Secrets and suspense

Published date22 January 2022
Publication titleDaily Record, The / Sunday Mail (Glasgow, Scotland)
Mrs Englandby Stacey Halls (Manilla Press, £8.99)

In this Edwardian mystery, Norland nurse Ruby May takes a new job working for the wealthy England family. But Mrs England is distant and cold and the household staff are equally unwelcoming. As strange occurrences pile up, from unexplained fires to unsettling behaviour, Ruby realises the Englands have secrets to hide. But Ruby has more in common with the England family than she realises. Tension-packed, this enticing, beautifully written story shimmers with menace.

ANNE CATER

Luster by Raven Leilani (Picador, £9.99)

After a series of unimpressive hook-ups, Edie, 23, starts a relationship with 40-something Eric who is in an open marriage with acerbic Rebecca. When Edie is evicted from her bug-infested flat, her least-worst option is to move in with the warring couple. Mischievous and melancholy, this darkly funny debut explores the search for intimacy, sexual and racial politics, and the reality of a young black woman trying to find her place in the world.

EITHNE FARRY

Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller (Fig Tree, £8.99)

Winner of the Costa Novel...

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