Narrative theme: death, grief, loss

Book Synopsis'Acutely smart' - Elizabeth Day'Completely addictive' – Taylor Jenkins Reid'Funny, sexy, unafraid, completely unputdownable' – India KnightJess first meets Josh at their Ivy League college. He is an entitled white guy in chinos, ready to inherit the world. She is almost always the only Black woman in their class. And she’s not expecting to inherit anything.After graduation, Jess and Josh end up working at the same bank. They share lunch, they share sparring matches, they share ambitions. And suddenly they’re sleeping together . . .Cecilia Rabess' Everything's Fine is hilarious, heartbreaking and impossible to put down.'Spectacular' – Curtis Sittenfeld'Addictive and extremely funny' –Jenny Colgan'Stunning’ – Meg Mason'Plain funny as hell' – Zakiya Dalila Harris'Our most explosive discussion yet . . . The PERFECT book club book' – Casual Readers Book Club*A Times 100 Best Books of the Summer and Guardian Book of the Year*Trade ReviewThe book of the moment . . . It’s about whether it is ever possible for two people who fancy each other but profoundly disagree about everything that matters to have a happy relationship . . . It’s so good — funny, sexy, unafraid, brilliantly nuanced, completely unputdownable. -- 100 Best Books of the Summer 2023 * The Times *A stunning debut -- Meg Mason, bestselling author of Sorrow and BlissTruly brilliant . . . incredible dialogue and characters so real that I felt preoccupied with them when I wasn't reading. I couldn't have loved it more -- Curtis Sittenfeld, author of Romantic ComedyOne of the smartest books I’ve read this year and also completely addictive. I can’t say enough good things about it -- Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn HugoDoes love conquer all? Does it now? Did it ever? These are questions Cecilia Rabess asks in her nimble, discerning debut . . . The ending of Everything’s Fine is one of the best I’ve read in years * The New York Times *Addictive and extremely funny -- Jenny Colgan, The Guardian, Five of the best romance books of 2023A subtle, ironic, wise state-of-the-nation novel, sharp enough to draw blood, hidden inside a moving, intimate, sincere and very real love story - or vice versa -- Nick Hornby, author of High Fidelity and About a BoyEverything's Fine poses incisive questions about love, identity, and the countless ways these things can both bruise and bolster one another. Cecilia Rabess has crafted an extraordinarily brave debut that's painfully real—but plain funny as hell, too -- Zakiya Dalila Harris, bestselling author of The Other Black GirlA smart, tangly romance * Vanity Fair *An assured debut that provides an honest look into the fraught terrain of a mixed-race, mixed-politics romance . . . Rabess is at her best when she is shining a light on the subtle mores that exclude Black women from conventions of desirability * Guardian *Warm, funny and romantic but it’s also sharp and full of nuance * ELLE *A brilliantly observed novel about what it means to lose yourself as a young woman. So funny but also incredibly true -- Nina Stibbe, author of Love, NinaWith the 2016 election looming, a volatile cultural and political landscape forces Jess and Josh to reckon with a relationship defined by their differences, and they find that the closer you are to someone the harder it is to villainize them * The Washington Post *Fans of Such A Fun Age will enjoy this nuanced, witty read that’s about race, privilege and loving someone but not always liking them * Red Magazine, 10 best books in June 2023 *Original, confident, hilarious -- Sathnam Sanghera, author of EmpirelandA whip smart, sexy, biting love story about how what unites us does not always overcome what divides us -- Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The MerciesFunny, felt, and riveting, all at once—a story for anyone who’s ever fallen in love that’s less than straightforward. Cecilia Rabess is equal parts comedian and sorcerer, reminding us that none of us are (only) as we appear -- Rachel Khong, author of Goodbye, VitaminBoth entertaining and wise, a page-turner that explores race, class, sex, and ambition and how love and compromise work (or don’t) in our current political climate -- Jennifer Close, bestselling author of Girls in White DressesA love affair that turns inferno.... You'll be riveted * People Magazine *Clean, crisp and charismatic -- Hena J. Bryan, Bookish BabeA hot book on a hot topic, well worth reading and arguing about * Kirkus *A breezy yet unsettling debut… Rabess’s humor is on-point, and the chemistry between the leads is electric; each scene involving them is fraught with a double-edged sword * Publisher's Weekly *[A] thought-provoking debut…An intriguing cliffhanger makes this an excellent pick for book clubs that enjoy rousing debate * Booklist *Rabess’s ability to sit with difficult questions should be applauded * Sunday Times *Observant, thought-provoking and sharply funny * Daily Express *Deserves to be one of the most-talked about reads of the summer * Mirror *This timely novel explores weighty topics with a clear eye and a light touch * The Scotsman *Do not have anything planned for the day you start this because it is impossible to put down and will provoke discussion with anyone else that has read it. Book Clubs – this is your next pick . . . deeply funny, razor sharp * Glamour Magazine *A funny, painful, poignant dissection of modern love, society and politics that delivers right through to its final lines * Marie Claire *Pride & Prejudice on Wall Street -- Samira Ahmed, BBC Radio 4This timely novel explores weighty topics with a clear eye and a light touch * PA News *[A] stunning debut...a story that asks big questions about America and what it means to live and love in polarized times. It will make you think but also make you want to keep turning the pages at a relentless pace! * Pop Fiction Women *Can two ideologically opposed people fall — and stay — in love? That's the question Rabess takes on in her bold debut novel. Rabess displays a sharp sense of humor, and her examination of entitlement and staying true to yourself in the modern political world rings painfully real -- Connie Ogle, Minneapolis Star TribuneA subversive love story . . . a funny and punchy debut . . . enthralling * Independent *[An] opposites-attract story bound to elicit plenty of book-club conversation * New York Post, Best books of 2023 *

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Book SynopsisA story of hope, forgiveness and kindness, Lost Property reminds us to keep our loved ones (along with our bags and umbrellas) close...'An enthralling read, full of rich descriptions and characters you can't help but love' Hazel Prior, bestselling author of Away with the Penguins'A lovely novel about loss and reconnection...both satisfying and joyful' Lissa Evans----------------One lost purse. One lost woman.A chance encounter that changes everything.Dot Watson has lost her way. Wracked with guilt and struggling with grief, she has tucked herself away in the London Transport Lost Property office, finding solace in the process of cataloguing misplaced things. It's not glamorous or exciting, but it's solitary - just the way Dot likes it.That is, until elderly Mr Appleby walks through the door in search of his late wife's purse and Dot immediately feels a connection to him. Determined to help, she sets off on an extraordinary journey, one that could lead Dot to reclaim her life and find where she truly belongs...Perfect for fans of Matt Haig, Rachel Joyce and AJ Pearce, this is a moving and uplifting novel about finding your place in the world.Readers have fallen in love with Lost Property:***** 'A beautiful book and one of my best reads this year'***** 'An emotional journey that had me hooked'***** 'A wonderful, uplifting debut novel'***** 'Dot is an inspiration'***** 'Full of sorrow, love and a light humour'***** 'I am so pleased to have found Dot'Trade ReviewAn enthralling read, full of rich descriptions and characters you can't help but love * Hazel Prior, bestselling author of Away with the Penguins *A wonderfully rich, funny book. Shades of Eleanor Oliphant and Dear Mrs Bird, but also entirely its own. Dot is a treasure waiting to be found * Beth Morrey *A lovely novel about loss and reconnection...both satisfying and joyful * Lissa Evans *Emotionally rich and character-led, Lost Property is a sharply funny, wise and warming story * Anne Cater, The Daily Express *A deeply moving and richly detailed story that genuinely tugs at the heartstrings * CultureFly *A beautifully written book ... a truly uplifting read * NB Magazine *Filled with beautiful prose, this is a life-affirming novel * My Weekly *Gentle and warm * Magic Book Club *

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Book Synopsis'Charming, surprising and moving' Clare Chambers, author of Small Pleasures'Perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant' AJ Pearce, author of Dear Mrs Bird and Yours Cheerfully'Funny, sad, gritty and beautifully told.' Hazel Prior, author of Away with the Penguins'A soulful, lyrical tale... a treat.' Beth Morrey, author of Saving Missy'The perfect mix of humour and heartache' Good Housekeeping'Uplifting, full of charm and warmth' Emma Stonex, author of The Lamplighters'Tender, humorous and hopeful' Lissa Evans, author of V for Victory_______________________________________________George is angry at the world. His wife has died and now all he wants to do is sit in his underpants and shout at the cricket. The last thing he needs is his cake-baking neighbour Betty trying to rescue him. And then there's the dog, a dachshund puppy called Poppy. George doesn't want a dog - he wants a fight.Dan is a counsellor with OCD who is great at helping other people - if only he were better at helping himself. His most meaningful relationship so far is with his labrador Fitz. But then comes a therapy session that will change his life.Lizzie is living in a women's refuge with her son Lenny. Her body is covered in scars and she has shut herself off from everyone around her. But when she is forced to walk the refuge's fat terrier, Maud, a new life beckons - if she can keep her secret just a while longer...Dog Days is a novel about those small but life-changing moments that only come when we pause to let the light in. It is about three people learning to make connections and find joy and comfort in living life off the leash.COMING SOON IN APRIL 2024 - Ericka Waller's new novel GOODBYE BIRDIE GREENWING__________________________________________________What readers say about Dog Days:***** '[An] exhilarating & deeply moving novel about accepting the ebb & flow of life & about grabbing those magical moments when you can...Dog Days is a book with a big heart'***** 'Life isn't perfect, it's messy & complicated but with small acts of kindness, there is always hope - a sentiment that is captured perfectly in this compelling debut'***** 'Dog Days had me feeling all the emotions, it broke my heart and gently pieced it back together. '***** 'Wonderful journey of three complicated characters and the dogs that saw them through their individual journeys'***** 'A joy to read from start to finish.'Trade Review'Funny, sad, gritty and beautifully told, this story will make you look at life again and appreciate the small acts of kindness that make everything worthwhile. * HAZEL PRIOR, author of Away with the Penguins *A charming, surprising and moving story of three troubled characters' encounter with love, grief, healing. * CLARE CHAMBERS, author of SMALL PLEASURES *'Moving, uplifting, full of charm and warmth, [Dog Days] gave me much paws for thought. Such great characterisation, too - by the end, George, Dan et al felt like family! * EMMA STONEX, Sunday Times bestselling author of THE LAMPLIGHTERS *A Russian doll of a book that twists and tugs each outer husk, revealing delicate and poignant inner layers. * BETH MORREY, author of SAVING MISSY *Perfect for fans of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant, Ericka Waller's wonderful debut is both laugh out loud funny and immensely moving. Definitely one of my favourite novels of 2021, Dog Days is an absolute delight. * AJ Pearce, author of Dr Mrs Bird *The kind of charm readers will recall from Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine... a welcome balm for anxious lockdown minds... the book is gentle but poignant, moving but uplifting, suffused with different kinds of love and loss. * VANITY FAIR *[A] Touching and thoughtful debut novel * RED *Hilarious and moving, it recognises the unconditional love of dogs and their ability to make the world a better place * WOMAN'S WEEKLY *If you enjoyed Beth Morrey's Saving Missy, you'll love this...both hilarious and moving. * Woman and Home *Easy to read and witty but full of pathos and sadness, this tightly plotted tale will bring you joy. * BEST *Tender, humorous and hopeful * LISSA EVANS, author of V for Victory *Dog Days is a beautiful novel, filled with poignancy and humour. Ericka Waller looks closely at life with all its ghosts and new beginnings, finding glitter in the dark and hope where there is healing. * Rónán Hession, author of Leonard and Hungry Paul *A beautifully written book... it's very hard to believe it's a debut novel. Ericka Waller peels back the layers of life and delves deep into the highs and lows of mental health, of loss, and of love.' * NEW BOOKS MAGAZINE *This was such an emotional read and the perfect mix of humour and heartache * GOOD HOUSEKEEPING *Both joyful and heartbreaking * HEAT *Deftly drawn... a warm debut about loss, healing and making new connections * MAIL ON SUNDAY *We loved this heartwarming story * CLOSER *Weaves together tales of man's best friend helping in the darkest days * HELLO! magazine *Waller's tormented, endearing and intriguing characters cross paths as they walk dogs on the Sussex Downs in a bittersweet, touching novel of waggy tails, wet noses and tear-filled eyes. * SAGA *A charming novel that focuses on the healing properties of man and woman's best friend * Choice Magazine *Waller has a lyrical way of weaving words that perfectly encapsulates a feeling or thought ... Funny, sad and reassuringly sage, Dog Days is a story of humanity, family and life. * Culturefly *A glorious read full of love and humour * THE IRISH EXAMINER *Combines two total opposites - sorrow and joy. The way Waller makes the two work together is outstanding * FEMALE FIRST magazine *A charming novel that focusses on the healing powers of man and woman's best friend * CHOICE Magazine *With its tightly plotted twists Dog Days is an exhilarating, at times even vertiginous ride... The mix of human passion and canine good sense works triumphantly.. * Ed Stourton, author of Diary of a Dog Walker *

