I love anything by Bill Bryson but I have to admit struggling with his Short History of Nearly Everything (probably because it was quite scientific) but I'd recommend any of his other books. Also Wedlock by Wendy Moore. It's about a rich woman in the georgian era who gets snared by a complete cad. Reads like a novel but it's actually true! Another book I love is The Caliph's House by Tahir Shah. He's an anglo/indian/afghan guy who buys a rundown house in Morocco complete with staff who believe in genies. It's about his first year renovating the place and I found it hilarious.

I've read several of Peter James' books and they always have me hooked so can highly recommend them as well.

Another one of my favourite authors is Linwood Barclay who writes similar stories to Peter James.