Search results for ""author . .""

The twelfth Inspector Rebus bestseller - a powerfully gripping novel where past and present collide...From the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES'This is, quite simply, crime writing of the highest order' DAILY EXPRESS'The unopposed champion of the British police procedural' GUARDIANA student has gone missing in Edinburgh. She's not just any student, though, but the daughter of well-to-do and influential bankers. There's almost nothing to go on until DI John Rebus gets an unmistakable gut feeling that there's more to this than just another runaway spaced out on unaccustomed freedom. Two leads emerge: a carved wooden doll in a toy coffin, found in the student's home village, and an internet role-playing game. The ancient and the modern, brought together by uncomfortable circumstance...

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The fourth Inspector Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES - 'unmatched in the field of British crime fiction' THE TIMES.Gregor Jack, MP, well-liked, young, married to the fiery Elizabeth - to the outside world a very public success story. But Jack's carefully nurtured career plans take a tumble after a 'mistake' during a police raid on a notorious Edinburgh brothel. Then Elizabeth disappears, a couple of bodies float into view where they shouldn't, and a lunatic speaks from his asylum...Initially Rebus is sympathetic to the MP's dilemma - who hasn't occasionally succumbed to temptation? - but with the disappearance of Jack's wife the glamour surrounding the popular young man begins to tarnish. Someone wants to strip Jack naked and Rebus wants to know why...

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What happens when a killer becomes the target...? A gripping tale from the No.1 bestselling author A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES'Rankin is without doubt Britain's best crime novelist' ExpressThe death of a journalist from a single bullet to the heart makes for a dramatic story - but the twist in the tale is that this time, it's the man who fired the gun who's asking all the questions...The assassin, Michael Weston, knows he has carried out his assignment successfully. One mistake was enough, a long time ago, when a young girl had accidentally received the fatal bullet. Her father hired a PI named Hoffer to track him down. Every time Weston completed a job, Hoffer was not far behind. But why had the police been on the scene so quickly? Weston has to find out - even if it means coming face to face with Hoffer...

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Cuddle up and laugh with this heart-warming and funny children's picture book from number-one bestselling author David Walliams, gloriously illustrated by the awesome Adam Stower!One morning, deep in the forest, a beautiful baby panda was born. The panda was different to all the others, as he had dazzling orange fur.I will call you Marmalade, his mummy whispered. . .Meet Marmalade, the little panda who goes on a big adventure as he sets off to explore the forest one day to find where he belongs. Along the way, he meets all sorts of animals . . . until he sees he has come full circle and is back home with his mum, which is where he always did belong, of course!This gorgeous and endearing story is a celebration of family love, being yourself and finding your place in the world. It is the perfect story to share with your special someone big or little.

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**WINNER OF THE PRECIOUS LIFESTYLE MUST READ OF THE YEAR AWARD 2018**‘This will creep its way under your skin and stay there long after you finish the final few gut-twisting chapters. Brilliant’ Heat_____________________Brighton Beach, 1993Teenagers Nell and Jude find the body of a young woman and when no one comes to claim her, she becomes known as the Brighton Mermaid. Nell is still struggling to move on when, three weeks later, Jude disappears.Twenty-five years on, Nell is forced to quit her job to find out who the Brighton Mermaid really was – and what happened to her best friend that summer.But as Nell edges closer to the truth, dangerous things start to happen. Someone seems to be watching her every move, and soon she starts to wonder who in her life she can actually trust…Fast-paced and thrilling, The Brighton Mermaid explores the deadly secrets of those closest to you._____________________‘Another brilliant, suspenseful read from a master storyteller’ (Candis)‘With a cracking plot to boot – this brilliant read will hook you from the start’ (Fabulous magazine)‘This will creep its way under your skin and stay there long after you finish the final few gut-twisting chapters. Brilliant’ (Heat)‘Tense and emotional’ (My Weekly)‘Thrilling!’ (Take A Break)‘Koomson is the queen of the big reveal, and takes her time slowly building the tension in this truly gripping read’ (The Sun)‘Has all the classic elements of the big beach novel. It adds extra depths to the whodunit in terms of characterisation and emotional impact, and races to a conclusion that had me turning the pages as if they were on fire’ (Viva magazine)‘A hot read’ (Woman magazine)‘Just when you think you know what happened and you have your suspects a turn of the page will prove you wrong. This novel is fast paced and a great read’ (Woman’s Way)‘The novel simmers with tension and an undercurrent of darkness’ (Daily Express)‘The Brighton Mermaid is a breathtakingly brilliant, twisty belter of a book and you need to read it!’ (Miranda Dickinson, author of Somewhere Beyond The Sea)‘Fast-paced, dark and simmering – can’t recommend this novel enough.’ (Caroline Smailes, author ofThe Drowning of Arthur Braxton)

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'A full throttle, adrenaline-laced espionage page-turner . . . Get ready to blast off and enjoy the ride!' Jack Carr, former Navy SEAL Sniper and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the James Reece Terminal List series'Continuous action, Mach-speed mayhem, sharp intrigue, and well-rounded characters - what more could you want from a thriller?' Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The 9th Man and the Cotton Malone seriesIsrael, late 1973. As the Yom Kippur War flares into life, a state-of-the-art Soviet MIG fighter is racing at breakneck speed over the arid scrublands below . . . and promptly disappears.NASA Flight Controller and former US Navy test pilot Kaz Zemeckis watches the scene from the ground - and is quickly pulled into a dizzying, high-stakes game of spies, lies and a possible high-level defection that plays out across three continents. The prize is beyond value: the secrets of the Soviets' mythical 'Foxbat' MiG-25, the fastest, highest-flying fighter plane in the world and the key to Cold War air supremacy. But every defection is double-edged with risk, and Kaz must tread a careful line between trust and suspicion. Ultimately, he must invite the fox into the henhouse - bringing the defector into the heart of the United States' most secret test site - and hope that, with skill and cunning, the game plays out his way. For Chris Hadfield's second heart-stopping thriller, we move from Space to another rich and exciting part of Chris's CV: his time as a top test pilot in both the US Air Force and the US Navy, and as an RCAF fighter pilot intercepting armed Soviet bombers in North American airspace. Full of insider detail, excitement and political intrigue drawn from real events, The Defector brings us the nerve-shredding rush of aerial combat, as told by one of the world's best fighter pilots.Praise for The Apollo Murders'A nail-biting Cold War thriller' James Cameron'An exciting journey to an alternate past' Andy Weir 'Not to be missed' Frederick Forsyth 'Explosive' Gregg Hurwitz 'Exciting, authentic' Linwood Barclay

