Book of the month

The encounter between 87-year-old Kent coast resident Edie, who is in the early stages of dementia, and Jonah, a traumatised Malawian migrant hiding in her barn. An unlikely companionship that helps them make sense of their worlds even as they struggle to understand each other.

Six contestants. The nation’s favourite baking show. And a prize worth killing for...

Two women. Two eggs. One switch. A dual narrative novel about a seemingly impossible situation: two women, Katherine and Tess, find out after pregnancy that their eggs were mistakenly switched during in vitro fertilization (IVF). For Katherine, the news is her worst nightmare realized. For Tess, the news is a seed of hope.

Cornwall, pirates and a good old fashioned murder! When Donna branches out from floristry to private investigation and opens a detective agency, the last thing she expects is to have a murder fall into her lap almost immediately. Especially a case where evidence points to Donna as the murderer! 

What if going back means you could begin again? Rocked by a terrible accident, homeless Kelly needs to escape the streets of Glasgow. Maybe she doesn't believe in serendipity, but a rare moment of kindness and a lost ring conspire to call her home, returning to the small town she fled so many years ago.

Three rival actresses team up to solve a murder at the stately home of the author who made them famous – only to discover the solution lies in the stories themselves. A contemporary mystery with a Golden Age feel, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Jessica Fellowes. ”An absolute treat of a read with all the ingredients of a vintage murder mystery”

A sweeping, unpredictable novel about power, wealth and truth, set against the backdrop of turbulent 1920s New York. A Wall Street tycoon takes a young woman as his wife. Together they rise to the top in an age of excess and speculation. But now a novelist is threatening to reveal the secrets behind their marriage, and this wealthy man’s story – of greed, love and betrayal – is about to slip from his grasp. Composed of four competing versions of this deliciously deceptive tale, Trust brings us on a quest for truth while confronting the lies that often live buried in the human heart. // »Join the reading group //

”I was dreading the Cunningham family reunion even before the first murder. Before the storm stranded us at the mountain resort. The thing is, us Cunninghams don't really get along. We’ve only got one thing in common: we’ve all killed someone. When they find the first body in the snow, it’s clear that only a Cunningham could have committed the crime – and it’s up to me to prove it. There are plenty of killers in my family. But only one murderer…”   //  »Join the Crime reading group //

A student and aspiring researcher on Gothic nudes rents an apartment from a painter, Agnes. When Agnes unexpectedly arrives in the city, she settles into the upstairs studio, sharing stories of her tumultuous past and scattered art. As time passes, it becomes clear that Agnes may not have a home to return to. Her stories are frenetic; her art scattered and unfinished, white paint on a white canvas. Will their unlikely friendship be enough to help Agnes find her way?

”And then there is a scream. Ragged and terrified. A beat of silence even after it stops, until we all seem to realise that the Reading Room Rules no longer apply.” Winner of the Crime Fiction Lover Best Indie Crime Novel of 2022