BEST BOOKS

Zoe West picks the best reads for you

The Keeper of Stories

by Sally Page (£8.99, Harpercollins, PB)

Shy and unassuming, Janice is one of life’s invisible observers, collecting people’s stories in the same way she vacuums up dust in her job as a cleaner. Her marriage to a man who takes her for granted and can’t keep a job is on the brink of collapse. However, she finds a kindred spirit in the shrewd and headstrong Mrs B, who knows just how to overcome Janice’s reluctance to tell her own dark, unspoken story. In this book about friendship and second chances, the characters are handled with warmth and sensitive realism.

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The Patient

by Tim Sullivan (£18.99, Head of Zeus, HB) Being socially awkward and unintentionally rude to others could present problems if you’re a policeman, but despite DS George Cross’ diagnosis with Autistic Syndrome Disorder, he also has the best conviction record in the force. Against the wishes of his bosses, he reopens a cold case, using his lateral thinking skills and obsessive tenacity to prove that a previously ruled suicide was, in fact, murder. Supporting George in social niceties are his charismatic colleagues Ottey and Mackenzie. A compelling, suspenseful police procedural with an intimate, positive insight into living on the autistic spectrum.

The Curfew

by T.M. Logan (£14.99, Bonnier Zaffre, HB)

It’s every parent’s nightmare, their children not coming home. So when Connor misses his midnight curfew after end-of-exam celebrations, the truth must come out, especially as he’s not the only teenager missing. Andy and Laura are good parents, but in their fierce determination to protect their son, are they overlooking something? A twisted tale of lies and deceit follows, and a constant questioning of what you’d do in the same position will keep you gripped. Another brilliant read from the bestselling author.