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Book SynopsisAN OBSERVER BEST DEBUT NOVEL OF 2023WINNER OF THE 2021 #MERKY BOOKS NEW WRITERS' PRIZENik has lots of questions about his late father but knows better than to ask his mother, Avani. It's their unspoken rule.But when his grandfather dies, Nik has the opportunity to learn about the man he never met. Armed with a key and new knowledge about his parents' past, Nik sets out to unlock the secrets that his mother has been holding onto his whole life.The Things That We Lost is a beautifully tender exploration of family, loss and how far we will go to protect the ones we love.Trade ReviewAn assured debut from a vital new voice. About family, grief and belonging, Patel weaves an intricate story that will stay with you. * Nikesh Shukla, author of Brown Baby and The Good Immigrant *Brilliant. * Candice Brathwaite *Incredible. * Guz Khan *Effortlessly weaving intricate intergenerational stories across time, Jyoti has written a poignant debut. * Christian Adofo, author of A Quick Ting on #Afrobeats *A big book, full of assured and affecting writing. . Secrets spill and relationships sour, sacrifices are made and promises are broken, as plot twists propel the narrative forward to a dramatic finale. * The Guardian *One of the best books I've read this year. * gal-dem *A thoughtful meditation on family, grief and the lengths we'll go to protect the ones we love. * Good Housekeeping *A deftly assured debut novel about a fractured family and how words left unspoken can be more devastating than the truth. * Red Magazine *Patel's novel revolves around the lingering trauma of bereavement and shows the lengths we go to to protect those closest to us. Sensitively written with a deep, emotional undercurrent. * Mr Porter *Highly recommended. * Huffington Post *The debut novel from 2021 Merky Books New Writers' Prize winner Jyoti may be one of the best books you read this year. The Things That We Lost is an achingly tender and heartfelt exploration of family, loss, and the lengths to which we go to protect the ones we love... Jyoti Patel is an exciting new writer, deftly exploring deep family intricacies, love and grief in equal measure. * Platinum *An invigorating narrative centred around family, loss and protection. * The Handbook *There is an immersive and intimate quality about Patel's writing - from its portrayal of London teenage slang to the detailed depiction of British-Gujarati culture. Her characters have a depth that brings a poignant reality to issues around coping with grief, abuse and racial prejudice, and navigating family and friendship dynamics. An enthralling read." * Breaking News.ie *Immeasurably moving, a poignant and touching story about love and family bonds, and an especially tender portrait of a mother and son. * Huma Qureshi *A deeply reflective, searching depiction of grief. * Rabeea Saleem, The Times Literary Supplement *The Things That We Lost took me by the hand and guided me through my worst ever reading slump! Patel writes about the complexities of family life with such wisdom and heart. * Sairish Hussain *Captivating and deeply moving. * Mohsin Zaidi *Frank, funny and light on its feet, it's a novel about generations, hopes and grief. A writer with a deft turn of phrase. * Ali Smith *A beautiful novel; it feels real and honest, with characters that seem to lift off the page and come alive…[it] is a book bursting with love * The List *

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Book Synopsis'An eerie and atmospheric mystery that kept me guessing from start to finish' Allie Reynolds, author of Shiver One year ago, Leah's twenty-one-year-old niece, Amy, mysteriously drowned near her family-owned luxury resort on the shores of Lake Garda. Now, returning to Italy for the first time since Amy's death, Leah is shocked to find her family seem to have erased all reminders of Amy. Despite the murky circumstances, they insist her death was an accident but Leah knows she must look deeper if she is to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, in Derby, university counsellor Joanna is recovering from a surprising break-up when she is swept off her feet by a handsome bartender. But after she invites him into her home, Joanna is forced to accept that she doesn't know him as well as she thought.What follows is a propulsive game of cat-and mouse as both women begin to realise that appearances can be deceptive - and that the darkest secrets often lie closest to home.Trade ReviewA luxury Italian resort with a dark side. A cast of suspicious, secretive characters. The Other Guest is an eerie and atmospheric mystery that kept me guessing from start to finish * Allie Reynolds, author of Shiver *Teased out against the slick and stylish backdrop of Lake Garda, The Other Guest had me simultaneously glued to my seat and wanting to jump on a flight. It served up the perfect combination of glamour, intrigue and sibling rivalry. I really enjoyed it! * Polly Phillips *Sinister and beautifully atmospheric, The Other Guest lures you with the promise of a luxury island before revealing its darker, claustrophobic side. I loved it. * L. V. Matthews *A cleverly-plotted thriller in a luxurious and sun-drenched setting, where two seemingly-unconnected stories come together in a totally unexpected way. A great holiday read * Catherine Cooper *An exquisite setting masks layers of secrets in this captivating thriller . . . beautifully written, powerfully conveyed, and swirling with mysteries you'll race to the last page to solve * Megan Collins *Masterfully written, drawing you in to the lives of the fascinating characters as the tension builds and builds. Compelling, perfectly paced, and packed full of suspense * Sarah Bonner *Difficult-to-put down thriller... Brilliantly characterized, boldly plotted, and boasting an ending that readers will think they have figured out only to have everything turned around. The perfect vacation thriller. * Booklist *[A] strong psychological thriller...Credible characters enhance the suspenseful plot. Cooper remains a writer to watch. * Publishers Weekly *In this captivating slow-burner, dark secrets lurk beneath a luxurious lakeside resort in Italy with mysterious connections to a handsome bartender in England. Helen Cooper deftly navigates between what seems like two completely separate narratives bundled in The Other Guest: One involves a murder hushed up by the victim's own family, and the other involves a blossoming romance. You'll be hooked on trying to solve this puzzle! * Reader's Digest *A masterpiece of storytelling with twist after unguessable twist. I relished every delicious page. If you can't actually go on holiday, just read this book and you're in a luxury Italian resort, you can smell it, taste it, feel it. * Lucy Martin *

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Book Synopsis'Ali is one of the best flawed heroines in Irish commercial fiction since Rachel Walsh in Marian Keyes' ground-breaking Rachel's Holiday...' Sunday Times 'Hyper current ... hugely relevant' Irish Independent 'Modern and witty' Emer McLysaght, co-author of the Aisling books'So sweet, so funny -- I loved it' Marian KeyesThe Glossie Influencer Awards are fast approaching and Ali Jones is hell-bent on a win and breaking through 10,000 followers on Instagram. But when Ali inadvertantly leads people to believe she's pregnant, she quickly realises that playing the 'Mummy-Influencer' card could be her ticket to Insta-success. And she's not going to let a small detail like a fake pregnancy get in her way. Even if the reappearance of Tinder Sam, who seems determined to take his role of 'baby' daddy seriously, makes things a little more complicated ...Elsewhere on Insta, Shelly Devine, Ireland's biggest influencer (and Ali's idol) is also guarding secrets from her followers, and her husband ...Both Ali and Shelly have decisions to make but as the night of the Glossies draws near, will they realise what's important before they lose what matters most?'Fresh, current and thoroughly enjoyable' Eithne Shortall'Written with heart and humour, Filter This peels back the social media mask so many wear as a disguise and reveals the real people beneath' Cecelia AhernTrade Review'Hyper current ... hugely relevant' - Irish Independent'Shades of Marian Keyes in this highly entertaining satire ...' - Sunday IndependentWitty and wonderful - I devoured this in a single sitting - ImageHilarious. Like Sophie Kinsella for the Instagram world - Irish ExaminerA cracking read and looking forward to the sequel - Woman's Way

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Book Synopsis"A wonderful story. I laughed - and cried - a lot! You have to read this." *****Anne-Christine, Amazon customer"Bitter sweet!" *****Amazon reviewer"A wonderful read full of depth and emotion"****Morgan, Netgalley reviewerAs a childcare centre director, Morgan has to deal with kids every day but would much rather run her own boarding kennel. Snoopy - Morgan's beagle - is indeed the only living being she has considered family these past few years. When her sister and brother-in-law die in a terrible car crash, she has no choice but to adopt their two children.The unexpected addition to her household is clearly unlikely to get her closer to her canine goals. And as if this wasn't enough, she seems to be getting it all wrong with her "stepkids", ordering bedding her new son Elliot finds terribly childish, and forgetting to bake a cake for school on Lea's birthday. Grandma Catherine is convinced she'd do a much better job...When Snoopy sprains his leg, the kids are swept off their feet by the handsome single vet who's nursing him back to health. They're convinced he and Morgan would be a match made in heaven. Now they only need to convince Morgan...

