Fiction Books

Book SynopsisDragged through the Anahera Gate from our world into the great archipelago of Hjaltland, Isabella is determined to learn all she can and find a way home. But life doesn't always take us where we expect to go, and with the threat of the slave pits hanging over her, she is left with no choice but to marry a stranger, the Drw-ad Bryant Lathorne.

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Book SynopsisWelcome back to Heritage Cove, the little village by the sea brimming with character, community and friendship. The perfect place to fall in love…Running Heritage View Stables is everything Hazel ever dreamed of. She loves working with the horses and managing the business with her brother. But after a terrible incident, she’s not sure whether she'll ever be able to put things back the way they were.Gus is ready to start over. He’s moved him and his ten-year-old daughter Abigail to Heritage Cove, where he’s opening his own vet practice. Everything is falling into place, especially as he watches Abigail start to come out of her shell for the first time since the accident.Neither Hazel nor Gus is looking for love, but could they each be what the other needs? And is happiness even a possibility when their pasts won’t let them go?Join new friends and old, as summer comes to Heritage Cove.Praise for Helen Rolfe’s heartwarming stories:‘I really loved this book. I fully intended to save it for the long bank holiday weekend, to be enjoyed leisurely over a few days, but I ended up devouring it all in just two sittings…’ Jo Bartlett‘One to curl up with after a long hard day, and know you are just going to be treated to a cosy atmosphere, realistic characters that you will come to care for’ Rachel's Random Reads'Such a perfect gift of a book!' Reader Review‘Helen Rolfe is an absolute specialist at building cosy communities and making me want to live there. I want the characters as my friends!’ Sue Moorcroft‘Heritage Cove has this wonderful community spirit that I so want to be part of...the balance between the emotional moments, tough relatable topics against the light-hearted fun was done ever so well’ Love Books Actually'What a beautiful story filled with happiness, comedy and lovely characters' Reader Review‘I was gripped by the story from start to finish and the end of the book left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside’ Ginger Book Geek

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Book Synopsis'I thoroughly enjoyed spending time in this charming, evocative story. It's a perfect book to enjoy by the pool, in the sunshine, with a glass of Prosecco!' Kirsty Greenwood Prepare for the wedding of the season... Event planners Izzy and Jess are badly let down when a Jersey socialite hires them for the busiest weeks of the season and then cancels at the last minute. The girls are left with no bookings and no money. Feeling despondent, they agree to a night out to cheer themselves up and meet the captivating and aristocratic Ed. He invites them on a luxury yacht cruise to Nice, together with his two brothers and some friends. Romance builds through heady days of blue skies and warm seas, but when a last-minute wedding booking is offered, the girls must return to Jersey, and real life has to begin again or has it?Set sail for the breath-taking island of Jersey in this gorgeous, romantic series. Perfect for fans of Jessica Redland and Phillipa Ashley. Readers love Georgina Troy's books:'A wonderfully warm and sweet summer read' Karen ClarkeA lovely feel good factor book by Georgina Troy. I have read quite a few of her books and I have thoroughly enjoyed each one, and I have to say that this book didn't disappoint me' ????? Reader ReviewAnother wonderful Author whose writing is funny, captivating and engaging. I really enjoyed immersing myself into this beautiful romance novel' ????? Reader ReviewOverall an absolutely perfect light hearted, stunning unputdownable page turner that will sweep you off your feet and land you in Jersey' ????? Reader ReviewYet another wonderful book by Georgina. With loveable characters and beautiful narratives making it a heart warming spring read' ????? Reader ReviewPreviously published as *A Jersey Dreamboat.*

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Book SynopsisA brand new series full of friendship, singing and laughter as war looms...Cleethorpes 1939 With the country teetering on the brink of war everyone faces an uncertain future. Destitute after the tragic death of her father, aspiring singer Jessie Delaney and her family have no choice other than to accept the charity of relatives to ensure a roof over their heads. Spiteful Aunt Iris soon has Jessie dreaming of a life filled with colour and excitement that she knows the theatre can offer. How can Jessie escape the drudgery, support her family and pursue her dreams? Through her father’s connections Jessie finds work as a Variety Girl in a new show at the Empire in Cleethorpes, a small seaside theatre on the east coast. But taking the job means flying solo and leaving her family and her sweetheart, Harry behind. Friendships are forged but will the glamour of show business lose its shine without those she loves close by?A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.Praise for Tracy Baines:‘A charming, heart-warming saga about ambition, hard work and courage in the cut and thrust of a world often driven by jealousy and spite’. Rosie Clarke‘Immerse yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime musical theatre. I highly recommend this book.’ Fenella Miller‘An emotional, entertaining read that had me gripped!’ Sheila Riley'An absorbing and poignant saga. I loved it from the very beginning and would highly recommend it...' Elaine Roberts'Terrific - beautifully written. The book twinkles. A well-crafted and satisfying story' Maisie Thomas‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Annie Clark‘I just loved this book! Molly WaltonThe Variety Girls is terrific - beautifully written & with an unusual background. The stage costumes twinkle with sequins and the book twinkles with tiny details of theatre life that add depth and atmosphere to this well-crafted and satisfying story. Maisie Thomas, The Railway Girls‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young, Belle of the Backstreets‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Milly Adams‘an evocative, busy, entertaining read, which has well balanced touches of humour, vying with angst, and of course, more than a dollop of tension.’ Margaret Graham, Frost Magazine‘Characterisation is one of the book’s strong points – the individual characters stay in your mind long after you finish the story.’ Barbara Dynes, The Voice

