Book reviews – April 2026
Week commencing 6th April 2026
Contemporary Fiction
Helm
Sarah Hall
The mysterious and ferocious wind from folklore, Helm, and the history it has shaped. From the Neolithic tribe who tried to placate it, the Dark Age wizard priest who wanted to banish it, to the Victorian Steam engineer who attempted to capture it and the farmer’s daughter who fell in love. Now, Dr Sutar fears the end is nigh. Sarah Hall has captured a story of an elemental life force, exploring the relationship between us and nature, who rely on each other to exist.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Faber and Faber
ISBN: 9780571383580
Young Adult
The Survivor Wants to Die at the End
Adam Silvera
The third book in the phenomenal series, ‘They Both Die at the End’, a story of two strangers with their own complicated relationship with Death-Cast, help each other learn to live. A fantasy/dystopian series set in a world where people can find out their death date by from a single phone call and the importance of making each and everyday count. These books have been particularly popular for teen readers, with romance running through the story lines, and the latest in the series is sure to please fans.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Simon & Schuster Ltd
ISBN: 9781398512467
Crime and Thriller
The Hawk is Dead
Peter James
A case for Roy Grace, his most difficult yet, takes him on a murder investigation deep into Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty Queen Camilla is aboard the Royal Train to Sussex when the train is derailed and a trusted aide is shot dead by a sniper. Was the Queen the intended target. For fans of the Roy Grace books and crime thrillers, this is one not to be missed.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781529090086
Travel, Food and Drink
Peach Street to Lobster Lane: Coast to Coast in search of real American Cuisine
Felicity Cloake
Determined to prove that there is more to American food than burgers and doughnuts, Felicity Cloake embarks on the ultimate coast-to-coast adventure during an unforgettable election year. Exploring the menus and flavours of the different states, from Memphis barbecue to Mission Burritos, Italian beef to Tex-Mex Gyoza and Crawfish Stew to Sauerkraut balls, she embraces these iconic dishes and the stories behind them, finding a nation that is welcoming, generous and food that is full of heart.
Format: Paperback
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780008687687
Photography
Bookshop Cats
Daphne Du Meawier
As a fan of bookshops, particularly those with furry friends, I was delighted to find a beautiful photographic collection being published, showcasing international bookshop cats! From Louisiana to Cornwall, to Canada, these delightful moggies are enjoying the tabletops of book displays, sunbeams in the romance sections, and greeting visiting booklovers. This is a gorgeous book for fans of books, cats or both combined and I could pour over these photos time and again, discovering the little havens they have created with their human colleagues.
Format: Hardback
Published by: HarperCollins
ISBN: 9780008710200
Week commencing 13th April 2026
Criminology
A Murderer’s Guide to Cleaning
Elizabeth Baxter
A memoir from a Probation Officer, and the criminals who confided in her. Elizabeth Baxter shares accounts from arsonists, drug dealers, murderers and thieves among others, providing an interesting glimpse into the criminal mind, the protection of the vulnerable and the impact of the criminal justice system. Tales told with warmth and humour; this is a tribute to the incredible work of probation officers.
Format: Hardback
Published by: One World Publishing
ISBN: 9781836431671
Science Fiction
Outlaw Planet
M R Carey
Sometimes the fate of entire worlds can be decided by a woman with nothing to lose, and the smartest gun in the multiverse in her hand. Winner of the Philip K.Dick Award, Outlaw Planet is a Space Opera full of vengeance and redemption amid an inter-dimensional conflict. A story of Bess who turned from teacher to renegade, to hero. She is haunted by her past as truths are uncovered, but vengeance ultimately comes with a price.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Little Brown Book Group
ISBN: 9780356528069
Myths and Legends
The Little Book of Unicorns
Juliette Woods
British Library publications are often some of the most fascinating, well researched books as they draw from their archives. It is lovely to see one dedicated to the noble fantastical creature, the unicorn. In this volume, Juliette Woods uncovers the historical records, travellers’ tales, clerical writings and theological speculation surrounding it. Exploring it’s past and how it has inspired poets, writers and artists.
