July Book Reviews

 

A mix of murder, mystery and musicals – some of the books released that are worth looking out for this month

The Parkwood Murders 

by Chris Chibnall

Detective Nicola Bridge returns in the thrilling new novel from Chris Chibnall, creator of Broadchurch, and Sunday Times bestselling author of Death at the White Hart.

For its many repeat customers, Parkwood Holiday Village is a haven – idyllic woodland, a tranquil lake, customer service on tap around the clock. For Detective Nicola Bridge, though, it’s a crime scene. When a body is discovered early one morning, Nicola is faced with an investigation like no other: hundreds of potential suspects, but seemingly no witnesses.

Published July 16th by Penguin Books.

The Showgirl and the Prince

by Ruthie Henshall

From much-loved West End and Broadway star Ruthie Henshall, The Showgirl and the Prince is a funny, honest and touching real-life Cinderella story – if Cinders is a lycra-clad chorus girl from Bromley who drinks and smokes too much.In this charming and poignant memoir, Ruthie describes a seminal period in her life, navigating a secret relationship with Prince Edward while determinedly following her dream of landing a leading West End role.

She shares hilarious backstage stories from some of the era's biggest musicals – including Miss Saigon, Les Misérables and Crazy for You. Yet as she swaps her hotpants for Laura Ashley frocks and tries to be good, she wonders if she have her happy ever after?

Published July 16th by Macmillan

Augusta Pine Does Not Exist 

by Emily Lloyd-Jones

Eighteen-year-old Augusta has no fixed home, and all her family think she died in the car crash. Her only friends are her coolly professional handler, Prefect, and a snarky sentient Al spybot called Edgar. On a rare weekend to herself, she decides to rent a room in a smart apartment complex and makes grand plans to do nothing but relax… until six cyber criminals hack the building and imprison all the residents.

Emily Lloyd-Jones’s novel combines the fun and adventure of Mission Impossible meets the emotional grit of The Girls I've Been. This book is a thrill ride from start to finish.

Published July 7^th by Penguin Books.

Country People 

by Daniel Mason

A rippling, rambunctious mystery that ricochets between the earthly and the sublime, Country People tells the story of a scholarly couple from California and their children as they embark on an idyllic year of country living in a small Massachusetts college town.

Told with warmth and wit, this is a mesmerising novel from Daniel Mason, the award-winning author of North Woods, whose prose shimmers in what is an immersive ode to stories, to the land, and its people.

Published July 7th by John Murray Press.