Are you looking for your next great read? Why not try out the books from across the pond? Despite from what governments say, books are essential and are needed now, more than ever. So if you are need of a variety and want to read diverse stories, then I suggest you try out some British and Irish titles!
We may have left 2024 behind, but the pain and struggles of last year are still being faced, especially independent bookstores. Continue to support indie bookstores by shopping on Bookshop.org and Hive.co.uk.
Waterstones currently ships to the United States but there will be an international shipping fee. You can also try with the British bookstore, Blackwell’s, also with Wordery.com. Now on with the recommendations!
Featured Book of the Month
The Christmas Cracker Killer by Alexandra Benedict
It’s the most murderous time of the year . . .
Puzzle compiler and former Christmas sceptic Edie O’Sullivan returns in the newest seasonal mystery from bestselling author and ‘Queen of the Christmas Mystery’ Alexandra Benedict.
When Edie O’Sullivan wins a two-day Christmas break in a hotel on a remote Scottish island, she’s looking forward to a picture-perfect Christmas full of winter walks, roaring fires, good books and even better whisky.
But when a guest dies in mysterious circumstances, Edie realises that they have a killer amongst them. As more guests begin to die, it is up to Edie to solve the strange riddles found in the victims’ Christmas crackers if she is to stop the murderer’s killing spree. But as she gets closer to the truth, she puts herself in the way of a devious and clever killer.
Can Edie solve these Christmas killings before she becomes the next victim? (Credit: Simon & Schuster UK)
Bluff by Francine Toon
Joanie, 2013. Desperate to flee the claustrophobia of St Rule, Joanie has long been looking forward to her big escape. But on the night of her school graduation this dream slips through her hands. Devastated, Joanie falls into the orbit of an enigmatic couple – Erin and David – who offer her a new kind of escape. Charismatic, older and intellectual, they make Joanie feel alive and important in a way she didn’t know was possible.
Cameron, 2023. When Cameron arrives back in St Rule for Christmas a question burns in his mind: what ever happened to Joanie? It’s been a decade since he saw his former friend, and in truth he hadn’t given it much thought – busily building a life. But as he starts to look for answers, it becomes clear that someone wants to keep this secret buried at all costs. How far should he go to pursue the truth?
Set amongst the ancient cobblestone of a Scottish coastal town steeped in history, Francine Toon masterfully blends the tension of a mystery with the chill of a modern gothic. This is a story where every shadow holds a secret, and every revelation brings Cameron and Joanie closer to a truth that could shatter their worlds. (Credit: Transworld Publications)
All The Wicked by Catelyn Wilson
Lurking in dark corridors, hidden in tomes of old, spirits are growing restess, and hell is once again opened . . .
A year after the events at Ravenswood Academy, Andy Emmerson’s life is in turmoil.
Demons, the underworld, and secret societies all exist, and they still haunt her days and nights.
Eager to find the answers she can’t locate in the shelves of the library, Andy visits Jae in the underworld.
Only, it is empty of the Gods that once ruled it and inexplicable clues – sent by the mysterious Order – start to appear warning them of dark days ahead.
Together they must travel to the eery streets of Edinburgh and enrol in Eidolon University where they will investigate The Order and unlock its secrets.
Soon they are catapulted into a world of old magic, dangerous rituals, and demonic activity. A world they thought they’d left behind at Ravenswood.
If they fail to discover The Order, and the school’s secrets, humanity will fall to the fires of hell.
But if they succeed, Andy may have to make the biggest sacrifice yet.
As something wicked this ways comes . . .(Credit: Penguin Books)
Death In Ambush by Susan Gilruth
In a tranquil Kentish village, Dr Sandys and his wife are preparing for Christmas with their guest, Liane ‘Lee’ Crauford. Festivities start badly when their party is spoiled by an enigmatic widow new to the village, and the atmosphere hits rock bottom when the pompous local nobleman and ceramic-collector Sir Henry Metcalfe unexpectedly dies. Sensing potential villains among Metcalfe’s circle, Lee teams up with Detective-Inspector Hugh Gordon to discover the killer playing merry hell with her holiday in this lost vintage mystery, republished for the first time since 1952. (Credit: British Library Publishing)
Night Life: Walking Britain’s Wild Landscapes After Dark by John Lewis-Stempel
In Night Life, John Lewis-Stempel heads back out into the night to discover how nocturnal wildlife takes charge of their ink-black domain. As humans we stumble, clumsy in the dark, so how do the creatures of the night take on a new strength as the sun sets?
Using the stars above as his guide, and only his faithful dog by his side, he moves across the wilderness to explore the effect the night has on our senses, and see what we can learn from our animal friends. (Credit: Transworld Publishing)
A Scrooge Mystery by Andreina Cordani
Last Christmas, Ebenezer Scrooge was visited by three festive spirits, and the bleak vision of his future has haunted him ever since. He wants to be a good man, and he never wants to see another ghost as long as he lives.
But changing your ways for a day is easy. Changing your ways for ever is a little trickier. Almost a year on, Scrooge is slipping back into bad habits.
When a lucrative business opportunity comes his way, he jumps at the chance to make some quick money . . . to give to the poor, obviously . . .
But then Scrooge sees her. Another ghost, silent and terrifying. Then Bob Cratchit is arrested for the woman’s murder, and Scrooge sees only one way to save both his loyal employee and himself: he must solve this crime.
