Contemporary fiction titles are those which focus on the present or near past. Stories rooted in the current cultural, social, and political landscape which feature characters we can all recognise.
Contemporary Fiction Books
Poolbeg Press Ltd Twisted Truth: 2023
Book Synopsis
£13.99
Poolbeg Press Ltd Kilbride House
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£9.80
Poolbeg Press Ltd Home to Cavendish
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£11.89
Poolbeg Press Ltd On Bone Bridge
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£6.39
Poolbeg Press Ltd Kingdom of Scars
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£8.98
Poolbeg Press Ltd Ha'penny Chance
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£8.98
Quercus Publishing The Black Snow: Author of the 2023 Booker
Book SynopsisBY THE AUTHOR OF THE BOOKER PRIZE LONGLISTED PROPHET SONG.'Paul Lynch is peerless' Donal Ryan, author of Strange FlowersIn the spring of 1945, farm-worker Matthew Peoples runs into a burning byre and does not come out alive. The farm's owner, Barnabas Kane, can only look on as his friend dies and all 43 of his cattle are destroyed in the blaze. Following the disaster, the bull-headed and proudly self-sufficient Barnabas is forced to reach out to the farming community for assistance. But resentment simmers over Matthew Peoples' death, and Barnabas and his family begin to believe their efforts at recovery are being sabotaged. Barnabas is determined to hold firm. Yet his son Billy struggles under the weight of a terrible secret, and his wife Eskra is suffocated by the uncertainty surrounding their future. And as Barnabas fights ever harder for what is rightfully his, his loved ones are drawn ever closer to a fate that should never have been theirs. In The Black Snow, Paul Lynch takes the pastoral novel and - with the calmest of hands - tears it apart. With beautiful, haunting prose, Lynch illuminates what it means to be alive during crisis, and puts to the test our deepest certainties about humankind.Trade Review'Sumptuous and poetic ... I am savouring the book sentence by sentence' Colm Tóibín. * Colm Tóibín *'Classic storytelling' Daniel Woodrell. * Daniel Woodrell *'Dark invention and brutal beauty ... a raw and audacious talent' Hugo Hamilton. * Hugo Hamilton *'Forged in his own new and wonderful language, Paul Lynch reaches to the root, branch and bole of things, and unfurls a signal masterpiece' Sebastian Barry. * Sebastian Barry *
£9.49
Quercus Publishing Loss of Innocence
Book SynopsisJune, 1968. America is in a state of turbulence, engulfed in civil unrest and uncertainty. Yet for Whitney Dane - spending the summer of her twenty-second year on Martha's Vineyard - life could not be safer, nor the future more certain. Educated at Wheaton, soon to be married, and the youngest daughter of the patrician Dane family, Whitney has everything she has ever wanted, and is everything her all-powerful and doting father, Charles Dane, wants her to be. But the Vineyard's still waters are disturbed by the appearance of Benjamin Blaine. An underprivileged, yet fiercely ambitious and charismatic young man, Blaine is a force of nature neither Whitney nor her family could have prepared for. As Ben's presence begins to awaken independence within Whitney, it also brings deep-rooted Dane tensions to a dangerous head. And soon Whitney's set-in-stone future becomes far from satisfactory, and her picture-perfect family far from pretty.A sweeping family drama of dark secrets and individual awakenings, set during the most consequential summer of recent American history.Trade Review'A snapshot of America at a pivotal moment in history, and a beautifully written coming-of-age novel' Lady Antonia Fraser. * Lady Antonia Fraser *'A stunning tour de force. Martha's Vineyard, with its heartbreaking beauty, is the ideal setting for an engrossing drama of a so-called perfect family riven by its secrets' Linda Fairstein. * Linda Fairstein *'This may be Richard North Patterson's best work: surprising and different, yet with the same ability to penetrate the minds of others - especially women, which is a rare gift' Stephen Fry. * Stephen Fry *
£9.49
Quercus Publishing Love Notes for Freddie
Book Synopsis'Beautifully written, intelligent and gripping' Daily Mail. From the Richard and Judy bestselling author of The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets. Every ending is a new beginning . . .No one expected Marnie Fitzpatrick to be expelled from school . . . but the aftermath will haunt her forever. No one imagined she'd fall for the boy from the wrong side of town . . . until the day she saw him dancing alone.No one could know she had the one thing he needed to capture his dreams . . . the courage to chase them. From the author of the Richard and Judy classic The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets comes a story about how sometimes the cruelest beginnings can lead to the most unexpected of endings.Trade ReviewI so enjoyed this emotional, engaging, vivid and different coming-of-age story . . . The thought-provoking narrative twists between Marnie's and Julie's points of view, and is beautifully written, intelligent and gripping * Daily Mail *A beautiful tale of first loves, secret passions and, er, maths * Heat *It seems there is a ready audience for novels set in the relatively recent past, with characters' quaint attitudes and period detail of clothes and music forming a large part of attraction - nostalgia-lit? This fine example of the genre offers intelligent, undemanding entertainment, which is sometimes all you need on a hot summer's day * Irish Examiner *
£9.49
Quercus Publishing Rituals
Book SynopsisIn Rituals, Amsterdam of the fifties, sixties and seventies is viewed from the perspective of the capricious Inni Wintrop. An unintentional suicide survivor, the unexpected gift of life returned lends him the curiousity, and impartiality, to survey others' lives and rountines. Inni's opposite, the one-eyed downhill skier Arnold Taads measures his life by the clock, while his disowned son Philip follows Japanese rituals which themselves seem to render his existence meaningless. A novel for those who seek to unravel our mysterious, apparently directionless lives...Trade Review'Sharp, elegant prose ... It recalls, in tone, Vladimir Nabokov. The language is, by turns, delicately allusive and rich, even ripely comic' D.J. Enright, T.L.S. * TLS *'Should appeal to anyone who likes Italo Calvino or Paul Auster' Michael Dirda, Washington Times. * Washington Times *
£9.49
Quercus Publishing Return to Mandalay
Book SynopsisAn enchanting and exotic family mystery from the #1 Kindle Bestseller'The perfect holiday companion' - Heat'The ultimate feel-good read' - Candis'Sun-soaked escapism' - Best**********Eva Gatsby has often wondered about her grandfather Lawrence's past, and exactly what happened to him in Burma during the Second World War. But it is only when Eva's job as an antiques dealer suddenly requires a trip to Mandalay that Lawrence finally breaks his silence and asks her to return a mysterious artefact of his own - a chinthe - to its rightful owner. As Eva arrives in Burma her mission soon proves dangerously complicated, and the treasure she is guarding becomes the centre of a scandal that will have far-reaching consequences. Caught between loyalty and integrity, Eva is determined to find the truth about her grandfather's past, of her own family origins, and of the red-eyed chinthe itself - enigmatic symbol of the riches of Mandalay.********SEE WHAT EVERYONE IS SAYING ABOUT ROSANNA LEY:'An impeccably researched and deftly written narrative that kept me hooked until the end' - Kathryn Hughes, bestselling author of The Letter 'Loved it from start to finish. A brilliant holiday read' - Amazon reviewer 'Perfect for fans of Santa Montefiore, Victoria Hislop and Leah Fleming' - Candis 'On so many levels a fantastic read' - Amazon reviewer'A fascinating story with engaging themes' - Dinah Jefferies, bestselling author of The Tea Planter's Wife 'Warm, enthralling, one of my favourite authors' - Amazon reviewerTrade Review'Beautiful evocative writing takes the reader to a far away place in this stunning story' The Sun. * Sun *
£9.49
Quercus Publishing The Other Child
Book Synopsis'Taut, tense, and beautifully written' Clare Mackintosh'Addictive' Sunday TimesSometimes a lie feels kinder than the truth . . . but what happens when that lie becomes an avalanche of deceit?When Tess is sent to photograph Greg, a high-profile paediatric surgeon, she sees something complex in him that she instantly connects with. Their relationship quickly deepens, but then Tess - already a single mother to nine-year-old Joe - finds out she's pregnant.Greg, who never wanted to be a father, is then offered the job of a lifetime back in his hometown of Boston, USA. Within just a few months, they have married and moved to the States. But life in an affluent Boston suburb is not as straightforward as Tess had hoped. Strange things keep happening in their rented home - Joe is unsettled, the next-door neighbours are clearly troubled, and Greg's work is all-consuming. As a fierce Boston winter closes in, and her baby's birth looms, Tess remains determined to make this new life work. Then she makes a jaw-dropping discovery . . .PRAISE FOR LUCY ATKINS'Wonderfully skilled' Sarah Perry'Sly, witty and gripping' Naomi Alderman'Wholly beguiling' Mick Herron'Highly intelligent' Sarah Vaughan'Beguiling, brilliantly creepy' Claire FullerTrade ReviewTaut, tense, and beautifully written. I held my breath between chapters and didn't sleep until I reached the end * Clare Mackintosh, author of I Let You Go *An elegantly written page-turner which pulled me in from the start and held its grip until the final page * Renee Knight, author of bestselling psychological thriller Disclaimer *I absolutely loved this novel. The Other Child is seriously gripping, seriously scary and seriously brilliant * Clare Kendal, author of The Book of You *Truly unnerving. Atkins perfectly captures the vulnerability that comes with moving overseas, away from friends and support networks, and uses it expertly in this compelling novel. Not just one-more-page gripping but perceptive and beautifully written * Lucie Whitehouse, author of Before We Met *The last book I read in one sitting like this was Louise Doughty's Apple Tree Yard. Like Louise, Lucy Atkins is brilliant at ramping up the tension so that there's not a chance of relief until the end * Polly Samson, author of The Kindness *Addictive . . . a pace so relentless that you'll want to inhale this novel in one uninterrupted sitting * The Sunday Times *Atmospheric and packed with suspense, kept me on edge from start to finish * Woman & Home Magazine *Tense, involving and clever. I defy you not to get hooked * Jane Lythell, author of After the Storm *Beautifully plotted with rich, deftly drawn characters. The Other Child unfolds in lyric, atmospheric prose * Priya Parmar, author of Vanessa and her Sister *
£9.49
Pushkin Press States of Passion
Book SynopsisA hapless Aleppo bureaucrat is stranded in the middle of the deserted countryside as a violent storm sets in. When he seeks refuge in an isolated old mansion, inhabited by an aged gentleman and his sinister servant, he begins to uncover a captivating tale of family secrets, lost passions, and shady dealings. He is transported by these stories to Aleppo's golden age - a time of art, music, wealth and laughter - and the all-female society of the banat al-ishreh, a society of women who live, love, and perform song and dance together. And as he gradually realises how these entanglements of love and passion, cruelty and resentment, stretch across the generations, he discovers that his own life is also in danger. Sirees spins astonishing literary beauty out of this tangled web of family secrets, and he writes with great humour and warmth about the conflict between past and present in this surprising and unique novel about a lost world.
