Historical, titillating and emotional – the latest novels offer something for all tastes
RATCATCHER by James McGee
HUNTING DOWN highwaymen was not the usual preserve of a Bow Street Runner. As the most resourceful of this elite band of investigators, Matthew Hawkwood was surprised to be assigned the case – even if it did involve the murder and mutilation of a naval courier.
Soon, Hawkwood finds himself pursuing a trail that leads him from the squalor of St. Giles Rookery, London’s notorious den of thieves and cutthroats, to the brightly-lit salons of the aristocracy and the heart of the British government. It is only with the discovery of a corpse on the banks of the Thames, however, that the true agenda behind the robbery begins to emerge and a dark conspiracy is revealed. Napoleon’s agents are preparing to launch an assassination attempt that will turn the tide of the war and Hawkwood must stop them.
Full of duels and derring-do, Ratcatcher is a highly enjoyable and well-researched novel with a fast-moving and cleverly-constructed plot. In special price hardback at 15.50 euros.
LIPSTICK JUNGLE by Candace Bushnell
To everyone who’s anyone in New York, Victory Ford, Wendy Healy and Nico O’Neilly are riding high, the beautiful faces of success in the city. Victory is the hottest new designer in town, Wendy is president of Parador Pictures with a sure-fire hit in production and three gorgeous children, and Nico is the editor of Bonfire Magazine, the city’s style bible. To all appearances, they’re in their prime.
Appearances can be deceptive though. Nico is fitting in guilty extra-marital sex with an underwear model, Victory’s last collection was a complete disaster and Wendy’s 12-year marriage to her metrosexual househusband is on the rocks.
Fierce, funny and candid, Candace Bushnell’s new heroines are irresistible and she gives us a hugely entertaining lesson on how to stay ahead and keep laughing in the toughest town on the planet. Lipstick Jungle is the fourth novel from bestselling author Bushnell; her best known being Sex and the City which was made into a massively successful TV series. You can expect the same titillating tales from Lipstick Jungle as the TV series delivered! In paperback at 11 euros.
THE ACCIDENTAL MOTHER by Rowan Coleman
Sophie Mills has worked her Manolos off to reach the near-top of her profession. She’s very happy with her priorities in life – her job, her neurotic cat, Artemis, and her passion for shoes. After all, relationships only get in the way and, as for children, she hasn’t even begun to think about them yet. Until one day an unexpected visitor brings news of a strange inheritance and Sophie is suddenly in sole charge of two children under the age of six. Motherhood can’t be that hard, can it?
Within 24-hours, Sophie’s barely-used Chanel No. 5 bubble bath is nearly empty, her beloved flat reduced to a war zone, Artemis has taken up residence on top of her wardrobe and Sophie is in despair. All her unconventional mother can suggest is Dr. Robert’s Complete Dog Training and Care Manual. Sophie soon realises that she’ll need more than a business plan to manage her new life.
This is a warm, witty and wonderful read, which, although lightweight, shows moments of real emotional depth. In paperback at 11 euros.