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Book Synopsis The day she left was only the beginning . . .Sam was eleven when his mother went out and never came back. He waited for her and then he grieved for her, as his family fell apart around him.Sam tried to get on with his life in the intervening years. But it's only as his father lies dying that Sam begins to realise the cracks and inconsistencies in their family history.Who was his mother and why did she need to disappear? Why cover it up? As Sam searches for answers, and the trial leads him from the UK to the US, danger builds around him . . .Taut, thrilling and full of tension, YOU NEVER SAID GOODBYE is about a man who discovers his entire life is built on lies. But what price is the truth?Praise for Luca Veste:'Fantastic' MARK BILLINGHAM'High-concept serial killer thriller with twists and heart. Stunning' STEVE CAVANAGH'Properly Stephen King-style creepy' IAN RANKIN'Perfectly terrifying' AMANDA JENNINGS'Seriously creepy with a killer twist - Luca Veste goes from strength to strength' MARK EDWARDS'Creepy and compelling. The serial killer thriller of the year' MASON CROSS'Urban legend meets serial killer thriller - terrifying' STUART NEVILLETrade ReviewGrips from the first page to the last. A UK thriller writer that gives giants like Linwood Barclay and Harlan Coben a run for their money -- Mark BillinghamLocal Woman Missing meets The Fugitive, You Never Said Goodbye breathes new life into the psychological thriller genre with a captivating and gripping storyline that is part missing person mystery, part all out action thriller. A heart-in-mouth story that will pull at your heart strings and keep you on the edge of your seat, You Never Said Goodbye is everything I look for in an action thriller. I couldn't put it down * C.L. Taylor *A truly pulse-pounding thriller. The relentless tension is leavened only by its heart-rending emotion * Christopher Brookmyre *A barnstorming, rocket-paced thriller about an ordinary man thrown into an extraordinary situation. Fans of John Connolly and Linwood Barclay will love it * Mark Edwards *An absolutely gripping and immersive thrill ride from start to finish. A white-knuckle rollercoaster that's also full of heart and soul * Doug Johnstone *Action packed suspense * The Sunday Times Crime Club *This is an electrifying edge-of-the-seat thriller, a must-read for fans of Harlan Coben * Candis *This is a rip-roaring and, at times, a touching thriller from a writer who has been favourably compared to Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay...and rightly so. Heart pumping action...thoroughly recommended and a must for everyone who enjoys high octane thrills * Belfast Telegraph *There are many gasp-inducing revelations before skilful writer Veste produces a gripping and surprise climax. * Peterborough Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis'A powerful novel about the bond between fathers and daughters, and how stories connect us all. I loved it' Jenny Colgan THE LOST STORYTELLER is the heartwarming and evocative debut novel from a stunning new voice in fiction, Amanda Block. Perfect for fans of Ruth Hogan, Jessie Burton and Diane Setterfield.Rebecca hasn't seen her father Leo since she was six. Her family never talk about him, and she has long since pushed him firmly to the back of her mind. All she knows is that, once upon a time, he was a well-loved children's TV star. But when a journalist turns up uninvited at her office, asking questions about her once-famous father, Rebecca starts to wonder whether there is more to Leo's absence than she realised. Then, looking for answers, she unearths a book of fairy tales written by Leo and dedicated to her - but what use are children's stories to her now, all these years later? Tentatively, Rebecca tries to piece together her father's life, from the people he used to know and her own hazy memories. Yet her mind keeps returning to the magical, melancholic fairy tales, which seem to contain more truth than make-believe. Perhaps they are the key to unlocking the mystery of her father, the lost storyteller; to revealing who he was, what he went through - and even where he might be now...THE LOST STORYTELLER celebrates the power and resilience of imagination.'Absolutely beautiful . . . A cleverly wrought tale of fathers and daughters, and a bond buried so deep that it is lost to folklore' Polly Crosby, author of The Illustrated Child'Captivating, moving and profound. I loved it! A spellbinding novel about the power of the stories we tell both to ourselves and to others' Tracey Emerson, author of She Chose Me'Incredibly moving . . . A genuinely beautiful must-read' Buki Papillon, author of An Ordinary WonderTrade ReviewA powerful novel about the bond between fathers and daughters, and how stories connect us all. I loved it -- Jenny ColganI've been lost in The Lost Storyteller's marvellous pages . . . brilliantly written and high concept with a moving story and vivid characters. But it also has that special indefinable SOMETHING. One of my books of the year -- Tracy Rees, bestselling author of The Rose GardenCaptivating, moving and profound. I loved it! A spellbinding novel about the power of the stories we tell both to ourselves and to others. -- Tracey EmersonAbsolutely beautiful . . . A cleverly wrought tale of fathers and daughters, and a bond buried so deep that it is lost to folklore -- Polly Crosby, author of The Illustrated ChildThe Lost Storyteller is a deeply evocative book about family and the redemptive power of stories, all wrapped up in some of the most beautifully affecting fairy tales I've ever read. If you like stories that tug at your heart and show you a different way of looking at love, loss, betrayal and redemption, you will enjoy this heartwarming tale . . . I loved this book -- Buki Papillon, author of An Ordinary WonderCompletely engaging . . . A lovely reflection on the power and magic of stories -- Marianne Cronin, author of The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot. . . Beautifully, sensitively told. Block reminds us that people don't always behave as we want them to, and maybe because of that, there are few things so powerful as the ability to be kind * The Wee Review *Beautifully revealed, with a lovingly drawn conclusion -- Zoe West * Woman and Home *A warm, immersive read that weaves folklore through a story of self-discovery that touches on what it means to be a daughter, the ramifications of the past and daring to follow your heart -- Kate Sawyer, author of The StrandingA captivating and richly mesmerizing read * Buzz Magazine *A beguiling, gorgeous book about fathers and daughters and the stories that bind and redeem us * YOU magazine *

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Book Synopsis'One of the funniest and most original writers at work today' The TimesA firecracker of a novel by the Booker-shortlisted author of A Fraction of the Whole - a scathingly funny and affecting tale of life, death, love and the questionable existence of God.Angus Mooney is not happy - he's been murdered, cut off in the prime of his life. He feels humiliated - he's never even believed in an afterlife. (How wrong he'd been). He's confused - death has provided more questions than answers. And he desperately misses his audacious and fiery wife, Gracie, who's expecting their first child. The only upside is that Angus has found a way to see what his murderer is up to, and how Gracie is faring. The downside: Gracie and his murderer are getting uncomfortably close, and a worldwide pandemic means the afterlife is about to get very crowded . . .'Toltz takes his time with each book and Here Goes Nothing is a funny, clever, entertaining argument in favour of cultivating the patience to get it right' GuardianTrade ReviewSteve Toltz's fabulously impressive third novel cannonballs straight into heady existential questions, magicking up a vision of human life at once generous and absurd while wearing its considerable ambition lightly . . . Toltz takes his time with each book and Here Goes Nothing is a funny, clever, entertaining argument in favour of cultivating the patience to get it right. -- Rob Doyle * Guardian *A morbidly two-fisted tour de force . . . energetically full of sardonic one-liners . . . it reeks of mortality, but it is thoroughly bracing. -- Phil Baker * Sunday Times *Savagely comic . . . Here Goes Nothing is a Jeremiad with jokes . . . But when the story focuses on the end of days on Earth, Toltz abandons existential standup for the detailed horror of what we all might have faced if Covid had triumphed. Wider questions persist about what it means to be alive. * Spectator *In his three books (alas, too few) Steve Toltz has shown that he is one of the funniest and most original writers at work today. -- Robbie Millen * The Times *Toltz refreshingly posits an afterlife without any religious scaffolding . . . He conjures up scenes few other novelists would dare to imagine, let alone write . . . In a book full of narrative tricks, Toltz saves the best, or strangest, for last. -- Suzi Feay * Financial Times *Steve Toltz's first two novels . . . were filled to the brim with exuberant sentences, dark jokes, large philosophical ideas and wildly imaginative, often lurid incidents . . . Now, with Here Goes Nothing he pulls off the same trick again . . . While Toltz obviously has a serious purpose - to rub our noses in what a mess we've collectively made of being alive - his usual high quotient of fizzing one-liners ensures that not many pages go by without at least one laugh -- James Walton * The Times *The greatest Mitteleuropean novelist ever to have come from Australia . . . Toltz's great skill is to make [his] monsters in a lunatic way loveable . . . I read the final pages through a veil of tears. Of course, the flipside to such remorseless, brilliantly withering contempt is sentimentality. It is perhaps the most difficult genre to do well, and Toltz does it humanely, compassionately and unforgettably. -- Stuart Kelly * Scotland on Sunday *Toltz is the king of pitch-black comedy and personal catastrophe . . . his new novel grapples with big existential questions but is also stuffed with zingers. If there's no cure for being alive, laughter is still the best medicine. -- Justine Jordan * Guardian *A wildly comic riff on love, mortality and metaphysics; an extended vision of the afterlife that resembles Dante on magic mushrooms . . . Thought-provoking, inventive and full of literary pyrotechnics, this remarkable novel is unlike anything you will read this year. -- Simon Humphreys * Mail on Sunday *Sizzles with black comedy and anarchic energy * Guardian, Hot New Books for the Summer *A moving meditation on all that is wrong with our world today . . . In its epic scope charting this life and beyond, Here Goes Nothing works as a smart social commentary on our fossil fuel-guzzling, warmongering, information-obsessed, pandemic-riddled world. It is a hugely timely book. -- Sarah Gilmartin * Irish Times *I honestly think you have to resort to the likes of Oscar Wilde to find so many maxims per minute in a narrative. The book is the ideal guide to living and dying and living again in this parlous age. * Steve Stern *Clever lines drop down on these pages like flowers thrown on a casket . . . [a] zany, increasingly dark comedy * Washington Post *Dark, twisted and hilarious . . . Toltz is smart, imaginative and funny, unafraid to lob a literary grenade into hard-held beliefs of humankind. He uses Here Goes Nothing as a jumping-off point to parody the perversity and stubbornness of human nature and to highlight our uneasy relationship with mortality. Think of it as a comic, modern-day Divine Comedy with more intercourse and fewer opportunities to reach Paradise. -- Connie Ogle * Star Tribune *A story about the afterlife is ambitious enough but to make this so effortlessly funny is quite an achievement. * Penelope Debelle, Herald Sun (Australia) *What should survive of our past when we can start again from scratch? What do the dead owe the living? The answers Toltz provides are provisional, bleak and often hilarious, but they are never superficial. Here Goes Nothing reads like late-phase Saul Bellow in that it is brilliantly febrile and argumentative, though pessimistic when it comes to the human condition. Yet the implications of its character's actions are at variance to the general melancholy, and gloriously so. -- Geordie Williamson * Australian *

