This month sees the release of several notable books in paperback, ranging from Francis Spufford’s historical fantasy to a memoir by Ruth Jones and James Corden about Gavin & Stacey. With a notable influx of crime novels and Paul McCartney’s latest non-fiction work, readers may find their to-read piles significantly increasing, reports BritPanorama.
Shadow ticket by Thomas Pynchon
Set in 1930s Milwaukee, private eye Hicks McTaggart embarks on a quest to locate a young heiress who has vanished. The investigation proves complex as he navigates various dangers across continents in this genre-bending noir novel.
Vintage, £10.99
Dead and alive by Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith offers a profound exploration of culture, art, and public life in her latest collection. Blending sharp cultural criticism with personal insight, her essays cover a wide array of subjects, from Stormzy to US politics.
Penguin, £11.99
Nonesuch by Francis Spufford
As tensions rise in 1939, young Londoner Iris Hawkins finds herself ensnared in a fantastical adventure involving magic, the Blitz, and a time-travelling fascist. This exuberant mix of historical fiction and fantasy showcases Spufford’s flair for storytelling.
Faber, £9.99
Witch trial by Harriet Tyce
In Edinburgh, the investigation of an 18-year-old girl’s murder turns towards her closest friends. Tyce, a bestselling author known for her keen insight, explores the intense and turbulent world of adolescence in this chilling thriller.
Wildfire, £10.99
The land of sweet forever by Harper Lee
This collection of previously unseen short stories and essays offers a glimpse into the evolution of Harper Lee’s voice prior to her iconic work, To Kill a Mockingbird. These narratives, spanning from Alabama playgrounds to New York streets, illustrate the roots of a literary luminary.
Harper Perennial, £18.99
Wings by Paul McCartney
In this oral history detailing his post-Beatles band, McCartney explores themes of reinvention and the chaotic energy of life after the band’s breakup. Wings captures the creativity that marked this transformative period in music history.
Penguin, £22
When Gavin met Stacey and everything in between by Ruth Jones and James Corden
The duo recounts the journey from their initial pitch to the final day of filming of one of the UK’s beloved sitcoms, revealing behind-the-scenes insights that fans will find equally charming and entertaining.
Penguin, £10.99
Fly wild swans by Jung Chang
Chang revisits her family’s history, capturing her transition from China to Britain in the late 70s while emphasizing the coexistence of personal and political narratives in her life, as first chronicled in the bestselling Wild Swans.
William Collins, £10.99
Snö by Sverker Sörlin
Sörlin’s work, longlisted for this year’s Wainwright Prize, combines natural history with environmental insights. This award-winning text discusses the significance of snow from its ancient beginnings to the present scarcity.
Penguin, £12.99
Workhorse by Caroline Palmer
Set in early 2000s New York, this narrative follows aspiring fashion journalist Clo as she navigates a world of wealth and beauty, ultimately discovering her own path alongside her co-conspirator, Harry.
Fourth Estate, £9.99
Home by India Knight
This insightful work illustrates the essence of creating a home. Born from Knight’s popular Substack, the book combines wit and wisdom, guiding readers on how to develop a personal sanctuary.
Penguin, £11.99
Nowhere burning by Catriona Ward
Tucked away in Colorado’s mountains lies Nowhere, a refuge for runaway children. Ward’s novel merges elements of fairytale and horror, creating a gripping exploration of survival, grief, and familial bonds.
Viper, £9.99
The year of the dog by Sophia Money-Coutts
Money-Coutts narrates her unexpected journey into single parenthood with her puppy Dennis, illustrating how he reshaped her understanding of love and companionship during a tumultuous time.
HQ, £9.99
The living and the dead by Christoffer Carlsson
In 1999 Sweden, best friends Sander and Killian’s departure from a party sets off a chain of events that places them at the centre of a murder investigation. This award-winning novel, translated from Swedish, has widespread acclaim in Scandinavia.
Penguin, £9.99