£9.74
SPCK Publishing With Hearts and Hymns and Voices: A novel
Book SynopsisWhen the BBC Songs of Praise team decides to broadcast a Palm Sunday service from a small idyllic Suffolk village, not everyone is happy. The vicar, Clive, is amiably absent-minded, but his practical wife Helen gets on well with the television team - perhaps a little too well, where the charming, enigmatic Michael is concerned. Charles, the Parish Council chairman, is deeply opposed and resents the enthusiasm of other villagers - including his wife Betty. As the outside broadcast vehicles roll in, the emotional temperature rises...
£9.49
SPCK Publishing The Death of Mungo Blackwell
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE ACFW AWARD 2020 FOR BEST CONTEMPORY FICTION 3rd PLACE OF ANGEL BOOK AWARD 2020 FOR CONTEMPORARY FICTON The Blackwells are a family with an extraordinary history and astounding traditions, which include attending their own funerals before they die! Their ways are questionable and their stories about deceased relatives are as bold as their red hair, but it is their eclectic wares that keep tourists coming back to their market in the town of Coraloo. Charlie Price, whose world has come crumbling down after a lapse in judgement leaves him unemployed, finds himself flung into the chaotic world of the Blackwells when he relocates to Coraloo with his socialite wife, Velveteen, and shy son, Gideon. Here Charlie attempts to make a living as a 'picker', reselling under-priced items he picks up at the market. Charlie soon finds this new way of life under threat and his quest for simplicity seems to be crumbling. Perhaps it's time for Charlie to have a funeral of his own?
£9.49
SPCK Publishing The Healing Knife: Could revenge cut her free?
Book SynopsisTo Rachel Keyte death is the enemy. The early loss of her beloved father from heart failure ignited a single-minded determination in her: to save as many patients as she can, and to become a consultant before the age of forty. Everything else – friendship, love, empathy – is sacrificed to her obsession. Now Rachel’s surgical skills are twelve-year-old Craig’s only hope for a normal life. His mother Eve holds a deep distrust of doctors, and her son is all she has. Reluctantly, she agrees for the operation to go ahead. But surgery is never predictable, nor is a devastated mother’s terrifying reaction. Eve, it seems, wants a life for a life...
£10.44
SPCK Publishing The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson
Roy Blackwell has proposed to Margarette Toft. A controversial decision given their families are sworn enemies! Soon Coraloo’s feuding clans are competing to organize events for the most talked about wedding of the year… and glorious chaos ensues! But as the depth of the two families’ animosity becomes clear, Roy and Margarette’s relationship begins to falter.Then Roy unearths a town secret involving the mysterious marriage of Innis Wilkinson and a murder. Parallels between the past and present rock the couple even further. But, as the whole truth comes to light, Roy and Margarette learn more than they could have imagined about love, family, and finding a place in the world. Heart-warming and charming, The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson will inspire joy and laughter.
£9.49
Unbound Between the Regions of Kindness
Book SynopsisCoventry, 1941. The morning after one of the worst nights of the Blitz. Twenty-two-year-old Rose enters the remains of a bombed house to find her best friend dead. Shocked and confused, she makes a split-second decision that will reverberate for generations to come.More than fifty years later, in modern-day Brighton, Rose’s granddaughter Lara waits for the return of her eighteen-year-old son Jay. Reckless and idealistic, he has gone to Iraq to stand on a conflict line as an unarmed witness to peace.Lara holds her parents, Mollie and Rufus, partly responsible for Jay’s departure. But in her attempts to explain their thwarted passions, she finds all her assumptions about her own life are called into question.Then into this damaged family come two strangers – Oliver, a former faith healer, and Jemmy, a young woman devastated by the loss of a baby. Together they help to establish a partial peace – but at what cost?
£8.54
Granta Books Rowing to Eden: Collected Stories
Book SynopsisAmy Bloom has long been regarded as a master of the short story form. Here, her brilliance shines across two decades and more than twenty-five stories. From the bereaved widow who finds unexpected comfort in 'Sleepwalking', to the matchmaking shrink in 'Psychoanalysis Changed My Life'; from the teenage girl furious at her dying mother in 'Hold Tight' to the transgressive lovers of 'The Gates Are Closing'; from the married friends irresistibly drawn to one another in 'William and Clare' to the brave and heartless girl in 'Permafrost' - these are stories brimming with life and grief, erotically charged and beautifully crafted.
