Wendy Cross‘s debut YA SF crime novel mixes AND THEN THERE WERE NONE by Agatha Christie with SURVIVOR but while the pacing is fast, it cannot make up for very thin characterisation (including of the 3 POV characters), equally thin world building (with Cross heavily dependent on mentioning an aspect of this universe when she needs to explain a twist) and some heavily foreshadowed twists so that as a result the novel just didn‘t work for me.

John Schu‘s YA novel told in verse form is an incredibly moving book based on his own experiences of having an eating disorder. I felt desperately sympathetic to the vulnerable Jake whose relationship with his grandmother is clearly very important to him but more could have been made of his relationship with his parents, which is much too lightly sketched and should have been explored given his mum‘s anxiety issues seem to feed into Jake‘s.

Magenta Fox‘s self-illustrated picture book is beautifully drawn. Arwel, his grandmother, Tuft and the Storm-Cat are filled with character and great details that keep you absorbed and looking for more. However, I think that the overarching theme - that it‘s okay for you to be overwhelmed by your emotions and best to let them out and acknowledge them - to be a little too sophisticated for the target audience and consequently didn‘t work for me.

Mante Kvedare and Christian Milner Nymand work at Implement Consulting Group where developing commercial and go-to-market strategies and designing and supporting sales transformation programmes respectively. Written at the end of the pandemic, this useful book anticipates the shift towards hybrid sales and offers techniques and advice for better on-line engagement and while there‘s some common sense stuff here, there are also some helpful tips.

Aurélia Durand is an illustrator and artist. She draws on her own career in this book for readers aged 12+ to provide guidance on how to start and sustain a creative career, including looking at how to get inspiration and how to build a brand. Although Durand‘s autobiographical sections are too bland and lacking in detail to be useful, she is strong on branding and self-promotion and I liked how she focused on the business part of creativity.

The 5th in Jennifer Killick‘s comedy horror series for readers aged 9+ is another entertaining adventure that mixes out-loud laughs with some genuinely frightening moments. The friendship between the Club Loser members works really well and the budding romance between Angelo and Colette quite sweet. My one criticism is that although the horror elements are seriously chilling, the escape room formula is a little too formulaic and predictable.

Mike Carey‘s urban fantasy/horror novella is a very welcome addition to the FELIX CASTOR SERIES that sees Castor older, but not necessarily wiser. Although the central mystery is overly telegraphed, I very much enjoyed the return to Castor‘s world and in particular the way that Carey seems to be returning to a larger supernatural battle between Hell and Earth and he leaves the ending open for a sequel, which I would most definitely want to read.

Female Invest is a learning platform aimed at helping women to make the most from their money. This informative follow-up to GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUNDS focuses on impact (i.e. ethical) investing, explaining what it is and what to look for in a way that is easy to understand. However I wished it had been more explicit on the financial and environmental risks of crypto and the financial risks in crowd-investing as I found it a little cursory.

This CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE style novel is the first in an illustrated series for readers aged 8+ by Craig Graham and Mike Stirling. It‘s a lot of fun, giving readers the chance to hang out with Dennis and chums and offering laugh out loud moments while fleshing out Walter and his flunkies. My only complaint is Vivian Truong‘s Manga-style approach to the characters‘ eyes, which took my out of the experience (although otherwise work well).

Kelechi Okafor and Michaela Dias-Hayes‘s picture book combines the themes of retaining your confidence when you‘re being criticised and celebrating the different kinds of strength that people have and what makes you special into an inspiring, beautifully illustrated story. I particularly liked the list of strong people at the end of the book, which is a good way of having a follow-up conversation with your young reader about the book‘s themes.

The 17th book in Caroline Dunford‘s EUPHEMIA MARTINS MYSTERY SERIES marries crime and World War I espionage to uneasy effect, in part because it focuses more on character, relationship and overall series development than the central mystery. That‘s a shame because the crime had a lot of potential but Euphemia does little actual investigating so developments happen in sudden bursts (specifically the revelations to the end) and so do not convince.

This tie-in book for readers aged 7+ incorporates Pokémon themed puzzles with two interlinked stories. Some of the puzzles assume that you know a lot about Pokémon already not least because you don‘t get any explanation for the world, characters or different Pokémon here. The stories themselves are okay, although there‘s a lot of repetition in the dialogue and not enough action for me. If you have a young Pokémon fan then they will love it.

Malcolm Mackenzie is an award-winning author, editor and journalist. This entertaining and informative YA book is a good summary of LGBTQ+ history and culture with lively illustrations by Emily A Foster. Despite being broad in scope there‘s inevitably a personal element to the choices here and I wondered if there could have been more contemporary LGBTQ+ people/culture but it‘s still a great introduction for any teens interested in queer culture.