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Book SynopsisNew from the NUMBER ONE bestselling author of The Note. A must-read winter romance for fans of When Harry Met Sally!'A wonderful read that’s got everything – romance, suspense, a New York Christmas setting and an unputdownable plot.' Samantha TongeThirty-two-year-old Charlie Brown has a plane to catch.As Christmas approaches, she is New York bound, to be reunited with boyfriend Harry after work has kept them apart.But once she lands, Harry is nowhere to be found…There’s no hand-drawn sign with her name being brandished at the gate. No answer from Harry's phone. And all at once, Charlie’s worst fears come true.What has happened to Harry? And what should Charlie do now that she’s an ocean away from home?As Charlie slowly comes to terms with her predicament, she makes a decision. She’s not leaving New York without finding out the truth, and with a little help from her handsome new friend Pete, there might still be a path to happily-ever-after…Bestseller Zoë Folbigg returns with a page-turning story of love, friendship and learning to believe in your own worth. Perfect for fans of Mike Gayle, JoJo Moyes and David Nicholls.Praise for Zoë Folbigg:'The Three Loves of Sebastian Cooper is a cleverly constructed, brilliantly insightful book with a glorious cast of characters. You’ll be racing through the final chapters!' Paige Toon'A beautifully-written, perfectly-crafted novel about love, loss and family that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I love how we meet the entire cast of characters (some of whom you'll love, others you'll hate!) in the present and then weave back in time to discover their connection to the infamous Sebastian Cooper. Pacy, evocative, intriguing and complex - I loved it! Lorraine Brown'Folbigg's beautiful tale of love and loss owned my heart from page one. Riveting and touching with an intriguing cast of characters from Sebastian Cooper's past and present, this gorgeous story is a must-read. Highly recommend!' Jacquelyn Middleton'Zoë Folbigg's new novel, The Three Lives of Sebastian Cooper is a brilliant, warm-hearted take on the complexities of love, and the messiness and joy of family life.' Ian Critchley, book reviewer'The Night We Met will warm and break your heart in equal measure, and make you laugh out loud and sob quietly. A lovely gem.' Heat'Bestselling author Zoë works her magic again in this lovely tale' Now! on The Distance

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Book SynopsisMurder and scandal in the heat of 1950s Las Vegas: can Lily Jones stop a murder that happened before she was born?Lily Jones can't forget her incredible time-slip adventure back to the Golden Age of Hollywood and the friends she made there - especially a handsome barman by the name of Louis, with whom she felt such a strong connection.Back in 2020, life isn't going so well for her and Lily is idly googling when she is horrified to discover that Evelyn, Louis' ex-girlfriend, is brutally murdered in 1953.She is compelled to go back to the 1950s and try to save Evelyn's life, but this time it isn't just the gilded stars of Tinseltown she will have to contend with, but The Mob as she finds herself in the seedy glamour of Vegas and learns that Evelyn's future depends upon her first solving the murder of a Vegas showgirl.Thankfully she has Louis and his sister, Tilda, to help her, but her own life is in danger as she tries to find the killer an

