I’ve had the opportunity to delve into several newly released novels, a pastime I always relish. These books span different genres, each offering its own unique blend of intrigue, emotion, and profound insights into human relationships. One standout is an unsettling psychological thriller that delivers gripping revelations and keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Day One by Abigail Dean
A tender, heartbreaking debut novel about community, tragedy, conspiracy and the lasting power of love, from the bestselling author of Girl A.
A village hall. A primary school play. A lone gunman. The story follows a seemingly ordinary family, the Walkers, as they navigate the aftermath of a tragic event that changes their lives forever. As the narrative unfolds, the author expertly peels back the layers of her characters, revealing deep-seated flaws, the darker aspects of human nature, and motivations that make them both relatable and terrifying. This complex web of secrets, lies, and family dynamics, keeps readers guessing from start to finish.
If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with complex characters and twisty plots then you’ll find this novel both thought-provoking and unsettling – you won’t want to put it down!
Turbulent Threads by Karen McMillan
Karen McMillan’s novel Turbulent Threads is a lovely read that immerses you in the dynamic and often chaotic world of late 19th century Dunedin.
Greer Gillies dreams of a life with literature, fashion and music but, when suddenly orphaned at the tender age of twenty, she is reduced to working as a servant at Dunedin’s Lanarch Castle. As she adjusts to her new life, she discovers new friendships and a community that becomes a catalyst for change, echoing the progressive spirit of the times.
As Greer grapples with affairs of the heart, betrayal and social upheavals, she becomes a symbol of courage. Greer dares to pursue her dreams and follows her heart and, as an independent woman of her time, her journey stands as a beautifully imagined account that captures the themes of love, loss, resilience and the importance of following one’s instincts.
The author’s detailed descriptions and thorough research vividly bring this historical period to life, showcasing its splendour, conflicts, and tragedies. The story draws readers into the rich cultural landscape of late 19th century Dunedin and offers a unique insight into the Larnach family’s complex lives.
Fans of historical fiction will find the novel uplifting and poignant and will particularly appeal to fellow Kiwis.
Sisterhood by Cathy Kelly
In Sisterhood, Cathy Kelly explores themes of family, secrets, and self-discovery against the stunning backdrops of Ireland’s wild coastline and Sicily’s sun-baked shores. The novel begins with Lou, standing at a crossroads in her life. On the night of her 50th birthday, her world implodes when she discovers a long-held secret by her mother that changes everything she thought she knew about herself.
Lou, who runs a florist shop, is the glue that holds her family and work life together, constantly ensuring everything runs smoothly for everyone around her. In contrast, her sister Toni, who is facing her own life crisis, is a successful television host and the face of Women in Business. Despite their differences, their bond is strong and loving; they are not just sisters but also close friends.
The two women set out on a life-changing journey – one that will take them through Ireland’s wildest coastline and to Sicily’s sun-baked rocky shores. It will also take Lou deep into her relationships with her mother, her sister and her daughter to figure out how to stop pleasing everyone else – and carve out who she really wants to be.
Relationships are at the heart of Sisterhood and the author addresses issues such as employment struggles, sexual harassment, anxiety, depression, addiction, and co-dependency, in a way that will have the reading hoping for wonderful outcomes for both sisters.
Tipping Point by Dinuka McKenzie
This is the third book in a series but can definitely be read as a standalone. Weeks from Christmas in the sweltering heat of an Australian summer, Detective Kate Miles’ estranged brother, Luke Grayling, returns home to Esserton to farewell a childhood friend – Ant Reed, dead by suicide. Within days of the funeral, another young man, Marcus Rowntree, is found shot dead in the back paddock of his property.
Almost twenty years ago, Luke, Ant and Marcus were best mates in high school and now two of the three friends are dead. A tragic coincidence? Or something more sinister? connecting the three men?
When Luke is identified as a person of interest in Marcus’s death, Kate once again finds herself in the middle of a media storm, sidelined from the case and battling accusations of conflict of interest.
As press attention deepens, and uncomfortable truths about Luke’s personal life and past events come to light, Kate is forced to contend between loyalty to the police force, and the bonds of friendship and blood.
Flashback chapters intersperse the present day narrative which serve to set the groundwork for an explanation about what’s happening to them today and also provides potential motives for why two of them are dead.
Silent as the Snow by Emily Pattullo
Four friends.
One tragic death.
20 years of secrets and lies.
One wintery night, when they are young, Anna and her three friends Rudy, Seth, and Dougal are involved in an accident in which a stranger is killed – that night it snows heavily, covering everything up. The friends agree to keep it a secret, but then one of them is accused of murder and sent to prison.
Twenty years later they are brought together following a funeral, but it soon becomes clear that what each of them recalls of the accident isn’t what the others remember.
Anna is forced to finally confront what actually happened all those years ago and wonders if the truth she would rather not uncover will be revealed by digging up the past. What will it mean for her carefully constructed life if the last 20 years have been nothing more than a lie?
The ramifications of uncovering the truth ripple through the friends’ lives and are gradually revealed as the story revisits that fateful night and uncovers who was really to blame.
For a while, I wasn’t sure where the story was leading, but it has a great, twisty finish. It reminds us that the experiences we have and the decisions we make as young people shape us profoundly as adults. It also raises the question: how well do we really know anyone, especially those closest to us?