Chris Packham is a naturalist, conservationist and TV presenter. This entertaining book for readers aged 6+ (part of the LITTLE EXPERTS series and superbly illustrated by Anders Frang) does a great job of showing the diversity of life on Earth, including vultures, the humble worm and even wasps. Packham‘s enthusiasm shines through and it wouldn‘t surprise me if this book leads to a new generation of naturalists and conversationists.

Premee Mohamed‘s literary SF novel is a sophisticated examination of what it means to be antiwar and the impact of conflict on those who fight. Alefret is an interesting character and I enjoyed the way Mohamed teases out his backstory and motivations while there are moments of real suspense and tension within the story. However the final quarter is rushed and Qhudur an under-developed foil whose unshakeable fanaticism doesn‘t ring quite true.

George Clarke is an architect, writer and TV presenter. This book for readers aged 6+ (part of the LITTLE EXPERTS series and strongly illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng) is intended to inspire young readers to become architects, builders and designers of the future but despite Clarke‘s enthusiasm for the subject, the book lacks focus, darting between different subjects like materials, sustainability and 3D printing.

Emily MacDonagh is a doctor who practices in the National Health Service. This is a well-intentioned book aimed at helping readers aged 9+ to understand and express their emotions and the impact of hormones as they grow older. Although there is some solid, practical advice, the tone is a little patronising at times and the illustrations by Josefina Preumayr and Ana Sebastian are pretty flat and uninspiring (albeit with good representation).

Bari Weiss is a journalist, writer and editor. This thought-provoking polemic was written in the aftermath of the 2018 terrorist shooting at the Pittsburgh synagogue where she had her bat mitzvah and her anger at that atrocity permeates it. Unfortunately the valid points she makes about anti-semitism on both the left and the right get lost as she bangs her anti-liberal drum and she ignores completely the role of her own free speech movement.

Alison Brown‘s picture book (part of a series about family members) is a cute affair that celebrates the different kind of sisters you can have and your relationship with them. The rhyming is a bit twee in parts but I enjoyed the illustrations, which have energy and humour to them. If you are looking for a gift for a young sister or young sister to be, then I would definitely suggest this.

Meredith Mooring‘s debut SF space opera romance has some interesting ideas, e.g. the use of a visually impaired protagonist, the idea of atomic manipulation and space ships built from asteroids, but the plotting is all over the place with some developments sign posted too early and a credibility defying plot twist in the final quarter, the central romance being under developed and ultimately a sense that nothing that happens to Korinna is earned.

John C H. Spence teaches physics at Arizona State University and is Snell Professor and Director of Science for the National Science Foundation‘s BioXFEL Consortium. This is an absorbing historical account of how scientists learned to measure the speed of light but although I enjoyed the personal details Spence gives on the scientists and he does try to simplify the complicated mathematical formulae, some of the book was above my skill level.

Christy Webster‘s picture book adaptation of the THOMAS & FRIENDS episode, ‘Shake, Rattle, and Bruno‘ (by Daniel Share-Strom) is an enjoyable read that suggests Bruno is neuro-divergent (he memorises the train schedule to keep calm) and emphasises the importance of listening, not rushing into things and working together in order to resolve things. Although the pictures are a little flat and generic, young readers should still enjoy the story.

Vashti Harrison‘s self-illustrated picture book is a beautifully executed look at fat bias and its impact on young children. The text is sparse with the focus on the images of the nameless little girl as she endures the taunts and well-meaning but still hurtful comments from adults. It‘s wonderfully done and very moving such that I am still thinking about it. I‘d definitely read more of Harrison‘s work on the strength of this.

The third book in Jo Lindley‘s self-illustrated picture book series is a charming look at the fun things that you can do in the summer but also how to handle it when you feel angry and everything gets on top of you because things keep going wrong. I enjoyed Lindley‘s illustrations and the friendship of the four Little Seasons really comes through such that I‘d be happy to read the other three books in this series.

Zanib Mian‘s new mystery for readers aged 7+ (illustrated by Kyan Cheng) features fun protagonists and Maysa‘s insecurity that Musa has other friends than her is well done. I also enjoyed how their Muslim identity is central to the story, as it‘s a great way of learning about their faith but as the first in a series this needed more telling to establish backstory (especially Maysa‘s antagonism with Slime-ah) and the mystery itself is a limp.