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Book SynopsisForty-eight hours to find her passion. Seven days to find his way back on stage. One chance to take a risk on love.If Fran doesn’t nail this audition for a major TV role, she’s officially done as an actress. She just needs to tap into her inner seductress… who doesn’t seem to exist.Enter stage right: Jae-seung.To Fran, he’s just her landlord’s ridiculously hot nephew, helping her rehearse. To the rest of the world, Jae-seung is lead singer of global sensation, JYNKS – and he’s missing in action.Together, they embark on an international journey of discovery: Fran, to track down her estranged mother and unlock her tightly guarded heart; Jae-seung, to continue (reluctantly) with his tour rehearsals. The chemistry between them is off the charts. But Jae-seung’s life is in South Korea, under strict contracts and constant scrutiny. Would a fling unleash Fran’s passion, or break the heart she’s learning to open?A fast-paced, forbidden romance for fans of Helen Hoang, Lindsey Kelk and Ali Hazelwood.Praise for Still Unwritten ‘I absolutely loved it! Fran and Jae-seung’s romance was an emotional journey full of warmth, humor and laugh-out-loud scenes, I couldn’t put it down’ Carrie Elks‘K-poppin perfection! What a sizzling, soaring, brilliant love story!’ Zoe Folbigg‘A blend of humor and heart, not to mention the yearning you only experience in the throes of your favorite K-drama, Still Unwritten is a must-read for the fangirl inside us all!’ Jennifer Hennessy‘A gorgeous read and such a beautiful love story. It kept me reading late into the night!’ Jo Lovett‘A great book with a healthy dose of feel-good… easy to read and keeps you hooked’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘I loved the K-pop element, the writing and the storyline… the main characters had excellent chemistry and I was hooked until the very last page’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisA page-turning, historical, cosy murder mystery from author Kelly Oliver1918 MoscowWill following her heart mean losing her head? It could mean losing her job. Fiona Figg trails her nemesis Fredrick Fredricks to Moscow. But when she arrives at the grand Metropol Hotel, the bounder has vanished. After Fiona doesn't show up for work at the War Office, Kitty Lane raises a red flag and tracks her to Russia. Seeking haven at the British Embassy, Kitty and Fiona become embroiled in a plot to overthrow the Bolshevik government. But the plot turns deadly when Fiona goes undercover as a governess in the household of Iron Viktor, the Bolsheviks' Head of Secret Police. And when Viktor turns up dead in his study, Fiona finds herself wanted for murder and on the lam. Can Fiona and Kitty find the real killer and escape the Kremlin before it's too late? Or will this dangerous game of Russian roulette be their last?Journey into the heart of 20th Century Russia in this fun and funny historical mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright and Helena Dixon. Readers are LOVING Kelly Oliver's fun-filled historical mysteries:'A fast and fun-filled mystery that checks every box. If you're new to the series, it stands on its own as an action-packed novel that's leavened with the dry wit of its indomitable heroine. A 2024 must-read' Lori Robbins'A fun, mix of whodunnit and thriller!' T. A. Williams'Fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek spy romp. Enjoy the ride!' Frances EveshamAbsolutely adoring this series set in the 1920's, the author really did her research! Downtown Abbey meets Agatha Christie and it's absolutely amazing!' ?????????? Reader ReviewA fun book. Fiona is a delight. Kitty is a minx' ?????????? Reader ReviewFun romp of a read. Relaxing and intriguing. The characters are interesting and unique. Quirky story! Loved it! Worth every minute' ?????????? Reader ReviewWhat a dizzying romp this fun tale is!' ?????????? Reader ReviewSuperbly written. Kelly has an easy going writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading this book felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book' ?????????? Reader ReviewThe book has such a clever characters and the interwoven mysteries in the plot are certain to hook the readers. So many unexpected events happens and some characters takes an unexpected turn. Filled with twists and turns, adventure, historical mystery and a hint of romance' ?????????? Reader ReviewEverything you could want in a great cozy mystery' ?????????? Reader ReviewI really enjoyed this historical mystery! A mystery that grew more complex, suspense that grew more intense, and some great humor thrown in - what's not to love?' Reader Review ??????????'Simply delightful. Fiona Figg with her tools, wigs, and disguises is a sleuth you can't help but root for' S.K. Golden'This historical mystery delivers twists and turns. I can't wait for the next one!' Muddy Rose Reviews'I love Fiona Figg!' Margaret Mizushima'A perfect blend of wit, fun, and intrigue' Debra Goldstein'A fun diversion with an entertaining female lead' Kirkus Reviews'Fans of Susan Elia MacNeal will gobble up this series! Highly recommend' L.A. Chandlar

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Book SynopsisUncover the lost years of Critical Role's unrelentingly upbeat, undead spellcaster in this original prequel novel to Laudna's adventures with Bells Hells. For as long as she can remember, Laudna has had a friend. A mentor. A little voice whispering in her cropped ear, promising that, no matter how monstrous she becomes or how far she wanders, there will always be someone to guide her. And so, Laudna is content. But the thought of moreof life, of love, of the magic stirring in her still veinsis unrelenting in its familiarity. More is the dream of a little girl trapped behind the bloodstained walls of Whitestone, and the nightmare of the woman who now stalks the woods outside them. More, Laudna's little voice reminds her, is dangerous. From Tal'Dorei to Marquet, the world is infested with heroes destined to rid their kingdoms of creatures like Laudna. The little voice is right, she knows. But still, she thinks of more. And when she reaches for that dream, what reaches back will change everything. Written by USA Today bestselling author Cassandra Khaw, Critical Role: Bells HellsWhat Doesn't Break delves into the unexplored years before Laudna joins up with the crew of Bells Hells, following her departure from Whitestone and solo adventures on the road toward Jrusar.

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Book SynopsisA BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick and Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Month, for fans of PANDORA, THE ESSEX SERPENT and THE NIGHT CIRCUS.Longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction 2023 and the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award 2023.'I just fell in love with it within the first two sentences . . .' - Ruth Jones'One of the best books I've read this year . . . completely unforgettable' - Bonnie Garmus------Zachary Cloudesley is gifted in a remarkable way. But not all gifts are a blessing...Leadenhall Street, London, 1754.Raised amongst the cogs and springs of his father's workshop, Zachary Cloudesley has grown up surrounded by strange and enchanting clockwork automata. He is a happy child, beloved by his father Abel and the workmen who help bring his father's creations to life.He is also the bearer of an extraordinary gift; at the touch of a hand, Zachary can see into the hearts and minds of the people he meets.But then a near-fatal accident will take Zachary away from the workshop and his family. His father will have to make a journey that he will never return from. And, years later, only Zachary can find out what happened.A beautifully crafted historical mystery of love and hope, and the adventure of finding your place in the world.------'Packed with intrigue, vividly drawn characters and heartstopping emotion, this beautifully written, ingeniously crafted debut is absolutely enthralling' - Sunday Express'Really transports you to a different time and place' - Sara Cox, Radio Times'A dashing, magical debut . . . intricately plotted, and peopled with intriguing characters' - Daily MailWhat readers are saying:'an excellent historical, magical realist novel''beautifully written''full of love and humour''original and rich in historical detail''my best book of 2022''totally engrossing . . . unforgettable'Trade Review[A] transporting, beguiling historical mystery fans of Anna Mazzola will devour * Woman's Weekly *A classic tale of adventure...chock full of brilliant characters, atmospheric descriptions and fascinating facts. The result is a joy to read * Dorset Magazine *A superb historical novel... Sean Lusk has a bright future ahead of him. * William Ryan *A rich detailed and vibrant tale of a young man finding himself against the backdrop of 18th century London and Constantinople * Scottish Book Trust, Book of the Month *