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THE NAIL-BITING PAGE-TURNER FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE COUPLE AT NO 9 'A chilling reminder that sometimes home is where the hurt is' CARA HUNTER 'This kept me up last night. Scary. Twisty. All too believable' JANE CORRY________ Could your dream home be your worst nightmare? After what happened in London, Kirsty needs a fresh start with her family. And running a guesthouse in the Welsh mountains sounds idyllic. But then their first guest arrives.Selena is the last person Kirsty wants to see. It's 17 years since she tore everything apart. Why has she chosen now to walk back into Kirsty's life? Is Selena running from something too? Or is there an even darker reason for her visit? Because Kirsty knows that once you invite trouble into your home, getting rid of it can be murder . . . ________ 'Absorbing and chilling' Karen Perry, author of Your Closest Friend 'I raced through it' Gillian McAllister, author of No Further Questions 'Kept me guessing up to the thrilling finale' Emma Curtis, author of One Little Mistake

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For the late twentieth century, the death of the author assumed a significance analogous to the death of God one hundred years previously. In this now classic study, Sean Burke both provides the first detailed explanation of anti-authorialism and shows how, even taken on its own terms, the attempt to abolish the author is philosophically untenable. Rather than developing a traditionally humanist defence, Burke effectively out-theorises theory through rigorous readings which demonstrate that the concept of the author remained profoundly active even and especially as its disappearance was being articulated. The question of the author, he argues, is not a question within theory but the question of theory. Building on a substantially revised second edition, Burke further explores the challenges faced by an authorial theory that is 'still to come'. Prompted by the responses to the passing of Jacques Derrida in 2004, he revisits the enigmatic borderlines between life and work, life and (authorial) death. Features of the third edition: *A 5,000-word Preface which considers Derrida's legacy and the future of authorial theory *Two new chapters which submit the biographical and autobiographical to independent theoretical scrutiny *A fully updated bibliography

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**A Sunday Times TOP TEN BESTSELLER** THE FOURTH BOOK IN THE ANDEE LAWRENCE SERIESThe SHOCKING new novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Susan Lewis. You might forgive, but can you forget? 'A master storyteller' Diane Chamberlain*********Andee Lawrence is in heaven. Well, the South of France to be exact. Ex-detective Andee has swapped freelance investigation and a broken marriage, for two months in Provence, renovating a beautiful villa with the new man in her life. Pottering around a small picturesque town on an early summer's day, she is at peace. But her world is about to be shattered. 'Remember me?' Two words spoken by a woman from the back of a car that say so much yet reveal so little. As the car drives away Andee is left reeling, overwhelmed by shock, confusion, self-doubt and mounting trepidation. Almost thirty years ago, fourteen year old Penny had disappeared from her family's life, never to be heard from again. It is the missing child case that has haunted Andee her whole life; And now Penny - Andee's sister - is back. The question is: why?

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'Downton with dance, perfect' Santa Montefiore'A novel that's like a hug!' Phillip Schofield A sweeping tale of love and courage against the backdrop of World War II, from Sunday Times bestselling author and King of the Ballroom, Anton Du Beke. London, 1939.As war is declared once more, a shadow falls over Britain. The staff at the luxurious Buckingham hotel must do all that they can to keep their important guests happy, but behind the scenes they are scared. Away from the glitz and the glamour of the ballroom they must face this new reality.Newlywed Nancy knows that her brave husband, debonair dancer Raymond de Guise will want to fight for his country and enlist. She loves and supports him but is heartbroken at the thought of them being apart, and the dangers he will face.With a new hotel manager at the helm, no one knows what the future holds but as fashionable society retreats from London and staff depart to sign up for service, one thing is for certain; life at the Buckingham will never be the same again . . .'A rollicking good read, the work of a gifted storyteller' Daily Mail, on One Enchanted Evening

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From Alison Pick, Booker longlisted author of FAR TO GO comes a suspenseful, dystopian reimagining of the founding of a kibbutz in 1920s Palestine, for readers of WHEN I LIVED IN MODERN TIMES, THE HANDMAID'S TALE or THE POWER.'We came into their valley at dawn'. From three vastly different points of view, Alison Pick relates the story of a group of Jewish pioneers, many escaping violent homelands, who have come together to found a kibbutz on a patch of land that will later become Israel. With tightly controlled intensity, Pick takes us into three very different minds to show us how a utopian dream is punctured by messy human entanglements. Yet this is also the story of the land itself (present day Israel and Palestine), revealing the way the newcomers chose to ignore the fact that their valley was already populated, home to a people that the pioneers did not want to see.In writing of extraordinary, at times heartbreaking power, Pick has created unforgettable characters, haunted by ghosts and compromised by unbearable secrets. The novel's shocking conclusion is a tour de force, the work of a writer uniquely in control of her craft and with an extraordinary insight into the innermost workings of the human heart.

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*THE STUNNING NEW NOVEL FROM INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR KAYTE NUNN!*'Absolutely magnificent' NATASHA LESTER'Hugely engaging' DAILY MAILWar would bring them together.But would it ultimately tear them apart?Burma, 1945.Bea, Plum, Bubbles, Joy and Lucy are five young women looking for adventure, fighting a forgotten war in the jungle attached to the Fourteenth Army. Running a mobile canteen, navigating treacherous roads and dodging hostile gunfire, they soon become embroiled in life-threatening battles of their own - battles that will haunt the women for the rest of their lives. Oxford, 1976. At the height of an impossibly hot English summer, a woman slips into a museum and steals several rare Japanese netsuke, including the famed fox-girl. Despite the offer of a considerable reward, these tiny, exquisitely detailed carvings are never seen again. London and Galway, 1999. On the eve of the new millennium, Olivia, assistant to an art dealer, meets Beatrix, an elderly widow who wishes to sell her late husband's collection of Japanese art. Concealing her own motives, Olivia travels with Beatrix to a New Year's Eve party, deep in the Irish countryside, where friendships will be tested and secrets kept for more than fifty years are spilled...