£9.99
Granta Books A Passage North
Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2021 'Mesmerizing, political, intimate, unafraid - this is a superb novel... that pays such close, intelligent attention to the world we all live in' Sunjeev Sahota, author of the Booker shortlisted The Year of the Runaways It begins with a message: a telephone call informing Krishan that his grandmother's former caregiver has died. As Krishan makes the long journey by train from the Sri Lankan capital into the war-torn Northern Province for the funeral, so he travels into the soul of a country devastated by civil war. A Passage North is a poignant memorial to the dead and an exploration of the unattainable distances between who we are and what we seek. 'Its world is the deeply-layered, rich interior of its protagonist's mind but also contemporary Sri Lanka itself, war-scarred, traumatized ... [It] connects Arudpragasam to the great novelists of the past' Colm Tóibín, New York Times bestselling author of BrooklynTrade ReviewLife is short but remembering is long. In the aftermath of war, Anuk Arudpragasam's rich, rewarding sentences return the reader to all that is living -- Amitava KumarAnuk Arudpragasam is an artist of revelations. In A Passage North, he continues to map, with beauty, grace, and fire, the responsibilities we carry in a world that is forever on the brink. This is a novel as both an elegy and a love song, not only for a place, but for the souls, living and dead, who are bound to that place-what an unforgettable and perfect reading experience, and one that unearths truths, relentlessly, magically -- Paul YoonAnuk Arudpragasam's A Passage North is a profound and disquieting account of the making of a self, of the pressures of history, desire, will, and chance that determine the shape of a life. It's difficult to think of comparisons for Arudpragasam's work among current English-language writers; one senses, reading his two extraordinary novels, a new mastery coming into being -- Garth Greenwell, author of Cleanness and What Belongs to YouMesmerizing, political, intimate, unafraid - this is a superb novel, a novel that pays such close, intelligent attention to the world we all live in * Sunjeev Sahota *A Passage North is written with scrupulous attention to nuance and detail. Its world is the deeply-layered, rich interior of its protagonist's mind but also contemporary Sri Lanka itself, war-scarred, traumatized. While the narrative is filled with images of violence and loss, at its center is an exquisite form of noticing, a way of rendering consciousness and handling time that connects Arudpragasam to the great novelists of the past -- Colm ToíbínA novel of tragic power and uncommon beauty. In his depiction of the processes through which history sculpts human fate, Anuk Arudpragasam achieves something akin to grace I am also pasting below the full round-up of praise, which is mostly American, but I am still hoping that some of my Brits might come good... -- Anthony Marra, author of A Constellation of Vital PhenomenaA beautiful, urgent novel of displacement, love and atrocity set on a single long journey. Arudpragasam has achieved something extraordinary here - a philosophical novel that draws you in through the sheer depth and elegance of its ideas and expression until you feel like you're stowing away in the protagonist's mind -- Luke KennardAnuk Arudpragasam has a graceful way of unfolding a sentence to its fullest dimensions. Concerned with whether and how the calamitous forces of love and trauma can be accommodated among life's daily exigencies, A Passage North is a novel of consciousness alert to the turning of history and the micronavigations of bodies in a room. I've rarely read something so exquisitely alive -- Naoise DolanA novel of philosophic suspense, one whose reader shivers in anticipation not of what will happen next but of where the next thought will lead... A luminously intelligent, psychologically intricate novel-slow in always rewarding ways * Kirkus *A young man ruminates about Sri Lankan history and his own life in the introspective latest from Arudpragasam...Readers who enjoy contemplative, Sebaldian narratives will appreciate this * Publishers Weekly *The author of The Story of a Brief Marriage casts a spell in his sumptuous new novel... reminiscent of Michael Ondaatje's Anil's Ghost * Oprah Daily's Best Books of July *Profound... hypnotic... Arudpragasam explores the desire for independence that enflamed the decades-long civil war, the violence that ensued and the emotional scars that refuse to heal * Observer *It can take just two novels to establish a writer as one of the most individual minds of their generation... With his new novel, a revelatory exploration of the aftermath of war, Arudpragasam cements his reputation... [An] extraordinary and often illuminating novel * Financial Times *A disquieting and contemplative book that seeks to comprehend the incomprehensible... With considered thoughts on everything from smoking to meditation, life and death, [Arudpragasam''s] new novel is a treasure trove of insight and wisdom, a reminder of "how large and unknown the world was, how much it seemed to contain" * Irish Times *A beautiful, meditative book... so moving * Literary Friction *It is an incredibly introspective work. Through the particularities of Krishan's experience and inner life, Arudpragasam seamlessly unfurls ruminations on intimacy, trauma, and the passage of time * Paris Review *Arudpragasam is a patient and meticulous observer. * Guardian *A Passage North is a singular novel by a singular writer and richly deserves its place on the Booker longlist... His prose manages that paradoxical feat of feeling urgent without seeming in a hurry. The long sentences, the free-associative paragraphs, the digressions into general subjects, all add up to something that is, for once, greater than the sum of its parts * Telegraph *A sinuously discursive meditation on a nation's collective trauma... elegiac * TLS *A book of striking, fluid elegance... Arudpragasam's technique [...] is the strongest and most considered on the [Booker Prize] shortlist * Spectator *An arresting and poignant reflection on the legacy of civil war -- Books of the Year * Financial Times *The individual and collective trauma of Sri Lanka's drawn-out civil war thrums as a backbeat through this Booker-shortlisted second novel... A thoughtful, introspective novel that journeys inwards, even as it traverses physically scarred landscapes -- Books of the Year * The Times and Sunday Times *A haunting work about the power of memory and how we learn to see the world -- 100 must-read books of 2021 * TIME *You can see Arudpragasam's progression as a writer; the book is mostly inward looking, meditative and completely immersive. He blends the past and present almost seamlessly, making for an even better novel than its predecessor * NPR *
£13.49
Granta Books Ceremony of Innocence
Book SynopsisA Cambridge PhD student called Reem has gone missing in Egypt. Those close to her fear that her investigation into her family''s history in the Gulf has put her in danger. The trail leads back to Tehran in 1969, when diplomat Martin Wilcox Smith, frustrated by his career at the Foreign Office, looked for more lucrative opportunities in the region. Decades later, decisions taken by Martin and his charismatic wife Phoebe unexpectedly come home to roost: their niece takes in a Bahraini lodger who has reasons to question the immense wealth of the Wilcox Smiths, a quest shared with their daughter-in-law, a journalist who is determined to piece together what has happened to Reem. An evocative and engrossing story that travels between the Shah's Iran, modern Bahrain, London and the English countryside, Ceremony of Innocence explores one family''s ambition in the aftermath of empire and the establishment''s ruthless pursuit of power in the new world order.Trade Review[A] blend of English country house novel and international intrigue * Daily Mail *Pulls you in from the first page... Wonderfully original and compelling * Observer *
£13.49
Carcanet Press Ltd Forgetting
Book SynopsisWe cannot understand the phenomenon of remembering without invoking its opposite, forgetting. Taking his cue from Beckett - 'only he who forgets remembers' - Josipovici uncovers a profound cultural shift from societies that celebrated ritual remembrance at fixed times and places, to our own Western world where the lack of such mechanisms leads to a fear of forgetting, to what Nietzsche diagnosed as an unhealthy sleeplessness that infects every aspect of our culture. Moving from the fear of Alzheimer's to invocations of 'Remember the Holocaust' and 'Remember Kosovo' by unscrupulous demagogues, from the burial rituals of rural societies to the Berlin and Vienna Holocaust Memorials, from eighteenth-century disquiet about the role of tombs and inscriptions to the late poems of Wallace Stevens, Josipovici has produced, in characteristic style, a small book with a very big punch. Gabriel Josipovici's novel The Cemetery in Barnes (2018) was shortlisted for the 2018 Goldsmiths Prize and longlisted for the 2019 Republic of Consciousness Prize.