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Book Synopsis'Warm, funny, and bursting with heart' Rebecca Serle'Beautiful, moving, hopeful' Emily StoneGreta James is adrift. Literally.Just after the sudden death of her mother - her most devoted fan - and weeks before the launch of her high-stakes second album, Greta James falls apart on stage. The footage quickly goes viral and she stops playing. Greta's career is suddenly in jeopardy - the kind of jeopardy her father, Conrad, has always warned her about.Months later, Greta - still heartbroken and very much adrift - reluctantly agrees to accompany Conrad on the Alaskan cruise her parents had booked to celebrate their fortieth anniversary. It could be their last chance to heal old wounds in the wake of shared loss. But the trip will also prove to be a voyage of discovery for them both, and for Ben Wilder, a charming historian who is struggling with a major upheaval in his own life.In this unlikeliest of places - at sea and far from the packed venues where she usually plays - Greta must finally confront the heartbreak she's suffered, the family hurts that run deep, and how to find her voice again.'Gorgeous, heartfelt' Amanda Eyre Ward'Moving and beautiful' 5* reader review'Thoughtful and tender and true' Janelle Brown'Full of warmth, heart and music' 5* reader review'Filled with music, passion, and love of all kinds' Jill Santopolo'Wonderful, inspiring and delightful' 5* reader review'A total delight!' Christine Pride'A heartwarming story reminding you to really live' 5* reader review'Full of hope . . . vibrant' Linda HolmesTrade ReviewThis wry, closely observed romance slowly investigates family, love and fame * Daily Mail *Charming, funny, diverting and a cracking good story * Sunday Independent *A warm-hearted story * Irish Independent *Warm, funny, and bursting with heart. A pitch-perfect story about the ways we recover love in the strangest of places. The Unsinkable Greta James is exactly the book you want to read * Rebecca Serle, New York Times bestselling author of In Five Years *Beautiful, moving, hopeful. I loved this book from beginning to end, and will be thinking about it for a long time. A total triumph * Emily Stone, author of Always, In December *Filled with music, passion, and love of all kinds, The Unsinkable Greta James is an unforgettable exploration of family and the choices we make that shape our lives. A fast-paced, emotional novel * Jill Santopolo, New York Times bestselling author of The Light We Lost *I burst into tears at the end of Jennifer E. Smith's gorgeous, heartfelt The Unsinkable Greta James-tears of surprised happiness. I loved traveling to Alaska with the wild and tender Greta, her escape from her life as a literal rock star an addictive journey. Each evening, I looked forward to opening the novel and re-joining Greta's adventure, and will miss her - and her music - now that I've turned the final, beautiful page * Amanda Eyre Ward, New York Times bestselling author of The Jetsetters *Thoughtful and tender and true, The Unsinkable Greta James perfectly captures the messiness of loving and being loved. Smith has written a gripping relationship story that's also a perceptive exploration of what it means to dream. I devoured it * Janelle Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Things *This novel is unabashedly sentimental, in the best possible way. It's about how family can misunderstand us, grief can undo us and our dreams can save us. The Unsinkable Greta James is as transporting and diverting as the Alaskan cruise Greta herself is on in these pages. In short: it's a total delight! * Christine Pride, co-author of We Are Not Like Them *There's a generosity in the drawing of these characters . . . a vibrant sense of its unusual setting * Linda Holmes, New York Times bestselling author of Evvie Drake Starts Over *A tender story * Candis *Tears are likely . . . * Sainsbury's *Poignant and inspiring * Culturefly *

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Book SynopsisAn emotional debut for fans of Elizabeth Strout and Diane Chamberlain, The Ones We Keep follows the splintered lives of four family members in the years following an unthinkable tragedy, and the choices they must make to find their way back to each other.One family. One tragedy. One incredible decision to change their fate.A quiet lakeside resort in Vermont seems like the perfect summer getaway for Olivia and Harry Somerville and their three young boys. But in a single moment, their idyllic family retreat becomes a mother's worst nightmare. Returning from a solo hike one afternoon, Olivia learns from a passing stranger that one of her sons has drowned—but not which one.In that moment, Olivia makes a panicked decision that will change her family forever.If she never knows which son has drowned, can Olivia convince herself that none of them have? By shielding herself from reality, can she continue to live in a world where all three boys are still alive?An emotional and heartfelt meditation on the nature of loss, the gift of recovery, and the bonds of love, The Ones We Keep tells the story of one family as they learn to face their grief and fight for hope.Your next gripping book club read exploring the depths of a mother's love, the endurance of family, and the mind-bending paths we take to shield ourselves from heartache.Trade Review"An elegantly written examination of our ability to control our memories and our grief for the sake of survival." - Jamie Harrison, award-winning author of The Widow Nash and The Center of Everything"In one calamitous moment of loss and denial, Olivia Somerville walks out the back door of grief into a life untethered but far from free. The Ones We Keep tracks her journey, interspersed with the journeys of those she left behind, until a second momentous calamity cracks opens the door to a possibility of return. Bobbie Jean Huff thinks us through the unthinkable with grace and unwavering confidence in this riveting story that is wrenching and tender in equal parts, and in the end so deeply satisfying." - Tim Wynne-Jones, author of The Emperor of Any Place"Bobbie Jean Huff leads the reader sure-footedly through three decades in the life of a family torn apart by a tragic accident, to a moving and uplifting ending." - Jane Rogers, author of Mr. Wroe's Virgins

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Book SynopsisPaul at Home is Quebecois superstar Michel Rabagliati s most personal book yet, a riveting, emotional, and frequently amusing take on the losses and loneliness of being closer to retirement than to university. Paul is in his mid-50s, a successful cartoonist with an achy shoulder living in a house he once shared with his wife and daughter. The backyard is unkempt, full of weeds. A swing set sits idle, slowly rusting beside a half-dead tree Paul planted with his then-five-year old daughter. The room that belonged to his now-18-year-old daughter is mostly unused, especially once she decides to move overseas. Left unspoken but lingering in the background is Paul s divorce after a three decade relationship with his high school sweetheart. Amid all of this emotional turmoil, Paul visits his ailing mother in the final months of her life. Like Paul, she divorced in mid-life after a long marriage. She spent most of her remaining years alone or in unfulfilling relationships, which Paul implicitly fears might happen to him. Online dating only seems to make the world worse. Rabagliati doesn t shy away from these intimate issues, approaching them as much with self-deprecating humor as with sorrow or pain. Characterized by both a deep insight and a willingness to poke fun at life s shortcomings, Paul at Home is a playful and poetic rumination on loss and the sometimes unsettling changes that come with middle age.

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Book SynopsisThe arrival of the greatest single panel cartoonist since Charles AddamsOne swing trapeze artist prepares to receive a newborn child from another all the while shrieking Support the head! A hopeful, naked Adam reaches high for the largest leaf while a frustrated Eve hands him a smaller, more-appropriately sized leaf. A dejected squid stands in a doorway, shock and dismay on his face, as a ruined surprise party lies in wait before himguests, presents, and birthday cake covered in a blast of ink in mid-Sur as loose balloons butt against the ceiling.Once in generation, a distinctly new perspective emerges from the pages of The New Yorker. In our times, that perspective belongs to Ed Steed. Steeped in the classic formalist tradition of the single-panel gag, Steed possesses a shocking and macabre talent for drawings guaranteed to make even the most composed of casual readers laugh out loud. At times reminiscent of Charles Addams, George Booth, William Steig,

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Book Synopsis'Noon's storytelling is assured and compelling ... it's a belter' Guardian‘Constantly surprising’ SpectatorA viciously occult murder.A curious clue left on the body.The soundtrack to the murder still playing...It is 1981 and Detective Inspector Henry Hobbes is still reeling in the aftermath of the fire and fury of the Brixton riots. The battle lines of society - and the police force - are being redrawn on a daily basis. With the certainties of his life already sorely tested, a brutal murder will shake his beliefs to their very core once more. The manner of the death and its staged circumstances pose many questions to which there are no obvious answers. To track the murderer, Hobbes must cross boundaries into a subculture hidden beneath the everyday world he thought he knew. His investigation takes him into a twisted reality, which is both seductive and devastating, and asks him the one question he has been dreading: How far will he go in pursuit of the truth?Jeff Noon is the author of six acclaimed novels, Vurt, Pollen, Automated Alice, Nymphomation, Needle in the Groove and Falling Out of Cars, as well as two collections of short fictions, and is also the crime fiction reviewer for The Spectator. He lives in Brighton.Trade ReviewThe obsessive world of pop culture becomes a dangerous, dark, bewitching place in Noon’s utterly brilliant crime fiction debut. * William Shaw *Constantly surprising, the novel takes the form of the police procedural and pushes it in a variety of unexpected directions * Spectator *Noon's storytelling is assured and compelling ... it's a belter * Guardian *Slow Motion Ghosts is a triumph … an ingeniously-plotted and multi-layered tale * Independent *The enjoyably convoluted plot encompasses a heartfelt and moving examination of the other-worldly appeal of glam rock for nerds and outsiders. If you weren't poleaxed by Bowie's death, this very absorbing novel will help to explain why others were. * The Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe breathtaking short story collection from the Costa-shortlisted Irish writerThree gunshots on the Irish border define the course of a young man's life; a writer clings fast to a star-crossed affair with a woman who has never been fully in his reach; a fisherman accustomed to hard labour rolls up his sleeves to dig a grave for his child; a pair of newly-weds embark on their first adventure, living wild on the deserted Beginish Island. Spanning a century and two continents - from the muddy fields of Ireland to a hotel room in Paris, a dingy bar in Segovia to an aeroplane bound for Taipei - these densely layered tales reveal the quiet heroism and gentle dignity of ordinary life. Ranging from the elegiac to the brutally confrontational, Billy O'Callaghan's stories explore the resilience of the human heart and its ability to keep beating even in the wake of grief, trauma and lost love.'The best fiction I have read this year... Taut, subtle and moving, and brought off beautifully' John Banville, Best Books of 2020, Irish TimesTrade ReviewThe best fiction I have read this year is Billy O'Callaghan's short-story collection The Boatman. The book is old-fashioned in the best sense, in that it is written by a grown-up for grown-up persons, as Virginia Woolf said of Middlemarch. The stories are taut, subtle and moving, and brought off beautifully. -- John Banville * Irish Times *Best Books of 2020* *Wonderful stories… A masterclass... The reader is lulled into a false sense of ordinariness that gives way — sometimes gradually, sometimes abruptly — to a moment of cataclysm…that leaves the reader reeling… There is no denying the power of his words… O’Callaghan’s stories are beautiful, plain and simple, and each one is devastatingly good. -- Kathleen MacMahon * Sunday Times *Billy O'Callaghan writes beautifully... In evoking atmosphere, such a key element in the short story, he is matchless... His prose is a feast after a famine... The luxuriance of the language, the agility of the sentences, and the depth of the reflections. These stories are like classical sonatas... The writing is invariably delightful. -- Eilis Ni Dhuibhne * Irish Times *A shining example of how [short stories] can distil and intensify a writer’s gifts… These 12 stories confirm [O’Callaghan’s] delicate craftsmanship, unflashy narrative and descriptive skill, and his deep understanding of powerful and universal emotions… Breathtaking… Masterly… Irish writing has put out many new and more consciously modernist shoots in recent years, all welcome. But Billy O’Callaghan belongs now in the recognised front rank, along with Bernard MacLaverty, Edna O’Brien, William Trevor and Colm Tóibín. -- Ann Chisholm * Tablet, *Novel of the Week* *[Billy O’Callaghan] makes epics out of the unspoken, the barely said, the half-hinted at, the wordless nod… This is O'Callaghan's quest, to reveal who his characters really are, especially when they're burdened with life's cruelties. And in chronicling the bravery sometimes required in simply putting one foot in front of the other, he makes heroes of the humblest of us. -- Anne Cunningham * Sunday Independent *

