Whether you love audiobooks, your Kindle or just the feel of a real book in your hands, there’s nothing like having a great read on the go. Here are some we’re loving right now
None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
Formerly known for her romantic fiction books, Lisa Jewell has now become a force to be reckoned with in a very different genre. Her 21st novel, None of This is True, is a psychological thriller about a woman whose popular podcast about her own true crime story becomes a bestseller and a threat to her life.
“I was recently gripped by Lisa Jewell’s latest thriller, None of This is True. The premise seemed fairly straightforward – two women meet by chance and one starts to document the other’s life – mainly, the story of her troubled relationship – for her podcast. But what unfolded was a twisty, surprising plot that is played out between throwbacks to their podcast conversations and current-day Netflix documentary teaser trailers. A very modern narrative and really entertaining read, highly recommend if you love a good thriller.” – Klara, Editor
Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan
Ordinary Human Failings is a novel about an Irish family in ’90s London that explores themes of love, desire, and self-destructive behaviour. The story follows a young woman named Helen as she navigates her relationships with men while contending with her own insecurities and anxieties.
“I just adore how Megan Nolan writes; it’s so rich and nuanced. This, her second novel, is so much more than what its synopsis may lead you to believe. Although it centres around a missing child and the ensuing tabloid pursuit of an exclusive story, this isn’t the run-of-the-mill mystery story you’d expect it to be. Instead, it’s a beautiful character study focusing on the various suffering of these ordinary characters and their ordinary failings (“tragedies too routine to be of note”); ranging from heartbreak and teenage pregnancy to addiction and alcoholism. That might sound very heavy, but Nolan writes with such empathy and insight that I know it’s a book that’ll stay with me for a long time.” – Niamh, Deputy Editor
Brehon Laws – The Ancient Wisdom of Ireland by Jo Kerrigan
This book is a fascinating look at the lifestyle and values of ancient Ireland. Thousands of years ago, Celtic Ireland was a land of tribes and warriors; but a widely accepted, sophisticated and surprisingly enlightened legal system kept society running smoothly.
“This is an absolute gem of a book that will make many an Irish patriotic soul sing. Learning about this ancient Celtic way of life in which society was smoothly run thanks to a series of sophisticated laws based on values, fairness and kindness was a thoroughly enjoyable read and an education I didn’t know I needed. At a time when Ireland was divided up into 150 King/Queendoms, women were equal to their male counterparts and everything from land disputes, marriage, inheritance, theft and violence were accounted for in these respected and widely accepted laws of the Brehons. This is a book that every Irish citizen should read, if not every world citizen, in order to see how a fair and just society can, and indeed once was, achieved.” – Ariana, Sales Manager
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
Set in a peaceful retirement village, The Thursday Murder Club is a crime novel that follows a group of elderly amateur sleuths who come together every week to discuss old murder cases. Things take an interesting turn when they suddenly find themselves investigating a murder that has just happened very close to home.
“The Thursday Murder Club is an amazing lesson in how we should never underestimate the elderly and the wealth of life experience that they have. This story uncovers deep secrets that were held onto for a lifetime and is full of twists and turns that I was not expecting. The main characters have such a variety of quirky personalities that shouldn’t gel together, but they do in the most wonderful way.” – Megan, Editorial Assistant
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
Lily, a teenage girl is found dead in her home and her boyfriend, Asher, is the prime suspect. Asher’s mother is adamant that he is innocent but soon learns that he has hidden more than he has shared with her. Mad Honey is a timely and absorbing novel of suspense and a powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves.
“This book tackles some hard-hitting topics like domestic violence and parental abuse that makes it a tough read at times. However, it is utterly worth it because it is also a thrilling courtroom drama and a very moving love story. There’s also a jaw-dropping twist in the middle of the book that will leave you breathlessly turning the pages to see how the story will unfold. It’s definitely one you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve read the last line.” – Claire, Digital Journalist