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From the bestselling author of The Favour, The New Mother is an addictive, bone-chilling twist on motherhood and murder in suburbia.It's hard being a new mother. Sometimes it's murder . . .Natalie Fanning already loves her newborn son, Oliver, with everything she has. From the moment he was born she knew that she was meant to be his mother, even though she didn’t want that to be all she was.When Oliver refuses to sleep, and her husband Tyler returns to work, Nat is left mostly alone in a new house, in a new neighbourhood, the task of keeping her small son healthy and happy on her shoulders alone. No one else can breastfeed Oliver; no one else will protect him like she can; no one can help her.No one, that is, except her neighbour Paul.Paul is everything Tyler isn’t, and provides the lifeline she needs in what feels like the most desperate of times. When Paul is helping with Oliver, calmed by his reassuring, steady presence, Nat feels like she can finally rest.But Paul wants something in return. It’s no coincidence that he's befriended Nat – she is the perfect pawn for his own plan . . .* * *Praise for Nora Murphy:'I couldn't put it down' – Shari Lapena'Taut, compelling and deliciously dark' – B. A. Paris'Brilliant, gripping, dark and superbly written' – Gilly Macmillan

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**SOON TO BE A MAJOR TV SERIES STARRING SAM NEILL AND ANNETTE BENING**THE NO. 1 BESTSELLER AND RICHARD & JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK THE DELICIOUSLY DARK SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER FROM THE AUTHOR OF NINE PERFECT STRANGERS AND HBO'S BIG LITTLE LIES'Perfect holiday reading' GUARDIAN'Smart, sharp and utterly riveting' DAILY MAIL'Stunning' SUNDAY TIMES'A tour de force' GRAZIA'A masterclass' SUN________Joy and Stan Delaney have four grown-up children, a successful family business and their golden years ahead of them.Then Joy vanishes.Questions are asked. The police get involved.Scratch the surface and this seemingly happy family has much to hide . . .________'Deliciously dark' COSMOPOLITAN'Utterly and completely wonderful . . . A hugely engaging, sometimes very funny, page-turner' MARIAN KEYES'Moriarty's expert storytelling will have you turning page after page' i'A corker of a mystery' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH'If you want a book to see you through on your beach towel this summer, I highly recommend Liane's latest, Apples Never Fall. There's a lot of truth in it. Something we really do need right now' FI GLOVER, Waitrose Weekend'I loved it. An absolute page-turner with all the wit and nuance that put Liane Moriarty head and shoulders above the crowd. Liane Moriarty shows once again why she leads the pack' JANE HARPER 'One of the few writers I'll drop anything for' JOJO MOYES

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From the number one bestselling author of Miss Austen, a powerful and moving novel featuring Jane Austen's closest friend and confidante . . .* Waterstones Fiction Book of the Month *'So envious of anyone yet to read this. A triumph!' Nigella Lawson'A masterly piece of storytelling.' Helena Kelly'The great writer is brought to life in this clever, well-researched piece of fiction' The Times'Thoroughly entertaining, Godmersham Park has some of the same understated wit and sharp observation as Austen's novels' Sunday Times'Displays a keen sense of wit and rich characterisation ... a thoroughly enjoyable book' Observer________________January 1804: Anne Sharpe arrives at Godmersham Park in Kent to take up the position of governess.At thirty-one years old, she has no previous experience of either teaching or fine country houses. But her mother has died and she desperately needs an independent income if she is to survive.For her new charge, twelve-year-old Fanny Austen, Anne's arrival is all novelty and excitement.But Anne is keenly aware that her new role is an awkward one: she is neither one of the servants nor one of the family, and to balance a position between the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' members of the household is a diplomatic chess game. One wrong move may result in her instant dismissal.She has just begun to settle into her position when dashing Henry Austen and his younger sister Jane come to stay.Both take an immediate interest in the pretty, clever governess who quickly becomes drawn into the above stairs life of the Austen family.Despite her best endeavours, Anne finds that she is beginning to fall in love. But has her survival at Godmersham Park just become a good deal more precarious?________________More love for Godmersham Park . . .'If you love Jane Austen you're sure to enjoy Gill Hornby's stylish glimpse into the life of young governess Anne Sharp ... this elegantly written tale skilfully recreates a world where governesses are midway between the family upstairs and the servants downstairs.' The Independent 'Utterly absorbing and illuminating ... Gill Hornby's best book yet.' Esther Freud'I read it straight through without looking up.' Karen Joy Fowler'Meticulously researched, Hornby's absorbing novel revels in the joys and tensions of life above and below stairs.' Mail on Sunday'An invigorating riff on an author whose life and works keep on giving, and an ideal companion for your beach towel this summer.' Metro'Gill Hornby has created another winning tribute to the genius of Jane.' Woman________________Readers can't get enough of Godmersham Park . . .***** 'An utter joy - powerful, moving, clever and entirely delightful.'***** 'I enjoyed the pace of the story as well as learning about the family.'***** 'I was quite transported by Godmersham Park, which often feels as if from Austen's own pen.'***** 'I have never loved a book so much!'***** 'I thoroughly enjoyed the story.'Sunday Times bestseller, January 2023

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'I wrapped duct tape around her mouth and her nose and watched her suffocate to death . . . then I went back to work' - former Colonel David Russell Williams of the Royal Canadian Air Force, 2010Sunday Times-bestselling author Christopher Berry-Dee is back with a companion volume that delves even deeper into the savage world of psychopaths and their hideous crimes. This time, however, he combines sections on killers whom he has known, interviewed or corresponded with, with studies of psychopathic serial killers from the past, including Peter Kürten, the 'Düsseldorf Monster', John Christie, responsible for the killings at 10 Rillington Place; and Neville Heath, a ladykiller in every sense of the word.The result is a chilling narrative that sets the forensic examination of killers and their crimes within the context of murder in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, an examination of the evil mind set against the insoluble problem of identifying psychopaths who kill. This is not a book for the squeamish, but it is undeniably fascinating in its portrayal of just what one human being will do to others - while all too often moving among us unnoticed and unhindered. If their crimes seem as incomprehensible as they are horrific, it is undeniably true that the world's most savage killers may be much closer than we think . . .