Scrooge’s investigation takes him from the heights of business on the Royal Exchange to the depths of London’s criminal underworld alongside the formidable Widow Tassell, boot-boy Jem and Tiny Tim. And as Christmas draws closer, Scrooge begins to realise there’s more at stake than his own soul. (Credit: Bonnier Books)
The First Unicorn Rider by A.F. Steadman
A boy with a destiny. A mysterious island. A world of magical creatures.
The adventure begins.
George Penhaligon has only ever wanted adventure. But when he finds himself shipwrecked and alone on a mysterious island, he makes an incredible discovery. Unicorns are not just a myth – they’re real – and they’re bloodthirsty predators.
Slowly, George gains one unicorn’s trust and together they explore the Island’s secrets. But there is another dark presence on the Island, more deadly than any unicorn.
George’s adventure may be far more dangerous than he bargained for…
Discover the incredible World of Skandar with this thrilling origin adventure. (Credit: Simon & Schuster)
Eleanor: A 200-Mile Walk in Search of England’s Lost Queen by Alice Loxton
Expected Publication Date: November 13
An extraordinary journey that uncovers historical secrets about England’s forgotten queen. From Alice Loxton, author of the acclaimed bestseller Eighteen.
In 1290, England mourned the death of a queen, Eleanor of Castile, beloved wife of King Edward I. Her body was carried on a 200-mile journey from Lincoln to London, a solemn procession that would become immortalized in stone. To mark the places where her cortege rested, a heartbroken Edward commissioned twelve magnificent Eleanor Crosses.
More than seven centuries later, bestselling historian Alice Loxton set herself an epic challenge: following in history’s footsteps by walking the entire 200-mile funeral route on the corresponding dates.
As Alice journeys in search of England’s forgotten queen, over ancient paths and modern motorways, history comes alive in surprising ways. Lively and entertaining, Eleanor uncovers the extraordinary life and formidable character of this lesser-known royal, revealing her inspiring legacy and the hidden history of Britain. (Credit: Pan Macmillan)
The Austen Christmas Murders by Jessica Bull
Expected Publication Date: November 13
I sincerely hope your Christmas may abound in the mysteries which the season generally brings…
The festive season is fast approaching.
Jane Austen fears that without her lively siblings at home, there won’t be much Christmas cheer in the Austen household this year.
But when she uncovers a skeleton in the cellar of Deane Parsonage, Jane soon forgets her woes. For who needs merriment, when there’s a mystery to solve?
Jane quickly learns of a missing young bride, who after fleeing her wedding breakfast, was never seen again. Locals have long believed she haunts the woods nearby. Could Jane have found her at last?
Or does the truth of this mystery lie closer to home?
Over the twelve days of Christmas, Jane will embark upon festive delights, making merry, and solving murders… (Credit: Penguin Books)
The Christmas Magpie by Mark Edwards
Expected Publication Date: November 13
It’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home and they want everything to be perfect – lavish presents, a beautiful tree and outdoor decorations to join in with the festivities in this welcoming community.
But they quickly wonder if this street is as perfect as it appears.
First, there are the unwelcome presents left anonymously on their doorstep.
Then they are sure someone is watching them…
And why are the neighbours all obsessed with a notorious killer who is housed at the nearby women’s prison?
After tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, Noel and Dani try to find out who is targeting them – but, in this case, it might be safer not to know . . . (Credit: Penguin Books)
Kiss Marry Kill by Laura Marshall
Expected Publication Date: November 20
Three best friends. One life-changing choice.
Kiss
Angela runs a dating agency and is an expert at connecting over fifties looking for the one.
Marry
Sara has lost her husband and is forcing herself to speed-date in the hope of finding love again.
Kill
Helen lives with her controlling partner, Brian – but she’s been keeping his abusive behaviour a secret from her friends.
Until she can’t hide it any longer.
Not long after telling her friends the truth, Brian has a shocking accident – and all three women are implicated. Sure, they all wanted to see him dead. But they couldn’t be capable of murder. Could they?
Every romance ends one of three ways. It’s kiss, marry – or kill… (Credit: Hodder & Stoughton)
Murder at Christmas: You Solve the Crime by G. B. Rubin
Expected Publication Date: November 20
Sharpen your sleuthing skills and have your magnifying glass at the ready for this interactive festive mystery that casts YOU in the role of the detective – perfect for fans of Murdle looking for their next clever crime fix!
The year is 1932. You are Dr Kinn Tenor, a Scotland Yard pathologist with a sideline in private detection when the boys in blue are stumped. You’re celebrated in the newspapers, but you tend to get the official police’s backs up – they don’t take kindly to being upstaged.
Two days before Christmas, you attend the opening of your friend Johnny McAlister’s ritzy new nightclub, the Golden Star. There you meet his cousin, Melissa Thresh – she is being followed and would like you to identify the culprit. But you have also promised your friend Algy Hurley to visit his family seat in Kent, where some poison-pen letters have been causing unrest.
→ If you travel to Yorkshire with Melissa, you’re caught up in a locked-room murder mystery featuring a cast of dubious friends, relatives and business associates
→ If it’s Hurley Court, you’re embroiled in a country house whodunnit involving an old family ritual and generations of hidden secrets
This is just the first of many choices you must make: will you pursue this thread? Chase the mysterious stranger? Lay a trap for the guilty party? The decisions you make will take you on your own path to the final unmasking of the villain – or failure.
What will you choose? And can you unravel the mystery without losing your festive spirit, your reputation… or your life?
MAKE YOUR CHOICE
TURN THE PAGE
SOLVE THE CRIME! (Credit: Simon & Schuster)
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