Adult book highlights

A well-designed cover and well-known author will attract reader interest to this enjoyable, vivid journey to 1875 and onto the Paris Express. More slow, comfortable ride than high-speed drama, with danger elements more cosy than palpable. The smells, sights and sounds create an evocative impression: the reader almost expects to find coal dust on their fingers when they put the book down! The large ensemble of characters gives a thorough introduction to different classes of passenger and jobs on the train. A real snapshot of the time, blink and it’s gone, just like looking out of the train window.

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 3rd April 2025

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A long-read news article tells of a man bludgeoned with a gold bar, at an abandoned Yorkshire farm taken over by squatters during lockdown. Reader assumptions on the story, and storytelling itself, are then challenged by the various perspectives examined.

A hit with the critics, this at times feels like it's written for those heavily invested in contemporary media output. Best enjoyed by readers with strong interest in opinion pieces on current affairs.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 31st March 2025

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A great mind-bending tale that highlights the mysteries of the mind and how easy it is to lose track of who and where we are in the cosmos! The story is narrated through Jane O’s controversial psychiatrist and her own diary entries and at points the reader is unsure where reality ends and delusion begins. It’s a slow burner but curiosity lures the reader in quickly. It has an intriguing and satisfying conclusion and is enjoyable and absorbing. One for deep thinkers and those keen on an unusual read.  

Reviewed by Emma McElwee on 24th March 2025

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This short non-fiction title delivers more than may be expected, given its size. Mostly a love letter to nature, life on the farm, and in the countryside, but sprinkled with a treatise for us to take our rural life, communities and countryside seriously. 

Poetry is littered throughout, as the reader is taken by the hand and led through Spring, from March, through to June, encountering characters, animals and memories from this personal take on the season. The most detailed observances from frogspawn to buds on the tree showcase the keenness with which Michael is waiting for the seasons to change, and yet the biggest things we have to deal with are shared in this space too - life and death, childhood experiences, regret, the tribulations of intervening or letting nature take its course... this small volume covers a lot of ground. 

A great book to read, and remind ourselves of the blessing that is nature, and the care it needs from us. 

Reviewed by Alison Tarrant on 18th March 2025

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Sci-fi enthusiasts won't be disappointed with the latest offering from this prolific author in the genre. More a reflective journey than a high octane adventure, this is skilful, erudite, imaginative writing of the first degree. The handling of the first contact theme is original and innovative, and the progress in the understanding between the two species brilliant. Some readers may be put off by the in-depth science discussions, but genre fans will be totally immersed in the narrative and enjoy the mind-blowingly good ending. 

Reviewed by Peters team on 12th March 2025

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Trapped in an unhappy marriage, Elinor Coombes jumps at the chance to ride the maiden voyage of the Titanic, and spend precious time with her son, Teddy. But when the ship goes down, Elinor realises she can escape to a new life - as long as her and Teddy disappear completely, listed amongst the dead.

Whilst the scenario is a little far-fetched, the meticulous historical detail and strong characterisation of aristocratic opulence, contrasted with Elinor's new life in New York, carry the reader along. Some real heart-in-mouth moments add to the drama, and the ultimately uplifting ending is a joy. Great for fans of the author's previous titles. 

Reviewed by Katie Merrick on 3rd March 2025

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A riveting read which shines a light on some of the less told stories of women. Told from four perspectives – each with their own different experiences of what it’s like to be a woman - this is a story that peels back the artificial expectations and pleasantries which are often put onto women and opens up a true discourse. Gritty, painful, realistic - well worth reading.

Reviewed by Alison Tarrant on 5th February 2025

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Alternative reality/crime fantasy worth checking out, set in a 21st century London in which the Norman conquest never happened. Instead the dark ages tribes of Saxons, Celts and Nordic Scots live in uneasy alliance with all the political, cultural and religious tensions that brings. Murder mystery and modern tech is cleverly intertwined, the social comment is acerbic and the characters engage from the start.

The author is a UK screenwriter (Green Wing, Delivery Man, Campus) whose own brand of dark humour shines through: highly visual with strong dialogue and banter. This is his debut novel, and well worth a go.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 28th January 2025

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Ciara does a midnight flit with her small children to escape a problematic husband. But Dublin's in a housing crisis, so pregnant Ciara accepts the only available accommodation - a single hotel room. With the pressures of raising children, working, and having a new baby in unsuitable housing - is her escape sustainable? 

Sometimes unconvincing, but with a compelling enough plotline and characters to keep you reading. Lots of social talking points and plenty of questionable main character choices to discuss make this debut a good choice for book clubs.

Due for publication 30th January

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 20th January 2025

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This pacey, enjoyable adventure will delight fans of the previous book in the trilogy and new readers alike. Joseph O'Connor returns to Nazi-occupied Rome and the exploits of 'the Choir' - a group running an escape line from the city. Several characters from previous title 'My Father's House' return, in a thriller which also works perfectly well as a standalone. Recommend. 

Due for publication 30th January 2025

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 6th January 2025

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Patrick off of the Sewing Bee wants us to own fewer, better quality items to help save the environment, communities and jobs. Enticements from the wealthy to simplify our lives must be taken with a pinch of salt, and in the intro Grant reveals he owns SIX bikes. But this detailed history of the rise of ultra consumerism in the West makes a sobering read, and its hopeful idea that changing individual habits can improve global and local outcomes is a worthwhile message pre-Christmas. Likely to resonate with those already attuned to the idea of reuse over needless consumption - our library borrowers.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 6th December 2024

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A favourite this year was this intelligent will-they/won't-they novel, longlisted for the Polari Prize (the UK and Ireland’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ book prize.)

Celine and Luke live together in Dublin and are engaged to be married in London. When Luke goes AWOL at the engagement party, the complexities of their betrothal are examined from the viewpoints of themselves and their group of friends. Will they make it down the aisle? A thoughtful examination of contemporary relationships - recommend to Sally Rooney fans.

Reviewed by Peters team on 20th November 2024

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Richard Ayoade has truly dedicated to the silliness of his latest project. Because Harauld Hughes doesn't exist, he's a figment of Ayoade's imagination, a mid-century playwright and uncanny lookalike of Ayoade whose life he details in The unfinished Harauld Hughes. Four Films is one of three books of 'rediscovered' works, 'reissued' to coincide with the biography, and of course also authored by Ayoade. 

Through the screenplays of the titular four films, all ludicrous in concept and content, the comedian and actor parodies everything entertainment.  An hilarious but demanding read, best for fans of the (actual) author.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 12th November 2024

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Young Brit Cleo meets older American Frank absconding from a New Year's party in New York in 2006. Well-written and propulsive, a gritty yet romantic tale ensues following them and their friends as they navigate relationships, careers, love and loss. Coco Mellors is currently shortlisted for Waterstone's Book of the Year with her follow-up Blue Sisters. 

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 30th October 2024

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After the huge popularity of his last book Leave the World Behind, readers are likely to flood to Rumaan Alam's latest. Entitlement is much slower in pace and action, however, examining themes of power and privilege through the slow unravelling of main character Brooke when a new job working for a billionaire changes her perceptions of money, friends, family and self.

Destined for '21st Century English literature' syllabuses, recommend to book groups looking for moral and societal issues to chew over.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 23rd September 2024

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