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The explosive finale to the Extraordinaries trilogy by New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune.School's out for the summer and a raging heat wave has blanketed Nova City. Still, Nick's life is pretty much perfect, as he finally gets to team up with his superhero boyfriend to bring justice, protection, and disaster energy to the world.Meanwhile, Seth, Jazz, and Gibby are setting up headquarters for Lighthouse, their hero team, Nick's dad's private investigation agency is taking off, and Nick's mother, the superhero known as TK, is right there at Nick's side. Where she's always been. Hasn't she?But something's off. It's not just Simon Burke campaigning to 'cure' Extraordinaries. And it's not the rumours of Nick's ex-boyfriend and villain-in-the-making's escape. Something isn't right and Nick will need all his loved ones together to uncover the truth - a truth that will reveal a traitor in their midst and burn through their lives like a wild fire.Praise for The Extraordinaries'Half a love-letter to fandom, half self-aware satire, and wholly lovable' Sophie Gonzales'The most down-to-earth book about superheroes I've ever read' Mason Deaver'Klune plays with superhero genre tropes and fan-fiction clichés with the skill of a true fan' Kirkus Reviews'Is it possible to fall in love with someone's imagination? If so, consider me fully smitten' David Leviathan

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'Immersive, involving, suspenseful, and intriguing, with a main character you'll love' LEE CHILDNo.1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Charlaine Harris returns to her alternate history of the United States where magic is an acknowledged but despised power in this fourth installment of the Gunnie Rose series.Felicia, Lizbeth Rose's half-sister and a student at the Grigori Rasputin school in San Diego - capital of the Holy Russian Empire - is caught between her own secrets and powerful family struggles. As a granddaughter of Rasputin, she provides an essential service to the haemophiliac Tsar Alexei, providing him with the blood transfusions that keep him alive. Felicia is treated like a nonentity at the bedside of the tsar, and at the school she's seen as a charity case with no magical ability.But when Felicia is snatched outside the school, the facts of her heritage begin to surface. Felicia turns out to be far more than the Russian-Mexican waif Lizbeth rescued. As Felicia's history unravels and her true abilities become known, she comes under attack from all directions. Only her courage will keep her alive.Love The Walking Dead, Westworld or True Blood? You will ADORE this gritty and wildly entertaining tale, set in a parallel reality of the United States where magic is an outlawed power.__________Praise for Charlaine Harris:'A gripping, twisty-turny, thrill-ride of a read' Karin Slaughter, New York Times bestselling author'Harris has a remarkable talent for world building' Booklist'Will leave readers enthralled. [A] fascinating setting and a heroine who's sure to be a new fan favourite' Publishers Weekly (starred review)'A master of her craft . . . dazzling' Seanan McGuire, NYT Bestselling author'A gritty, action-filled story with a touch of magic' Anne Bishop, NYT Bestselling author

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Willow and Dustin are the perfect couple.Or so he thought, until she disappeared . . . 'Amelia Mandeville is an author to watch' EMMA COOPER Meet the couple you'll fall for head over heels, and discover the novel that will break your heart and put it back together again "I felt ALL the emotions reading this book" ***** "The characters were so relatable" ***** "You never want it to end" ***** "Putting this book down will be your only challenge" ***** "The romance was magical" ***** ________________________Willow and Dustin. They're the perfect couple, everyone says so. And since the birth of their baby daughter, Dustin is sure his little family is all he will ever need. So his world is shattered when he arrives home to find that Willow has disappeared, leaving only a cryptic note to say goodbye with no explanation of where she has gone or why she has left.Determined to bring her home, Dustin sets out to find Willow. But the more he learns about the girl he loves most in the world, the more he feels like he's trying to solve a puzzle without all the pieces. Was Willow really keeping secrets from him? Or was he just not looking closely enough in the first place?________________________ ***WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT AMELIA MANDEVILLE*** 'She has touched my soul and lit up my heart''You feel every emotion on the spectrum with these characters''Simply stunning''Her book is everything I could have hoped for and more''It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it left me wanting more''Easy to read and yet terribly emotive'

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RICHARD AND JUDY BESTSELLING AUTHOR'Gripping, emotional, utterly engrossing' Lisa Ballantyne'Stunning writing and wonderful nuanced characterisation. I was hooked' Rosamund LuptonFor fans of Maggie O'Farrell and Celeste Ng, How It Ends is a sweeping and turbulent drama about the anxieties of post-war Britain, where one strong and inspirational young woman looks to find her place, no matter the cost... 1957: Within a year of arriving at an American airbase in Suffolk, the loving, law-abiding Delaney family is destroyed. Did they know something they weren't allowed to know? Did they find something they weren't supposed to find? Only one girl has the courage to question what really went on behind closed doors . . . Hedy's journey to the truth leads her to read a manuscript that her talented twin brother had started months before he died, a story inspired by an experience in the forest surrounding the airbase perimeter. Only through deciding to finish what her brother started does Hedy begin to piece together what happened to her family.But would she have continued if she'd known then what she knows now? Sometimes, it's safer not to finish what you've started...Praise for Saskia Sarginson:'An intense and brooding read, with a brilliantly claustrophobic sense of place' Sunday Mirror on How it Ends'An engrossing read with endearing characters thrust into traumatic circumstances. It stayed with me long after the last page' Lisa Ballantyne on How It Ends'Outstandingly good. Part thriller, part love story, I guarantee you will not be able to put it down' Sun on The Twins 'Atmospheric, readable, beautifully evoked' Sunday Mirror on Without You 'Stunning in its insight and beautifully written' Judy Finnigan on The Twins'This enthralling read will keep you up long into the night' Ruth Ware on The Other Me'Inspirational and compelling' Candis Review on How it Ends 'A stunning writer with deep insight into people, their thoughts and behaviour' NZ Women's Weekly

