Summer reads

There are some brilliant books on the shelves right now – guaranteed to take you right through the summer

We take a look at the best novels to relax with on the sun lounger this year

CHILLING MYSTERY

The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex, (£10.99, HB, Picador)

Cornwall, 1972. Three keepers disappear from a remote lighthouse far from shore.

The door is locked from the inside, the clock has stopped and a ferocious storm has been noted in the log, despite the skies being clear all week. Nobody can work out what happened, or why. Twenty years later, a writer approaches the wives of the three missing men and offers them the chance to tell their side of the story. But are they strong enough to face their deepest fears? One of 2021’s most anticipated novels, and a fabulous book club book, this chilling and atmospheric story more than delivers on its promise.

WRITE STUFF

Who Is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews (£13.02, PB, Tinder Press) Aspiring author Florence Darrow is determined to make a name for herself, so she jumps at the chance to become an assistant to the mysterious Maud Dixon – a celebrated novelist whose identity is a closely guarded secret. Before long, the two of them are off on a research trip to Morocco, and Florence finds herself living the creative and wonderfully immersive life she’s long dreamed about. Until one morning, when she wakes up in hospital having narrowly survived a car crash and with no idea who was driving or where her elusive boss has gone. With Maud out of the picture and presumably not writing, however, could it finally be Florence’s time to shine? A fast-paced and endlessly enjoyable mystery.

FAMILY CONNECTIONS

We Are All Birds of Uganda by Hafsa Zayyan (£11.99, PB, Merky Books)

This moving book follows two families whose fates are linked. In modern London, lawyer Sameer experiences casual racism as he is on the cusp of a big break – a theme that is superbly developed. Switching to 1960s

Uganda, businessman Hasan fails to anticipate the impact of political upheavals. A stirring exploration of love and displacement.

POIGNANT JOURNEY

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin (£11.29, HB, Doubleday)

You may need a hanky to hand for this story of 17-year-old Lenni and 83-year-old Margot. Lenni is on the terminal ward and meets Margot at art class. They realise that between them, they have lived 100 years. To celebrate, they paint their life stories, and the story is a beautiful love letter to friendship.