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Book Synopsis'Has the brains of a literary novel and the body of a thriller' The New York Times'Miller joins the ranks of Stieg Larsson, Henning Mankell, and Jo Nesbo, the holy trinity of Scandinavian crime novelists.' Booklist______________________________________________A former Marine sniper and a newly orphaned boy race across the Norwegian wilderness, fleeing demons both real and imagined.Sheldon Horowitz-widowed, impatient, impertinent-has grudgingly agreed to leave New York and move in with his granddaughter, Rhea, and her new husband, Lars, in Norway-a country of blue and ice, not the place for a former Marine sniper in the Korean War turned watch repairman. Not until now, anyway.Home alone one morning, Sheldon witnesses a dispute between the woman who lives upstairs and an aggressive stranger. When events turn dire, Sheldon seizes and shields the neighbor's young son from the violence, and they flee the scene. As Sheldon and the boy look for a safe haven in an alien world, past and present weave together, forcing them ever forward to a wrenching moment of truth.______________________________Acclaim for Norwegian by NightBest New Crime Writer of the Year, Crime Writers AssociationBest of 2013, The GuardianBest of 2013, Financial TimesBest of 2013, The EconomistBest of Crime 2013, Kirkus

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Book SynopsisPoisoned mince pies. A Christmas Eve ghost story that comes suddenly, horribly true. A locked-room puzzle on a train steaming through the winter's night. All these, and many more, tales of mystery and malice await in Murder by Candlelight. As the nights draw in and the old year slips away, these ten classic stories - from the greatest writers of the crime genre - will baffle your mind and chill your blood in equal measure. From a cunningly-disguised killer to a country house with a lethal secret, the mood might be festive ... but the motive is murder.

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Book SynopsisWith Love, Grief and Fury contains love poems, for people and the planet. Grief poems brimming with compassion, mourning what was and contemplating what could be. And poems of fire and fury that will kick some ass, tell the truth and inspire change and hope.Over thirty years after she first stormed the UK poetry scene, the trailblazing and award-winning writer Salena Godden has produced her most audacious and definitive collection to date. Like a big sister''s arm around your shoulder, With Love, Grief and Fury is important and nourishing for the soul.

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Book SynopsisA classic meditation on artistic creation and the quest for spiritual transcendence from the Nobel Prize-winning author of Siddhartha

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Book SynopsisRachel North was born in Scarborough and studied English Literature at Oxford University. She has worked as a cleaner, a receptionist, a kitchen designer, a market researcher, a company director, a celebrity shopper and a victim support volunteer. She has an MA in Creative Writing. Under the name Caroline Bond, she is the author of six novels, including two Radio 2 Book Club picks, The Second Child and The Day We Left. She lives in Leeds with her husband and one of her three children... the other two having grown up and escaped.

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Book SynopsisThey're all killers. Which one will resort to murder? A luxury holiday suspense novel set in a gorgeous Italian palazzo.

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Book SynopsisA mind-bending adventure the whole family will enjoy!Packed with amazing trivia, weird world records, and mind-blowing facts, this book is perfect for curious kids, trivia-loving teens, and even grown-ups who can't resist a quirky fact or two. A must read for all curious minds!Discover the fastest, slowest, oldest, and weirdest things on Earthand beyond!Which volcano has been erupting for over 2,000 years?Are spiders faster than Usain Bolt? (you will never look at your house spiders in the same way again)! Where's the coldest place life can survive?Which creature has the longest neck (and no, it's not a giraffe)? What are the smallest known things to exist?Whether you're sharing hilarious facts around the table, keeping the kids entertained and off screens, or wowing your friends with your trivia skills, this book is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for;Gifts for kids (aged 8+) teens, and adults. Families looking to keep eyeballs off screens and brains switched on. Trivia buffs, fact lovers, and anyone who enjoys learning something new. Discover the World's Wildest and Wackiest Wonders One Fascinating Fact at a Time!

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Book SynopsisBook two in Fenella J. Miller's gripping and emotional WWII series.Will her secret destroy her chance at happiness?The phony war is over and Hitler is beginning his rampage through Europe. But back home Barbara Sinclair has troubles of her own. With her wedding to Spitfire Pilot Alex Everton imminent, Barbara is worried about a secret she is keeping from her new husband – one that could ruin everything.Determined to try and maintain some normality in her life, the wedding goes ahead, but Alex leaves almost immediately to continue fighting the Germans. Barbara fears for his safety and for the moment, her secret must wait…But when bombs fall on Barbara’s new home, the war feels closer than ever. And Barbara realises that time could be running out for both of them…'Curl up in a chair with Fenella J Miller's characters and lose yourself in another time and another place.' Lizzie LanePlease note: This books was originally published as Barbara's War: The Middle years.