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From the bestselling author of Before I Fall and the Delirium trilogy, Ringer questions how to be human in a world where humanity cannot be taken for granted. Perfect for fans of Tom and Giovanna Fletcher's EVE OF MAN. **Don't forget to buy the new novel, BROKEN THINGS, now!**LYRAIn the wold outside the Haven institute, Lyra and Caelum are finding it hard to be human. Though free from the doctors, guards and fences, they feel more trapped than ever. Lyra, infected at Haven with a terrible disease, finds her symptoms growing worse and neither of them know who they can trust. Even Gemma, who swore to help, seems to have forgotten them. GEMMAWhen Gemma learns that her controlling father has new plans for Lyra and Caelum, she knows she must do something to stop him. But after being mistaken for an escaped Replica, Gemma is imprisoned. It seems that Haven Institute wasn't destroyed after all. And now Gemma is the one behind bars . . . Gemma and Lyra's stories combine in this breath-taking adventure. Like them, you won't be able to leave the world of Haven behind easily . . .Praise for Lauren Oliver'Electric, heartbreaking, pulse-pounding, and timely, REPLICA is a riveting two-for-one. Two complex heroines, two puzzling mysteries, two weaving adventures, all in one astounding novel' Victoria Aveyard, bestselling author of Red Queen 'Alarming and uplifting, a rare psychological thriller that has a kind heart at its centre. Read it with all the lights on' E. Lockhart, bestselling author of We Were Liars 'A tense, clever psychological thriller, with a devastating denouement that will make you want to start the book all over again' Daily Mail 'Brilliantly written, gritty, deep and compassionate. I couldn't give it a higher recommendation!' Guardian 'Lauren Oliver is the rising star of young adult fiction' The Times 'A searing pair of intertwined stories about the line between science and humanity, told with Oliver's signature grace, uniqueness, and precision. It's a new story every way you turn it - but always gorgeous, always haunting' Marie Lu, author of The Young Elites and Legend

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From the bestselling author of Before I Fall and the Delirium trilogy, Replica questions how to be human in a world where humanity cannot be taken for granted. Perfect for fans of Tom and Giovanna Fletcher's EVE OF MAN. **Don't forget to buy the new novel, BROKEN THINGS, now!**LYRAThe Haven Institute - tucked away on a private island, it looks serene, even beautiful. But up close you'll notice the locked doors. The guards. The biohazard suits. A clandestine research facility where thousands of replicas - human models - are born, raised and observed, Haven is a prison. A prison from which Lyra and a boy known only as 72 manage to escape. GEMMAIn and out of hospitals for as long as she can remember, Gemma's teenage years have been lonely and a little dull. But after she is nearly abducted by a stranger claiming to know her, Gemma starts to investigate her family past, discovering mysterious links to the secretive Haven research facility. Gemma leaves home hungry for answers, only to stumble upon two replicas and a completely new set of questionsWhen Lyra and Gemma meet each other on the outside world they join together in a mission to discover the truth about Haven, uncovering earth-shattering secrets that will change lives forever. . . .Praise for Lauren Oliver'Electric, heartbreaking, pulse-pounding, and timely, REPLICA is a riveting two-for-one. Two complex heroines, two puzzling mysteries, two weaving adventures, all in one astounding novel' Victoria Aveyard, bestselling author of Red Queen 'Alarming and uplifting, a rare psychological thriller that has a kind heart at its centre. Read it with all the lights on' E. Lockhart, bestselling author of We Were Liars 'A tense, clever psychological thriller, with a devastating denouement that will make you want to start the book all over again' Daily Mail 'Brilliantly written, gritty, deep and compassionate. I couldn't give it a higher recommendation!' Guardian 'Lauren Oliver is the rising star of young adult fiction' The Times 'A searing pair of intertwined stories about the line between science and humanity, told with Oliver's signature grace, uniqueness, and precision. It's a new story every way you turn it - but always gorgeous, always haunting' Marie Lu, author of The Young Elites and Legend

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'Chilling, intelligent, and highly addictive. Superb.' Will Dean, author of Dark PinesThree women have been found dead in East Anglia. The police deny a connection. TV news reporter Frankie smells a story . . .Ava knows that the threat is real. She's been kidnapped by someone claiming to be the killer: a stranger who seems to know everything about her.As Frankie follows the case, she enters a terrifying online world where men's rage against women may be turning murderous - and where her persistence might just make her a target. And Ava must struggle not only to stay alive . . . but to stay sane.From journalist and the author of The Wolf Den, The Death Knock is a compelling story of the worst that man can do and the hunt for the truth - at all costs.See what everyone is saying about this brilliant read:'I was enjoying the reading of it so much, I slowed down the number of chapters I read at a time, in order to savour it for longer!' Amazon reviewer'A great read, both thought provoking and chilling' Goodreads reviewer'A story that pulls you in immediately' Amazon reviewer'Easy 5* here . . . a tense atmospheric mystery that is highly addictive' Goodreads reviewer'A fast paced and intelligent thriller' Amazon reviewer'Cleverly plotted. Highly recommended' Goodreads reviewer

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HARLAN COBEN MEETS HAPPY VALLEY IN THIS ROLLERCOASTER NEW THRILLER FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR***Whether you're already a fan of TWELVE SECRETS or whether you're discovering Robert Gold for the first time, ELEVEN LIARS will have you glued to the pages***Already excited for more Ben Harper? TEN SECONDS is out in 2024. Pre-order now and be the first to read it'A plot full of shocking twists where every character leads you in a different direction. I loved it!' KARIN SLAUGHTERPRAISE FOR ROBERT GOLD'Superb' LISA JEWELL 'This is what every other thriller aspires to be' Reader Review'Utterly absorbing' SHARI LAPENA'Excellent' LEE CHILD'My new favourite author' Read Review'One of a kind' JAMES PATTERSON___________________Journalist Ben Harper is on his way home when he sees the flames in the churchyard. The derelict community centre is on fire. And somebody is trapped inside. With Ben's help the person escapes, only to flee the scene before they can be identified. Now the small town of Haddley is abuzz with rumours. Was this an accident, or arson?Then a skeleton is found in the burnt-out foundations.And when the identity of the victim is revealed, Ben is confronted with a crime that is terrifyingly close to home. As he uncovers a web of deceit and destruction that goes back decades, Ben quickly learns that in this small town, everybody has something to hide.