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Book Synopsis'A SUSPENSEFUL MYSTERY...DEEPLY MOVING AND PSYCHOLOGICALLY AFFECTING' ALEX MICHAELIDES, AUTHOR OF THE SILENT PATIENT PRAISE FOR KEEP HIM CLOSE:'A tense drama' Sunday Times'A beautiful and heart-breaking story that I can't stop thinking about. Simply stunning.' Jo Jakeman, author of Safe House'Powerfully written and packs a real emotional punch.' Cara Hunter, author of Close to Home'A magnetic, all consuming read. A heart-breaking suspense which deals with love in all its forms.'Gytha Lodge, author of She Lies in Wait_____________________________ONE SON LIED. ONE SON DIED.Alice's son is dead. Indigo's son is accused of murder.Indigo is determined to prove her beloved Kane is innocent. She is helped by a kind stranger who takes an interest in her situation. But little does she know that her new friend has her own agenda...Alice can't tell Indigo who she really is. She wants to understand why her son was killed. But how long will it take for Indigo to discover her identity? And what other secrets will come out as she digs deeper?No one knows a son like his mother. But neither Alice nor Indigo know the whole truth about their boys, and what happened between them on that fateful night.Trade ReviewKeep Him Close was a magnetic, all-consuming read. A heart-breaking suspense which deals with love in all its forms, however it is expressed. * Gytha Lodge, author of She Lies in Wait *A moving account of family relationships and mainly low-level but devastating criminality -- Natasha Cooper * Literary Review *Keep Him Close isn't just a suspenseful mystery about two women's determination to discover the truth about the night that left one of their sons dead. It's also a really well-written, deeply moving and psychologically affecting study of motherhood and heartbreak. Highly recommended. * Alex Michaelides, author of The Silent Patient *Powerfully written and packs a real emotional punch. * Cara Hunter, author of Close to Home *A gripping, dark domestic drama with motherhood at its heart. Beautifully written and emotionally charged, the characters leaped off the page and stayed with me. * Ruth Mancini, author of In the Blood *

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Book Synopsis‘Liquidation, suspenseful and bleakly comic, reads like a treatise on the mystery of the end of life and the mystery of suicide… A compelling if deeply unsettling work’ Independent Kingbitter, an editor at a failing publishing house, believes himself to have been the closest friend of B., a celebrated writer and Auschwitz survivor, who recently committed suicide. Amongst the papers B. has left him, Kingbitter finds a play entitled Liquidation that uncannily predicts the behaviour of B.'s ex-wife, his mistress and Kingbitter himself. As he obsessively reads and rereads the play, Kingbitter becomes transfixed with the idea that buried within these papers is B.'s great novel: the book that will explain his relationship with Auschwitz.Trade ReviewA beautiful glimpse of the wide-open spaces of storytelling * Daily Telegraph *A masterly, subtle and constantly surprising novel, which, in this fine translation, reads as if it were written in this century, not the last * Sunday Times *

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Book Synopsis**A RICHARD AND JUDY AUTUMN BOOK CLUB PICK AND THE MOST POWERFUL BOOK YOU'LL READ THIS YEAR** 'Poignant and bittersweet, this novel is a joy' Richard & JudyYoung and confident, with a swagger in her step, Sugar arrives in the southern town of Bigelow hoping to start over. Soon Bigelow is alight with gossip and suspicion, and Sugar fears her past is catching up with her. Then she meets Pearl, a woman trying to forget her own traumas. As these next-door neighbours become unlikely friends, they wonder if their lives could finally be changing for the better. But small towns have long memories...Perfect for fans of The Vanishing Half and Where the Crawdads Sing, Sugar is a classic waiting to be rediscovered.Reviewers adore Sugar: 'A page-turning novel guaranteed to be looked back on as a timeless classic' INDEPENDENT 'This book is so engaging and beautiful and intriguing and satisfying that I could not put it down' ELLE 'Riveting... Searing and expertly imagined' TONI MORRISON on Bernice L. McFadden Readers are falling for Sugar 'Such an enjoyable read... beautifully written, raw and impactful' 'Riveting, heart-breaking' 'Very powerful, poignant' 'Beautifully written... brutal and moving... a must read book' 'Well-written with rich characters and many twists and turns' 'So descriptive yet easy to read, and it made me fall in love with all the characters'Trade ReviewSugar follows expertly crafted characters as they wade through grief, sexism, and the bitter judgement of the 1950s Deep South with warmth and heart. Sugar is a page-turning novel guaranteed to be looked back on as a timeless classic * Independent *Riveting...searing -- Toni Morrison (on Bernice McFadden)This book is so engaging and beautiful and intriguing and satisfying that I could not put it down -- Tarana BurkeMcFadden works a kind of miracle - not only do her characters retain their appealing humanity; their story eclipses the bonds of history to offer continuous surprises . . . Beautiful and evocative -- Jesymn WardSugar was a masterful debut, an electrifying and profoundly realized addition to African American women's literary fiction. And importantly, Sugar introduced us to the brilliant author, Bernice L. McFadden, who would bring forth The Book of Harlan, Gathering of Waters, Glorious, and Nowhere is a Place. -- Sapphire

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Book Synopsis**SHORTLISTED FOR THE T.S. ELIOT PRIZE 2021**A book of loss, looking back, and what binds us to life, by a towering poetic talent, 'one of the poetry stars of his generation' (Los Angeles Times).'We sleep long, / if not sound,' Kevin Young writes early on in this exquisite gathering of poems, 'Till the end / we sing / into the wind.' In scenes and settings that circle family and the generations in the American South - one poem, 'Kith', exploring that strange bedfellow of 'kin' - the speaker and his young son wander among the stones of their ancestors. 'Like heat he seeks them, / my son, thirsting / to learn those / he don't know / are his dead.' Whether it's the fireflies of a Louisiana summer caught in a mason jar (doomed by their collection), or his grandmother, Mama Annie, who latches the screen door when someone steps out for just a moment, all that makes up our flickering, precarious joy, all that we want to protect, is lifted into the light in this moving book. Stones becomes an ode to Young's home places and his dear departed, and to what of them - of us - poetry can save.Trade ReviewOne of the most important poets of his generation... There appears to be no format in which Young does not shine. * Washington Post *Kevin Young perfectly illustrates poetry's enduring vitality. * Entertainment Weekly *Keeping up with him is like trying to keep up with Bob Dylan or Prince in their primes. Even the bootlegs have bootlegs. -- Dwight Garner * New York Times *One of the poetry stars of his generation. * Los Angeles Times *

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Book Synopsis‘A treat of a book about love and friendship - sip a Prosecco and enjoy!’ Jacqueline Wilson, bestselling author of The Story of Tracy Beaker How do you move on after The One?April 16th is always one of Charley’s worst days of the year. It’s her husband’s birthday, a painful reminder of his death four years ago.So naturally, her car breaks down.She nearly gets run over trying to catch the bus.And then she’s made redundant.Her friends see the redundancy as a chance for her to start again and live the life she always wanted, but since being widowed Charley has clung to familiarity and avoided change like the plague. Then, out of the blue, her mother-in-law Pam pitches up in need of a place to stay after walking out on her 40-year marriage.Together, Charley and Pam find themselves at a crossroad. It’s not easy to move on after The One, but they can’t stand still forever. A gorgeously heartwarming and feel-good story for fans of Libby Page and Nicola Gill.Praise for After the One ‘I loved this sweetly engaging story of two women overcoming heartbreak at different stages of life – it envelopes the reader in a warm hug of friendship and hope.’ Sarah Steele, USA Today bestselling author of The Missing Pieces Of Nancy Moon‘This was such a sweet and cheering read. With the first fictional mother-in-law I’d actually be glad to have! Everyone needs a Pam.’ Joanna Nadin, author of The Queen of Bloody Everything'A feel-good story which will appeal to many ages and I look forward to recommending it to customers.' Coles Books, Bicester‘A beautifully written and heartwarming story about love, loss and finding the courage to start again ... so witty and yet packed full of emotion throughout. I totally loved every second of this story – it really is a must-read!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review'I fell in love with the story from the start. The relationship between Pam and Charley is delightful’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘This is my first Cass Lester book but I'm hoping it won't be my last! This book is full of emotion and truthfulness so you may need a few tissues to hand if you tend to get a bit blubbery but I just absolutely loved it!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year 2023‘A remarkable suspense debut… exciting and unsettling.’ A. J. Finn, author of The Woman in the WindowHe won’t rest until he finds out the truth…Cal Lovett is obsessed with finding justice for the families of missing people. His true crime podcast is his way of helping others, even if he can’t help himself.His sister, Margot, disappeared when he was a child. Only one man seems to know something. But he’s behind bars and can’t be trusted.So when the family of a missing Scottish woman begs for his help, he heads to Aberdeenshire in search of the truth.Does Cal have what it takes to unearth the secrets hiding in the hills? And what if he finds something that leads him back to the heart of his own family’s past?A gripping crime thriller by a brilliant debut novelist, perfect for fans of Jane Casey, Fiona Barton and Loreth Anne White.Praise for Unsolved ‘One to watch’ The Critic‘Evocative, with immersive descriptions of the Highlands setting… tightly plotted, well written and nicely characterised with a compelling mystery at its heart.’ Harriet Tyce, author of It Ends at Midnight‘An assured and compelling debut. Elegant, reflective cold case mystery with a thriller’s pace, beautifully written to boot.’ Dominic Nolan, author of Vine Street‘Gripping and taut, Heather Critchlow’s prose is as beautiful as it is exciting… A confident debut.’ Sam Holland, author of The Echo Man‘A gripping, chiller of a debut. A darkly twisted tale with a touch of grace.’ Rachael Blok, author of The Fall‘I loved Unsolved. It is both compelling and assured with a wonderful sense of time and place. The whole thing sang to me.’ James Delargy, author of Vanished‘A nimble plot showcases Critchlow’s keen observation of human nature and the dark motivations of ordinary people… it got right under my skin!’ Jo Furniss, author of All the Little Children‘Whip-smart and razor-sharp… had me turning the pages into the small hours.’ Alison Belsham, author of Death in Helmand‘All the nuance of a Booker winner, all the pace of a bestselling thriller, this spectacular mystery will keep you reading long after you should have turned out the light.’ Kate Simants, author of Freeze‘A beautifully written, perfectly plotted novel that’s a cracking start to an exciting new crime series.’ Sheila Bugler, author of Black Valley Farm‘Completely enthralling. Critchlow has perfectly built suspense and tension for the reader. A must for the TBR.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘Unsolved had me hooked right from the beginning. The characters were all well-developed. Kept me guessing right up to the very end.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘A brilliant crime thriller. Critchlow does a fantastic job of capturing the reader and building empathy for Cal’s situation. The pace of storytelling is excellent, the narrative is skilfully plotted, and the characters come alive in the reader’s imagination.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review‘An exceptionally assured debut from a writer who is surely one to watch. This crime novel is character-led and beautifully written, with the added tension of a twisty plot and the gorgeous backdrop of Scotland.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader review