Rose Tremain‘s debut picture book has some beautiful writing but it isn‘t clear if Oliver‘s affinity for the robin comes from loneliness, although I did enjoy the snarky Draggi. Richard Jones‘s illustrations are superb and really get across Oliver‘s isolation and the robin‘s magic. All in all, I think it‘s a good read but the open ending and the fact that some of the themes are not fully explored may make it go over some young readers‘ heads.

This entertaining picture book has been adapted by Rebecca Gerlings from 5 episodes of the kids‘ cartoon HEY DUGGEE! (originally written by James Walsh) sets out how the 5 very different Squirrels handled their first days and how Duggee and the other Squirrels tried to make it easier for them. It‘s all very charming and although I‘m not familiar with the TV cartoon, I can see why it‘s so popular with pre-schoolers.

Olaf Falafel‘s self-illustrated funny novel sequel for readers aged 8+ is a genuinely hilarious affair that combines Trixie‘s love of art with her desire to get revenge on those who have wronged her. I particularly enjoyed the mini fact files on artists and how Trixie incorporates them in her pranks while her cynicism is very entertaining. I hadn‘t read the first book but will rectify that mistake and I hope there is more in this series.

Lauren Layfield‘s debut funny coming-of-age novel for readers aged 11+ has some amusing moments (notably Indi‘s imagined conversations with Gary the lizard) but I found Indi to be both a very unsympathetic character and also written in such a way that I didn‘t believe in her lack of emotional depth or self-awareness. Indi does grow in the final quarter of the book when she is called out on bad behaviour, but for me it was too little, too late.

Elliot Ackerman is a novelist, journalist and former Marine who received the Silver Star, Bronze Star for Valour and Purple Heart during tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is a sparsely written, thoughtful meditation on the US wars in the Middle East and his place in them and his meetings with Abu Hassar (an Al Qaeda fighter) are poignant but his reticence to go deep into the conflict make it a little frustrating at times.

Aliya Whiteley‘s standalone SF novel is a technically clever piece of writing (each section of Fairly‘s story is exactly 381 words) but its literary nature is one you either absolutely love or really don‘t dig. Sadly, I was in the latter camp as there isn‘t enough characterisation of Rowena or Fairly for me to engage with while the coming of age theme is under-developed and Fairly‘s story so thin that I couldn‘t understand Rowena‘s fascination.

The 5th in Alex Wheatle‘s YA CRONGTON SEQUENCE is a pacy affair whose portrayal of life on a council estate gives a feel of community and the ambition of its adolescents without downplaying the issues with living there. Wheatle‘s got a great ear for dialogue (although I fear that it may date it more quickly than it deserves) and the rapport between Jonah and his friends rings very true such that I need to read the other books in this series.

G. M. Linton‘s debut novel for readers aged 9+ (illustrated by Fuuji Takashi and Emily Bornoff and the first in a series) is a sensitively written book about learning who you are and what‘s important to you while also dealing with the difficult topic of illness, death and grief. I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on Sunshine‘s Jamaican heritage and her and her family‘s pride in their identity and I look forward to reading more of her adventures.

Kimberly Whittam‘s debut novel for readers aged 10+ is a well observed novel about shyness, anxiety and standing up for yourself. I think that anyone who is quiet or introverted will find it very easy to relate to Storm and her worries and the way Whittam draws the relationships between Storm, Zarrish and Melissa and Storm and her brother is very believable. All in all this is a very strong debut and I look forward to reading Whittam‘s next book.

Lizzie Scott is a writer and editor of non-fiction books for children who particularly loves plants, animals and the environment. Stephanie Fizer Coleman is an experienced children‘s book illustrator who loves illustrating birds. This is a beautifully put-together book (part of a series) for readers aged 5+ that explores different aspects of summer and invites readers to think about what summer means to them and what they like about it.

Anna Claybourne is an experienced writer of non-fiction for children. This is a solidly written book for readers aged 9+ that‘s part of a series about issues related to the planet and explains what inequality is and how it can come about. Claybourne breaks down complicated ideas in an unpatronising way, but while it generally gets the balance right there are times when it‘s a little over-simplified and too broad.

Chris Smith‘s humorous fantasy mystery for readers aged 9+ nods to Douglas Adams and Terry Pratchett and features warm, comic-style illustrations by Kenneth Anderson. Although the culprit is easy to guess, the wry, knowing narrative voice and the way Smith weaves the various plot lines and incorporates backstory and information through segments entitled a Traveller‘s Guide to Rillia is very entertaining so I would definitely read a sequel to this.

Sally Urwin is a 4‘ 10” former corporate marketer who became a farmer‘s wife when she married Steve a sheep farmer based in Northumberland) and started writing a blog recounting her experiences. This entertaining book that reinforces how difficult farming is both physically and emotionally (made worse by the perilous economics within the industry) is based on some of Urwin‘s blog entries and tracks a year of living on the farm.

