Reads

Mad by Chloé Esposito (Penguin; R302)

Alvie Knightley’s life is a mess. But the hard-drinking, forever-broke sex fiend is all set to drop her debt and bag a husband. The only problem: her identical twin, Beth, must die to make it happen. The first in the Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know trilogy, this adventure is outrageous – and impossible to put down. You’ll be turning the pages in shock to the very end.

The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel (Simon & Schuster; R377)

Can you imagine surviving on stolen food and supplies, and living in total isolation in the wild? That’s exactly what self-proclaimed hermit Christopher Knight did for 27 years until his arrest in 2015. This fascinating account includes interviews with Christopher, his family and local residents in a haunting and topical review of solitude, strength and what truly matters in life.

The Waiting Game by Jessica Thompson (Hodder & Stoughton; R178)

In this, the latest novel from the author of This is a Love Story, Nessa Bruce must pick up the pieces of a crumbling life as well as parent a difficult teenage daughter when her husband, Jake, fails to return home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Sweet, easy to read and emotional, this exploration of PTSD, romance and loss will have you rooting for love and commitment.