£10.44
Transworld Publishers Ltd Before I Go To Sleep
Book Synopsis'Mesmerising and unsettling . . . The best debut thriller for years' Sunday TimesNow a major film starring Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark StrongOver 7 million copies sold worldwide____________Memories define us.So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep?Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love - all forgotten overnight.And the one person you trust may only be telling you half the story.Welcome to Christine's life.____________Readers are obsessed with Before I Go To Sleep:***** 'A genius plot with an incredible twist. Before I go to Sleep is one of the best books I've read in a very long time.'***** 'The book had me gripped from the very beginning . . . a real can't-put-it-down-till-the-last-page read.'***** 'It's dark, fascinating, original and addictive - l read it in a day.'____________Final Cut, the unputdownable new thriller from S. J. Watson, is out now.Trade ReviewQuite simply the best debut novel I've ever readBrilliant in its pacing, profound in its central question, suspenseful on every page - and satisfying in its thriller endingA deft, perceptive exploration of a fascinating neurological condition, and a cracking good thrillerA terrific first novel - well-written, genuinely unsettling and psychologically very plausible. Thrillers seldom come much better than this. Loved it, read it in oneAn exceptional thriller. It left my nerves jangling for hours after I finished the last page
£7.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd Dying for Christmas
Book Synopsis'Packs a killer twist' Prima'Wickedly funny' Sunday Mirror________To mark the twelve days of Christmas, he gives me a gift every day, each more horrible than the last . . .I am missing. Held captive by a blue-eyed stranger.The twelfth day is getting closer. After that, there will be no more Christmas cheer for me. No mince pies, no carols. No way out . . .________A gripping and chilling psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Shari Lapena and Harriet Tyce.What readers are saying: ***** 'Entertaining, dark and full of suspense, with a slithering of wit for good measure.'***** 'The twist took my breath away. I couldn't put it down.'***** 'Should you want a captivating, dark, twisted and enthralling festive read . . . then look no further.'Trade ReviewFast, wickedly funny, hugely enjoyable. * Sunday Mirror *[keeps] you in suspense until the end * Candis *This thriller… packs a killer twist * Prima *Morally complex, disturbing and very gripping. * Woman and Home *What starts out to be a chiller turns into a brain-twisting shocker. All rather clever, really. * Sunday Sport *A deliciously dark winter’s tale that delivers twist after twist as it races towards its shocking conclusion. The perfect thriller to curl up with this Christmas. * MARK EDWARDS (author of The Magpies) *Exciting, chillingly complex ...a delicious dark twist at the end. * Publishers Weekly US *I read Dying For Christmas peering out from between my fingers in fright - but I could NOT put it down. The twist left me reeling! I love all Tammy's books and this one is no exception. * LOUISE VOSS (co-author of From the Cradle) *Dark and gloriously addictive… clear your diary, put your phone on silent and enjoy. * Bex Dawkins - myblightersrock.wordpress.com *compulsive reading at its absolute best * www.bookaddictshaun.co.uk *a great anti-Christmas tale * Cleopatra Loves Books Blog *Chilling, twisty and addictive. I finished the last few pages walking from the train station, bumping into people, because I couldn't put it down. * JULIE COHEN (author of Dear Thing) *Makes Gone Girl look like a beginners guide to gaslighting. * @PLMcElroy *Disturbing, compelling and utter genius. * @caroline_S *Dying for Christmas is one of the darkest and most ingenious pyschological thrillers on the market at the moment. * CultureFly.co.uk *
£9.25
Transworld Publishers Ltd It Must Have Been the Mistletoe: the perfect
Book SynopsisLet much-loved and ever-popular author Judy Astley gift you an unmissable, hilarious and heart-warming read this Christmas. Perfect for fans of Katie Fforde, Trisha Ashley, Jenny Colgan and Milly Johnson.'Witty and warm!' - New!'A lively laughter-packed riot of a story' - Heat'Full of fun and with great characters' -- ***** Reader review'Judy gets the story just right for me' -- ***** Reader review'Gives you a cosy glow and gets you into the Christmas spirit' -- ***** Reader review'A really good Christmas story devoured over a festive week-end' -- ***** Reader review*******************************************************************************************AT CHRISTMAS, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN...Thea's parents decide to host a big family Christmas in a house by the sea... even though they are, in fact, about to split up. And while her sister and brother are both settled, Thea herself is newly single - her boyfriend has ditched her in favour of his pedigree dogs, and Thea can't decide whether or not she minds.There will be copious food and drink, holly and mistletoe, lots of bracing walks and a wintry barbecue on the beach. If it seems an odd way to celebrate the final break-up of a marriage and the Moving On to new partners, no-one is saying so. But then no-one had anticipated that the new partners might actually turn up to complicate the sleeping arrangements...As Cornwall experiences the biggest snowstorm in living memory, the festive atmosphere comes under some strain. Will Thea manage to find some happiness for herself? Will the mistletoe work its magic on them all?Trade ReviewThis witty family drama will keep you enthralled... * Candis *A lively laughter-packed riot of a story * Heat *Witty and warm * New! *
£6.99
Transworld Publishers Ltd Surprise Me: The Sunday Times Number One
Book Synopsis'Left me giddy with laughter. I loved it' JOJO MOYES-------------------------------------------------------Those we think we know best can sometimes surprise us the most . . .After being together for ten years, Sylvie and Dan have a comfortable home, fulfilling jobs, beautiful twin girls, and communicate so seamlessly, they finish each other's sentences. They have a happy marriage and believe they know everything there is to know about each other. Until it's casually mentioned to them that they could be together for another sixty-eight years... and panic sets in.They quickly decide to create little surprises for each other, to keep their relationship fresh and fun. But in their pursuit of Project Surprise Me - anything from unexpected gifts to restaurant dates to photo shoots - mishaps arise with disastrous and comical results.Gradually, the surprises turn to shocking discoveries. And when a scandal from the past is uncovered, they begin to wonder if they ever really knew each other after all. . .***** EVERYBODY LOVES SOPHIE KINSELLA: *****'One of the most relatable books I've read in a long time, I couldn't put it down' LOUISE PENTLAND (SprinkleofGlitter)'This is Sophie Kinsella at her heart-warming and hilarious best' COSMOPOLITAN'Life doesn't get much better than a new Sophie Kinsella novel' RED'This is the funniest book Sophie Kinsella has ever written' JENNY COLGAN'Kinsella at her put-a-smile-on-your-face best' GOOD HOUSEKEEPINGOUT NOW the joyful new standalone novel from Sophie Kinsella: THE PARTY CRASHERTrade ReviewSophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter. I loved it. * Jojo Moyes *This is the funniest book Sophie Kinsella has ever written * Jenny Colgan *This is Sophie Kinsella at her heart-warming and hilarious best * Cosmopolitan on Surprise Me *In a month when romance takes centre stage, Sophie Kinsella can always be relied upon to deliver a story that will warm the cockles of any tired old heart but never lapses into saccharine sweet sentiment. * Red magazine *Kinsella at her put-a-smile-on-your-face best * Good Housekeeping *
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd Shopaholic to the Rescue: (Shopaholic Book 8)
Book SynopsisTo Las Vegas . . . and beyond!Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) is on a major rescue mission! Hollywood was full of surprises, and now she's on a road trip to Las Vegas to help her friends and family.She's determined to get to the bottom of why her dad has mysteriously disappeared, help her best friend Suze and even bond with Alicia Bitch Long-legs (maybe...).As Becky discovers just how much her friends and family need help, she comes up with her biggest, boldest, most brilliant plan yet! So can she save the day just when they need her most?Becky is setting out to make things right in this laugh-out-loud, feel-good conclusion to her American adventure that began with SHOPAHOLIC TO THE STARS. Trade Review"Escapism that will make you giggle out loud" USA Today "Great fun...Kinsella had me laughing from page one." -- Fanny Blake Woman & Home "[Becky] is funny, chaotic, kind and - as usual - you'll be rooting for her from the off. The brilliantly plotted narrative whizzes along at a delicious pace, stuffed full of gags and sparkling dialogue." Daily Mail "Frothy, fast-paced fun." Glamour "Another delightful page-turner from the author of the best-selling Shopaholic series." Closer
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd My Not So Perfect Life: A Novel