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Book SynopsisELEVATED HORROR!Max, the A.I. superintendent of Maxwell Towers has found a kindred soul in one of his residents, a young, disturbed boy call Sam Bowers. Together they work to rid the building of all the ne'er do wells who lurk in the dark corridors of the block, luring them to the dreaded thirteenth floor. But this power has started to corrupt Sam, surprising even Max - and their activities have not gone unnoticed, as WPC Hester Benedict becomes more aware of the sinister events taking place at the building.The breakout star of legendary British comic Scream! Max and his thirteenth floor are back in a brand-new story written by Guy Adams (Heavens Gate) and includes art by Frazer Irving (Batman and Robin), John Stokes (Star Wars), Tom Paterson (Sweeny Toddler), Kelley Jones (The Sandman), VV Glass (Dr Who) and Vince Locke (A History of Violence).Table of ContentsScream! & Misty Special 2017 Thirteenth Floor story - Writer Guy Adams, Artists John Stokes, Frazer IrvingScream! & Misty Special 2018 Thirteenth Floor *story - Writer Guy Adams, Artists John Stokes, Frazer IrvingScream! Presents the Thirteenth Floor - Home Sweet Home! writer Guy Adams, artists John Stokes, Frazer Irving, Henrik Sahlstrom, Tom Paterson, Abigail Harding, Vince Locke, Jimmy Broxton, VV Glass, Kelley Jones, Kyle Hotz Includes bonus strip from Home Sweet Home!, The Romantic writer Keith Richardson, artist Andreas Butzbach

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Book SynopsisA SUNDAY TIMES BEST HISTORICAL FICTION BOOK OF THE YEARA BBC TWO BETWEEN THE COVERS BOOK CLUB PICK1628. Embarking on a journey in search of her father, a young girl called Mayken boards the Batavia, the most impressive sea vessel of the age. During the long voyage, this curious and resourceful child must find her place in the ship's busy world, and she soon uncovers shadowy secrets above and below deck. As tensions spiral, the fate of the ship and all on board becomes increasingly uncertain.1989. Gil, a boy mourning the death of his mother, is placed in the care of his irritable and reclusive grandfather. Their home is a shack on a tiny fishing island off the Australian coast, notable only for its reefs and wrecked boats. This is no place for a child struggling with a dark past and Gil's actions soon get him noticed by the wrong people.The Night Ship is an enthralling tale of human brutality, providence and friendship, and of two children, hundreds of years apart, whose fates are inextricably bound together.Trade ReviewLyrical, haunting, a beautiful and elegant fictional interpretation of history, I loved it -- KATE MOSSEMajestic . . . Kidd packs the story with superb characters, high emotion and drama . . . this gripping story ebbs and bobs with surprises from Kidd's sparkling imagination * * Independent * *The ambition and execution of [Jess Kidd's] new book The Night Ship is breathtaking! Sweet and grim, epic and domestic - I loved it . . . readers are in for a treat -- GRAHAM NORTON[A] consistently gripping and impressively constructed novel . . . Kidd builds an immersive visual and olfactory world of the 17th century ship . . . since her first novel Himself [Kidd] has displayed a voracious talent for storytelling . . . [a] marvellous, spirited novel * * Financial Times * *Jess Kidd's extraordinary evocation of a place gruesome with ghosts and the stranglehold of the past is nothing short of brilliant. I loved it -- HANNAH KENTGripping . . . The Night Ship is immersive, vivid and immediate, teeming with sensory detail that could only have come from extensive and diligent research and told in beautifully assured prose * * Irish Times * *Fabulous . . . Beautifully pitched, and told in the present tense, there's a wonderful immediacy to the children's stories as they cope with the harsh reality of their worlds but yearn for the magical and mystical, in this briny, beguiling book * * Daily Mail * *Kidd's writing is beautiful, a seemingly effortless layering of small details to create a vivid sense of place and geography . . . wonderful . . . memorable * * Sunday Independent * *I absolutely loved it . . . Fantastic -- STEPHEN MANGANCompelling . . . [Possesses] great energy and originality * * Sunday Times, Historical Fiction Book of the Month * *

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Book SynopsisSarah Sak's son, Anthony Walgate, was murdered by gay serial killer Stephen Port after they met on dating app Grindr. Stephen Port was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Old Bailey in November 2016. The case received extensive press coverage not only because of the horrific nature of the crimes but also because the police refused to investigate Anthony's death despite three more bodies being found in near identical circumstances. It was not until Scotland Yard's crime squad took over that Stephen Port was arrested, charged, convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Sarah Sak's courage and perseverance helped to achieve justice for her much-loved son and now she campaigns for better policing, to recognise and link crimes, support families, counter homophobia and raise greater public awareness of the dangers of dating sites/apps, to prevent further deaths. She wants to tell the story of the murder of son and the other men who died in an attempt to understand how this could have happened and the role that social media played in their death.

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Book SynopsisBy the bestselling author of Black Narcissus and The Battle of the Villa Fiorita'The River will make you laugh, make you cry and, in its way, change you forever' JULIE MYERSON'Her prose is pure, delicate, and gently witty' NEW YORK TIMES'Bold, beautiful . . . everyone's appetites will be satisfied' ELLEThe River is Rumer Godden's beautiful tribute to India and childhood, made into a film by Jean Renoir. And in a preface for this novel she explains how the classic tale came to be written.Harriet is caught between two worlds: her older sister is no longer a playmate, her brother is still a little boy. And the comforting rhythm of her Indian childhood - the sounds of the jute factory, the colourful festivals that accompany each season and the eternal ebb and flow of the river on its journey to the Bay of Bengal - is about to be shattered by a tragic event.Intense, vivid, and with a dark undertow, The River is a poignant portrait of the loss of a young girl's innocence.Available with Virago Modern Classics. Trade Review[Godden's] distinctive, poised and unsentimental books have never lost a shred of their almost hypnotic appeal -- Rosie Thomas * Guardian *Her craftsmanship is always sure; her understanding of character is compassionate and profound; her prose is pure, delicate, and gently witty * New York Times *The River will make you laugh, make you cry and, in its way, change you forever -- Julie MyersonBold, beautiful . . . everyone's appetites will be satisfied * Elle *A small masterpiece, a near perfect account of how childhood has to come to an end and the serpent must enter the garden . . . In The River she celebrates a passion for the people, colours, sounds and even the smells of India . . . She evokes, in simple, flawless prose, a young girl's first encounters with jealousy, sex, guilt and death -- Anne Chisholm * Spectator *The grace, the fragility, associated with Rumer Godden, again most evident in this new book * Kirkus Reviews *So intense, so quietly demanding of attention, that at the time there will be nothing in your thoughts but a small girl in India, and the people and places that were her world * Saturday Review *Compassionate wisdom and serene understanding . . . with each book she writes Miss Godden's position as one of the finest of English novelists becomes more secure -- Orville Prescott

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Book Synopsis‘The Curfew tolls the knell of parting day …’ Thomas Gray’s 'Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard' has been loved and admired throughout the centuries. First circulated to a select group of friends, it was rushed to official publication in 1751 in order to avoid pirated copies being sold without the young poet’s permission. Praised by Samuel Johnson, reprinted over and over again in Gray’s lifetime and recited by generations of school children, it is one of the most famous poems in the English language. This edition reproduces the exquisite wood engravings made by Agnes Miller Parker in 1938. Parker visited the churchyard at St Giles, Stoke Poges, where the poem is set, in order to make her sketches, and all thirty-two stanzas of the poem are accompanied by detailed full-page illustrations. Commemorating the 250th anniversary of the poet’s death, this edition will not only bring new readers to the 'Elegy' but will also appeal to those already familiar with its riches.Table of ContentsContents Loss Transformed - Carol Rumens Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard

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Book SynopsisFour strangers from around the world arrive in India for a wedding. Together, they climb a mountain — but will they see the same thing from the top? Londoner Reema, who left India before she could speak, is searching for a sign that will help her make a life-changing decision. In pensioner Jackson’s suitcase is something he must let go of, but is he strong enough? Together with two unlikely companions, they take a road trip up a mountain deep in the Himalayas, heading for the snow line, where the ice begins. But even standing in the same place, surrounded by magnificent views, they see things differently. As they ascend higher and higher, they must learn to cross the lines that divide them.Trade Review‘Tessa McWatt is one of our greatest living writers. The Snow Line, her new novel, is a profound meditation on love, ageing, and what it is to be a woman of mixed racial identity and culture. Profoundly moving and epic in its scope, this book provides us with wisdom and reckoning on today’s world, one that is ecologically fragile and only just coping with a pandemic. Like all mature writers, McWatt’s range of reference is vast and her understanding of humanity plunges us into depths we all long to inhabit. She writes her characters with such intimacy we are thunderstruck by the book’s final pages. I closed this book and shed tears.’ -- Monique Roffey, author of The Mermaid of Black Conch‘Vivid, rich, and melodic ... Layers of images, memories, and facts ask questions of connections, accountability, and desire — political and personal — and how we meet the complexities that make us. A beautiful read!’ -- Olumide Popoola, author of When We Speak of Nothing‘Tessa McWatt’s writing is tender, unforgettable, utterly precise. Like performing surgery on a peach.’ -- Leone Ross, author of This One Sky Day‘A profound meditation on the music that strangers in a place can make together, and on how the music of a strange place can get inside us, and change us forever. I loved the journey the book takes us on, revisiting some of the geographies readers will remember from The Far Pavilions, while the echoes of King Lear provide an undercurrent of nature’s aloofness, its potential for violence.’ -- Preti Taneja, author of We That Are Young‘An exceptional, riveting read. Tessa McWatt's rare gifts never fail to enthrall me.’ -- Irenosen Okojie, author of Butterfly Fish‘The Snow Line holds up a mirror to the ways India is reflected in today’s diaspora.’ -- Anjali Joseph, author of Saraswati Park‘Tessa McWatt’s The Snow Line reveals life in overlapping panels: consciousness, memory, scenes of violence, and of untenable beauty, “everything dangerous enfolded into everything else.” Her prose has Michael Ondaatje’s elliptical exactitude, Jane Gardam’s terse confidence, but it accumulates, on behalf of her characters — a young woman and an old man, friends — a singular, lingering effect. The Snow Line is a small marvel.’ -- Padma Viswanathan, author of The Ever After of Ashwin Rao‘McWatt is a writer who tackles race and identity with great nuance, and from a very broad reach ... The Snow Line suggests that she has done a lifetime of thinking and reading about structural injustice … The Snow Line is about the displacement of people, the stories that never get told, the commonality of our humanity, and the ever presence of God. We don’t feel the full effect of its rare wisdom and gravitational pull until we are finished. The final pages had me in tears.’ -- Monique Roffey * The Guardian *‘Delicate and ruminative … A sympathetic and serious-minded exploration of how well-meaning individuals can abet the misery of others.’ -- Anthony Cummins * Daily Mail *‘Tessa McWatt has constructed a moving epic that rises from intimate, complex character portraits written with tenderness and precision.’ -- Cameron Woodhead * The Sydney Morning Herald *‘At its core … The Snow Line is a book about belonging. It conveys a message that many migrants to Australia will understand — carrying feelings of longing and displacement even as they try to carve their place in a new landscape.’ -- Rhea L Nath * IndianLink News *‘The Snow Line has wonderful moments of contemplation and compassion for the complexity of lives lived. We are reminded of the beauty of life, in the place where strangers’ lives may intersect. Throughout the book, we are transported, in our minds, to the smells, sounds, beauty, and madness of India.’ -- Brid Conroy * Mayo News *‘In itself this is an excellent story, but it’s the way it’s told that makes the novel stand out … you’ll have to read this beautiful, subtle, keenly observed novel to see how things develop in the end.’ * Shiny New Books *‘UK-based author Tessa McWatt’s narrative is densely, nay immersively detailed, both bleak and rich. Overarching is an intimate understanding of India with a nod to the magnanimity of Sikhs.’ -- Samela Harris * The Herald Sun *

