Lavender Hill

By: Alissa Callen ISBN: 9781038908865 Harlequin HQ Fiction (2026) This is the start of a new series from Alissa Callen, although not surprisingly it bears a resemblance to her earlier romances. It’s a rural romance, set in a small town, and with a number of quirky characters. Callen fans, and romance fans in general, are … Continue reading Lavender Hill →

The Endless Sky

By: Di Morrissey ISBN: 978-1-76156-571-7 Pan Macmillan (2025) In “The Endless Sky”, Di Morrissey takes an interesting look at how a television program is developed. In the process, she provides a vivid insight into a part of Australia’s natural heritage that readers might be unaware of. Nicole Roberston is a top rating television presenter, and … Continue reading The Endless Sky →

Three Reasons for Revenge

By: Dervla McTiernan ISBN: 9781460760161 HarperCollins (2026) This is the first of McTiernan’s novels to be set in Australia, and I hope it won’t be the last. It’s a fabulous crime thriller, taut and with loads of suspense to keep readers engaged. This is a real page turner, easy to read style wise but with … Continue reading Three Reasons for Revenge →

What Have They Done to Liza McLean?

By: Amy Doak ISBN: 9781760149987 Penguin Random House (2025) This is a young adult thriller with strong characters and an engaging, if fairly familiar, plot. Meg and Liza McLean are scholarship students at the elite Douglas College. It’s clear why Meg is there; she’s a good student and very bright. It’s less clear how Liza, … Continue reading What Have They Done to Liza McLean? →

Engaged, Apparently

By: Amy Andrews ISBN: 9781038942562 HQ Fiction (2026) This is an easy, breezy romance which will surprise no-one. It’s charming, though, and has some memorable moments. Romance readers will particularly enjoy the way it doesn’t just use tropes of the genre – it all but announces them, with trumpets and neon signs, to make sure … Continue reading Engaged, Apparently →

On The Edge

By: Kate Horan ISBN: 9781038940384 HQ Fiction (2025) This is a highly readable crime novel; the story isn’t spectacularly new, but it’s compellingly told, with strong characters. It’ll engage your attention early, and not let go until the end. Sixteen years ago, Nel Foley became the last known person to see her best friend alive. … Continue reading On The Edge →

For All The Dead Girls

By: Sherryl Clark ISBN: 978 1038963215 HQ Fiction (2026) This is a powerful crime novel which explores important themes. I enjoyed it immensely; it’s both an exciting narrative and a story which leaves you with a lot to think about. It feels very current, and frighteningly realistic. It’s the second novel featuring private investigator Lou … Continue reading For All The Dead Girls →