Best known for her witty and wildly entertaining takes on Britain’s upper classes, the late dame Jilly Cooper is a beloved voice of contemporary fiction. Across a writing career spanning nearly half a century, Cooper became synonymous with the so-called “bonkbuster” genre of literature – glamorous, scandal-filled stories packed with romance, rivalry and outrageous characters in the English countryside.
A bona fide icon of eighties and nineties, interest in her work has surged once again thanks to Disney+’s TV adaptation of Rivals, the second novel of her hugely popular Rutshire Chronicles series. The glossy drama, featuring stars including David Tennant, Aidan Turner and Danny Dyer, introduced a new audience to Cooper’s world of privilege, passion and social warfare. Season two drops today – and it’s already garnering critical acclaim.
The Rutshire Chronicles began with Riders in 1985, immersing readers in the fiercely competitive world of elite showjumping. At the centre is the infamous Rupert Campbell-Black (played by Alex Hassell in the show) – charming, reckless and anything but a wallflower – whose rivalry with fellow rider Jake Lovell drives much of the drama. Lavish estates, tangled love lives and razor-sharp satire – not to mention an eye-raising book cover – quickly made the novel a bestseller.
Cooper followed it with Rivals, widely regarded as the standout title in the series. Expanding beyond the equestrian scene and into the world of television and politics in 1980’s Britain, the novel blends comedy, romance and biting social observation in signature Cooper style.
The first six episodes of season two land today, with the remaining half a dozen airing later in the year. Once you’ve finished binging, I’d suggest staying in Cooper’s world of eighties excess by diving into the Rutshire Chronicles. Starting with Riders, here’s how to read the book series in order.
Where to watch Rivals season 2 as critics hail it a five-star hit
'Riders' by Jilly Cooper, published by Transworld Digital
Published in 1985, Riders follows the glamorous, scandal-filled world of international showjumping, where charismatic rider Rupert Campbell-Black clashes with rival Jake Lovell. Set among Britain’s wealthy elite, the novel mixes fierce competition, tangled romances and sharp social satire.
Buy now £9, Amazon.co.uk
'Rivals' by Jilly Cooper, published by Transworld Digital
The second novel in the Rutshire Chronicles series, Rivals is set in the cut-throat world of 1980’s local television franchises. Expanding beyond the showjumping sphere, it follows notorious womaniser Rupert, who founds a rival production company to battle against the regional franchise Corinium TV, led by his long-established nemesis, executive Tony Baddingham.
Buy now £5, Amazon.co.uk
'Polo' by Jilly Cooper, published by Transworld Digital
Polo centres on the fiercely competitive world of professional polo, where wealth, passion and ambition collide. Set in the Rutshire universe, the novel introduces a new character, champion player Ricky France-Lynch, as he struggles to rebuild his life following a tragedy.
Buy now £10.25, Amazon.co.uk
'The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous' by Jilly Cooper, published by Transworld Digital
The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous follows Lysander Hawkley, a charming but penniless man who’s good looks gets him hired by wealthy women looking to make their husbands jealous. As he becomes entangles in the Rutshire world, passions and scandals unfold.
Buy now £12.49, Amazon.co.uk
'Appassionata' by Jilly Cooper, published by Transworld Digital
The classical music world forms the backdrop of Appassionata, which follows gifted young pianist Abigail Rosen as she navigates fame, romance and rivalry in the Rutshire County Symphony Orchestra. At the centre of the drama is the handsome conductor Roberto Rannaldini, who’s volatile personality is met with an equally complicated love life.
Buy now £12, Amazon.co.uk
'Score!' by Jilly Cooper, published by Transworld Digital
Score! returns to the fictional Rutshire County Symphony Orchestra. This time we follow the glamorous widow Saskia and music-loving television producer Marcus Campbell-Black (Rupert’s son), as they become caught up in the tumultuous lives of musicians, conductors and ambitious socialites. Roberto Rannaldini’s affairs continues to create tension both on and off the stage.
Buy now £12, Amazon.co.uk
'Pandora' by Jilly Cooper, published by Transworld Digital
The eponymous Pandora in Cooper’s seventh Rutshire Chronicles novel is a young and talented artist, who’s good looks and charisma propels her into the world of international art and high society. Becoming a muse to wealthy collectors, critics and powerful men, Pandora must stay true to her creative ambitions while navigating betrayals, romance and jealously.
Buy now £12, Amazon.co.uk
'Wicked!' by Jilly Cooper, published by Transworld Digital
A sharp standalone novel in the series, Wicked! centres on Lizzie, a successful TV presenter who’s curated life becomes to unravel. Personal and professional rivalries, ambition and desire turn her world upside down, as Lizzie finds herself caught between self-preservation, loyalty and love.
Buy now £12.49, Amazon.co.uk
'Jump!' by Jilly Cooper, published by Transworld Digital
Jump! returns readers back to the showjumping universe and the exploits of former champion Rupert, alongside an eclectic cast of riders, trainers and wealthy owners competing for glory.
Buy now £12.49, Amazon.co.uk
'Mount!' by Jilly Cooper, published by Transworld Digital
The 10th novel in the Rutshire Chronicles, which is also set in the equestrian world, revisits more familiar characters, including Rupert and (spoiler) Taggie. The novel also introduces Chris Lomax as he rises up through the ranks of the racing world.
Buy now £12.49, Amazon.co.uk
'Tackle!' by Jilly Cooper, published by Transworld Digital
The final book in the series, Tackle! was published in 2023 and instantly became a Sunday Times bestseller – showing the enduring popularity of Cooper’s novels. This time, she takes readers into the Premiership football league, exploring fame, money and temptation both on and off the pitch.
Buy now £9.49, Amazon.co.uk
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