Read our review of Clare Balding debut novel here - and discover our other favourite Debuts out now
By SARA LAWRENCE
Published: | Updated:
The Compound is available now from the Mail Bookshop
In a vaguely dystopian near-future on the set of a reality TV dating show similar to Love Island, narrator Lily is competing to stay in the compound.
Despite rules stating that contestants are not allowed to discuss life outside, references to never-ending wars, climate catastrophes and mass mask-wearing contribute to the sense of menace on the inside.
Nine women and ten men start the journey, all young and beautiful and hoping to be the last one standing.
As more and more players get ejected into the brutal desert surrounding the compound the humiliation and heartbreak for those remaining ratchets up.
Beautifully written and thought-provoking.
'Love Island' eyes up a menacing twist
Only You is available now
University music student Dani has been in therapy on and off for years, attempting to explain why she has dreamed vividly of herself occupying different bodies her whole life.
Dani’s therapists believe she’s avoiding an unnamed trauma. Then Dani meets guitarist Jones and her brain is filled with images, as if she has known him forever.
Jones is haunted by memories of an epic love from past lives that he believed were delusions – until he recognises Dani as his soulmate.
Fearing they’ll be labelled crazy, Dani and Jones don’t discuss what’s happening, but as their relationship progresses both feel their grips on reality disintegrating. Compelling.
Pastures New is available now from the Mail Bookshop
This is the much-loved broadcaster’s first fiction book for adults and I’m sure it’s going to be as successful as her popular non-fiction and children’s series.
Alex is a jet-setting gossip columnist for a celebrity magazine who goes to all the best parties. Approaching 40 and single, Alex has made an art form of dodging commitment and responsibility.
When our girl receives a letter informing her that she has inherited a dilapidated sheep farm in Wales from a man she has never heard of, she thinks it’s a prank.
This unexpected windfall is no joke but it does come with endless jobs to do, tough decisions to make and debts to pay – and Alex has no experience of farming.
It romps along and is stuffed with appealing characters, both human and animal.
Daily Mail