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Book SynopsisThe TOP TEN bestselling Queen of Black Country sagas is back with a heart-breaking tale of friendship, families and survival against the odds.Thirteen-year-old Alice Truelove can't take another day of her father's cruelty. Better a life on the streets than being constantly blamed for her mother's sad death, or that's what Alice thinks as she packs up her meagre possessions. But fending for herself in the Black Country town of Wednesbury is not as easy as she expected, and it soon hits her that without help she will quickly be hungry and cold. Bertram Jordan, or BJ to his friends, became an orphan much too young after his parents were stolen away by influenza. Growing up on the streets has not been easy, but BJ has learnt to survive, and when he meets Alice, alone and desperate, he's happy to take her under his wing. As Alice learns the tricks of the pick-pocketer, the best ways to charm the stallholders on the market and the skills to get by, the two children become firm friends. So, when BJ makes a fatal mistake, Alice can't bear the thought that she might lose her only friend foreverA heartbreaking novel that will keep you turning the pages long into the night. Perfect for all fans of Katie Flynn, Val Wood and Lyn Andrews. Readers love Lindsey Hutchinson:I love this author's books. Another triumph with lots of twists in the lives of the families. Love, death, great happiness and sadness, even a few murders thrown in' ?????????? Reader ReviewYet another brilliant book by Lindsey Hutchinson. A great storyline and a good page turner. Loved every minute reading it' ?????????? Reader ReviewI didn't want it to end, I have never been disappointed with Lindsey Hutchinson. Can't wait for her next one' ?????????? Reader ReviewThere is so much happening in this book that every single chapter is an absolute page turner. Lindsey Hutchinson is such a wonderful story teller as she reels you right in from the very first chapter' ?????????? Reader ReviewThis book was superb, gripping, heart breaking. I love these two characters in their own role right up to the ending, but I certainly wouldn't like to cross Clarice, she is one psycho woman that wont stop at nothing to get revenge. Readers are going to love this read and it's one of my favourites from this author' ?????????? Reader Review

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Book SynopsisBiggles turns double agent!Biggles is in London on leave from the Front when he is approached by a stranger who greets him as Captain Brunow'. Curious, Biggles plays along with the mistaken identity, and is quickly offered the chance to become a spy for the Germans!Reporting the encounter to Air Staff Intelligence, Biggles is encouraged to seize the opportunity and find out all he can about a German known only as El Shereef, operating somewhere in PalestineBiggles soon finds himself in Zabala, a German aerodrome in Palestine, reporting to Count von Fauborg of the German Secret Service and his chief of staff, one Erich von Stalhein the first appearance of Biggles' greatest nemesis. As Biggles draws closer to unmasking El Shereef, at all times he must ensure his own identity is never revealed, or he will be shot as a spy.A tense, thrilling Biggles espionage adventure in the deserts of the Levant.

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Book SynopsisThe first in an explosive series featuring the Strong family and a legacy of lies that leads to passion, love, murder and heartbreak…Barbados 1818 One fateful night, a terrible tragedy occurs at the Strong family sugar plantation on the paradise island of Barbados. The Strong family quickly move to keep the shocking event a secret. But secrets can’t stay hidden forever… Twenty-two years later Blanche Strong, the living, breathing proof of that night, is left following her mother's sudden death. Now, alone in the world Blanche is determined to get answers about her past. Otis Strong, the second eldest son of the Strong Sugar dynasty arranges for Blanche to travel to Bristol and be installed in the Strong family home at Marstone House, where they can keep her under their watchful eye. Lulled into a false sense of security and harbouring her own suspicions surrounding her parentage, Blanche dreams that she will be acknowledged as the daughter of one of the three sons. But her hopes are dashed when on arrival she is treated as nothing more than a servant. Only her friend, Captain Tom Strong, adopted son of Jeb Strong, youngest of the three brothers, shows her any kindness. Whoever her father is remains a secret. One of many that the Strong family wish to keep to themselves. Perfect for fans of Dinah Jefferies and Fiona ValpyPreviously published as Like an Evening Gone by Jeannie Johnson and Daughter of Destiny by Erica BrownDon’t miss the rest of the Strong Family Sagas: 1. Daughter of Destiny 2. The Sugar Merchant’s Wife 3. Secrets of the Past

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Book SynopsisGuilty. One word on a beggar's cardboard sign. And now he is dead, stabbed in a wintry Copenhagen street, the second homeless victim in as many weeks. Dagbladet reporter Jensen, stumbling across the body on her way to work, calls her ex lover DI Henrik Jungersen. As, inevitably, old passions are rekindled, so are old regrets, and that is just the start of Jensen's troubles. The front page is an open goal, but nothing feels right..... When a third body turns up, it seems certain that a serial killer is on the loose. But why pick on the homeless? And is the link to an old murder case just a coincidence? With her teenage apprentice Gustav, Jensen soon finds herself putting everything on the line to discover exactly who is guilty ...Trade Review'Heidi Amsinck - unlike so many authors today - does not waffle. My Name is Jensen is streamlined Scandi sleuthing and comprises a more than promising debut'. Mark Sanderson The Times.'"My name is Jensen" is a brilliant debut and the author in full possession of the crime writing craft. Heidi Amsinck is hopefully here to stay." Yrsa Sigurdardottir. 'A nice slice of creepy Scandi-noir' Daily Mail. 'Eerie unnerving stories, in equal measure charming and charming' Will Dean on Last Train to Helsingor. 'Intriguing and hypnotically readable'. Andrew Taylor. 'This character driven, Scandi-Noir thriller has style, atmosphere and charisma by the sled-load..a gripping, twisty treat for fans of chic, gutsy thrillers..one hopes this setting and intriguing character feature in future novels'. Joanne Owen Love Reading. 'A thoroughly enjoyable Scandi Noir novel with great characters and a clever, twisty and propulsive plot' Mary Picken. 'A brilliantly compelling debut..and example of Nordic Noir at its finest. Simply put I adored this book' BooksbyBindu

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Book SynopsisA novel about family and masculinity, and the question of whether we shape our own destiny - or whether our background and character inevitably shape us.