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Book SynopsisRosie Goodwin brings back Catherine Cookson's classic family in this fantastic sequel to the Mallen trilogyTrade ReviewPraise for Rosie's first novel, THE BAD APPLE: 'Rosie Goodwin is a born storyteller - she'll make you cry, she'll make you laugh, but most of all you'll care for her characters and lose yourself in her story. An author destined for the top * Jeannie Johnson, author of THE REST OF OUR DAYS *Rosie deserves all her success. She is a talented storyteller and will go all the way to the top * Dee Williams *The tearjerker of the season...[a] heart-rending tale * Western Mail *A promising and well-drawn debut * Lancashire Evening Post *A good tearjerker...compelling * Reading Evening Post *A gifted writer... Not only is Goodwin's characterisation and dialogue compelling, but her descriptive writing is a joy * Nottingham Evening Post *A heart-throbber of a story from Goodwin that puts many other so-called emotional blockbusters in the shade * Northern Echo *Goodwin is a fabulous writer...she reels the reader in surprisingly quickly and her style involves lots of twists and turns that are in no way predictable * Worcester Evening News *A touching and powerful new novel from a wonderful writer * Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisDetective Superintendent Andy Dalziel investigates a murder close to home in this first crime novel featuring the much-loved detective team of Dalziel and Pascoe.So far out in front that he need not bother looking over his shoulder' Sunday TelegraphHome from the rugby club after taking a nasty knock in a match, Sam Connon finds his wife more uncommunicative than usual. After passing out on his bed for a few hours, he comes downstairs to discover communication has been cut off forever by a hole in the middle of her forehead.Andy Dalziel, a long-standing member of the club, wants to run the murder investigation along his own lines. But DS Peter Pascoe's loyalties lie elsewhere and he has quite different ideas about how the case should proceedTrade Review'He is probably the best living male crime writer in the English-speaking world.' The Independent 'He just keeps getting better and better … Hill, a true master, never fails to shock and surprise.' Ian Rankin 'The finest male English contemporary crime writer. Compassionate, intelligent and entertaining' Val McDermid 'One of Britain's most consistently excellent crime novelists.' The Times 'An increasingly lyrical and always humorous writer, he is first and foremost an instinctive and complete novelist who is blessed with a spontaneous storytelling gift.' The Mail on Sunday ‘Hill is among the most consistently excellent and invigorating detective novelists’ TLS 'Few writers in the genre today have Hill's gifts: formidable intelligence, quick humour, compassion and a prose style that blends elegance and grace' Sunday Times

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Book SynopsisReissue to follow up publication of Paul Bailey’s new novel Kitty and Virgil. Two of his previous novels ‘Peter Smart’s Confessions’ and ‘Gabriel’s Lament’, were shortlisted for the Booker Prize. First published in 1980, Old Soldiers is Bailey’s most elegantly simple and perhaps most moving novel. The eponymous soldiers are two old men who (as his own father had been) are still haunted by First World War memories. Victor Harker – a survivor from the Somme, dazed with grief after his wife’s recent death – gets entangled with another man, who splits himself into an ‘unholy trinity’ of parts; by turns a military man, a tramp and a poet, he performs each part enthusiastically, with a loving attention to verisimilitude. It’s only at the end that we glimpse the sixty-year-old shame and grief which he has wasted a life time denying.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“If you stare deeply enough into the bottomless abyss of black dots that serve as the eyes of Nancy and Sluggo, would you live to tell the tale? Well, Bill Griffith has. And the tale he tells is a complex, peculiar, and funny graphic biography of Ernie Bushmiller, creator of the brilliantly strange (and strangely brilliant) Nancy and Sluggo (as well as Fritzi Ritz and Phil Fumble). As the widest-ranging cartoon chronicler of American absurdity in our time, Bill Griffith has topped himself. This is an instant comic-strip classic!” * Matt Groening *“For many years, I’ve devoured Bill Griffith’s work. It’s always inspiring and engrossing. As it never fails to do, Griffith’s brilliance and consummate drawing chops shine through. Three Rocks is amazing!” * Emil Ferris *“I inhaled this book. If there’s one Nancy mystery greater than the peculiar, clean hum of the strip itself, it’s what Ernie Bushmiller, the man, was actually like. In this last, best volume of a three-book talismanic paean to the inspirations that have sustained and formed him for the past half century, underground comix legend Bill Griffith grafts all the real messiness of life—research, anecdotes, and interviews with those who knew Bushmiller—to perfect examples of the distilled graphic haiku of the Connecticut Zen master of the comic strip. The result, quite simply, is a page-turning, standard-setting, must-have work of biographical art. Two words: Three Rocks. Five stars!” * Chris Ware *“As the curator of the fictional Bushmiller Museum in Altadena, California, I was thrilled to learn from reading Three Rocks that there’s a fictional one in Stamford, Connecticut, too!” * Tom Gammill *“Bill Griffith is a master of pen-and-ink graphic storytelling. This delightful book is, first and foremost, a well-researched biography of Ernie Bushmiller, creator of Nancy and one of the unsung geniuses of the comics business. It is also a thought-provoking discourse on the inner dynamics of cartooning and its relationship to fine art. The narrative alternates deftly between realistically rendered scenes of Bushmiller’s life and career to flashbacks, future fantasies, dream sequences, clever asides by Nancy herself, and informative insights from the author. It is a thoroughly entertaining journey into Bushmillerland that is destined to take its place among the select group of classic graphic novels.” * Brian Walker *

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Book SynopsisA short, intense and profoundly moving debut novel about race, identity, sex and death from one of the National Book Foundation's 5 Under 35Thandi is a black woman, but often mistaken for Hispanic or Asian.She is American, but doesn't feel as American as some of her friends.She is South African, but doesn't belong in South Africa either.Her mother is dying.Trade Review‘The debut novel of the year … visceral, cerebral, provocative, elegiac. One can’t help but think of Clemmons as in the running to be the next-generation Claudia Rankine’ Vogue ‘Luminescent’ Independent ‘A lovely little headrush of a novel … if you enjoyed Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing then try this’ Sunday Times Style ‘Bracingly clear-eyed … the tension between her steady prose and turbulent emotions is beautifully sustained’ Daily Mail ‘Highly original. Zinzi Clemmons deftly explores grief, sex and identity’ Elle ‘Concise and powerful. This original and challenging debut is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and memoir’ Bookriot ‘Penetratingly good and written in vivid still life, What We Lose reads like a guided tour through a melancholic Van Gogh exhibit – wonderfully chromatic, transfixing and bursting with emotion. Zinzi Clemmons’s debut novel signals the emergence of a voice that refuses to be ignored’ Paul Beatty ‘What We Lose navigates the many registers of grief, love and injustice . . . acutely moving’ Margo Jefferson, author of Negroland 'I loved this beautiful, honest and entrancing meditation on love, loss and the relationships that enrich and complicate our lives’ Bernardine Evaristo

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Book SynopsisYou can trust your family, can't you?Tess Piper was fourteen when her adored twin sister Edie disappeared.She has spent the last twenty years building a life away from her fractured family, desperate to escape the shadow of the past.Only now she needs to confront the huge hole her sister's disappearance left in her life, because a body has been found. The police are shining a spotlight on the Piper family. And secrets are about to surface.After all, it's common knowledge that more often than not, these crimes are committed by someone close to the victim. Someone they trust. Someone they knowWhat really happened to Edie Piper?A gripping thriller perfect for fans of C.L. Taylor, K.L. Slater and Rachel Abbott.Reader reviewsI totally devoured this the ending is a killer! Loved how the pages just blurred into one another and was seriously gutted when I'd finished it and wanted more.'A great read, fascinating and intriguing kept me guessing right until the end'Dark, twisted, creepy, atmospheTrade Review‘An excellent debut with a sinister sting. Reveals and plot twists delivered so skilfully that you won’t know who to trust.’ Mel Sherratt ‘Someone You Know is such a compelling, page-turning read – full of secrets, intrigue, and twists. Isaac-Henry has created a wonderful cast of characters – I doubted almost all of them, but how wrong I was. Highly recommended.’ Elisabeth Carpenter ‘The first page hooked me, the brilliant writing, fabulous characters and tight plot reeled me in, and the skilfully revealed twists kept me enthralled until the final page.’ Sam Carrington ‘Someone You Know is a tale that evokes the well-used phrase ‘a page turner’ but manages to do so without compromising on language or intelligence. Very well-written with an original plot that kept me guessing till the end. Isaac-Henry has a unique voice and brings a thoroughly fresh perspective to the crime novel genre. Heartily recommended. Can't wait for her next offering.’ Syd Moore ‘Olivia Isaac-Henry very skillfully leads her readers a macabre dance into the heart of a community and family where everyone has their secrets … I would highly recommend this tightly-plotted, clever debut.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘Dark, twisted, creepy, atmospheric, engaging, unputdownable brilliance. Read this book in 2019. I implore you.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘An intense, creepy and pacy thriller.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘A must-read for any fan of mystery, murder, and twists that you don’t see coming!’ NetGalley reviewer ‘A creepy tale that had me hooked from the opening pages and held me right up until the final paragraph.’ NetGalley reviewer ‘This story peels back in layers to reveal the truth about what really happened to Edie. A gripping story that has a couple of surprises.’ NetGalley reviewer