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A NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE HENNA ARTIST, A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICKGood Morning America’s “27 Books for June" PopSugar’s Best Summer Reads of 2021 In New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi’s intriguing new novel, henna artist Lakshmi arranges for her protégé, Malik, to intern at the Jaipur Palace in this tale rich in character, atmosphere, and lavish storytelling.It’s the spring of 1969, and Lakshmi, now married to Dr. Jay Kumar, directs the Healing Garden in Shimla. Malik has finished his private school education. At twenty, he has just met a young woman named Nimmi when he leaves to apprentice at the Facilities Office of the Jaipur Royal Palace. Their latest project: a state-of-the-art cinema.Malik soon finds that not much has changed as he navigates the Pink City of his childhood. Power and money still move seamlessly among the wealthy class, and favors flow from Jaipur’s Royal Palace, but only if certain secrets remain buried. When the cinema’s balcony tragically collapses on opening night, blame is placed where it is convenient. But Malik suspects something far darker and sets out to uncover the truth. As a former street child, he always knew to keep his own counsel; it’s a lesson that will serve him as he untangles a web of lies."Captivated me from the first chapter to the last page." —Reese Witherspoon on The Henna ArtistDon’t miss THE PERFUMIST OF PARIS! The final chapter in Alka Joshi’s New York Times bestselling Jaipur trilogy!

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THE FOLLOW-UP TO BLACKPOOL'S ANGEL - ANOTHER HEART-WARMING, MOVING STORY FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR MARY WOOD, WRITING AS MAGGIE MASONThe perfect read for fans of Kitty Neale, Val Wood and Rosie Goodwin.Separated for years - will the Great War reunite them?1902. Babs and Beth are identical in looks, but very different by nature. Kidnapped by gypsies a decade ago as young girls, Beth has accepted their plight, but Babs has always yearned for their real mother, Tilly, and their beloved hometown of Blackpool. Desperate to be reunited with their mother, Babs hatches a plan to escape. But Beth is too afraid and Babs realises if she ever wants to go home she'll have to leave her sister behind.1914. Babs' life has been blighted by misfortune ever since she walked away from her sister. She's never given up hope of finding her family, but now having found peace and purpose as a nurse, the war is sending her to France, away from them. Or so she believes . . .As the Great War continues to tear families apart, could it be that Babs, Beth and Tilly will be reunited at last?If you love Blackpool Sisters, don't miss the next book in the trilogy, A Blackpool Christmas. And look out for Maggie Mason's brand-new trilogy, beginning with The Fortune Tellers!Readers love Maggie Mason's Blackpool sagas . . .'5 stars - I wish I could give it more. Wonderful read.''Another must read book''What a brilliant book. I couldn't put it down!''I was hooked from the first page . . . this author is a must read''A totally absorbing read'

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FIVE WENT INTO THE WOODS. TWO NEVER CAME BACK.'This book reminds me of the first time I read Mystic River by Dennis Lehane. It's THAT good.' STEVE CAVANAGH'An incredible thriller that kept me up reading. This is the book people will be talking about in 2021.' ADRIAN McKINTY, bestselling author of The ChainErin Sloane was sixteen when high school senior Andre Villiers was murdered by his friends. They were her friends, too, led by the intense, charismatic Ricky Hell. Five people went into West Cypress Woods the night Andre was murdered. Only three came out.Ativan, alcohol and distance had dimmed Erin's memories of that time. But nearly twenty years later, an ageing father will bring her home. Now a journalist, she is asked to write a story about the Southport Three and the thrill-kill murder that electrified the country. Erin's investigation propels her closer and closer to a terrifying truth. And closer and closer to danger.An unforgettable story of murder, trauma and childhoods lost, I Shot the Devil is a taut, prize-winning debut novel from an electrifying new talent.This is a stunner of a debut thriller' THE IRISH INDEPENDENT'One of the freshest debuts to come along in a long time. A tense, irresistible thriller shot through with moments of unnerving darkness. A clever, compelling read.' DERVLA MCTIERNAN, #1 bestselling author of The Ruin, The Scholar and The Good Turn'I Shot The Devil is a dark, twisting thriller that gets deep under your skin.' MARK BRANDI'A powder-keg with a slow burning fuse . . . perfectly balanced and terrifically twisting, I Shot the Devil is for fans of Alex Marwood, Paula Hawkins and Gillian Flynn' BOOKS+PUBLISHING

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Sometimes murder is the easy way out...A brilliant Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES.'Britain's No.1 crime writer' Daily Mirror'Ian Rankin is a genius' Lee ChildA mugging gone wrong ... or murder?A dissident Russian poet is found dead - at the same time a delegation of Russian businessmen arrives in town. For some, it is crucial that the case is closed quickly, clinically and with the minimum of attention.But DI Rebus and DS Siobhan Clarke believe this is something more than a random attack - especially after a particularly nasty second killing. Then, a brutal and premeditated assault on a local gangster puts Rebus in the frame - and he may not survive long enough to solve anything...

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By turns flexible and delicate, taciturn and effusive, this collection of memoirs and micro-essays project in filmic clarity the cool head, dry wit and social conscience that have made Su Tong the ‘master of implication’ among China’s leading writers. Ranging from street-level portraits of a boisterous and rapidly changing nation to quiet musings on humanity’s strange and secret compulsions, Su Tong offers a glimpse behind the curtain into the workings of a keen mind that helped shape the literary and popular culture of modern China.

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FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF SNAP'The most polished crime writer on the murder beat' Daily ExpressFive footprints are the only sign that Daniel Buck was ever here. Yesterday they were a family just like any other: Anna and James, and their little boy, Daniel.But in one careless moment everything changed.A front door accidentally left ajar . . . and Daniel was gone.Now they are a pair of strangers who can't even look each other in the eye.Distrust and unspoken words fill the void where their son used to be.Anna will go to any lengths to find Daniel - a four-year-old doesn't just vanish into thin air. But how far will this desperate search push her?Right to the brink.And beyond.___Readers love The Shut Eye:'Original and inventive . . . Fabulous stuff!' *****'I was absolutely gripped by this novel' *****'A captivating story with such strong characters' *****

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Qualifying as a doctor in 1815 at the tender age of nineteen, John Polidori was employed less than a year later by the poet, Lord Byron, as his travelling physician. The precocious medic was seemingly destined for a bright future that would enable him to combine his profession with a love of literature. In His Masters Reflection, the authors follow Polidoris footsteps as he accompanies Byron through Europe to Switzerland where they eventually meet the Shelleys and Claire Clairmont. Fulfilling his fathers prophecy, the fateful summer will prove to have a devastating impact on Polidoris life and legacy. Byrons keen wit and elevated status would leave the sensitive doctor feeling isolated and undervalued. Fuelled by acerbic comments from the poets friends, Byron finally releases Polidori from his contract, leaving the penniless medic to wander over the Alps on foot to Italy, his fathers homeland. Despite attempts at establishing himself as a doctor to the expatriate community, he has to admit defeat and return to England. Still harbouring literary ambitions, his one chance at fame is cruelly denied when The Vampyre, the story he had written in Geneva, is attributed to Byron. Gossip and retelling of events have cast Polidori in the role of a petulant plagiarist. Concussion from a riding accident deeply affected Polidoris temperament and behaviour, leaving questions surrounding his death, which history has recorded as suicide by prussic acid, despite the coroners verdict of visitation by God. The authors delve into his final years in an attempt to redress the balance. The handsome Polidori was more than just his masters reflection.

