Adult book highlights

Poet Jason Allen-Paisant explores the link between Jamaican and British histories through travels with his mother, in this Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing shortlisted title. 

A collection of essays interspersed with verse, the lyrical prose reflects on grief, identity, race, class, and reconnecting with the land via visits to his grandmother’s grung, the Jamaica Archives and Records Department and Roundhay Park. A captivating read that takes you on the journey.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 2nd January 2026

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Memorable from 2025 was this tale in which a dissatisfied Cathal reflects on his relationship with fiance Sabine. Not for readers after anything meaty, this is a very slim read, more short story than novella. Nevertheless its observations on the relationships between men and women, at both personal and societal levels, are fully fleshed and will stay with the reader. Great for fans of contemporary Irish fiction.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 8th December 2025

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This debut novel is getting lots of pre-pub hype, and has many positives. Detailed, intricate world-building that references Asian culture and folklore; vast scope in content and ambition; political and military intrigue; and a strong, complex female main character. At points the level of detail threatens to overwhelm the narrative and overall pacing, but it does keep the reader engaged to the finale.  

Reviewed by Peters team on 2nd December 2025

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Dogs are being attacked all over the neighbourhood and now a boy is dead, but who is responsible for these crimes? In this twisty revenge thriller, four characters give their version of events.

There is no love lost between the mother and the tutor as themes of toxic masculinity are explored through compelling confessions with multiple layers.  The sons' reminiscences of the animal abuse are chilling. The translation captures the venom and spite of every interaction. A debut great for fans of Butter and Bella Mackie. 

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 21st November 2025

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Tom is plodding through life: his daughter is leaving for college, he’s been suspended from his job as a law professor, and his wife cheated on him 12 years ago. Now he’s going on a road trip to nowhere.

With no chapters, the story ambles along at a gentle pace which belies the disturbing moments when Tom's internal ramblings veer to the right. Unreliable narration captures a deteriorating US stuck in the nostalgia of a misremembered past.

Shortlisted for the Booker Prize 2025. 

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 3rd November 2025

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Anyone who likes Bob Mortimer will enjoy this book; judging from his run of bestsellers, that's most readers. The comedian's whimsy comes through in his characters and plot, as well as a touch of his trademark surrealism (talking cat, anyone?) and some darker moments of violence. With laughs before you've even got past the cover, this 'mystery with 3 or 4 suspects' is a very enjoyable read, sure to be in demand. 

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 22nd October 2025

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This debut due to publish in November gets off to a slow to start, with a lot of technical bookbinding detail, but develops into a gripping historical mystery/thriller. The strong female lead determinedly pushes well-paced action to the final explosive conclusion. 

A good blend of genres in the vein of Name of the Rose or Shadow of the Wind.

Reviewed by Peters team on 13th October 2025

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What is it like to have your childhood curated for content? Would you stand by as history repeats itself with your sister? Aṅụrị will not. As she navigates the fallout of growing up in the limelight, Aṅụrị fights for the freedom to be met as she truly is.

This compelling narrative captures the heartbreaking complexity of family tensions and the healing support of healthy friendships with an acuteness that is both comforting and poignant.  A fantastic addition to wellbeing collections.

Winner of the Diverse Book Awards 2025.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 1st October 2025

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In Awake, Jen Hatmaker engages with some difficult topics - divorce, destructive church culture, burnout – and yet the overriding feel of this memoir is one of hope. Warm and inviting, Jen’s writing is as hospitable as her massive table and as full of her family and friends. Chapters are quick to read, longer to digest, and satisfyingly rich. A good companion for those grappling with how to navigate life's journey.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 11th September 2025

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Elizabeth Day reprises characters from 2018's The Party in another tale of secrets and lies in the ruling classes. Drags at points, but on the whole an enjoyable and convincing revisit, with enough plot points and loathsome characters to keep the reader engaged. Works well as a standalone. Fans of the author will enjoy.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 1st September 2025

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There is only one rule for the door to open: the visitor must read the same passage at the same time as the girl in the burgundy dress, and they must be under the cherry trees in full bloom. Welcome to Sakura – a bookshop for those who have forgotten. 

Experience the shop through the eyes of four individuals, in this classic episodic format, as they journey from regret and loss to reconciliation and acceptance with the help of a calico cat. A pleasant, cosy read full of descriptive passages that explores the power of memory and misremembering. Recommended for fans of Before the Coffee Goes Cold.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 21st August 2025

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Mitty and Bethel live quietly in Santa Cruz, where the invasion of Silicon Valley workers looking for 'real life' means comfortable homes are being replaced with Instagram-perfect glass houses. New neighbours Sebastian and Lena typify the tech elite, but Mitty sees opportunity for friendship with Lena, whose life may not be as perfect as it seems.

Electrifying debut by a writer to watch. Chews over big ideas about how far we allow tech to govern our lives, and the messiness of being human; a great choice for book clubs. 

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 11th August 2025

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After splitting from her lover and disappointing her pious mother, academic Nadia accepts a UN job rehabilitating ISIS women in Iraq. There she meets East Londoner Sara, who was radicalised at just 15 and now lives in thrall to her teenage decisions. What follows is an irreverent, humorous and humanising look at religion, radicalisation, family and belonging. This brash, uncompromising and original debut takes no prisoners and has gained lots of award attention this year. Stock up!

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 28th July 2025

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