Format: Hardback
Published by: British Library Publishing
ISBN: 9780712355797
Biography
A Sound So Very Loud
Ted Kessler and Hamish MacBain
A must for fans of Oasis, this is a definitive book of their music. A tribute to the creative talent, full of unknown details and anarchic anecdotes that only Oasis could generate. Written by music journalists who have been involved with the Gallagher brothers since 1994. Revealing the tales behind their biggest hits, such as ‘Wonderwall’ and ‘Champagne Supernova’ as well as favourites such as ‘Half the World Away’. This book brings their music to life.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781035078295
Historical Fantasy Fiction
Honey in the Wound
Jiyoung Han
Following the mysteriously gifted lineage of Korean women as they are displaced across Asia by Japanese Imperialism. The main character, Young-Ja survives as her family is killed by Japanese soldiers and she sees her magical gift of infusing her cooking with feelings of love, peace and delight, shift into something more powerful as her sorrow and anger seep through. She finds herself drawn into the resistance and a network of spies at a teahouse favoured by Japanese officials. A rich and emotional debut grounded with magical realism, crossing myth and history.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Bonnier Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781786587312
Week commencing 20th April 2026
History of Art
A Year with Gilbert White
Jenny Uglow
An illuminating insight into the daily studies of Gilbert White, considered the ‘father of ecology.’ Full of humour and warmth as we follow Gilbert in his fascination with fauna, flora and people around him, from frost to the summer drought and to the coming harvest. This book invites us to see the natural world anew, with wonder.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Faber & Faber
ISBN: 9780571354191
Young Adult
Survival Show
Juno Dawson
For fans of dystopian stories such as The Hunger Games and Squid Games, the 10 contestants in this story must sing for their lives. Enter into a reality TV show, Starmaker, with a chance of joining a pop group, but when contestants lose, they are eliminated… in every sense. Pitted against each other with cruel challenges under a brutal regime, Taryn Beck is determined to expose and destroy Starmaker from the inside.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781398547957
Picture Book
Little Fairy Godmother
Abi Longstaff
This is an adorable back story for Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother; did you know that her name is Dazzle? With her only talents being making balloons, party horns and sparkly surprises, the other fairies don’t believe she has anything useful to offer to become a Fairy Godparent. However, when Cinderella needs some help getting ready for a party, Dazzle is exactly what she needs. A perfect accompaniment to the popular fairy tale.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Quarto Publishing
ISBN: 9780711296374
Gothic Thriller
The Hong Kong Widow
Kristen Loesch
Set in 1953, refugee Mei has a gift of speaking to ghosts and is invited to be one of six Mediums competing over a series of seances at the infamous Maidenhair House. The reward is irresistible but Mei only has her eyes on revenge. What happened that night at Maidenhair House remains a mystery, an urban legend, but years later Mei must put the past and ghosts to rest.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Alison & Busby
ISBN: 9780749032890
Crime and Mystery
The Dead and the Dying
Lin Anderson
Against the backdrop of Orkney’s Skaill Bay, forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod uncovers a human skeleton entombed in a stone crypt, believed to hail from the Viking Age, however her analysis suggests to a more recent and sinister evil. With the victim identified and connections being made, forensic clues lead Rhona to a second horrifying discovery, raising the question. How many more secrets are concealed in the sand?
Format: Paperback
Published by: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781035029266
Week commencing 27th April 2026
Adult Fiction
The Seven O’Clock Club
Amelia Ireland
Five people in a London tower block have been invited to meet at seven o’clock one Tuesday evening, for a counselling session. They have all experienced something traumatic they are unable to move on from and their counsellor has an unusual theory to test. As connections and friendships bloom, they start moving forward until they are forced to make some unexpected and impossible decisions.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Bonnier Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781785307027
Young Adult
Best of All Worlds
Kenneth Oppel
A science fiction/thriller and thought-provoking novel for teenagers, the main character wakes up to find his whole world has changed. His family now lives in a video game set, inside an impenetrable dome where they must learn to survive on what has been ‘donated’ to them. Three years later, he’s turned sixteen and has accepted that this is now his life, when another family suddenly appears. With different views, ideologies and priorities causing tensions to build with devastating and tragic consequences. Why are they in this world? and how can they escape?
Format: Paperback
Published by: Guppy Publishing
ISBN: 9781916558434
Children’s Non-Fiction
Woodlore
Gemma Correll
A beautifully illustrated non-fiction for children, this book takes readers through the seasons and stories of the forest. Revealing nature’s cycle through tales and traditions, explaining everything from tiny seedlings and birdsongs of the spring equinox to the hooting owls and holly wreaths of the winter solstice. Discover old religion traditions such as Beltane, Litha and wassailing and the mythical and legendary creatures within the forest.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Magic Cat Publishing
ISBN: 9781917044684
Graphic Novel
Anxietyland
Kristen Loesch
Some may recognise the unmistakable comics from Gemma Correll, and I am thrilled to see them published in Anxietyland. Using her talent for drawing and humour to display what goes on in a lot of people’s minds, it is easy to recognise yourself in these cartoons. Discover the ups and downs of the Worry-Go-Round, the Anxie-tea Cups and the Emotional Roller Coaster to Hanxiety Falls. A great remedy of laughter for when things can feel overwhelming.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Penguin Books
ISBN: 9780241572894
Sociology
If We Tolerate This
Daniel Trilling
Taking a view that the far right is now mainstream in British politics, this book looks at how we got to this position and what we can do about it. With huge far-right rallies taking place and flag-waving protests, racist mobs attacking mosques and hotels, and the political class seem indifferent, this is a book about how to change course before it is too late to do so.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781037411571