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_______________ 'Unexpectedly funny' - New York Times 'Full of imagination, humour and invention ... A glorious debut' - Irish Times 'Mesmerising ... She writes with a heartbreaking clarity ... and is dexterously able to evoke emotional extremity through pitch-perfect narrative compression' - The Times _______________ THE EXQUISITE DEBUT NOVEL FROM THE AUTHOR OF WEATHER, SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2020 To eight-year-old Grace Davitt, her mother, Anna, is a puzzling yet wonderful mystery. This is a woman who has seen a sea serpent in the lake, who paints a timeline of the universe on the sewing-room wall, and who teaches her daughter a secret language which only they can speak. For Grace's father, however, the only truth is science, and increasingly he finds himself shut out by Anna as she draws Grace deeper and deeper into a strange world of myth and obsession. _______________ Selected as a Book of the Year in Guardian, Telegraph, Observer, Irish Times and New York Times 'The charisma and damage of madness lend a desperate glamour' - Elle 'A gem of a book' - Tatler 'Brilliantly captures the confusion of childhood' - Red

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The fifteenth Inspector Rebus novel from the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES'It's another Rebus novel you can't put down, and Rankin at his most powerful' CHOICE'Rankin is superb' DAILY MAILAn illegal immigrant is found murdered in an Edinburgh housing scheme. Rebus is drawn into the case, but has other problems: his old police station has closed for business, and his masters want him to retire. But Rebus is stubborn. As he investigates, he must visit an asylum seekers' detention centre, deal with the sleazy Edinburgh underworld, and maybe even fall in love...Siobhan meanwhile has problems of her own. A teenager has disappeared and Siobhan must help the family, which means getting close to a convicted rapist. Then there's the small matter of the two skeletons found buried beneath a cellar floor in Fleshmarket Close. An elaborate stunt - but whose, and for what purpose? And how can it tie to the murder on the housing-scheme known as Knoxland?

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New York Times bestselling author Renée Ahdieh returns with the second installment of her new sumptuous, sultry and romantic series, The Beautiful.'Captivating . . . Ahdieh's darkest and most compelling novel yet' Cultress on The BeautifulFollowing the events of The Beautiful, Sébastien Saint Germain is now cursed and forever changed. The treaty between the Fallen and the Brotherhood has been broken, and war between the immortals seems imminent. The price of loving Celine was costly.But Celine has also paid a high price for loving Bastien. Still recovering from injuries sustained during a night she can't quite remember, her dreams are troubled. And she doesn't know she has inadvertently set into motion a chain of events that could lead to her demise and unveil a truth about herself she's not quite ready to learn.Forces hiding in the shadows have been patiently waiting for this moment for centuries. And just as Bastien and Celine begin to uncover the danger around them, they learn their love could tear them apart.The Damned, the latest installment in The Beautiful series, is just as decadent, thrilling, and mysterious as the last.

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Friendships forged in the heat of combat can be stronger than anything.So when SAS trooper Matt Standing is told that the former Navy SEAL who saved his life is in trouble, he doesn't hesitate to go to his aid - even if that means flying half way around the world to Los Angeles.Navy SEAL-turned-bodyguard Bobby-Ray Barnes has been accused of killing the man he was supposed to be protecting. Three other bodyguards were also killed and now Bobby-Ray is on the run.The dead client was a Russian oligarch with connections to the Kremlin. But who wanted him dead? And if Bobby-Ray wasn't the killer, who carried out the assassination and why is Bobby-Ray being framed? Standing is the only man who can answer those questions - providing he can stay alive long enough. For that he'll need the help of an old SAS friend, Dan 'Spider' Shepherd, and a ruthless network of secret service operatives. Praise for bestselling author Stephen Leather'The sheer impetus of his storytelling is damned hard to resist' Sunday Express'A master of the thriller genre' Irish Times'As tough as British thriller writers get' Irish Independent

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'So chillingly addictive you'll forget to breathe' CHRIS WHITAKER, author of WE BEGIN AT THE END THEY BELIEVE HIS LIES. SHE KNOWS THE TRUTH. You can't lie to Izzy Lambert. Her highly developed empathic abilities allow her to read people's emotions with terrifying accuracy - and consequences. As a child her insights sparked her parents' divorce. As an adult she avoids getting too close to people for fear of what she might learn. But now young girls are going missing in her town. The police have no suspects but, seeing her old school caretaker interviewed on the news about the story, Izzy comes to a chilling realisation: he knows where the missing girls are. When the police won't take her seriously despite the lives at stake, she will risk everything to uncover the truth. Perfect for fans of Steve Cavanagh, Adrian McKinty and Harlan Coben, NO SECRETS will keep you turning the pages until the very last line. 'Hitchcockian suspense' FINANCIAL TIMES 'Intriguing, absorbing, with a great twist that I genuinely didn't see coming' MANDASUE HELLER 'A proper page turner, dark, thrilling, twisty and full of surprises' NADINE MATHESON 'David Jackson is the master of the unputdownable thriller' MICHAEL WOOD

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The book that began Ian Rankin's phenomenal career.From the No.1 bestselling author of A SONG FOR THE DARK TIMES'The themes that would come to dominate the Rebus books are already here ... the blurred boundaries between good and evil; the pull of superstition and myth; the difficulties in escaping and resolving one's past; the emotional complexities of the male of the species; and, not least, a good mystery' TIME OUTMary Miller had always been an outcast. Burnt in a chemical mix as a young girl, sympathy for her quickly faded when the young man who pushed her in died in a mining accident just two days later. From then on she was regarded with a mixture of suspicion and fascination by her God-fearing community.Now, years later, she is a single mother, caught up in a faltering affair with a local teacher. Her son, Sandy, has fallen in love with a strange homeless girl. The search for happiness isn't easy. Both mother and son must face a dark secret from their past, in the growing knowledge that their small dramas are being played out against a much larger canvas, glimpsed only in symbols and flickering images - of decay and regrowth, of fire and water - of the flood.

