Una

Declan Burke praises Andrea Carter’s The Body Falls in his overview of the best new crime fiction in The Irish Times. According to Burke, Carter’s novels “hark back to the halcyon days of Agatha Christie and Josephine Tey… but it’s the blending of the classic tropes into the bleak, raw-boned setting of the Inishowen Peninsula that sets her books apart”.

Published by Constable, The Body Falls was released in the UK in October.

The paperback edition of Jo Bolouri’s All I Want for Christmas is released in the UK today. Published by Quercus, this hilarious and heart-warming festive romance follows Nick, who takes up a job as a Santa at a local Christmas grotto after losing his prestigious job as a city lawyer. When he falls 5-year-old Alfie’s mum, his love life becomes increasingly complicated. What if the love of your life was your best friend’s girlfriend, and you were the one that set them up?

Since the e-book release earlier this month, brilliant reader reviews have been flooding in. Here are some of our favourites:

“I came away with a smile on my face that would melt the frostiest of hearts.” – Sarah B., Netgalley

“I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a romantic Christmas read that has you giggling throughout.” – Lulu G., Netgalley

“I fell a little bit in love with the main character myself.” – Amazon Customer

“The characters are believable and relatable – above all, the humour has you laughing out loud” – Amazon Customer

Happy UK publication day to Andrea Carter!  In the new instalment of The Inishowen Mysteries, published today by Constable, Ben O’Keefe investigates the strange death of local charities boss, Bob Jameson. When Glendara becomes completely cut off by a spell of terrible weather, the residents find themselves trapped, with a killer at the heart of the community.

“Her best yet…  Andrea conjures up a phenomenal sense of place.  She is such an assured, stylish writer and The Body Falls is remarkably gripping.” — Jo Spain 

DK is bringing out a new hardback edition of Curry from the executive chef behind The Cinnamon Club, first published in 2008. This re-issue of Vivek Singh’s iconic cookbook, released on October 1st, boasts a striking new cover design and an updated foreword by the author. With contributions from expert chefs from around the world, Curry is jam-packed with 200 authentic yet accessible recipes. Thai jungle curry, chicken adobo, South African bunny chow and much more – according to the Observer Food Monthly, these are none other than “the best ever curries”. 

The brilliant Alice O’Keeffe was longlisted for the BBC National Short Story Award for her story ‘The Pig’.  Congratulations, Alice!

Flatiron Books has acquired World English rights to Denis Mukwege’s arresting call to action: “The Power of Women.” It will be published as an Oprah Book in 2021. In it, Dr. Mukwege, the Nobel Prize-winning gynaecologist and surgeon, tells the stories of the extraordinary women who have shaped him, to illustrate how corruption, violence and rape as a weapon of war are inextricably linked, and how the global community has a responsibility to take action and demand accountability.

Congratulations to Alice O’Keeffe, whose debut novel On The Up is released in paperback today!  Published by Coronet, On the Up is about relationships and community, finding a way through the tough times, and figuring out what’s really worth fighting for.  We’ve included a selection of our favourite reviews below.

‘On The Up is a gem of a novel that holds up a mirror to the way we live now.’ — Red Magazine

‘[A] timely reminder of the transformative power of community and relationships.’ — The Bookseller

‘Funny and well observed, this timely novel explores the isolation of new motherhood. O’Keeffe examines themes of class, race, privilege and gender with a deft touch which will speak loudly to a certain generation. I loved this book.’ — Clover Stroud

‘A warm-hearted and entertaining debut, On the Up continues the trend for ‘up lit’ novels about the benefits of close-knit neighbourhoods.’ — Guardian Books

‘I love the way this book makes the domestic political, and vice versa.’ — Polly Samson

‘Funny and real, this is a blast of fresh air.’ — Fabulous

As part of a lockdown fashion feature ‘How To Step Out in Style’ Ramla Ali was styled and photographed from six feet away, as well as interviewed about her experience of quarantine.  When asked about the shoot, she said: “This image was created in the last few days of fasting for Ramadan. This was the first time in my life that I had been photographed during the holy month. I was excited to do something other than training or thinking about what I was going to prepare for Iftar [our evening meal] later that day.”

The full WSJ piece can be read online: https://www.wsj.com/articles/london-fashion-models-summer-looks-11592310273

Photo credit: Dan Martensen for WSJ Magazine

While the current situation means that the iconic Pride marches have been sadly postponed, one way that we can celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community is by ensuring that their voices are heard.

Loud and Proud, the new title from Tea Uglow, brings together an inspirational collection of speeches from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies that have changed our world, and the conversation.  From equal marriage to gender definitions, bullying to parenthood, the issues covered in these speeches touch on all aspects of LGBTQ+ and reflect the diverse and multi-faceted nature of this community.

Reviews:

Hopeful and galvanising, the anthology spans a sprawling 150 years of queer brilliance, and shows us how far we’ve come, and what work there still is to be done. — Dazed Digital

The power of words is in full force in this diverse compilation of speeches from LGBTQ people who have changed the conversation and, indeed, the world. A must-have for your queer bookshelf. — Attitude Magazine

This anthology reminds us of the power of words when used to fire the imagination, reassure communities under pressure and drive us forward to create a better world for ourselves and those who come after us. These words dream! Recommended. – Gscene Magazine

Huge congratulations to Tom Mustill, the brilliant author of How to Speak Whale, for winning two Webby Awards for the astonishing short film #NatureNow.  Directed by Tom, and featuring Greta Thunberg and George Monbiot, the film serves as a call to action to protect, restore and fund Natural Climate Solutions.

#NatureNow won the award for Public Service & Activism, and was also voted People’s Voice Winner.

Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlfW7aYouYQ&feature=youtu.be