionally rich Irish storytelling, this set offers hundreds of pages of unforgettable characters and razor-sharp prose. About the Books The Bee Sting follows the Barnes family as their once-thriving car business collapses and their carefully constructed lives begin to unravel. Dickie retreats into building a doomsday bunker with an eccentric handyman, his wife Imelda starts selling heirloom jewellery online, teenage daughter Cass drifts into reckless behaviour before her exams, and twelve-year-old PJ quietly plots his escape. Told from multiple perspectives, the novel builds towards a tense, ambiguous climax, and was shortlisted for the 2023 Booker Prize for its extraordinary emotional depth. Skippy Dies is set at Seabrook College, an all-boys school in Dublin, where genius roommate Ruprecht Van Doren and quiet, sweet-natured Daniel "Skippy" Juster navigate adolescence largely unnoticed — until Skippy falls for Lori, a girl from the school next door. What follows is a sprawling, multi-voiced tragicomedy touching on first love, bullying, and grief, with unforgettable characters including the dealer Carl. Both novels demonstrate why Murray is regarded as one of the finest chroniclers of modern Irish life, balancing tragedy and farce with rare skill. Two acclaimed, award-shortlisted novels by Paul Murray in one paperback set Brand new condition, ready to read or gift straight away Perfect for book clubs — both novels spark rich discussion on family, youth and modern Ireland A versatile gift for birthdays, holidays or any literary fiction lover Showcases Murray's signature blend of dark comedy and emotional depth Great value way to own two of the most talked-about Irish novels of the last two decades About the Author Paul Murray is an award-winning Irish novelist born in Dublin. He is the author of An Evening of Long Goodbyes, Skippy Dies, The Mark and the Void, and The Bee Sting. His novels have been shortlisted for major prizes including the Booker Prize, the Costa Book Award and the Kerry Group Irish Fiction Award. Known for combining sharp comic timing with genuine emotional insight, Murray is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Irish fiction. Why You'll Love This Collection Two of the most acclaimed Irish novels of recent years, together in one brand-new paperback set — perfect for readers who want dark comedy, big-hearted characters and unforgettable family and school-life drama in equal measure. Please Note: cover may vary slightly from image shown; UK edition, brand new paperback set as described.