Five new books to read this week
FICTION Here In The Dark
by Alexis Soloski, hardback by Raven Books
Who better than a prize-winning New York theatre critic to write about a sharpwitted New York theatre critic drawn into a web of mystery and suspense? In her debut novel, Alexis Soloski follows the life of Manhattan critic Vivian Parry, who agrees to be interviewed by graduate student David Adler, believing it will boost her profile and chances of promotion.
The student disappears, the police refuse to investigate, and his fiancee begs Vivian to find him, so she begins a journey laced with lies, deception – and danger. Enthralling from the first to the final, dramatic act.
Hot Springs Drive by Lindsay Hunter, hardback by Renegade Books
The unconventional multi-narrator structure here adds complexity to a tale centred on the lives of best friends Jackie and Theresa, but this is at times confusing. Set against the backdrop of their close-knit community on Hot Springs Drive, the story delves into the intricacies of their deepening friendship.
However, the plot takes a sinister turn when it’s discovered that Jackie has had an affair with Theresa’s husband, Adam... then Theresa’s body is found in her garage. It explores betrayal and the intricate dynamics of human relationships as Hunter skilfully crafts a haunting story that lingers.
One Love by Matt Cainhard, hardback by Headline Review
Matt Cain’s sixth novel follows Danny and Guy who have been friends since university, flitting between their first meeting and a weekend away that occurs two decades later.
Danny has been besotted with Guy since day one and hopes they may finally become more than just friends when they go back to Manchester for Pride. What follows is not what readers might expect, but is instead a thoughtprovoking look at the complexities of human feelings and motivations.
It’s enjoyable but can take a while to get used to the time jumps and it would have been nice to read more about the other characters.
NON-FICTION The Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World by Bettany Hughes, hardback
Hughes brings to life astonishing feats of engineering and creativity in mostly long-destroyed wonders.
Her historical storytelling encourages the reader to question why humanity creates, and what it is about the stories entwined with them that fires our curiosity.
From the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon to the Colossus at Rhodes and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, this book emphasises not only the scale and majesty of each of the seven wonders, but the engrossing human stories behind them.
CHILDREN
A Horse Called Now
by Ruth Doyle, illustrated by
Alexandra
Finkeldey, paperback by Nosy Crow
This is a truly wonderful book that will assist, enable and open conversations for any parent/teacher and their children. It follows a horse, Now, who knows exactly what to say to her worried farm animal friends.
They come to the horse when there’s something they find scary and she tells them how breathing can help bring calm, advising that nothing lasts forever. The book shows that it’s normal to have worries, and the colourful illustrations make it a delight to read. After reading, children will hopefully feel reassured.