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Book SynopsisTHE TIMES CRIME BOOK OF THE YEARSHORTLISTED FOR THE McILVANNEY PRIZE'Superb' The Times Crime Book of the Month'A hardboiled gem' Guardian'I doubt I'll read a better book this year' Val McDermidAuctioneer Rilke has been trying to stay out of trouble, keeping his life more or less respectable. Business has been slow at Bowery Auctions, so when an old friend, Jojo, gives Rilke a tip-off for a house clearance, life seems to be looking up. The next day Jojo washes up dead.Jojo liked Grindr hook-ups and recreational drugs - is that the reason the police won't investigate? And if Rilke doesn't find out what happened to Jojo, who will?Trade ReviewI doubt I'll read a better book this year. Dark, funny and humane, Louise Welsh tells the stories that nobody else dares -- VAL McDERMIDComplex and very atmospheric, with plenty of sardonic humour and sharp observations about injustice, like its predecessor this is a hardboiled gem * * Guardian * *Well-wrought . . . The specificity and style of Welsh's prose - peppered with such fine Scottish words as 'bawface', 'coorie' and 'shoogly' - the depth of her characterisation and depiction of place, her gallows humour and her compassion all make The Second Cut a superb piece of work * * The Times * *One of the most enjoyable mysteries I've read this year, The Second Cut had me from the word go. Rilke's world feels rife with possibilities for dark doings - and Welsh's writing is fresh, funny, fearless and fun -- JOSEPH KNOXSuperbly drawn and exquisitely written, the story moves at an exceptional pace: this is modern Glasgow at its most compelling with a contradictory * * Daily Mail * *Richly layered, gloriously carnal, bursting with patter and irresistibly seductive -- CHRIS BROOKMYREBleak, witty, unfailingly compassionate and beautifully written all at the same time . . . a lightly fictionalised love letter to Glasgow * * Spectator * *Getting another look behind the curtain at Rilke's world was a squalid thrill. Louise Welsh reclaims her crown as the queen of Glasgow's grubby glamour -- KIRSTIN INNESIf writing a sequel to a bona fide Scottish classic weighed heavily on Louise Welsh you'd never know. The Second Cut grips from the very opening pages. The Glasgow it portrays is seamy but humane, its cast of characters flawed but endearing. The whole thing is compelling, immersive and brimming with life. A great achievement -- GRAEME MACRAE BURNETA searing reading experience . . . highly entertaining * * Telegraph * *

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Book SynopsisAS READ ON BBC RADIO 4A SPECTATOR BEST OF THE YEAR - AS CHOSEN BY REVIEWERSThe year is 1742. Goody Brown, saved from drowning and adopted when just a babe, has grown up happily in the smuggling town of Winchelsea. But when she turns sixteen, her father is murdered by men he thought were friends. In a town where lawlessness prevails, Goody and her brother Francis must enter the cut-throat world of her father's killers in order to find justice. Facing high seas and desperate villains, she discovers what life can be like without constraints or expectations, developing a taste for danger that makes her blood run fast. Goody was never born to be a gentlewoman. But what will she become instead?Trade ReviewImagine Daphne du Maurier crossed with Quentin Tarantino, and you will have some idea of just what a thrilling, bloody and heady ride this novel is -- TOM HOLLANDI was riveted. Winchelsea is a great read - terrific narrative drive, credible characters, and such an elegant creation of the backdrop in terms of both time and place -- PENELOPE LIVELYBoisterous . . . evocative . . . What holds the novel together as much as its driving plot are its incantatory atmosphere and spellbinding language * * Guardian * *Preston is a gifted prose cartographer, conjuring up the Sussex coastline in a crisp, clear fashion . . . He has written a bawdy, thunderous romp that echoes with cannon fire, sea shanties and the occasional plaintive cry of a nightjar * * Financial Times * *Glorious * * Spectator * *Winchelsea is a remarkable act of literary time travel: dark and gripping and soaked in blood and salt water -- EVIE WYLD[A] spellbinding read, both gory and gorgeous * * Daily Mail * *Truly epic . . . The richness and enthusiasm of the prose speaks of a novelist who loves the process of spinning an unpredictable, fabulist yarn * * i * *A rip-roaring yarn about smugglers and seafarers in Romney Marsh and its coastal hinterland in the 18th century. The energy, word play and attention to contemporary detail could not be bettered -- The Books of the Year 2022 * * Spectator * *There's a wild piratical darkness to Winchelsea which is charged by the evocative and strange wilderness of its setting on the Romney Marshes. At its heart is a gripping tale: a life-and-death struggle, set in the eighteenth century yet vibrantly heightened by a sureness of visceral detail and a vivid depth of characterisation. This is historical drama on a deft and uproarious scale, and it makes for a breathlessly exciting and engaging read -- PHILIP HOARE