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Book SynopsisSeven guests. One killer. A holiday to rememberAddictive and fun' Daily MailNot all the guests will survive their stayYou use an app, called Cloud BNB, to book a room online. And on a cold and windy afternoon you arrive at The Guesthouse, a dramatic old building on a remote stretch of hillside in Ireland.You are expecting a relaxing break,but you find something very different. Something unimaginable. Because a killer has lured you and six other guests here and now you can't escape.One thing's for certain: not all of you will come back from this holiday aliveAddictive'SunDark, claustrophobic and full of suspense: The Guesthouse is a gripping mystery, and a fantastic debut' Alex Lake, author of Seven DaysCreaking floorboards, secret passages, plaintive cries, howling winds all the mystery and mayhem you need on a dark winter night' Rachel Sargeant, author of The RoommatesTruly gripping' Sunday ExpressTrade Review‘Addictive and fun’ Daily Mail ‘Dark, claustrophobic and full of suspense: The Guesthouse is a gripping mystery, and a fantastic debut’ Alex Lake ‘Creaking floorboards, secret passages, plaintive cries, howling winds – all the mystery and mayhem you need on a dark winter night’ Rachel Sargeant ‘Addictive’ Sun ‘Truly gripping’ Sunday Express ‘A chilling thriller’ Waitrose magazine 'Claustrophobic tension, atmospheric, an amazing finish. I loved every page of this book' Book Blog London 'Intriguing, interesting, and chilling – what more can you ask for?' The Writing Garnet 'An emotional rollercoaster' Travelling Book Junkie ‘Gripping and tense’ Jen Med’s Book Reviews ‘Everything a thriller should have: suspense, mystery, tension, good characters and a little death’ Books Love Readers ‘Excellent characterisation’ Books by Bindu ‘So well written…with vivid and and realistic characters. Worth more than five stars and very very highly recommended’ Nicki’s Life of Crime ‘So many twists and tension reaching an explosive ending’ Divine World of Books ‘Adding her own unique style and intricacies to the story, Frost’s dark, creepy and atmospheric work is relentlessly exciting. Dark, claustrophobic and full of suspense, this is a scintillating read.’ The Courier

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Book SynopsisA SUNDAY TIMES STYLE RECOMMENDLyrical, moving, revealing'TRACY CHEVALIERBrilliant' NIKITA LALWANISuch beautiful writing A little bit Rear Window, a little bit Home Fire, a little bit Shameless. I loved it'' LOUISA YOUNGDaring and devastating' FIONA MOZLEYA young woman spends her days watching the neighbours through their windows. She is a refugee, who has seen the failure of the Arab Spring in her homeland and who has been traumatized into silence by her brutal journey from Syria to Britain.As an outsider, a mute voyeur, she sees everything, she hears everything: the love, the fighting, the families, the secrets, the lies, the sex, the shame. Slowly drawn into the community that surrounds her, she begins to come to terms with all she has lost. After a brutal attack on the local mosque, she realises she is the only witness to the truth behind the violence. But will she finally speak of all she''s seen?Rear Window meets Exit West, this beautifully written novel tells the powerful story oTrade Review‘Compelling and original, Silence Is a Sense is uncomfortably close to the bone, depicting a country riven by racism and violence’ OBSERVER ‘Silence is a Sense is a fierce novel. The prose is ferocious, the pace is ferocious… Layla AlAmmar has skilfully woven a narrative of memory and grief with an illuminating social critique of the position of asylum seekers within contemporary British society. It is daring and devastating’ FIONA MOZLEY ‘Silence is a Sense is not an easy read, but it is a necessary one’ TLS ‘A powerful new voice, full of brilliant, sharp observational detail’ NIKITA LALWANI ‘I admire this book. It is an intelligent, insightful novel that asks vital questions about how we can begin to express trauma, and in what form’ GUARDIAN ‘Silence is a Sense opens the door on lives we need to hear more about. Lyrical, moving, revealing, it made me understand better the very human need for safety and contact’ TRACY CHEVALIER ‘I was properly enthralled: such intelligence, such a deep pure standard of human decency and connection, such beautiful writing. So intriguing and at the same time revelatory, and absolutely on point about trauma. A little bit Rear Window, a little bit Home Fire, a little bit Shameless. I loved it' LOUISA YOUNG ‘A haunting, lyrical novel about hope, healing and redemption’ RED MAGAZINE ‘The new genre: suburbanoir… Expect more riffs on the dark side of the picket fence to come: out this week is Silence Is a Sense by Layla AlAmmar described as “Rear Window meets [Mohsin Hamid’s] Exit West”, which follows a mute Syrian refugee watching her neighbours from her new apartment’ STYLE MAGAZINE ‘A stunning, evocative read’ J NEWS

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Book Synopsis?????'Well this book blew my mind! What a delicious plot twist. One of the best psychological thrillers I have read in a very long time' Michelle, reader reviewShe told you her secret. Now she's dead and it's your faultAs the local doctor, Kate O''Leary has the respect of her community, after all she''s helped generations of those in need.But then a teenage patient is murdered. And her blood is found in Kate''s house.Her neighbours turn against her and rumours start to spread. Alone and under arrest, Kate turns to the one person who can help. But she knows that even an official verdict can mean nothing if those looking for revenge find you guilty.Kate knows she''s not a killer. But if it''s not her, then who? And finding the truth might be the only way to stay aliveLocal Whispers is a gripping and twisty psychological crime thriller perfect for fans of Claire Douglas and Gillian McAllister.See what readers are saying:?????'So many hidden surprises and twists and turns, amazing and darkTrade Review What others are saying about Flowers for the Dead: 'Wow, I loved this book very much. It's dark, intense and quite chilling at times, and it really made for some harrowing reading.' Sarah, NetGalley reviewer 5* 'Bar none, this one of my top favorite thrillers to date. Whoa! Damn… You've gotta read it! 5+ stars.' Olivia, NetGalley reviewer 5* 'I would fully recommend this well written book. Strap yourself in – the subject matter is harrowing but expertly woven into a tale of secrets, mis-truths and ulterior motives.' Mark, NetGalley reviewer 5* ‘One of the best novels I read for 2019. The rough storyline hit a nerve and didn't stop until the end. I loved the strong and determined main character.’ Reva, Netgalley reviewer ‘A great psychological thriller which will keep you reading until the last page.’ Sharon, Netgalley reviewer ‘I thought I knew the culprit and then thought it was first one character and then another. Isn’t this what makes a great mystery?’ Sallie, Netgalley reviewer ‘An exhilarating read, everything I would hope for in a psychological thriller.’ Netgalley reviewer

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Book Synopsis''YES SAM CARRINGTON, YES. This is how you write a thriller I read this in one three-hour sitting and I regret nothing.'' Goodreads reviewer ?????From bestselling author Sam Carrington who also writes as Alice Hunter comes another nail-biting thriller.You never really know what goes on behind closed doorsWhen Isla McKenzie is brutally mugged, it's her boyfriend Zach who's there for her, who moves in to look after her when she can barely bring herself to leave the house.But then something else happens, right on their doorstep. And it's almost like someone's out to get herCan Isla and Zach find out the truth before it's too late? Or at least before the secrets they're hiding from each other surface?Because those may be even deadlierFrom the USA Today bestselling author Sam Carrington comes an absolutely compelling psychological thriller that will make you question how well you know those closest to youand how safe you ever are. Perfect for fans of Behind Closed Doors,The Girl on the Train, and Gillian Flynn.Readers love The Couple on Maple Drive:Phew! This is a real edge of your seat gripping story. My heart was pounding and I was screaming!' Goodreads reviewer ?????WOW!! Incredible, from the prologue to the end. I was hooked and the twist at the end!! O M G I did not see that coming Guys, This is a MUST read!!!' Goodreads reviewer ?????Amazing. Icould not put the book down for even a minutemind blowing I spent the whole day telling my sister about it.'' NetGalley reviewer ?????''I can''t speak highly enough of this It kept me up reading til the early hours.'' NetGalley reviewer ?????I devoured this One of the best books I've read this year.' Goodreads reviewer ?????A fantastic page turner just all round amazing Had me feeling every single moment of fear, unease, and creepiness. One thriller you won''t want to miss!' Rubie_reads ?????Wow! fantastic I loved it so much!so addictiveIt felt as though I was watching a movie.' Goodreads reviewer ?????Trade Review PRAISE FOR SAM CARRINGTON ‘Another belter from Sam Carrington. Beautifully written. Cleverly constructed… I couldn’t put it down.’ Amanda Robson, Sunday Times bestselling author ‘A claustrophobic, creepy tale of secrets, betrayal and deceit. Well-written and well-plotted. Very well done!’ Diane Jeffrey ‘Lacing everyday life with menace is Sam Carrington’s greatest strength as a storyteller.’ The Times ‘The premise grabbed me right away and the novel itself didn’t disappoint!… A creepy, compelling read, full of twists and turns with well-drawn, unreliable characters that kept me guessing!’ Sarah Pearse ‘A pacy read, packed with surprises. Will keep you on your toes.’ Jane Corry ‘I devoured this story in one sitting’ Louise Jensen ‘Expertly written … with plentiful twists and unforgettable characters.’ Caroline Mitchell ‘Keeps you guessing right to the end' Sue Fortin ‘A kick-ass page turner … I was knocked senseless by the awesome twist.’ John Marrs ‘A gripping read which moved at a head-spinning pace … I simply couldn't put this book down until I reached the dramatic and devastating conclusion.’ Claire Allan ‘Engrossing psychological suspense… Sam Carrington had me hooked!’ Emma Curtis ‘Utterly original and thought provoking … This cries out to be made into a TV series.’ Amanda Robson Psychologist Connie Summers is a fascinatingly flesh-and-blood guide through this twisty thriller.' Louise Candlish ‘Tense, convincing … kept me guessing’ Caz Frear ‘A claustrophobic psychological thriller that had me double checking my doors and windows were locked!’ Vicki Bradley ‘There were so many unexpected twists; just when I thought I had everything worked out, bam! Everything flipped. It’s Sam Carrington’s best yet!’ Libby Carpenter

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewReaders are gripped by Sarah Goodwin: ‘Suspense, twists, deceit… I had my heart in my mouth the whole time’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘IT WAS SO GOOD’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Utterly unputdownable… You’re going to love every single twisty page!!’ NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘INTENSE… My heart was pounding’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘I started this book today and finished it in one sitting. I literally could not put it down’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Definitely a five-star read. I couldn't put this one down. It never failed to keep me on the edge of my seat… Such a great ending too!!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Wow! I read this way too quickly, I really didn't want it to end… Amazing… Loved it!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘You'll be on the edge of your seat, racing to finish this book… I read this book one afternoon. I simply could not put it down. I cannot wait until a friend reads this book because I want to discuss it… Get a copy now!!’ NetGalley review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Book SynopsisHeart-breaking but so uplifting Kerry really is a hugely talented voice.' Nicola Cornick, author of The Forgotten SisterInspired by an incredible true story, this is an unforgettable novel about love, loss and one impossible choiceLondon, 1940When nurse Elsie offers to send a reassuring letter to the family of a patient, she has an idea. She begins a book of last letters: messages to be sent on to wounded soldiers' loved ones should the very worst come to pass, so that no one is left without a final goodbye.But one message will change Elsie's life forever. When a patient makes a devastating request, can Elsie find the strength to do the unthinkable?London, present dayStephanie has a lot of people she'd like to speak to: her estranged brother, to whom her last words were in anger; her nan, whose dementia means she is only occasionally lucid enough to talk.When she discovers a book of wartime letters, Stephanie realises the importance of our final words and uncovers the story of a secrTrade Review‘Wonderful… Both heart-warming and heart-breaking… Unputdownable.’ Kathleen McGurl, author of The Girl from Bletchley Park ‘Poignant and full of heart, this is a beautiful read about love, kindness and impossible choices… Heart-breaking but ultimately uplifting.’ Annie Lyons, author of Eudora Honeysett Is Quite Well, Thank You

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