RISING-STAR READS

Books to help us forget we’re waiting for the new Paula Hawkins

The new... HILARY MANTEL

The Familiars STACEY HALLS (Bonnier Zaffre)

Why? It’s meticulously researched historical fiction that immerses you in a period of time you previously knew little about. It’s also beautifully written. What’s it actually about,

though? Set during the witchcraft trials of the 1600s, it follows pregnant Fleetwood, who has lost all three previous children to stillbirth. When she discovers a letter from her doctor saying the same will happen with her fourth, she seeks out Alice, a young midwife who promises she can help. But is Alice actually a witch? What makes it different? It’s not as, ahem, hard-going as Mantel. The issues that both characters face are really relatable, opening up the genre to those who might not think history is their bag. Out 7th February

The new... PAULA HAWKINS

Blood Orange HARRIET TYCE (Wildfire)

Why? We get it, every thriller going is “the new The Girl On The Train”, but this one really does have you turning the pages in the same obsessive way. What’s it actually about,

though? Criminal barrister Alison has taken on a case where her client admits she stabbed her husband. Alison’s job is to find out why. It’s a huge case – and Alison struggles to juggle it with her home life. She’s also having an affair with a colleague... and someone else knows. What makes it different? It’s not all about the twisty ending like some other thrillers. Instead, it deals with issues faced by career women and the notion of “good” and “bad” in a way that will keep you thinking long after you’ve found out what happens. Out 21st February

The new... JOJO MOYES

The Flatshare BETH O’LEARY (Quercus)

Why? Quirky female lead with fondness for colourful clothing? Check. Slow-building romance between two people who, on paper, are wrong for each other? Check. Heartbreaking situation you’re entirely invested in? Check. Yep, this has all the ingredients of Me Before You. What’s it actually about, though? Tiffy is heartbroken and skint; Leon is paying off hefty legal costs while working nights. The solution to their financial woes? Sharing a flat (and a bed) without ever meeting, communicating solely through notes. What makes it different? It’s emotional at times, but not sob-into-your-sleeve-on-the-bus sad. Plus, for poor city-dwelling millennials, it’s seriously funny. Out 18th April

The new... ADAM KAY

Seven Signs Of Life AOIFE ABBEY

(Vintage) Why? An intensive-care doctor offers insights into her daily life, during which she encounters the most extreme emotions. What’s it actually about,

though? Each chapter focuses on a different emotion, as Dr Abbey details how she’s affected at various points in her career – like how torn she is caring for a convicted rapist, or what it feels like to make a fatal error. It’s not all doom and gloom, though, with moments of joy such as when an entire ward breaks out into song. It shows us just how much doctors deal with – and what we can learn from them. What makes it different? Like Kay’s book, it’s frank and unflinching, but as it’s not in diary format, it feels more literary than humorous. Out 7th February