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'Mary E. Pearson is a fearless storyteller' Stephanie GarberA reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives, and their hearts, in a new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Remnant Chronicles.When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfil their own secret missions.PRAISE FOR MARY E. PEARSON'One of my favorite reads of the year' Alyson Noël'Deeply satisfying, intricately plotted fantasy' Robin LaFevers'Breathtaking' Booklist'Heart-pounding' Cinda Williams Chima

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What kind of man kills his own family?A gripping, tender novel about fathers and sons from the highly acclaimed authorA Guardian crime and thriller book of the year 2020'This is a beautifully realised novel, touching on the fallibility of memory and the unknowability of families, and gripping in its intensity. Outstanding' Mail on Sunday'A spectacular novel' SpectatorWhen Tom was eight years old, his father took a shotgun and shot his family: his wife, his son and baby daughter, before turning the gun on himself. Only Tom survived.He left his tiny, shocked community on the island of Litta and the strained silence of his Uncle Malcolm's house while still a young boy. For twenty years he's tried to escape his past. Until now.Without knowing how to ask, he needs answers - from his uncle, who should have known. From his neighbours, who think his father a decent man who 'just snapped'. From the memories that haunt the wild landscape of the Hebrides. And from the silent ones who know more about what happened - and why - than they have ever dared admit.By turns gripping, beautiful, devastating and tender, Our Fathers is a story about violence and redemption, control and love. With understated compassion and humour, Rebecca Wait gives a voice to the silenced and to the silences between men of few words.

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AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 4'S BETWEEN OURSELVES, IN CONVERSATION WITH TARA FLYNNLaugh your socks off with this hilarious collection of tales, observations and flights of fancy from the No. 1 bestselling author of Grown Ups'Will make you laugh, cry and feel less alone. Fabulous' Good Housekeeping________Welcome to the magnificent Making It Up as I Go Along - aka the World According to Marian Keyes™ - a bold and brilliant collection of Marian's hilarious and often heartfelt observations on modern life, love and everything in between.From a guide to breaking up with your hairdresser to entering the fifties-zone, the joys of her nail varnish museum to singing her way through insomnia, Marian will have you laughing with delight and gasping with recognition throughout.Because at the end of the day, each and every one of us is clearly making it up as we go along.________'Never far from barmy, always warm and real. But in the interstices of fun and frippery comes a sincere clarity. At times she is the darkest of light writers' Daily Telegraph'Keyes manages to verbalize the most mundane of universal experiences and somehow make them funny . . .' Sunday Tribune'A hilarious, sympathetic read' Hello!'Packed with hilarious, sharp-eyed observations on life, love and everything else' Woman & Home

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A captivating novel about family ties, romance and leaving the past behind - THE PERFECT MAN by No. 1 bestselling author Sheila O'Flangan. A perfect read for fans of Fern Britton and Veronica Henry. Brit doesn't believe in love. One painful mistake was all it took. So she's as surprised as anyone when her novel THE PERFECT MAN becomes a huge bestseller - how did she manage to write so convincingly about love if she really thinks it's a myth?Heartbreak has never stopped her sister Mia from being a hopeless romantic. She can't be with the love of her life, but she's never stopped hoping. They both need to let go of the past to stand a chance of being happy in the future. Could a Caribbean cruise be just what they need to open their hearts?What readers are saying about The Perfect Man: 'A soul-bearing story. Beautifully written as always. Two very different sisters at similar points in their lives' Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars'A great read. The characters really came to life and I enjoyed it from start to finish. Excellent!' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars'I absolutely loved it - the cover, the writing, the characters - it was all fabulous. It reads like a dream and you could imagine all of the beautiful locations described. I wholly recommend it!' Amazon reviewer, 5 stars

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The perfect Christmas gift could be closer than you think . . . THE ONE YOU REALLY WANT is a festive, heartwarming novel from bestselling author Jill MansellNancy can't quite believe it when her Christmas present from her husband is . . . a lawnmower. She's seen a receipt from a classy jeweller's. So who's got the diamonds?Carmen gave up on romance when she lost her adored husband. She's ready to meet someone new - but choosing the right someone won't be easy. Mia's just met her father's new girlfriend: the potential stepmother-from-hell. She's determined to play Cupid and find him a better option - but when did that ever turn out well?Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, but surprises are always around the corner . . . Read Jill Mansell's heartwarming new book, THE WEDDING OF THE YEAR, out now!Readers love The One You Really Want:'Clever and delightful tale - I was totally enchanted throughout. The writing was humorous, involving, heart squeezing, emotive, and full of witty banter' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'A gentle meander through the spark of romantic chemistry' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐'Jill Mansell is the master of taking a simple story and enriching it with an intricate cast of characters. She's witty and the dialogue is crisp and believable, things move along with the right mix of humour and thoughtfulness' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Bundook. Gun. A common word, but one which turns Deen Datta's world upside down.A dealer of rare books, Deen is used to a quiet life spent indoors, but as his once-solid beliefs begin to shift, he is forced to set out on an extraordinary journey; one that takes him from India to Los Angeles and Venice via a tangled route through the memories and experiences of those he meets along the way. There is Piya, a fellow Bengali-American who sets his journey in motion; Tipu, an entrepreneurial young man who opens Deen's eyes to the realities of growing up in today's world; Rafi, with his desperate attempt to help someone in need; and Cinta, an old friend who provides the missing link in the story they are all a part of. It is a journey which will upend everything he thought he knew about himself, about the Bengali legends of his childhood and about the world around him.Gun Island is a beautifully realised novel which effortlessly spans space and time. It is the story of a world on the brink, of increasing displacement and unstoppable transition. But it is also a story of hope, of a man whose faith in the world and the future is restored by two remarkable women.

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