My Hot Friend by Sophie White My Hot Friend by Sophie White is published  by Hachette Ireland and is described as ‘a sharp, funny and page-turning novel about the highs and lows of friendship’. Lexi, Joanne and Claire are three young women, strangers to each other, just trying to survive. In a society where image is perceived as everything, and the number of reactions a social media post gets is tantamount to success, there are times when it all gets a little too much. Navigating friendships, relationships and life in a world where so much is on show, and being present is considered ..read more

Someone Like Her by Awais Khan Someone Like Her by Awais Khan is published with Orenda Books. It is described as ‘exquisitely written, populated by unforgettable characters and rich with poignant, powerful themes…a story of love and family, of corruption and calamity, of courage and hope … and one woman’s determination to thwart convention and find peace, at whatever cost…’ Someone Like Her is the story of Ayesha, a twenty-seven year old young woman following her own path. Ayesha gives little attention to the traditions of old and considers love central to every marriage. Her parents ..read more

The Lock-Up by John Banville The Lock-Up by John Banville is published with Faber Books and is described as ‘Strafford and Quirke’s most troubling case yet.’ I read April in Spain last year and, while I enjoyed it, I wasn’t exactly enthralled by it, so I was slow to pick up The Lock-Up at the time of publication. Like many of us at the moment, I have been feeling off kilter, with the chaotic state the world is in. I’m finding it difficult to concentrate, with my mind very much elsewhere. When the An Post Irish Book Awards shortlists were announced in October I was aware tha ..read more

An Island Christmas by Micheál Ó Conghaile An Island Christmas by Micheál Ó Conghaile is published with Mercier Press and is translated from the Irish by Mícheál Ó hAodha. It is described as ‘an inspiring insight into the life of a passionate artist and powerhouse behind the resurgence of Irish language writing and publishing.’ Through his words we ‘witness Ó Conghaile’s journey from an eager young boy tapping away on a typewriter to the founder of renowned publishing house Cló Iar-Chonnacht.’ I am always, and will continue to be, in awe of Ireland’s Gaeilgeoirs (fluent Irish speaker ..read more

Life at Full Tilt: The Selected Writings of Dervla Murphy (Ed. by Ethel Crowley) Life at Full Tilt: The Selected Writings of Dervla Murphy is edited by Ethel Crowley and is published with Eland Publishing. Much has been said about the extraordinary life of Dervla Murphy, with Manchán Magan (Irish Times) describing her as ‘Ireland’s greatest travelling icon, our courageous, eloquent, world wanderer, whose seminal works of travel literature over five decades and four continents count as one of Ireland’s greatest literary achievements.’ In the foreword Colin Thubron, British travel writer an ..read more

Committed by Chris Merritt Committed by Chris Merritt is published with Wildfire and is described as a ‘propulsive thriller you won’t want to miss.’ ‘Her heart rate has already rocketed. Her palms are sweaty. It’s the familiar anticipation of having to act on those instincts she’s learnt to trust. Learnt the hard way.’ Ellen McGinley is a former undercover CIA operative living in Pennsylvania. Now married, she lives with her husband, Harry, a local congressman and politician, and her young son, Josh. On a recent trip to Washington for a fundraiser with Harry, Ellen overhears a conversation tha ..read more

I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid Everything that begins will eventually end. There’s no doubt about it. An unavoidable dichotomy of our life: the moment we are born, we are doomed to die. A sweet gift from the very nature of our life. Life and death. Black and white. Love and hate. Reality and dreams. Self and the Other. How to distinguish them? And where does this unfathomable, blurred border between me and the other, real and imaginary lie? These are the questions we can’t help but ask when reading I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid. It all starts simple: a couple in the ca ..read more

Cover the Bones by Chris Hammer Cover the Bones by Chris Hammer is available now in digital format with Wildfire. Book three in the Detective Nell Buchanan series, Cover the Bones is described as a ‘masterful new Outback thriller’. Seven dynastic and extremely powerful families run the outback town of Yuwonderie, with their successes and wealth rooted in its water supply and irrigation. Tradition among these families dictates that the eldest son inherits the land and all the influence it brings, with second sons and others, having to make their own way in life. Athol Hasluck is ..read more

Kiera & Me by Noel Fitzpatrick Kiera & Me by Noel Fitzpatrick is published Seven Dials (Orion). It is beautifully illustrated by Laura McKendry and described as a book ‘for animal lovers everywhere, or anyone who needs a little comfort this Christmas.’ I am a relatively recent convert to dog ownership having not had one growing up. Over seven years ago we brought home a Yorkiechon who we named Smudge, due to a mark on his ear as a puppy. Smudge has become part of the family and I have been surprised how I have adapted to him over the years. Anyone who knows me of old would know that I ..read more

Deceit by Casey King Deceit by Casey King is published with Joffe Books. It is a debut novel, the first book in The Dublin Thrillers and is described as ‘an explosive new gangland crime series packed with twists, turns and deceit.’ When Danielle Lewis arrives into Dublin airport she is met with an unexpected welcoming team. Having left home ten years previously, in an attempt to block out what had happened to her, Danielle is back and looking for answers. Danielle lost her unborn child following an attempt on her life and, afterwards, she understandably fell apart. The distance that ..read more