Christmas Book Guide

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Books are one of the highlights of Christmas, whether it's to give them as a present or have time to read more.



As an array of new titles come out, we take a look at some of the exciting new releases in various genres in the lead up to Christmas.

CRIME

Unholy Murder by Lynda La Plante

This is the seventh young Jane Tennison novel by renowned crime writer Lynda La Plante, who is an expert at keeping the reader gripped.

This time, DI Tennison must lift the lid on the most chilling murder case of her career to date after a coffin is dug up by builders in the grounds of a historic convent and realise the young nun inside was not dead when she was buried.

It's even more special as it is the 30th anniversary of Prime Suspect when Tennison first appeared. La Plante has only got better with time and this is a page-turner.

Bonnier Books
The Whistleblower by Robert Peston

This political thriller is the ITV journalist's first venture into fiction but has an uncanny resemblance to his life but with more thrills and spills.

Based on a journalist and a political scandal, Peston's insider knowledge has obviously helped with the characters and plot.

This may not be quite as slick as more established authors like Lynda La Plante but a reasonable thriller.



Zaffre publisher
A Three Dog Problem by S J Bennett

Following up her popular debut crime novel The Windsor Knot, S J Bennett has created more whodunnit shenanigans as the Queen goes sleuthing once more.

The light and frivolous style mixed with a murder mystery is a comforting read with her Majesty becoming the Miss Marple style detective.

This novel centres around a body found in Buckingham Palace's swimming pool with a backdrop of the referendum.

Zaffre Books
GENERAL FICTION

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

The Australian author behind bestsellers such as Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers is back with a new captivating read about a family whose mother has gone missing.

With her easy reading style and mix of likeable characters, Moriarty has created another thriller cum family saga that you will zip through in no time.

Penguin Books


The Last Library by Freya Sampson

This debut novel is a heartwarming story that reads like a love letter to libraries.

When the council announces it wants to close the library in Chalcot, June Jones is forced to join a ragtag band of pensioners and eccentric locals to campaign against the closure.

It's very much a feel of community and how people can help each other in this character-led story that people will relate to more since lockdown and Covid.

Zaffre publisher

Biography
Watching Neighbours Twice a Day… Josh Widdicombe

The comedian from The Last Leg offers a riveting throwback to the 1990s that covers the big shows of the time from Noel's House Party to Gladiators.

As the title suggests, Neighbours features heavily in Josh's viewing habits as he recalls Helen Daniels' death and how the soap failed to widen the racial mix of Ramsay Street.

This is a combination of a humorous look back along with a biography on Josh's blissful childhood growing up in Dartmoor and in front of the TV.

It will resonate most with those who lived through the 1990s.

Blink Publishing



Overpaid, Oversexed and Over There by David Hepworth

Rock music presenter and writer David Hepworth, of The Old Grey Whistle Test, takes a look back at various Brit rock bands and why they made it big in America during the 1960s and 1970s.

Lots of insider gossip about artists from The Beatles to Rolling Stones, The Who and Led Zeppelin plus analysis on their styles and ambitions that led to success stateside.

It offers something for ardent rock fans along with general readers with Hepworth's very readable, chatty style.

Penguin

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