If you're a fan of griplit you'll have already come across Ruth Ware, this one is on a par with In a Dark, Dark Wood. An easy, page turner read that follows the main character Harriet Westaway as she uncovers family secrets after she receives an unexpected letter telling her she's inheritated from her grandmother. There's just one glitch, her grandmother died over twenty years ago…what will she do?

This is a splendid mash-up with a feminist slant, set in late Victorian London, Vienna (via an eventful journey on the Orient Express) and Budapest. The book centres on the members of the Athena Club: Mary Jekyll, Diana Hyde, Justine Frankenstein, Caroline Moreau and Beatrice Rappaccini who are all victims of scientific experiments by their respective fathers/creators. As you might just be able to tell, Goss has been inspired by a few classic novels, borrowing and adapting a few characters to create a very readable romp. This is actually the second in a series, though I didn’t realise that

Written by the winner of the "Bram Stoker Award for Novel" , this book tells the story of Eric, Andrew and their adopted daughter Wen who are holidaying in an isolated cabin by a New Hampshire lake.
Their idyllic holiday is interrupted by the arrival of some well-humoured but frightening visitors. With a set up that feels like that of a "home invasion" horror this goes to far different and surprising places.
I cant say anymore for fear of ruining anything but this is an addicting read.

Well I’ve done it again – come late to a series and read the most recent instalment first and then had to go back to the beginning and read all the others in between to fill in the blanks. The fact that I did so is a huge compliment to Herron, particularly as the Jackson Lamb series is in the spy genre, which has never floated my boat. Those who do like their spooks, though, reliably inform me that this is subverted John Le Carre (the Master) territory. I wouldn’t know, all I can tell you is that London Rules is well-plotted, deeply satirical, topical (Brexit features) and occasionally

This book is a must for any aficionado of crime novels, particularly of course, those of the Queen of Crime. Kathryn Harkup is a chemist so the accounts of the origins and uses of the poisons are very detailed, but don’t let that put you off. The history and nature of each individual poison is truly fascinating. You will never look at your garden or potting shed in the same way again! Harkup discusses some of Christie’s plots as well as several real-life murder cases. Christie took inspiration from contemporary and historical crime reports and there is even the possibility that a crime may

Brother in Ice has been a hit with the literary critics and won the English Pen Award this year. Published in 2018 and translated by Mara Faye Lethem from Spanish, the novel is centred around the author feelings and relationship with her brother who is autistic and her work as a researcher / artist on polar exploration. While both subjects seem at first like ‘polar’ opposites, the novel introduces the reader in the most subtle ways to the exploration of her thoughts and relationship with a brother who can barely communicate and a mother who has spent her life caring for him. The reader is

Wonder is about a boy called August. August was born with a genetic mutation which makes him look very different to other kids his own age; because of this he's often the butt of cruel jokes. This bold and engaging story illuminates August's rollercoaster journey through Middle School. Will August manage to make friends despite being different? Wonder emanates authenticity and teaches us about the importance of empathy.

Some people find this book a little slow but I was very taken with it. The poetry of the main narrative voice is a joy to read; sad and resigned but also very witty. The main story is an entertaining family saga that takes place over the course of about a century and the narrative flits between the present day and the past. It also features a book within the book which I enjoyed as a break from the main narrative and also served as an opportunity for Atwood to showcase her great imagination. 

This is a beautifully illustrated picture book, perfect for the run-up to Christmas. Told through simple rhyme, we follow a family as they buy and decorate their Christmas tree. Certain to get you into the Christmas spirit, each page evokes the magic of this annual tradition. A warm book for these cold days.