Book SynopsisTHE HILARIOUS AND BRILLIANT BESTSELLER FROM NO.1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR SOPHIE KINSELLA'Sure to make you laugh out loud' Closer'Hilarious . . . you'll laugh and gasp on every page' Jenny Colgan****Katie Brenner has the perfect life: a flat in London, a glamorous job, and a super-cool Instagram feed.OK, so the truth is that she rents a tiny room with no space for a wardrobe, has a hideous commute to a lowly admin job, and the life she shares on Instagram isn't really hers.But one day her dreams are bound to come true, aren't they?Until her not-so-perfect life comes crashing down when her mega-successful boss Demeter gives her the sack. All Katie's hopes are shattered. She has to move home to Somerset, where she helps her dad with his new glamping business.Then Demeter and her family book in for a holiday, and Katie sees her chance. But should she get revenge on the woman who ruined her dreams - or try to get her job back? Does Demeter - the woman who has everything - actually have such an idyllic life herself? Maybe they have more in common than it seems.And what's wrong with not-so-perfect, anyway?Everybody loves Sophie Kinsella:'I almost cried with laughter' Daily Mail'Hilarious . . . you'll laugh and gasp on every page' Jenny Colgan'Properly mood-altering . . . funny, fast and farcical. I loved it' Jojo Moyes'A superb tale. Five stars!' HeatPRE-ORDER the hilarious and joyful new romcom from Sophie Kinsella: THE BURNOUTTrade ReviewSophie Kinsella keeps her finger on the cultural pulse, while leaving me giddy with laughter. I loved it. * Jojo Moyes *Life doesn’t get much better than a free Sunday afternoon, some chocolate and stem ginger biccies and a new Sophie Kinsella novel and this standalone looks at what really goes on behind our perfect social media feeds * Sarra Manning, Red magazine *What an absolute treat - sheer joy from start to finish. * Lucy Diamond *Pesky boss, sexy man and plenty of laughs, and you’ve got rom-com excellence. This will be huge in 2017. * Heat *Sure to make you laugh out loud... this book can't fail to lift your mood. * Closer *
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd A Robot In The Garden: The Number One cosy
Book SynopsisFor fans of THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS, THE FIFTEEN LIVES OF HARRY AUGUST and ET.'A MOST UNUSUAL AND DELIGHTFUL BOOK' Alexander McCall SmithFunny, touching, charming, wise: a friendship novel that explores what it is to be human. Some time in the future:Ben Chambers wakes up to find an old robot - rusty and dazed- sitting underneath the willow tree in his garden. It's not a new android model, the type people now use for domestic chores around the house, but an antique one, no longer of any use. Refusing to throw it on the skip as his wife Amy advises, he brings it inside. He names it Tang. Tang turns out to be needy, he has a chronic oil leak and some inside parts don't work properly. As Ben - who has never wanted children or even a job - grows closer to his new friend, he and his wife, Amy, grow further apart.When Amy finally walks out, Ben begins to realise he has now alienated all the human beings in his life. But his new friend needs to be fixed, if he is to have a future. And so Ben decides to take Tang back to his maker, half way across the world, on a remote island in the Pacific ...Soon to be a major Warner Brothers Japan movie, starring Kazunari Ninomiya from ArashiREADERS LOVE IT TOO:There were so many funny parts in this book and i did not want it to end' 5 *****'A lovely book about friendship and discovery. Heartwarming' 4 ****'i knew nothing about this book when i started it and i could not put it down' 5 ****'Wonderful. i did not want it to stop' 5 ****'The characters are drawn with such tenderness' 5 ****Trade ReviewWonderfully weird and uplifting * Heat Magazine *A wonderful debut novel * ajbookreviewclub.wordpress.com *This would make a wonderful uplifting movie * thepewterwolf.blogspot.co.uk *A story that spans across many countries, ‘A Robot In The Garden’ is a light-hearted and poignant tale, packed with humour, love and adorable little robot that just wants to make friends. * handwrittengirl.com *This story is touching and well told, concentrating on the relationship between a man and a robot. It’s unique and so heart-warming! * thebookishuniverse.wordpress.com *I can sum this up in one word; ADORABLE! A book that explodes with cuteness and humour * betweenmylines.com *Deborah has created a truly wonderful, heartfelt story of friendship that completely melted my heart. This is without a doubt one of the best books that I have read this year * lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot.co.uk *A Robot in the Garden is a lovely, wonderful debut novel and I really hope it’s not the last we see of Tang, and the other interesting characters the author has created. Off to re-read… * reviewedthebook.co.uk *A story of true friendship, love and the journey of self-discovery and I utterly adored it. The storyline was superb, the characters were solid and adorable and the writing was flawless. * thebloggersbookshop.blogspot.co.uk *The story is sweet, charming, funny, and I found myself really enjoying it * thebooklife.co.uk *The ‘character goes on a journey of self-discovery’ trope is a well used one in all forms of art, but it’s rarely done as wonderfully or with such imagination, as in Deborah Install’s début novel ‘A Robot In The Garden'. * ifthesebookscouldtalk.com *I literally could not put this book down. It is truly a magical read * compellingreads.co.uk *It’s hard to believe that such a book can be a début for the author, and I will be advising everyone to read it * bcfreviews.wordpress.com *Read this book, you'll enjoy it and that's all there is to say on the matter! * dark-readers.com *It made me smile, it made me laugh - and the last chapter or two had me laughing out loud several times * mac-adventureswithbooks.blogspot.co.uk *This is a wonderful, heart-warming book with a great big dollop of humour, guaranteed to draw in the reader and hold their interest until the very last page * thecuriousgingercat.blogspot.co.uk *a touching story of friendship and growing up. 'The Robot in the Garden' is a very unique and quirky read * lynseysbooks.blogspot.co.uk *A heartwarming mix of fantasy and road novel * Booklist STARRED REVIEW *
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Little Teashop of Lost and Found
Book Synopsis'Trisha Ashley writes with remarkable wit and originality - one of the best writers around.' KATIE FFORDE‘Trisha at her best.’ CAROLE MATTHEWSAlice Rose is a foundling, discovered on the Yorkshire moors above Haworth as a baby. Adopted but then later rejected again by a horrid step-mother, Alice struggles to find a place where she belongs. Only baking – the scent of cinnamon and citrus and the feel of butter and flour between her fingers – brings a comforting sense of home.So it seems natural that when she finally decides to return to Haworth, Alice turns to baking again, taking over a run-down little teashop and working to set up an afternoon tea emporium.Luckily she soon makes friends – including a Grecian god-like neighbour – who help her both set up home and try to solve the mystery of who she is. There are one or two last twists in the dark fairytale of Alice’s life to come . . . but can she find her happily ever after?Readers love The Little Teashop of Lost and Found:***** ‘delightful, charming and pure escapism’***** ‘intrigue, laughs and compassion . . . a truly lovely novel’***** ‘full of warm-hearted characters, beautifully settings, delicious cakes and that special touch of magic which makes it stand out as a Trisha Ashley novel’Trade ReviewGlorious escapism . . . A foundling turned star baker, a tough childhood, the Yorkshire moors and a dashing neighbour are a winning mix in this bittersweet novel with nods to the Brontes * The Lady *I loved The Little Teashop of Lost and Found which has Trisha's trademark gentle humour, a range of appealing characters, and a warm and comforting tone. It is also wonderfully page-turning, thanks to a clever narrative device and an unexpected twist in the (fairy) tale. * Isabel Wolff *A wonderful story starring a wounded but feisty heroine I couldn't help but love, together with a cast of delightful as well as some inventively horrible characters. Trisha took me to the Yorkshire moors and made me feel truly at home there. The dark streak running through the narrative makes the story all the more compelling. A great read. * Margaret James, Writing Magazine *I thoroughly enjoyed it . . . [Trisha’s] writing is down-to-earth, wryly witty and so humane * Carol Drinkwater *A charming story about discovering who you really are and where you belong – topped off with a hearty sprinkling of mouth-watering baking and irresistible romance . . . A delightful novel from one of Britain’s best romantic comedy writers. * Culturefly.co.uk *
£8.54
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Beautiful Dead: From the Sunday Times
Book SynopsisFROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR'Crime novels don't get much better than this' C.L. TaylorThey wanted the same things. Death - and an audience.Eve Singer makes her living from death. As a TV crime reporter, she'll go to any length to get the latest scoop.But when a twisted serial killer starts using her to gain the publicity he craves, Eve must decide how far she's willing to go - and how close she'll let him get . . .__________'Evocative and disturbing' Shari Lapena, bestselling author of The Couple Next Door'Excellent tension' The Times'Spectacular' Sunday TimesReaders are gripped by The Beautiful Dead:'A fast and thrilling story with twists and turns from start to finish.' *****'Very well-written and extremely tense' *****'A great thriller from a very talented author' *****Trade ReviewIncredible. Just incredible. Belinda Bauer is a genius. * Clare Mackintosh, author of I LET YOU GO *...all the texture and depth of a classic crime thriller... This increasingly taut thriller is page-clawing material. * Stuart Winter, Daily Express *...this wintery chiller is a fantastic take on the serial killer thriller. * Sunday Mirror *The Beautiful Dead will keep you up all night. * Shari Lapena, author of THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR *Excellent tension. * The Times *
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd The House of Hopes and Dreams: An uplifting,
