Poor Tom Is Cold. Poster of the 2004 movie and cover of the 2001 book
VS3
Poor Tom Is Cold
Maureen Jennings, 2001
movie vs book
Michael DeCarlo, 2004

When Constable Oliver Wicken is found shot through the head in the basement of an abandoned house, everyone but Detective Murdoch seems satisfied to put it down to suicide. A gun and a note were found on the scene but the trajectory of the bullet raises doubt. Using unproven techniques such as taking fingerprints off the weapon, Murdoch satisfies himself that he has a case of murder.


The Serpent Queen. Poster of the 2022 TV series and cover of the 2002 book, Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France
VS3
Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France
Leonie Frieda, 2002
TV series vs book
Stacie Passon, 2022

The series follows Catherine de’ Medici, who marries into the French court as an orphaned teenager expected to bring in a fortune in dowry and produce heirs, only to discover that her husband is in love with an older woman and that she cannot conceive children. She manages to keep her marriage going, and rule France for thirty years.


The Damned United. Poster of the 2009 movie and cover of the 2006 book, The Damned Utd
VS3
The Damned Utd
David Peace, 2006
movie vs book
Tom Hooper, 2009

After failing to qualify for the 1974 FIFA World Cup, England manager Alf Ramsey is replaced by Don Revie, the highly successful manager of Leeds United. Unfortunately, against Longson’s advice, Clough uses his best squad in the last match before the semi-final, against Leeds, purely out of pride and determination to beat Revie.


Except the Dying. Poster of the 2004 movie and cover of the 1997 book
VS3
Except the Dying
Maureen Jennings, 1997
movie vs book
Michael DeCarlo, 2004

In the late 19th century, Toronto city police Detective William Murdoch investigates the murder of a young girl found drugged and strangled in an alley in the red light district. The autopsy reveals the girl was pregnant but Murdoch doubts she was a doxie. Murdoch faces the challenge of investigating prominent members of Toronto society when she is identified as Therese Laporte, a chambermaid working for a wealthy family.


Layer Cake. Poster of the 2004 movie and cover of the 2000 book
VS3
Layer Cake
J.J. Connolly, 2000
movie vs book
Matthew Vaughn, 2004

A London cocaine distributor operates with the care and professionalism of a legitimate businessman. His chief associates are Morty and Gene, his liaisons to mob boss Jimmy Price. Just as he is ready to retire from criminal life, Jimmy demands of him two tasks. The first is to track down Charlie, an associate’s drug-addicted runaway daughter. The second is to oversee the purchase of one million ecstasy tablets from low-level gangster ‘the Duke’.


Alice. Poster of the 2009 TV series and cover of the 1871 book, Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There
VS3
Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There
Lewis Carroll, 1871
TV series vs book
Nick Willing, 2009

Alice Hamilton is a judo sensei living with her mother Carol. Her father disappeared when she was ten, and she has spent much of her life looking for him. She invites her new boyfriend Jack Chase to dinner, but is shocked when he gives her a valuable-looking ring as a gift. Jack abruptly leaves, Alice following only to witness Jack being abducted by several men.


Alice. Poster of the 2009 TV series and cover of the 1865 book, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
VS3
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll, 1865
TV series vs book
Nick Willing, 2009

Alice Hamilton is a judo sensei living with her mother Carol. Her father disappeared when she was ten, and she has spent much of her life looking for him. She invites her new boyfriend Jack Chase to dinner, but is shocked when he gives her a valuable-looking ring as a gift. Jack abruptly leaves, Alice following only to witness Jack being abducted by several men.


The Snapper. Poster of the 1993 movie and cover of the 1990 book
VS3
The Snapper
Roddy Doyle, 1990
movie vs book
Stephen Frears, 1993

Taking place in Ireland, the story revolves around 20-year-old Sharon Curley, who resides with her parents and numerous siblings. When she finds herself pregnant and chooses not to disclose the identity of the father, her situation becomes the hot topic of discussion in the town.


The Van. Poster of the 1996 movie and cover of the 1991 book
VS3
The Van
Roddy Doyle, 1991
movie vs book
Stephen Frears, 1996

Taking place in the made-up Dublin neighborhood of Barrytown, Bimbo, a baker, faces the loss of his job due to redundancy. To overcome this setback, Bimbo enlists the assistance of his closest friend, Larry, to establish a thriving burger van business.


Marlowe. Poster of the 2022 movie and cover of the 1939 book, The Big Sleep
VS3
The Big Sleep
Raymond Chandler, 1939
movie vs book
Neil Jordan, 2022

Marlowe is charged with locating a gorgeous heiresses’ missing ex-lover in noir-LA of the late 1930s. He soon learns that a labyrinth of corruption lies beneath the missing man’s disappearance, placing him in the sights of some of the city’s wealthiest and most dangerous residents.


Marlowe. Poster of the 2022 movie and cover of the 2014 book, The Black-Eyed Blonde
VS3
The Black-Eyed Blonde
Benjamin Black (John Banville), 2014
movie vs book
Neil Jordan, 2022

Marlowe is charged with locating a gorgeous heiresses’ missing ex-lover in noir-LA of the late 1930s. He soon learns that a labyrinth of corruption lies beneath the missing man’s disappearance, placing him in the sights of some of the city’s wealthiest and most dangerous residents.


The Road to Wellville. Poster of the 1994 movie and cover of the 1993 book
VS3
The Road to Wellville
T. Coraghessan Boyle, 1993
movie vs book
Alan Parker, 1994

The film follows William Lightbody’s experiences during his visit to a health farm managed by Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, a cereal tycoon. William’s wife, Eleanor, has convinced him to seek treatment from Kellogg to purify his system. However, Kellogg’s methods are highly unconventional and almost savage in nature.