Sarah Pearse recommends
The Shell House Detectives (2023)(Shell House Detectives Mystery, book 1)Emylia Hall"This beautifully written cosy coastal mystery packs a real punch! With wonderfully atmospheric prose and twists and turns aplenty, the plot will have you riding a wave of suspense long after you've turned the final page. If you love Cornwall, you will adore this book."
A Game of Lies (2023)(DC Morgan, book 2)Clare Mackintosh"This brilliantly plotted whodunnit kept me guessing from the first page to the last. A Game of Lies is expertly paced and the writing flawless. Detective Ffion Morgan is a breath of fresh air - clever, witty and passionate about her job and a joy to spend time with! The very definition of a page turner."
Everyone Here is Lying (2023)Shari Lapeña"Gripping, clever, and tightly plotted, Everyone Here Is Lying showcases Shari Lapena at her absolute best. I was utterly transfixed. A must-read."
The Whispers (2023)Ashley Audrain"A chilling story and a beautifully observed exploration of what it means to be a woman, highlighting the sacrifices involved and the often frightening choices that have to be made. The knowledge that something awful is looming lends the narrative a compelling sense of unease that builds to a thickening dread as Audrain ratchets up the tension. A quietly revelatory and unnerving novel that works on so many levels - I couldn't put it down."
The Running Club (2023)Ali Lowe"A sharp, clever and compelling read about family, friends and the secrets and lies that bind them together . . . I couldn't stop turning the pages and read it in just two days! Ali's characterisation is always pitch-perfect leaving me both surprised and horrified by the dark side lurking beneath the glamourous and wealthy facades of her protagonists. The Running Club is no exception - nearly everyone in Esperance is hiding something, so I'd advise keeping your running spikes at home . . ."
The Cloisters (2022)Katy Hays"A story of academic obsession, Renaissance magic, and the ruthless pursuit of power. Captivating in every sense of the word."
The Toll House (2022)Carly Reagon"If you like a good ghost story put this chilling thriller to the very top of your reading list."
Run Time (2022)Catherine Ryan Howard"Catherine Ryan Howard is a master thriller writer and Run Time is up there with the best, as the movie set of nightmares she so evocatively conjures starts to turn on its lead actress. The twisty, ingenious plotting and atmospheric location make for a deeply chilling and unputdownable read. I didn't want it to end!"
The Ruins (2022)Phoebe Wynne"I was completely transported by The Ruins. Phoebe Wynne has evocatively rendered a beautiful, doomed French chateau while creating immersive, almost dream-like atmospherics. I loved this novel."
Complicit (2022)Winnie M Li"As soon as I read the first few pages of COMPLICIT I knew it was going to be a compulsive read - Winnie M Li's powerful and beautiful writing immediately immersed me and kept me furiously turning the pages. Through her assured storytelling Winnie draws you into the protagonist's world on every level - from the superficial to the emotional - to paint a devastating and timely portrait of the abuse of power within a highly charged and often frightening workplace. I loved it."
The Last to Disappear (2022)Jo Spain"This brilliant book captured me from the first page and didn't let go! Jo Spain's beautifully atmospheric prose transports you to the beautiful, frozen landscape of Finland, immersing you in a dark and terrifying mystery that kept me constantly guessing. Agatha Koskinen, the detective, is utterly compelling as a character and I relished following her throughout the twists and turns of the investigation. A fantastic, page-turning read. I absolutely loved it!"
The Hiding Place (2022)Simon Lelic"This book delivers on its premise and then some! This novel about a creepy school and a deadly game gone wrong is both compelling and beautifully written and infused with a simmering tension - I couldn't stop turning the pages!"
Do No Harm (2022)Jack Jordan"When you pick up a book to read the first page and then can't put it down . . ."
Breathless (2022)Amy McCulloch"If you're looking for a book to thrill and transport you, then Breathless is the read for you! Set high in the chilling Death Zone, this thriller had me on the edge of my seat. I loved being immersed in the competitive, high-stakes world of alpine climbing, and Amy brilliantly evokes how risky this setting is, a setting that can only get deadlier with a murderer on the mountain . . . A must-read for 2022."
Wahala (2022)Nikki May"Wow, what a debut! Brilliant writing about food and friendship, warm and fun, and I loved watching the more sinister side to the story emerge. Fantastic!"
The Maid (2022)(Molly the Maid mystery, book 1)Nita Prose"An eccentric and unforgettable sleuth who captivated me and kept me furiously turning the pages."
Stepping Up (2021)Sarah Turner"What a fantastic read - it had me in tears! This book grabbed me by the heartstrings and didn't let go! It has it all - warmth, humour and brilliant observations on love, life and loss. An emotional rollercoaster of a read and one that is well worth taking!"
Five Minds (2021)Guy Morpuss"My mind is officially blown! This clever, twisty debut really delivers. Gripping, well-written and intriguing on every level."
Would I Lie to You? (2021)Aliya Ali-Afzal"I just fell into this and couldn’t stop... the writing is so fresh and light; funny in places, but moving in others... I just can’t believe it’s a debut! Ali-Afzal writes brilliantly and Faiza is so warm and relatable as a protagonist that you feel every one of her emotional ups and downs alongside her as you turn the page. The story is sharp and witty and so well-paced that I devoured this book in only two days. A total page-turner and one I’ll be recommending to everyone I know."
When They Find Her (2021)Lia Middleton"Brilliantly written ... I felt every single emotion and was immediately swept up into the story. I'll be recommending it to everyone I know."
Little Wishes (2020)Michelle Adams"Michelle's writing is so beautiful and so real - particularly the tender and moving scenes about Tom's illness which were so heartfelt and genuine. Witnessing Tom and Elisabeth's relationship develop and deepen beyond 'first love' was wonderful and I really felt like I knew the characters towards the end. It really gave me pause for thought about how important it is to relish every moment and not let any opportunities or burgeoning relationships pass you by. I will definitely be recommending the book to everyone I know!" More recommendations Visitors also looked at these authors
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