Thrilling reads on shelf

Books that will set your pulse racing

THE DATE

By LOUISE JENSEN Little, Brown Alison Taylor is in trouble. She recently separated from her husband and her friends convince her to go on a blind date – but things don’t turn out quite as she would’ve liked. She wakes up the next morning and can remember nothing about the night before although she knows something is seriously wrong.

Firstly, she’s in terrible pain. Her bag, shoes and gloves are gone. Then there’s the fact she doesn’t recognise herself in the mirror when she finally drags herself to the bathroom . . .

The annoying bits: Alison could ask for help a bit more than she does so you have to bear with that a bit. It also took a while for the momentum to build up but for some that kind of tension might be rather delicious.

The good bits: it’s quite gripping and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you going. This is one of those books you rip through in a day or weekend,and it’s just total escapism.

THE DEATH KNOCK

By ELODIE HARPER Hodder & Stoughton Three women have been found dead in East Anglia. At first the police insist there’s no connection between them but TV news reporter Frankie Latch disagrees. She’s convinced the deaths are the work of a single killer – and she turns out to be right.

But her obsession with the case puts her own life in danger and her personal relationships at risk. Meanwhile Frankie’s new boss is determined to shake things up and boost audience numbers – ethics be damned.

The story is told from Frankie’s perspective as well as that of another woman, Ava Lindsey, who’s been abducted. It’s a compelling plot that takes a hard look at the world of TV news and the need for the next exclusive. Harper also explores the vilification of women on social media.

It’s a gripping but scary and chilling read. If I were a young woman, I’d distrust just about every male I met after reading this book!