Book SynopsisThis novel from the Sunday Times bestselling Trisha Ashley will more than satisfy romantic comedy fans. And it also contains recipes!When Carey Revell unexpectedly becomes the heir to Mossby, his family’s ancestral home, it’s rather a mixed blessing. The house is large but rundown and comes with a pair of resentful relatives who can’t be asked to leave. Still, newly dumped by his girlfriend and also from his job as a TV interior designer, Carey needs somewhere to lick his wounds. And Mossby would be perfect for a renovation show. He already knows someone who could restore the stained glass windows in the older part of the house…Angel Arrowsmith has spent the last ten years happily working and living with her artist mentor and partner. But suddenly bereaved, she finds herself heartbroken, without a home or a livelihood. Life will never be the same again – until old friend Carey Revell comes to the rescue.They move in to Mossby with high hopes. But the house has a secret at its heart: an old legend concerning one of the famous windows. Will all their dreams for happiness be shattered? Or can Carey and Angel find a way to make this house a home?Heart-warming, witty and quirkily original, Trisha Ashley's THE HOUSE OF HOPES AND DREAMS will delight both old fans and new readers alike.Trade ReviewPraise for Trisha Ashley * : *One of the best writers around * Katie Fforde *Full of down-to-earth humour * Sophie Kinsella *Fast-paced and seriously witty * The Lady *A warm-hearted and comforting read * Carole Matthews *
£8.54
Transworld Publishers Ltd A Ladder to the Sky
Book Synopsis'A deliciously dark tale of ambition, seduction and literary theft . . . an ingeniously conceived novel that confirms Boyne as one of the most assured writers of his generation.' Hannah Beckerman, Observer*You’ve heard the old proverb about ambition, that it’s like setting a ladder to the sky. It can lead to a long and painful fall.If you look hard enough, you will find stories pretty much anywhere. They don’t even have to be your own. Or so would-be-novelist Maurice Swift decides early on in his career.A chance encounter in a Berlin hotel with celebrated author Erich Ackerman gives Maurice an opportunity. For Erich is lonely, and he has a story to tell; whether or not he should is another matter.Once Maurice has made his name, he finds himself in need of a fresh idea. He doesn’t care where he finds it, as long as it helps him rise to the top. Stories will make him famous, but they will also make him beg, borrow and steal. They may even make him do worse.This is a novel about ambition.*'Maurice Swift, the novelist protagonist of John Boyne’s A Ladder to the Sky, is a bookish version of Patricia Highsmith’s psychopathic antihero Tom Ripley' The Times'A dark morality tale in the mould of Patricia Highsmith . . . consistently intriguing' Daily MailTrade ReviewA deliciously dark tale of ambition, seduction and literary theft . . . compelling and terrifying, powerful and intensely unsettling. In Maurice Swift, Boyne has given us an unforgettable protagonist, dangerous and irresistible in equal measure. The result is an ingeniously conceived novel that confirms Boyne as one of the most assured writers of his generation. -- Hannah Beckerman * Observer *Maurice Swift, the novelist protagonist of John Boyne’s A Ladder to the Sky, is a bookish version of Patricia Highsmith’s psychopathic antihero Tom Ripley. * The Times *A dark morality tale in the mould of Patricia Highsmith . . . consistently intriguing * Daily Mail *Everything the wonderful Irish novelist John Boyne writes is special . . . a highly entertaining read -- Jake Kerridge * S Magazine, Sunday Express *Gripping . . . John Boyne is a master storyteller and fans will doubtless be captivated by this chilling and darkly comic tale of unrelenting ambition * Daily Express *
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Christmas Invitation
Book Synopsis'Like a nice mug of mulled wine in book form!' Good HousekeepingThe #1 Christmas novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Trisha AshleyMeg is definitely not in the Christmas mood. She’s never gone in for tinsel, baubles and mistletoe, and right now she’s still getting over an illness. Yet when she’s invited to spend the run-up to Christmas in the snowy countryside, rather than dreary London, she can’t refuse. Arriving at a warm and cosy family home in a small hilltop village, Meg soon begins to wonder what a proper Christmas might be like. But just as she’s beginning to settle in, she spots a familiar face. Lex. Despite the festive cheer, Meg suddenly wants nothing more than to get as far away from him, and their past secrets, as she can. But if she stays, could this be the year she finally discovers the magic of Christmas...?Fabulously funny, intelligent and heart-warming, Trisha Ashley’s brand-new novel is the feel-good Christmas book of the year. It even contains recipes!‘This cosy heart-warming Christmas read will get you in the festive spirit’ Woman‘A witty, original read’ Daily Express‘Romance, friendship, love, humour and a generous dose of Christmas spirit – this book has it all’ Woman’s Weekly ‘A heart-warming, feel-good read.’ ChoiceTrade Review‘This cosy heart-warming Christmas read will get you in the festive spirit’ * Woman *‘A witty, original read’ * Daily Express *‘Romance, friendship, love, humour and a generous dose of Christmas spirit – this book has it all’ * Woman's Weekly *‘A heart-warming, feel-good read.’ * Choice *‘Fabulously funny, intelligent and heart-warming Christmas read’ * Northern Life *‘A joyous Christmas package of reading delights.’ * Lancashire Post *
£9.86
Transworld Publishers Ltd Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee
Book SynopsisContains a sneak preview of Meera Syal's brand new novel, THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN MOTHERSThere’s no such thing as a happy ending , is there …?Sunita - perfect housewife - is married to Akash, but is her marriage what it seems? Chila - warm, loveable - has married with great fanfare the entrepreneur Deepak. But are they really in love?Tania - beautiful, rebellious - has rejected her traditional upbringing for a top television career. But is she really as tough as she says?As Tania uncovers a devastating truth, are the three friends about to learn the hardest life lesson of all …? MEERA SYAL, CBE, is one of our most acclaimed actors and writers. She starred in the hit series The Kumars at No. 42 and recently in the BBC film of David Walliams' The Boy in the Dress. She is currently in the latest series of Broadchurch Meera Syal is also known for her sharp, provocative fiction. Her debut novel is called Anita and Me. Life isn't all Ha Ha Hee Hee is her second acclaimed novel. Her brand new novel The House of Hidden Mothers is out now.Trade ReviewFunny and sharp. * Independent *A superbly crafted, page turning comedy which isn't afraid to tackle the big subjects...heartfelt, heartwarming and very, very good. * The Mirror *Extremely funny, wonderfully insightful...a big ambitious book with serious points to be made about the choices women face today...Syal mixes her message with hilarious set pieces. * Sunday Express *The story surges along on a rip-tide of wisecracks and wisdom...excellent. * Sunday Telegraph *A magical mosaic of friendship, betrayal and cross-cultural incongruities. By turns spicy, hilarious and sad, it unfolds the ties that bind young women to their East End Punjabi roots even as they head west for trendy careers, café bars and sexual freedom. * She *
£13.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd Beneath the Earth
Book SynopsisIn this collection of twelve dark, unerring and surprising short stories, John Boyne explores the extremities of the human condition in all its brilliance and brutality. The secrets we keep and the ways in which they shape us, the impossibility of shared loss, the lengths we will go to in order to protect our families and the distance we will run to protect ourselves.Drawing on a host of enthralling characters – a farmer, a cuckold and a teenager exploring his sexuality; good parents, bad parents, writers and soldiers; a student, a rent boy and a hitman – Boyne examines the hopeful and the damaged without prejudice or judgement. This, his first collection of short stories, is some of John Boyne’s finest writing to date. It includes ‘Rest Day’ which won the 2015 Writing.ie Short Story of the Year award in Ireland.Trade Review"The best of the best ... These revealing stories, unfolding like intimate confessions, will twist your heart." Daily Mail "Boyne offers writing of insight and beauty that elevates this collection to impressive heights indeed, and confirms him as one of Ireland's finest contemporary writers" Observer "Boyne has achieved a careful authenticity ... Beneath the Earth is a satisfying and polished set of short stories with definite longevity and immense global appeal." Irish Independent "[Beneath the Earth] tracks the light and dark of Ireland's past and present ... Boyne is particularly strong on dramatising child and teen sensibilities but here we see how the badness of adults spills over and infects these damaged children." Independent
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd Turning for Home
The deeply moving second novel from the author of the award-winning FIVE RIVERS MET ON A WOODED PLAIN.'Courageous...memorable...moving' - Guardian'One of our most exciting young writers' - The Times'Life-affirming, beautiful and achingly poignant' - Donal Ryan'Isn’t the life of any person made up out of the telling of two tales, after all? The whole world makes more sense if you remember that everyone has two lives, their real lives and their dreams, both stories only a tape’s breadth apart from each other, impossibly divided, indivisibly close.'Every year, Robert's family comes together at a rambling old house to celebrate his birthday. Aunts, uncles, distant cousins - it has been a milestone in their lives for decades. But this year Robert doesn't want to be reminded of what has happened since they last met - and nor, for quite different reasons, does his granddaughter Kate. Neither of them is sure they can face the party. But for both Robert and Kate, it may become the most important gathering of all.As lyrical and true to life as Norris's critically acclaimed debut Five Rivers Met on a Wooded Plain, which won a Betty Trask Award and was shortlisted for the Ondaatje Prize and Debut of the Year at the British Book Awards, this is a compelling, emotional story of family, human frailty, and the marks that love leaves on us.
