New Releases

10 May 2011

Among the many excellent new books released this month there is one which stands as an outstanding psychological thriller.

Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson has already been acclaimed by the critics and the film rights have been snapped up.

This startlingly impressive debut novel was written, between shifts, by an audiologist working in a London hospital. The premise is familiar and has been used successfully by other writers in the past but Watson has taken it to new heights with his quality and skill of writing. As the result of an accident Chrissie has lost her memory , not only that but she is unable to form and retain new memories. Every day her husband, also her sole carer has to remind her who she is and who he is. With the encouragement of the rather mysterious Dr. Nash she begins to keep a secret journal recording her thoughts and the events of the day and it is then that tiny fragments of memory and flashbacks begin to terrify her. Memories are fundamental to who we are, they make sense of our lives, they trigger our actions and reactions and without memory we are vulnerable. We become what other people want us to be. So who is telling Chrissie the truth? What are the real intentions of the people around her? Is she being manipulated and who can she really trust? Before I go To Sleep is a compelling, intense, beautifully structured psychological thriller and I urge you to read it.

Dead Reckoning: A True Blood Novel by Charlaine Harris - The eleventh book in the Southern Vampire Mystery Series Dead Reckoning doesn't disappoint fans.  The protagonist Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress, but that's her day job. Sookie is invested with telepathic powers and is heavily involved in mysteries which include vampires, werewolves and fairies. There's a great plot and it's full of intrigue, action and excitement. A welcome addition to the very popular series.

The Fifth witness by Michael Connolly is an intelligent courtroom drama. Set in America during the recent economic downturn this is the fourth book by Connolly to feature defense counsel Mickey Haller. Described as "the greatest living American crime writer" Mr Connolly's descriptions of courtroom cut and thrust is sharp and focussed. There is meticulous attention to detail and the plot never loses pace or energy right to the last page. This is a brilliant , masterly, up to the minute legal drama.

Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen is another book about memories. This time the protagonist Jacob Jankowski is a 93 year old man living in a nursing home musing over his life as a young man. A drifter, he unwittingly became immersed in the life of a second rate circus during the American Depression. Meticulously researched, beautifully written, strong characters and some adult content, this is a gem of a novel.

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult.
Never one to avoid controversial dilemmas and moral issues, in this novel Jodie Picoult addresses the complex social issues of I.V.F. lesbianism, infertility, stillbirth and the influence of religion. The characters are well drawn and the story is compelling. Fans of Picoult will be more than happy and those new to the author will find it thought provoking and informative. A thoroughly good read.

An Epic Swindle by Brian Reade - Brian Reade's book is the insider, explosive account of the regime of the Americans Hicks and Gillett at Liverpool F.C. The naivety and audacity of those involved, which almost brought Liverpool, one of the world's iconic and best loved football clubs to its knees are mind blowing. The situation was almost farcical and this book is a revealing insight into the effect it had on players, manager, coach and fans. A 'must read' for anyone interested in the 'beautiful game'.
I may not have included the book you are looking for in this diverse list, but if you browse the new releases on our site I am sure you will find what you are looking for.