Books

the best of the new releases

PSYCHOLOGICAL SUSPENSE

The Other Woman by

Laura Wilson (Quercus) Sophie has a perfect life until her plan to confront the woman she believes to be her husband’s lover goes awry. Events spiral out of control in this dark thriller leavened with a wicked streak of humour.

TOUR DE FORCE

Sugar Money by Jane

Harris (Faber & Faber)

Two brothers are sent from Martinique to Grenada to smuggle back the slaves that were appropriated from their masters. A thrilling adventure, cleverly observed and written, that’s full of atmosphere and local colour.

FAMILY DRAMA

Everything You do is Wrong by Amanda Coe (Fleet)

The discovery of a girl washed up on a beach creates ripples in the family of the woman who found her. With secrets and mix-ups vying for position, the mood of this strongly characterised, bleak tale reminded me of Broadchurch.

ENTERTAINING DEBUT

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak (Piatkus) When the Birches are quarantined together over Christmas, the secrets they’ve hidden from one another come tumbling into the open. A warm, funny and sad novel about a family in crisis. I loved it.

GRIPPING READ

Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan (Corsair) Aged 12, Anna is introduced by her father to Dexter Styles. Aged 19, she runs into Styles. Can he help trace her father who disappeared five years earlier? Thoroughly realised characters, an involving plot – a triumphant achievement.

CURL UP WITH…

A Question of Trust by Penny Vincenzi (Headline) At the core of this epic postWWII page-turner, a budding politician faces a dilemma that threatens all he holds dear. With a rich cast of characters buffeted by love, betrayal and loyalty, glamour and conflict, this is Vincenzi at her best.

GOTHIC CHILLER

The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell (Bloomsbury) Set in 1866, in a hospital for the insane, Elsie Bainbridge scribbles her account of what happened in the dilapidated mansion where she went to live after being widowed. Really tense and unnerving, it still won’t let me go.

LIFE LESSONS

How to Be Champion by Sarah Millican (Trapeze) One of our favourite standups looks at her own life to show that life doesn’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to be amazing all the time. Packed with laugh-outloud stories and advice, this will delight her many fans. >>