£8.54
Transworld Publishers Ltd The White King
Book Synopsis'Disturbing, compelling, beautifully translated' The Times'Electric, urgent, luminous ... a coming-of-age with a difference' Daily MailEleven-year-old Djata makes sure he is always home on Sundays. It is the day the State Security came to take his father away, and he believes it will be a Sunday when his father finally comes home again.While he waits, Djata lives out a life of adventure. He plays wargames in flaming wheat fields; hunts for gold in abandoned claymines; watches porn in a backroom at the cinema, and plays chess with an automaton. But lurking beneath his rebel boyhood, pulling at his heartstrings, is the continued absence of his father. When he finally uncovers the real truth, he risks losing his childhood for ever. With THE WHITE KING, György Dragomán won the prestigious Sándor Márai prize. An urgent, humorous and melancholy picture of a childhood behind the Iron Curtain it introduces a stunning new voice in contemporary fiction.Trade ReviewIt's the Just William books teamed up with Nineteen Eighty-Four; a superb novel about childhood, schooldays and gang fights...Dragomán lets the narrative rip, shifting the characters around like he's Stephen King or Elmore Leonard...sums up the lunacy of Ceausescu's regime better than anything else I've read. -- Tibor Fischer * Guardian *Dragoman is superb at the paraphernalia of boyhood...so much intense experience is on offer...a poignant and big-hearted book, firing the imagination long after the pages have stopped turning -- Charles Fernyhough * Sunday Telegraph *A most impressive debut -- Paul Bailey * Independent *Electric, ominous, urgent...a coming of age tale with a difference * Daily Mail *Sprawling, urgent, spilling with detail...at once charming and disturbing' * Financial Times *
£10.44
Transworld Publishers Ltd Five Rivers Met on a Wooded Plain
Book SynopsisA Times bestseller'Wonderful...I was hooked from the first page. It's the real stuff.' - Michael Frayn'Deeply affecting' - Guardian'Superb' - Mail on Sunday'Barney Norris is a rare and precious talent' - Evening Standard'There exists in all of us a song waiting to be sung which is as heart-stopping and vertiginous as the peak of the cathedral. That is the meaning of this quiet city, where the spire soars into the blue, where rivers and stories weave into one another, where lives intertwine.'One quiet evening in Salisbury, the peace is shattered by a serious car crash. At that moment, five lives collide – a flower seller, a schoolboy, an army wife, a security guard, a widower – all facing their own personal disasters. As one of those lives hangs in the balance, the stories of all five unwind, drawn together by connection and coincidence into a web of love, grief, disenchantment and hope that perfectly represents the joys and tragedies of small town life.Barney Norris's third novel, The Vanishing Hours, will be published in July 2019. Trade ReviewWonderful…I was hooked from the first page. Barney has the real novelist’s ability to inhabit different characters, and to make the texture of life tangible and compelling. Everything he writes about love, loss, grief, desolation, and moments of hope and illumination rings absolutely true. It’s the real stuff. -- Michael FraynRemember the name Barney Norris. He's a new writer in his mid-twenties, but already outstanding. * Times *Looks well beyond the literary intelligentsia’s world, describing with great humanity five ordinary lives, and coming close, as it does so, to being a “state of the nation” novel – albeit one with none of the bombast the term usually implies…deeply affecting…a tolerant and insightful debut * Guardian *Barney Norris is a rare and precious talent...a writer-chronicler to be cherished. * Evening Standard *Outstanding...a moving, strangely uplifting novel that grapples with the coarse substance of everyday existence and poetically celebrates its passage. Superb. * Mail on Sunday *
£10.44
Transworld Publishers Ltd There's Only Two David Beckhams
Book SynopsisRe-live the glory and the heartache of England's greatest ever game - and THAT World Cup Final back in 2022.Well now it’s 2022 and the discussion is finally over, England have eleven players as good as any of them. The unbeatable national team have reached the final of the Qatar World Cup. But one journalist is convinced there is a scandalous secret behind England’s incredible form. His lifetime’s dream is to see the Three Lions win the World Cup. But if he pursues and exposes the shocking truth, his beloved England could be sent home in disgrace. Suddenly this is much more than England vs Germany; it’s Love vs Duty, it’s Truth vs Happiness. The pressure of the penalty shoot-out is nothing compared to this.There’s Only Two David Beckhams is John O’Farrell’s love-letter to football; part-detective story, part-sports memoir, part-satire on the whole corrupt FIFA circus; it just made the final for the funniest football fiction ever written...Trade ReviewThe funniest football fiction since FIFA's annual accounts -- David BaddielA wonderful love letter to football. So romantic and ridiculous, it could only have been written by a Fulham fan -- Richard OsmanO'Farrell once again proves his immense comedic abilities with a book that is gag-crammed, ridiculous and fantastical. -- Sara Pascoe
£10.44
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Light Between Us
Book Synopsis‘A will they, won’t they tale with a jaw-dropping twist at its heart’ Sunday ExpressPerfect for fans of Sliding Doors.Thea and Isaac have always been friends, despite his constant jokes, despite her stubborn belief in time travel . . . despite the distance between them.But when Isaac returns home from New York when their friend goes missing, suddenly things aren't as they were. Something is different.Thea and Isaac have always been friends. But maybe that wasn't how it was supposed to be.*'Stunning, mesmerising and intricately beautiful. This book is a diamond.' Carrie Hope Fletcher'A love story with a great twist that takes it beyond a classic 'will they, won't they?'' Stylist'Gripping, fascinating, funny, romantic, exciting, and hopeful with a great cast of women, The Light Between Us is a cracking good read.' Rowan ColemanTrade ReviewSure to have you weeping * Grazia *A love story with a great twist that takes it beyond a classic 'will they, won't they?' * Stylist *Captivating . . . Far from being a run-of-the-mill romance, this book blends engaging characters and a clever plot to achieve a remarkable reading experience ***** * Heat *A will they, won’t they tale with a jaw-dropping twist at its heart * S Mag *Gripping, fascinating, funny, romantic, exciting, and hopeful with a great cast of women, The Light Between Us is a cracking good read. -- Rowan Coleman, author of The Summer of Impossible Things
£8.54
Transworld Publishers Ltd Hold Back the Stars
Book Synopsis'A bold new talent' Matt HaigNinety minutes.A few years from now, not too far in the future, two people meet.It is a classic story of boy meets girl.Except that it's not.When we find them, they have an hour and a half left. Unless they can save themselves, they won't survive.The clock is ticking.Bittersweet and life-affirming, Hold Back the Stars is the love story of the year.SOON TO BE A FILM STARRING JOHN BOYEGA AND LETITIA WRIGHT_________________PRAISE FOR HOLD BACK THE STARS:'The most unique love story I've read in years' Rowan Coleman'Prepare to shed tears' Heat'Original, surprising and romantic' Woman & Home‘Full of wonder and heart’ Emma Jane Unsworth'An incredibly imaginative debut' Sunday MirrorTrade ReviewPrepare to shed tears * Heat *Original, surprising and romantic * Woman & Home *Breaks your heart, then kicks it a few more times for good measure in the most beautiful way possible * The Pool *A high-stakes, high-concept love story from a bold new talent . . . All of the obvious "out of this world" comments apply. -- Matt Haig, author of The HumansThink Gravity meets The Versions of Us * Red *
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd A Snow Garden and Other Stories: From the
Book SynopsisAs read on Radio 4, seven linked stories set in the Christmas holidays - all as funny, joyous, poignant and memorable as Christmas should be:A Faraway Smell of Lemon: The School Term has ended. It is almost Christmas but Binny, out last-minute shopping couldn't feel less like wishing glad tidings to all men. Ducking out of the rain she finds herself in the sort of shop she would never normally visit.The Marriage Manual: Christmas Eve. Two parents endeavour to construct their son’s Christmas present from a DIY kit and in the process find themselves deconstructing their marriage.Christmas at the Airport: A glitch in the system, travellers stranded and all sorts of lives colliding in the face of a sudden birth...The Boxing Day Ball: Maureen has never been out with the local girls before. Who knew that a disco in the Village Hall could be life-changing?A Snow Garden: Two little boys, dumped with their divorced father for his share of the Christmas holidays and none of them with a clue how to enjoy it. I'll Be Home for Christmas The most famous boy in the world comes home hoping to escape the madness with a normal family Christmas.Trees: As if Christmas wasn't wearing enough, now his elderly parent is asking for a hole in the ground … Father and son break old habits and plant a tree to mark the start of the new year.Trade ReviewFull of bittersweet Christmas moments. A real gem. * Good Housekeeping *These stories are heartwarming. -- Imogen Lycett Green * Daily Mail *Joyce is warm and very funny, and she has a merciless eye for those nightmare moments when weaknesses are exposed and everything is called into question. -- Kate Saunders * The Times *The perfect tonic for tinsel-itis, [A Snow Garden] is laced with quietly devastating observations on love and marriage. -- Hephzibah Anderson * Observer *As sparkling and Christmassy as a selection box. * Sunday Mirror *
