Book reviews – May 2026
Week commencing 4th May 2026
Non-Fiction
The Book of Birds: A Field Guide to Wonder and Loss
Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris
From the incredible duo behind the stunning ‘Lost Words’, we are now seeing a beautiful publication that celebrates the birdlife in Britain. This book takes the classic field guide and brings it to a new generation of nature lovers. Covering forty-nine bird species, all of which are declining or endangered in Britain. They lyrical text accompanied by captivating watercolour illustrations make this a book to gift, to study and to treasure.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Penguin Books Ltd
ISBN: 9780241404737
Thriller and Suspense
Five
Ilona Bannister
The train to London Victoria is due to arrive in five minutes. We are introduced to five passengers, one of which will die when the train arrives, but which one? Readers learn about each passenger with interconnecting stories and might make up their mind who they would prefer to die and who they want to live. An interesting twist on psychological suspense that is both engrossing and unsettling.
Format: Hardback
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780008770563
Sociology
Lost Boys: Undercover in the Manosphere
James Bloodworth
After the interest in the Manosphere from the recent Louis Theroux documentary, this book looks to be a fascinating study into what really happens to young men as they are brainwashed into this harmful subculture. Written after an undercover investigation by acclaimed journalist, he explores why so many men are susceptible to these beliefs, dissecting cultural figures and provides an essential guide to understanding young men and modern masculinity.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Atlantic Books
ISBN: 9781786499813
Crime and Mystery
The Impossible Fortune
Richard Osman
The latest offering from Richard Osman does not disappoint. For fans of the Thursday Murder Club, Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances, while Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles and Ibrahim is still providing therapy for his favourite criminal. However, when a wedding guest fears for his life, the thrill of the chase is ignited once again. Can the gang solve a puzzle and a murder in time?
Format: Paperback
Published by: Penguin Books
ISBN: 9781405975735
Children’s Books
Detective Kitty is on the Case: Book 1
Laura Ellen Anderson
From the author and illustrator who created the Amelia Fang series and Rainbow Grey comes a new character who is bound to appeal to young children. An early chapter book packed with two-colour illustrations, Star Kitties are the cutest magical cats who get up to fun adventures and mischief in Whiskery Paw with their best friend, Tabitha Flair. Queen Moggaline has vanished and it is up to the Star Kitties to solve the mystery. Perfect for young readers aged 5+ as they strive towards independent reading.
Format: Paperback
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780008678906
Week commencing 11th May 2026
Non-Fiction
To the Sea by Train
Andrew Martin
A nostalgic look back at an era where railway posters depicted a trip to the seaside promising fresh air and frivolity to millions of urban dwellers. Written with the wit and anecdotal style of Andrew Martin. Includes the development of Brighton and Scarborough into pleasure resorts and the introduction of bank holidays and two-day weekends. A book for readers with an interest in transport and history.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Profile Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781805221579
Children’s Fiction
Birdlands
Anthony McGowan
From renowned and award-winning author Anthony McGowan comes a thrilling animal adventure which promises to be heartbreaking. Told from the story of three birds with their own challenges, this is a tale of survival as they face danger together, trying to find a place to call home.
Suitable for children over 10 years old.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Oneworld Publications
ISBN: 9781836431800
Feminism
Ripening: Why Women Need Fairy Tales Now
Sharon Blackie
An insightful look into the role fairy tales have played in our lives, inspiring women through history and teaching particularly in these modern times, to find their inner strength and be bold. These tales of transformation from trauma to empowerment offer encouragement to face the challenges of modern society with courage and claim the future dreamt of.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Duckworth Books
ISBN: 9781914613524
Political Thriller
The Last Mandarin
Louise Penny and Mellissa Fung
When estranged Mother and Daughter find themselves at the centre of worldwide security attack, they must out their misunderstandings aside as they are relied upon to decode an old legendary language invented for women, by women, in order to stop the next cataclysmic attack. A compelling political thriller that hooks readers from the start.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Hodder & Stoughton
ISBN: 9781399753791
Historical Romance
Cleopatra
Natasha Solomons
A retelling of the story of Cleopatra, Egyptian Princess and favoured daughter of the Pharaoh. When her father dies leaving Cleopatra to rule with her brother Ptolemy, danger stirs as he plots to destroy her and take the throne for himself. Realising that Caesar could be the key to her salvation, Cleopatra courts him with the understanding that it could cost her everything. A tale of love, loss, friendship and betrayal.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Bonnier Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781786583543
Week commencing 18th May 2026
Fantasy Romance
Katabasis
R F Kuang
A phenomenal bestselling novel comes out in paperback this week. Katabasis is a story of descending into the underworld. When a student wishing to study analytic magic discovers that the only person who can help her is dead and in hell, she must form an alliance with her biggest rival to go after him into the dangers of the Underworld. An unexpected love story and bound to be popular with fantasy and romance fans.
Format: Paperback
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780008501907
Modern Fiction
The Midnight Train
Matt Haig
Fans of The Midnight Library will be delighted to discover this new book from the same world by Matt Haig. When your life flashes before your eyes, what will matter most? Our protagonist is on the brink of death when a train arrives that can take him back in time to relive his most important moments. Much like The Midnight Library, this is a story of second chances, and the impact small changes can have.
Format: Hardback
Published by: Canongate Books
ISBN: 9781837262137
Modern Fiction
The Long Shoe
Bob Mortimer
Form the brilliant brain of one of the best comedians comes a story filled with plot twists and humour. A salesman loses his job and his girlfriend leaves him. He is hitting rock bottom when he is offered an unexpected job and a luxury apartment, it might be enough to tempt her back. But as we discover, she may not have left on her own accord after all. A great book to delve into during holidays.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781398548084
Sports
Soccernomics
Simon Kuperand Stefan Szynamski
For those who love football, a book packed with data and economic principles to explore the myths that dominate the game. Updated ahead of the 2026 game revealing why your team wins, why it loses, and why the game you love doesn’t always work the way you think it does. Is hosting the World Cup a poisoned chalice? How much do managers matter? Has football spending spun out of control? This book challenges conventional wisdom to reveal the surprising truths.
Format: Paperback
Published by: HarperCollins Publishing
ISBN: 9780008811754
Food
The Kitchen Book
Ella Risbridger
A recipe books for real-life cooking, getting you through the week with minimum faff and maximum reward. From throwing a dinner party to last minute dinner panics, there are recipes to cover everything. With a selection that includes Sticky Crispy Korean Tofu, Green Chickpea quesadillas, smoky tea chocolate pots and carbonara rice, there are recipes to suit all tastes.
Format: Hardback
Published by: HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 9780008719135
Week commencing 25th May 2026
Children
Ridiculous Raps and Ryhmes
MC Grammar and Michael Rosen
Published with a parental advisory for extremely silly poems, these masters at their craft have put together a high-energy rhyming adventure. From chocolate cake to silly snakes, the raps and rhymes are engaging and entertaining for children, and adults alike.
Format: Paperback
Published by: Gallery Kids
ISBN: 9781398560833
Historical Fiction
The Artist
Lucy Steeds
This award-winning book takes the reader to sun-drenched Provence in the 1920s where reclusive painter Edouard Tartuffe resides in a remote farmhouse with his visiting niece Ettie. Aspiring journalist, Joseph, is invited to visit and is determined to make his name by interviewing the great Artist, however in the sweltering heat of the summer and the darkness of the warm nights, secrets are uncovered. A phenomenal book and perfect for reading in the summer sun.
Format: Paperback
Published by: John Murray Press
ISBN: 9781399819589