Five new books to read this week

FICTION The Kellerby Code

by Jonny Sweet, hardback by Faber & Faber, £14.99 (ebook £9.99

How far would you go to fit in with a class of people where you don’t belong? Edward finds himself striving to fit in with his friends Robert and Stanza, even if it means running errands or even contemplating unthinkable acts on their behalf. As the plot unfolds, we delve deeper into Edward’s psyche, leaving us questioning the sanity of his actions and the sincerity of his friends. At the heart of this dark comedy is an exploration of social classes and the lengths one might go to in order to belong. A deeply unsettling, interesting novel that will leave readers gripped to the end.

Listen For The Lie

by Amy Tintera, hardback by Bantam, £14.99 (ebook £5.99)

Listen For The Lie taps into our obsession with true crime podcasts, weaving them into a readable, modern whodunnit. At the centre is Lucy Chase, who’s thought to have murdered her best friend. She’s not formally convicted and moves away from her Texas hometown, flying under the radar until a podcaster digs up her story for his latest series. Lucy returns home and is forced to confront the ghosts of her past – her failed marriage, the strained relationship with her parents, and why she just can’t remember the night Savvy died. Despite the presence of murder mystery cliches it’s a page-turner you’ll absolutely race through.

How To Solve Your Own Murder

by Kristen Perrin, hardback by Quercus, £16.99 (ebook £9.99)

There’s an intriguing premise here that intertwines past and present seamlessly. Set in Dorset, 1965, the story follows Frances Adams, who spends her life preparing to solve her own murder predicted by a fortuneteller. The narrative then shifts to the present day with Frances’s great-niece, Annie, determined to uncover the truth behind Frances’s death. While the plot is engaging and suspenseful, the abundance of minor characters makes them feel undeveloped and challenging to track. However, Perrin’s skilful storytelling and atmospheric setting make for a compelling read, ultimately delivering a mystery with a twist.

NON-FICTION Head North: A Rallying Cry For A More Equal Britain

by Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, hardback by Trapeze, £22 (ebook £12.99)

Metro mayors and football fans Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram have written a book of two halves. The first focuses on their life stories, with Hillsborough a key experience and a reference point throughout their careers. It is readable and contains interesting anecdotes from the mayors of Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region, but as both are still active politicians it feels at times guarded. The second half is more a manifesto for rewiring Britain and a compelling argument for regional devolution.

CHILDREN’S Thank You

by Jarvis, hardback by Walker Books, £12.99 (no ebook)

Last year, Jarvis picked up the Oscar’s Book Prize for The Boy With Flowers In His Hair. Thank You is his next offering, and it’s just as sweet and celebratory. It follows a child practicing gratitude – going round and thanking everything, from the sun and the moon to elephants and his sister. Jarvis has become known for his instantly recognisable collage art style, and it’s the centrepiece of this book. The eye-catching illustrations bring together bright colours and interesting patterns, which will no doubt delight children and adults alike. While it’s sweet, this is perhaps a book better suited to very small children.