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Book Synopsis'It's kind of a ritual, we speak the truth. Then, let go and cook.' In the bustling kitchen of a run-down Pennsylvania truck stop, the formerly incarcerated staff have been given a second chance. Under the tyrannical eye of their boss Clyde, this unlikely team strives to create the perfect sandwich, as they dream of leaving their past mistakes behind for a better life. Lynn Nottage's hilarious and hopeful play Clyde's premiered in 2021 at the Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis, becoming the most-produced play in the United States the following year. It received its European premiere at the Donmar Warehouse, London, in 2023, directed by Lynette Linton, who also directed the British premiere of Nottage's play Sweat at the Donmar. 'Lynn Nottage is remarkable and uniquely exhilarating' Washington Post 'Is there a better living American playwright than Lynn Nottage?' The Wall Street JournalTrade Review'A glorious, humane and penetrating comedy... uproarious fun with a serious undertow... like cult TV hit The Bear, but better' * Evening Standard *'Sublime... Lynn Nottage's mouthwatering play is a dish to be savoured' * Guardian *'Gritty but gorgeous... a vivid, life-enhancing play, full of heart, hope and humour... There are few finer writers working in contemporary American theatre than Lynn Nottage' * WhatsOnStage *'A laugh-out-loud comedy that has much to say about life beyond prison and the class circumstances that led to incarceration in the first place' * The Stage *'A mouthwatering kitchen drama from one of America's finest... Lynn Nottage's blisteringly funny play will leave you drooling' * Telegraph *'A great play... blue collar grit meets sitcom humour... a joyful feast' * The Times *'Stirs the soul with heart-wrenching intimacy' * Broadway World *'Riotously funny, peopled by characters you come to deeply care for, and skilfully constructed to keep you hooked' * Culture Whisper *'A little gem... a wonderful evocation of human hope, endeavour and creativity' * TheatreCat *

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Book SynopsisIntroduction and Notes by Ian F.A. Bell, Professor of English Literature, University of Keele. Washington Square marks the culmination of James's apprentice period as a novelist. With sharply focused attention upon just four principal characters, James provides an acute analysis of middle-class manners and behaviour in the New York of the 1870's, a period of great change in the life of the city. This change is explored through the device of setting the novel's action during the 1840s, similarly a period of considerable turbulence as the United States experienced the onset of rapid commercial and industrial expansion. Through the relationships between Austin Sloper, a celebrated physician, and his sister Lavinia Penniman, his daughter Catherine, and Catherine's suitor, Morris Townsend, James observes the contemporary scene as a site of competing styles and performances where authentic expression cannot be articulated or is subject to suppression.

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Book SynopsisThis volume brings together Virginia Woolf’s last two novels, The Years (1937) which traces the lives of members of a dispersed middle-class family between 1880 and 1937, and Between the Acts (1941), an account of a village pageant in the summer preceding the Second World War which successfully interweaves comedy, satire and disturbing observation. Rewriting the traditional family saga and the pageant, these unsettling novels provide extraordinary critiques of Englishness and English identity while pursuing compelling existentialist and psychological themes such as the nature of time, memory, personal relationships and sexual desire. Their tightly constructed narratives enable the reader to experience the fragmented lives of their characters and the difficulties that they have in communicating with each other and even understanding themselves. Read together, these novels illuminate each other in ways that will engage both the student and the general reader.

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Book SynopsisWhen mild-mannered and unremarkable academic Roland Mitchell stumbles upon a letter written by Victorian poet Randolph Ash to a mysterious woman with whom he seems to be infatuated, he is determined to uncover the truth.Winner of the 1990 Booker Prize, Possession defies categorization. Rich in symmetry and symbolism, brimming over with myth, poetry and fairy tale, Byatt's masterpiece is part literary detective story, part academic satire and part historical novel. At its heart, however, is a compelling romance that draws the reader into the mirrored worlds of two couples, past and present, and explores the nature of obsession, possession and love.Trade ReviewPossession is eloquent about the intense pleasures of reading. And, with sumptuous artistry, it provides a feast of them * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisFROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF REBECCA'Daphne du Maurier told of Britain leaving the EU fifty years ago' LUCY SCHOLES, THE TIMES'The spirit of Britannia embodied' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH'She wrote exciting plots ... a writer of fearless originality' GUARDIAN 'It is rather awful, Emma thought as she walked across the fields down to the farm, how this business is leading us all into subterfuge and deception, and we can't really tell who is friend and who is enemy ... 'Emma wakes up one morning to an apocalyptic world. The cosy existence she shares with her grandmother, a famous retired actress has been shattered: there's no telephone, no radio and an American warship sits in the harbour. England has withdrawn from the European Common Market and, on the brink of bankruptcy has decided that salvation lies in a union - political, military and economic - with the United States. Theoretically it is to be an equal partnership, but it soon begins to look like a takeover bid.As the two women piece together clues about the 'friendly' military occupation on their doorstep; family, friends and neighbours come together to resist the interlopers.Trade ReviewShe wrote exciting plots, she was highly skilled at arousing suspense, and she was, too, a writer of fearless originality * Guardian *Consistently entertaining * Sunday Times *Daphne du Maurier told of Britain leaving the EU fifty years ago -- Lucy Scholes * The Times *The spirit of Britannia embodied * Sunday Telegraph *One of the last century's most original literary talents * Daily Telegraph *A diverse and engrossing cast of characters ... provocative, diverting * Chicago Tribune *

