Kick off your new year reading list with some gripping thrillers…
Fiction
1. Here In The Dark by Alexis Soloski is published in hardback by Raven Books on January 18th
🎭 'A poised, daring debut' @alex_segura
🎭 'A mix of acerbic wit and Highsmithian invention' @parabasis
Not long to wait until you too can dive into #HereintheDark, @ASoloski's new daring, chilling debut. Out in hardback, ebook and audiobook on January 18th! pic.twitter.com/DQrxj9s6q3— Raven Books (@BloomsburyRaven) January 4, 2024
Who better than a prize-winning New York theatre critic to write about a sharp-witted New York theatre critic drawn into a web of mystery and suspense? Alexis Soloski steps out of the dark in her debut novel, following the life of Manhattan critic Vivian Parry, who agrees to be interviewed by graduate student David Adler, believing it will boost her profile and chances of promotion. The student disappears, the police refuse to investigate, and his fiancée begs Vivian to find him, so she begins a journey laced with lies, deception – and danger. She plays the role of an amateur detective, encountering a dodgy private eye – oh, and discovers a dead body. The Brooklyn-based author keeps readers enthralled from the first to the final, dramatic act. Let’s hope she writes an encore.
8/10
(Review by Alan Jones)
2. Hot Springs Drive by Lindsay Hunter is published in hardback by Renegade Books on January 11th
Reading Hot Springs Drive by Lindsay Hunter and oh my god it is phenomenal. A tale of adultery, family and murder. Highly recommended to anyone who appreciates the finest writing. pic.twitter.com/MhFtleizjR
— Mark Edwards (@mredwards) November 8, 2023
In Lindsay Hunter’s Hot Springs Drive, the unconventional multi-narrator structure adds complexity to a tale centred on the lives of best friends Jackie and Theresa, but this at times is confusing. Set against the backdrop of their close-knit community on Hot Springs Drive, the story delves into the intricacies of their deepening friendship. However, the plot takes a sinister turn when it’s discovered that Jackie has had an affair with Theresa’s husband, Adam – then Theresa’s body is found in her garage. While not conventionally suspenseful, it explores betrayal and the intricate dynamics of human relationships and asks the question: what happens after a tragedy? Hunter skilfully crafts a haunting story that lingers, showcasing the consequences of fractured loyalties in the mundane yet profound setting of Hot Springs Drive.
7/10
(Review by Lauren Gilmour)
3. One Love by Matt Cain is published in hardback by Headline Review on January 18th
My new novel #OneLove is set in Manchester, the city that saved my life as a gay teen, a welcoming, warm city with a strong social conscience. It’s also a celebration of that special time in our youth when we work out who we want to be ❤️🏳️🌈❤️🏳️🌈❤️@ManchesterPride pic.twitter.com/uoFVJfaYjc
Advertisement— Matt Cain (@MattCainWriter) January 5, 2024
Matt Cain’s sixth novel follows Danny and Guy who have been friends since university, flitting between their first meeting, a weekend away two decades later, and all the years in between. Danny has been besotted with Guy since day one and hopes they may finally become more than just friends when they go back to Manchester for Pride. What follows is not what readers might expect, but is instead a thought-provoking look at the complexities of human feelings, behaviour and motivations. An enjoyable read, but it can take a while to get used to the time jumps – and it would have been nice to read more about the other characters.
7/10
(Review by Beverley Rouse)
Non-fiction
4. The Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World by Bettany Hughes is published in hardback by W&N on January 18th
We can hardly wait for you all to go on @bettanyhughes brilliant journey through The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Her new book on these marvels of human achievement, and on the nature of wonder itself, is available to pre-order from @Waterstones: https://t.co/mcAxkCrQEj pic.twitter.com/ZDI3tIBCNP
— W&N (@wnbooks) January 4, 2024
In The Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World, Bettany Hughes brings to life astonishing feats of engineering and creativity in mostly long-destroyed wonders. Her historical storytelling encourages the reader to question why humanity creates, why we remember some wonders over others, and what it is about the stories entwined with them that fire our curiosity. The Great Pyramid of Giza, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Temple of Artemis, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Mausoleum of Halikarnassos, the Colossus at Rhodes and the Lighthouse of Alexandria have made staggering imprints on our planet – and while we are taught their relevance in school, this book emphasises not only the scale and majesty of each of the seven wonders, but the human story behind them and encourages the reader to fall in love with them all over again. This book will fire your imagination and take you on a wonderful tour of the ancient world.
9/10
(Review by Amanda De Beer)
Children’s book of the week
5. A Horse Called Now by Ruth Doyle, illustrated by Alexandra Finkeldey, is published in paperback by Nosy Crow. Available now
This is a truly wonderful book that will assist, enable and open conversations for any parent/teacher and their children. It follows a horse, Now, who knows exactly what to say to her worried farm animal friends. They come to the horse when there’s something they find scary – and she tells them how breathing can help bring calm, advising that nothing lasts forever. The book shows that it’s normal to have worries, and the colourful illustrations make it a delight to read. After reading, children will hopefully feel reassured and be equipped to ask the questions they need to ask.
9/10
(Review by Joanne Brennan)
BOOK CHARTS FOR THE WEEK ENDING JANUARY 6th
HARDBACK (FICTION)
1. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
2. The Last Devil To Die by Richard Osman
3. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
4. Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
5. The Secret by Lee Child & Andrew Child
6. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
7. The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith
8. A Stroke Of The Pen by Terry Pratchett
9. A Curse For True Love by Stephanie Garber
10. The Year Of The Locust by Terry Hayes
(Compiled by Waterstones)
HARDBACK (NON-FICTION)
1. Politics On The Edge by Rory Stewart
2. Bored Of Lunch Healthy Slow Cooker: Even Easier by Nathan Anthony
3. How They Broke Britain by James O’Brien
4. Unruly by David Mitchell
5. Deliciously Ella Healthy Made Simple by Ella Mills (Woodward)
6. Pinch Of Nom Express by Kate & Kay Allinson
7. Emperor Of Rome by Professor Mary Beard
8. Shakespeare by Judi Dench
9. Ghosts: The Button House Archives by Mat Baynton, Simon Farnaby et al
10. Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
(Compiled by Waterstones)
AUDIOBOOKS (FICTION AND NON-FICTION)
1. Atomic Habits by James Clear
2. Unruly by David Mitchell
3. How They Broke Britain by James O’Brien
4. None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
5. Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
6. The Diary Of A CEO by Steven Bartlett
7. Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken
8. The Woman Who Lied by Claire Douglas
9. Politics On The Edge by Rory Stewart
10. The Woman In Me by Britney Spears
(Compiled by Audible)