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd Unexpected Lessons in Love
Book Synopsis'Real, heart-breaking - I loved it.' Katie Fforde'My heart is smashed and repaired for reading this wonderfully romantic and strong piece of fiction.' Milly Johnson___What happens when 'I do' turns into 'I don't know'?Jeannie always wanted to fall in love, and now she's finally got the whirlwind romance she dreamed of. Dan's gorgeous, he's a successful young vet, and he flew her to New York and proposed on Brooklyn Bridge. Jeannie has to remind herself this is actually her life. It seems too perfect, too magical, to be real. Yet it is.But now she's on her way to the wedding she can't shake off the tight sensation crushing her chest. Is it just nerves . . . or is this all happening a bit too fast?Jeannie has one last chance to shout, 'Stop!' But just as she grabs it, a twist of fate throws everything she knows into the air like confetti. What Jeannie learns about Dan, about her own heart, and about the power of love itself, will change her world for ever . . .Pre-order Lucy's uplifting new novel, After the Rain, coming in spring 2022!___Readers adore Unexpected Lessons in Love***** 'An absolute delight . . . I enjoyed every moment.'***** 'I couldn't put it down. Lovely story about finding love and being honest with a little twist.'***** 'A story of family, friendship, loyalty, relationships and new beginnings. This book made me smile but also broke my heart.'Trade Review'Real, heartbreaking - I loved it' * Katie Fforde *'My heart is smashed and repaired for reading this wonderfully romantic and strong piece of fiction.' * Milly Johnson *A glorious tangle of cold feet and mixed messages, Unexpected Lessons in Love is a heartwarming romantic comedy that tells us to be brave and to listen to our hearts. Suffused with Lucy's trademark warmth and gentle humour (with a splendid canine supporting cast), it's sure to win your heart. Irresistible! * Veronica Henry *'Such a great ‘what would you do?’ book about love, truth, friendship and of course dogs. Kept me guessing all the way.' * Laura Kemp *A wonderful read * Candis *
£9.86
Transworld Publishers Ltd Sirens
Book Synopsis‘Brooding, blistering. Sirens is a remarkable literary thriller, perfect for fans of Ian Rankin and James Lee Burke’ AJ Finn, author of The Woman in the WindowWATERSTONES THRILLER OF THE MONTHI stopped going to work. I went missing. We still live in a world where you can disappear if you want to. Or even if you don't.Detective Aidan Waits is in trouble After a career-ending mistake, he’s forced into a nightmare undercover operation that his superiors don’t expect him to survive.Isabelle Rossiter has run away againWhen the teenage daughter of a prominent MP joins Zain Carver, the enigmatic criminal who Waits is investigating, everything changes.A single mother, missing for a decadeCarver is a mesmerising figure who lures young women into his orbit – young women who have a bad habit of disappearing. Soon Waits is cut loose by the police, stalked by an unseen killer and dangerously attracted to the wrong woman.How can he save the girl, when he can’t even save himself?*Reader reviews: 'It is an utterly brilliant debut novel; dark, gritty, menacing and meaningful.' *****'Compulsive reading, so well written that even the gruesome cruelty and sense of helplessness in a dark world seemed right.'***** 'Knox is always one-step ahead, deceiving the reader and creating a sexy, stylish world always with danger around every corner.' ******The bestselling debut from the winner of the Sky Arts Writer of the Year Award, the next big name in crime fiction - Joseph Knox.Trade ReviewKnox presents the city as pungently and uncompromisingly as Ian Rankin does Edinburgh * Guardian *A firecracker of a crime tale. His writing is taut, atmospheric and studded with eye-catching descriptions. An arresting new talent. * Metro *Razor-sharp urban noir – very special indeed. -- Lee ChildSirens is a powerhouse of noir. Joseph Knox owns Manchester and paints it in all its grimy colours. -- Val McDermidThrilling, breathless stuff * Observer *
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Sleepwalker
Book Synopsis‘He said he didn’t remember killing them…’As a series of rolling blackouts plunge the city into darkness, Detective Aidan Waits sits on an abandoned hospital ward, watching a mass murderer slowly die. Transferred from his usual night shift duties and onto protective custody, he has just one job…To extract the location of Martin Wick’s final victim before the notorious mass murderer passes away.Wick has spent over a decade in prison, in near-total silence, having confessed to an unspeakable crime that shocked the nation and earned him the nickname of The Sleepwalker.But when a daring premeditated attack leaves one police officer dead and another one fighting for his life, Wick’s whispered last words will send Waits on a journey into the heart of darkness…Manipulated by a reticent psychopath from his past, and under investigation from his new partner, Detective Constable Naomi Black, Waits realises too late that a remorseless contract killer is at work.Can Aidan Waits solve his last case before fleeing justice?Or will his name be next on the hit list?Trade Review‘Knox’s pitch-black novels are among crime fiction’s most compelling’ * i *‘Fierce, funny and flint-sharp. Joseph Knox is the true grit of Brit noir' * Cara Hunter *Dark, gritty and compelling, this will have you turning the pages until the early hours of the morning * The Independent *Oozing dread, full of surprises and with a powerful sense of outraged humanity, The Sleepwalker is Joseph Knox’s finest novel yet. * The Times *‘[An] ingenious plot … full of striking revelations’ * CrimeTime *
£8.54
Transworld Publishers Ltd The Smiling Man
Book Synopsis________‘Gritty as hell. I loved it. A great urban cop thriller’ Ian Rankin As heard on BBC Radio 5 Live Phil Williams ShowFrom the bestselling author of Sirens, Detective Aidan Waits is on the hunt to find the identity of The Smiling Man.________A body has been found on the fourth floor of Manchester’s vast and empty Palace Hotel. The man is dead. And he is smiling. The tags have been removed from his clothes. His teeth have been replaced. Even his fingertips are not his own. Only a patch sewn into his trousers offers any information about him. Detective Aidan Waits and his unwilling partner, DI Sutcliffe, must piece together the scant clues to identify the stranger. But as they do, Aidan realises that a ghost from his past haunts the investigation. He soon recognises that to discover who the smiling man really is, he must first confront the scattered debris of his own life . . . ________'Talents such as Knox rarely emerge more than once in a generation. A crime fiction masterpiece' ***** Metro'Packing a punch from the very first page. You will love The Smiling Man' Jane Harper, author of The DryTrade ReviewIf you liked Sirens, you will love The Smiling Man. Gritty, noir, and packing a punch from the very first page. * Jane Harper, author of The Dry *Gritty as hell. I loved it! A great urban cop thriller -- Ian RankinSirens was one of the best books published last year and this intense, blackly comic follow-up is just as good. Joseph Knox has conjured up a sense of evil and corruption you can almost smell it. -- Jake Kerridge * Sunday Express *Imperfect as Aidan Waits is, the Manchester DC is the shining light in a world peopled by the worst kinds of bad people. This is Knox's second Waits book in what holds the promise of a classic series. * Sunday Times Crime Club *Talents such as Knox rarely emerge more than once in a generation. A crime fiction masterpiece * Metro *
£8.99
Transworld Publishers Ltd They All Fall Down
Book Synopsis'A powerful psychological murder mystery written with compassion and candour' Daily Mail‘I devoured this book in one sitting; it’s gripping throughout with a brilliant twist in the tip of its tail.’ ERIN KELLY, bestselling author of He Said She Said'Brilliant, twisty, clever - another gripping thriller from Tammy Cohen. I absolutely loved it' LISA JEWELL***********************************Hannah had a normal life – a loving husband, a good job. Until she did something shocking.Now she’s in a psychiatric clinic. It should be a safe place. But patients keep dying.The doctors say it’s suicide. Hannah knows they’re lying. Can she make anyone believe her before the killer strikes again?***********************************What readers are saying:'I was staggered by the twists and turns in this book''I frequently gasped in shock''Great ending with an extra twist!''Excellent psychological page-turner. Twisty, intelligent, beautifully-plotted''Compulsive read''An unusual and gripping storyline. Excellent read''I was forced to cram in every single page in one gluttonous sitting''Unpredictable''Completely blew me away . . . fast-paced, clever, extremely engrossing'Trade ReviewTammy Cohen can twist a story better than any crime writer I know * JANE CASEY *‘I devoured this book in one sitting; it’s gripping throughout with a brilliant twist in the tip of its tail’ * ERIN KELLY, author of bestselling HE SAID SHE SAID *A gripping, complex, twisty read from one of my favourite authors. I always know that when I pick up a Tammy Cohen book, I will not be able to put it down & They All Fall Down certainly lived up to my expectations. This book will demand your attention and will not let go! * EMMA KAVANAGH *Brilliant, twisty, clever - another gripping thriller from Tammy Cohen. I absolutely loved it * LISA JEWELL *The setting is brilliant and original, and the plot so tight and tense that once I’d started I had to keep reading. I didn’t know who to trust or who to believe and found the characters and story staying with me long after I’d finished reading. * LOUISE DOUGLAS *
£9.49
