Adult book highlights

This winner of the Whodunnit CWA Dagger is playwright Mel Pennant’s debut novel, with the Afro-Caribbean community at its heart. 

Miss Hortense and the Pardner used to investigate crime. When Constance Brown is murdered, the violence of the past is unearthed, and a community will be tested afresh. Characters are richly developed in an ensemble cast whose stories intersect and overlap, promising a long series ahead that will stretch the most experienced armchair sleuth.

The sequel Miss Hortense and the last rites is published this month.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 6th July 2026

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An elderly widow claiming to be sitting on a fortune visits lawyer Simon Latch to draw up a will. Concerned that her previous lawyer has diverted funds to himself in her current document, she is unaware that gambler and soon-to-be-divorcee Simon plans the same. 

Offering many tropes familiar to Grisham readers, fans of his legal thrillers will not be disappointed with this latest offering. 

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 1st July 2026

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How do humans throw? Why is our skin uniquely sweaty? And why is breaking bread together an integral part of community? Find the answers to all these questions and many more in Humans: the evolution of a species.

Fascinating factoids and storytelling provide readers with a rich and accessible overview of current theories of anthropology and evolution, challenging previously held misconceptions and myths. Supported by beautifully drawn infographics, maps, diagrams of skeletons, and photographs of cultural artifacts in the classic DK style.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 22nd June 2026

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As new research finds that key barriers to reading include cost, lack of time and distraction, The Booker Prize Foundation and The Reading Agency are releasing this Booker Prizes Quick Read. Curated by Roddy Doyle, it's a collection of short stories from Booker Prize and International Booker Prize-nominated authors, designed to get more people reading for pleasure through access to world-class storytelling.

Including accessible tales by Anne Enright, Nadifa Mohamed and Yoko Ogawa among others, it's a library essential. 

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 12th June 2026

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Amigurumi combines the Japanese words ami (crocheted or knitted) and nuigurumi (stuffed doll), and is the Japanese art of knitting or crocheting small, stuffed creatures and objects, known for their cute, "kawaii" aesthetic. This book contains clear step-by-step instructions for very cutesy ‘plushies’. From safari animals to garden critters, there’s a design for everyone’s favourite, including koala, seal, pig and sloth. Another winner from DK.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 8th June 2026

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Get the tissues ready – it’s another tear-jerker! A new cast of characters visit the Tokyo café to sample the coffee and travel through time.  All are waiting for something: a phone call, a first love, a bowl of carbonara. Can they untangle the fears and regrets that bind them to reunite with their loved ones?

Each chapter is a short story interwoven with the conversations of the café regulars and its owners. Heart-warming and very cosy. Hope runs through the pages.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 29th May 2026

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This word-of-mouth hit can't seem to stay out of the bestsellers ever since its paperback release, and it's easy to see why. It follows post-divorce academic Phoebe Stone, as she becomes enmeshed with guests attending a million-dollar wedding at a fancy hotel. Finding comedy and positivity in the darkest of places, it's hilarious, frequently moving and ultimately life affirming.

Make sure also to stock the reissues of her previous titles that readers are now clamouring for.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 15th May 2026

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Comedian, podcaster and Taskmaster champion John Robins’ memoir tells of his relationship with alcohol. Over the course of 12 drinks, he unpacks what it is to be an addict and his journey to sobriety.

Thoughtful, compassionate, and heart-wrenching, Robins’ account is never preachy but simply invites the reader to listen and reflect on their own coping mechanisms. It is also hilarious! After years of stand-up, Robins knows how far to push the emotion before undercutting the tension with humour. Sometimes I didn’t know whether I was crying with laughter or remorse.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 8th May 2026

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Glitz is one of several Elmore Leonard titles being reissued under the Penguin Modern Classics - Crime & Espionage series. The action mainly takes place in the gambling establishments of Atlantic City, where our flawed hero Vincent Mora tries to track down a murderer in a town beyond his jurisdiction.

The 1985 is strong in this one, and it's best for nostalgia fans, but Leonard delivers enough shady characters and killer lines to remain timeless.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 29th April 2026

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Shortlisted for The Nibbies and now longlisted for The Daggers, if your library doesn’t already have this series, now's the time to invest!

Three sets of images each with a hidden message: can your readers decipher them and uncover a murderer before the final twist? I couldn’t.  Chilling yet exhilarating, I shuddered through every page filled with dread. The pay-off was satisfying and visual clues add novelty to a mystery sure to provoke discussion in a reading group. Japanese mystery at its best.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 17th April 2026

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The ultimate cosplay/fan fiction - finding yourself in your favourite fantasy series! The how and why is left suitably mysterious, and the main character accepts her lot with alacrity. The accessible writing builds tension and excitement without taking itself too seriously. Lively, fresh escapism with romance and great cast of supporting characters. A fun read.

Reviewed by Peters team on 2nd April 2026

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Disney's drama Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette is bringing renewed interest in all things Kennedy.

Maureen Callahan's propulsive non-fiction is great further reading on the JFK Jr/Carolyn Bessette relationship. Fans will also enjoy learning more about other dynasty members featured in the series, fleshing out context of the power and privilege enjoyed (and abused) by America's royalty. 

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 25th March 2026

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On the birth of his son, World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker recorded the first 100 days in 100 poems. A collection not initially intended to be shared, Harry’s humour and joy capture the experiences, fears and wonder of new parenthood. Poems about nappy changing and strangers' unsolicited comments had me in fits of giggles, while one about first jabs tugged on the heart strings. The overwhelming love of a father for his son exudes from every page.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 18th March 2026

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5, 8, 17, 9, 26, 33 – they’ve won! Or have they? Follow Edie both as a twenty-something and in her sixties as she navigates life with and without money. With friends old and new there are plenty of chuckles and a few tears, plus some headshaking when Edie’s sweet but exasperating husband Ron misses the mark yet again. Who wants theatre tickets when Sue with the hair has replaced you at aquarobics! Heartwarming debut about female friendship and restored family from an award-winning short story writer.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 11th March 2026

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