Books

Spirited Julie Cohen Orion, out Thursday

AS she mourns her beloved father, Viola wears black to wed her childhood sweetheart on a rainy day in 1858. And she soon finds that life as a Victorian wife is just as gloomy.

But while exploring her passion for the newfangled pursuit of photography, she discovers a mysterious ability to capture images of the dead on film. And along with her spooky talent comes an intense friendship with medium Henriette, who may not be what she seems.

Partly set in mutiny-era India, this vivid tale is simmering with passions – some more repressed than others. It shines a light on the enduring power of love and captures all the pomp and hypocrisy of the Victorian era.

Hello, Again Isabelle Broom Hodder, out Thursday

GO on a sunshine break with artist Pepper, who leaves her beloved Suffolk behind to accompany a friend on a sentimental journey to Lisbon and Barcelona. A romantic voyage of self discovery, with some fabulously escapist settings.

Queen Bee Jane Fallon Penguin, out Thursday

WHEN her husband dumps her, Laura rents a tiny flat in an uber posh London street and becomes entangled in the bitchy world of her new neighbours.

An entertainingly twisty tale with some enjoyably toxic characters along the way.