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Book SynopsisFROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF REBECCA. 'In this collection, Daphne du Maurier's peerless craftmanship, her eerie sense of the macabre, her gift for sheer story telling come to full fruition' KIRKUS REVIEWS'She wrote exciting plots ... a writer of fearless originality' PATRICK MCGRATH, GUARDIAN 'The appeal of romance and the clash of highly-charged emotions' NEW YORK HERALD TRIBUNE 'The apathy of Sunday lay upon the streets. Houses were closed, withdrawn."They don't know," he thought, "those people inside, how one gesture of mine, now, at this minute, might alter their world. A knock on the door, and someone answers - a woman yawning, an old man in carpet slippers, a child sent by its parents in irritation; and according to what I will, what I decide, their whole future will be decided . . . Sudden murder. Theft. Fire." It was as simple as that.'In this collection of suspenseful tales in which fantasies, murderous dreams and half-forgotten worlds are exposed, Daphne du Maurier explores the boundaries of reality and imagination. Her characters are caught at those moments when the delicate link between reason and emotion has been stretched to the breaking point. Often chilling, sometimes poignant, these stories display the full range of Daphne du Maurier's considerable talent.Trade ReviewIn this collection, Daphne du Maurier's peerless craftmanship, her eerie sense of the macabre, her gift for sheer story telling come to full fruition * Kirkus Reviews *She wrote exciting plots, she was highly skilled at arousing suspense, and she was, too, a writer of fearless originality * Guardian *The appeal of romance and the clash of highly-charged emotions * New York Herald Tribune *Disconcerting, strange, but extraordinarily gripping stories' Val Hennessy -- Val Hennessy * Daily Mail *'Disconcerting, strange, but extraordinarily gripping stories' Val Hennessy, Daily Mail -- Val Hennessy

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Book SynopsisWhat if God exists? What if angels are real? What if we treated religious tracts, including the Bible, as empirical evidence of the supernatural world? Karl Ove Knausgaard's major novel, A Time For Everything, is about God and his angels. It posits that angels are real, and that God exists. It posits, further, that heavenly beings evolve, and that even God may be subject to change. Written with Knausgaard's characteristic style - level, patient, and intensely readable - it is a dazzling and innovative examination of the relationships between human, angels and God. Knausgaard's novel A Time For Everything was originally published by Portobello as A Time to Every Purpose Under Heaven. The book is now restored to its original structure in a new edition which is faithful to the original text

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Book SynopsisHugo Rifkind is a columnist, critic and leader writer for The Times and a presenter on Times Radio, having formerly been a columnist for the Spectator, GQ and the Herald. He is a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4's comedy show The News Quiz, and an occasional guest on television shows that aren't supposed to be funny at all. He was born and raised in Edinburgh, studied in Cambridge, and now lives in North London in a house where everybody else speaks German, including the dog.

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Book SynopsisIt is April 1946. Evelyn Sert, twenty years old, a hairdresser from Soho, sails for Palestine, where Jewish refugees and idealists are gathering from across Europe to start a new life in a brand-new country. In the glittering, cosmopolitan, Bauhaus city of Tel Aviv, anything seems possible - the new self, new Jew, new woman are all feasible. Evelyn, adept at disguises, reinvents herself as the bleached-blonde Priscilla Jones. Immersed in a world of passionate idealism, she finds love, and with Johnny, her lover, finds herself at the heart of a very dangerous game.

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Book SynopsisA construction worker is chased through the night by a shady local businessman whose dog he has stolen; a Wild West re-enactor is engaged in a long-running affair with the Indian 'squaw' who slays him on the battlefield every year; a boy is tasked by his father to rid the farm of cats. Playing out against the rugged backdrop of the untamed West, these stories are populated by characters who are toughened by life but still tender enough to bleed, to cry, to care, and to dream. With its taut plotting and calloused sensibility, Dog Run Moon is written deep in the American grain, and yet Callan Wink's humour, empathy and layered storytelling creates a fictional world entirely his own. This remarkable debut reminds you just how effortlessly powerful good writing can be.

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Book Synopsis'One of the greatest anti-heroes ever written' LEE CHILDPosing as an escaping Nazi war-criminal Bernie Gunther arrives in Buenos Aires and, having revealed his real identity to the local chief of police, discovers that his reputation as a detective goes before him. A young girl has been murdered in peculiarly gruesome circumstances that strongly resemble Bernie's final case as a homicide detective with the Berlin police. A case he had failed to solve. Circumstances lead the chief of police in Buenos Aires to suppose that the murderer may be one of several thousand ex Nazis who have fetched up in Argentina since 1945. And, therefore, who better than Bernie Gunther to help him track that murderer down?Trade ReviewKerr brilliantly evokes the edgy atmosphere of the post-war period in one of the most gripping and accomplished detective novels published this year - Sunday Times * Sunday Times *One of the great achievements of contemporary crime fiction…powerful and impressive - Observer * Observer *Cogently plotted odyssey....cracking stuff - The Times * The Times *'The scope and breadth of Philip Kerr's historical research, and the subtle complexity of plot structure, are worthy of Le Carre. The fast-paced, crack-a-minute delivery smacks of Chandler. The comparisons are inevitable, but Kerr parries the plaudits with ease' Irish Examiner.

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