Andy Ruffell‘s debut fantasy novel for readers aged 9+ sensitively addresses the serious theme about how fear and hatred are used to turn people against each other. However the plot is predictable, the villain is under-developed with non-sensical motives, Lily‘s super powers develop too quickly and feel unearned and Ruffell bottles a character death in a way that feels cheap. It‘s not a bad book, but I wouldn‘t rush to read a sequel.

Seymour Hersh is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his work uncovering the My Lai massacre, the Watergate scandal and the Abu Ghraib war crimes. This memoir focuses on his career and how he broke his biggest stories but offers nothing personal, no analysis of changes in the profession or the ways anonymous sources can be used and misused. I think the book suffers for that, leaving it an okay factual read rather than an insightful one.

Lauren Forry‘s standalone crime novel is one of those books where the journey is sufficiently fun and entertaining that it isn‘t until you get to the end that you realise how thin the characters are and that there are plot holes. This is not to damn it with faint praise, Forry‘s writing genuinely carried me along and there were enough red herrings to keep me turning the pages so despite the issues, I still look forward to reading her next book.

Adam Rutherford is a geneticist, science writer and broadcaster. E. L. Norry is an experienced writer of fiction and non-fiction for children. This is a very readable guide to genetics for readers aged 9+that explains evolution, genes, race and tying it in with racism and racist myths. Adam Ming‘s illustrations work perfectly with the text and I think the authors strike the right tone, getting over facts but with humour that keeps you engaged.

Dr Andy Cope is a professional trainer, teacher and author with a passion for motivation and positive psychology. Amy Bradley is an experienced illustrator of children‘s and YA books. Brimming with positive messages, this is a useful guide for pre-teen readers on how to make the most of their teenage years and really encourages them to interact and make the most out of it (which the design of the book and illustrations facilitates).

Mary Robinette Kowal‘s SF mystery is a delightful homage to Dashiell Hammet‘s THE THIN MAN, featuring a great central couple and making astute observations about fame, privilege and wealth. Although the mystery is a little thin, the side characters (especially Fantine who I adored) and their interactions carry you along and I admired how Kowal looks at what it is to live with chronic pain and loved the way everyone falls in love with Gimlet.

Patrick Flesner worked for 20 years in private equity, venture capital and mergers and acquisitions and is now an independent board member who advises on leadership. Unfortunately, he‘s chosen to use poorly written fiction that includes some unpleasant sexism to convey leadership principles that I didn‘t disagree with (and indeed some of it is useful particularly if you‘re new to this), but which I think get lost in the alienating structure.

Callum McSwiggan‘s speculative YA LGBTQ+ romance is an okay read filled with out and proud characters but Max‘s confrontation of his privilege and belief that the straights have things easier is unconvincing as Max is always fairly self-obsessed character while his friendship with Dean is more tell than show. That said, the romance is sweet, I liked Dean and Alicia as side characters and the plot has a lot of pace and energy to it.

The fourth in Richard Osman‘s bestselling THURSDAY MURDER CLUB SERIES is a clever and emotional story that shows neat continuity with the earlier books and also fleshes out Ibrahim‘s backstory. Although there are no surprises here, it‘s considered and moving without being mawkish and ends in a satisfying way that allows Osman to go off and set up a new and different series of books while also allowing a return to the pensioner at a later date.

The ambition of Tom Hindle‘s second crime novel exceeds its grasp, its characters too thinly drawn (with the younger characters being particularly unconvincing) and the mystery element too telegraphed for it to work effectively. It did hold my attention and I enjoyed the tensions between the local community members, especially as the secrets start to come out, but as a whole I think it‘s flawed although I‘d still check out Hindle‘s next book.

Although not officially part of the SLOUGH HOUSE SERIES, Mick Herron‘s latest spy thriller stands adjacent to it so if you‘re a SLOUGH HOUSE fan, you‘ll enjoy seeing some of its characters get more page time and backstory here. Caustic, cynical and at times very funny, I hugely enjoyed this story which bounces between time periods but I‘d suggest not reading STANDING BY THE WALL until afterwards as it does spoil some of the surprises.

The second in Ann Sei Lin‘s YA fantasy trilogy delves into the mythology of Lin‘s world, especially the backstory for Kurara and Haru and includes some heart breaking scenes as Lin also explores the bond between shikigami and Crafter and what it really means. However Tomoe and Sayo are very much bit players here and while I enjoyed the character development for Himura, Tsukimi remains too broadly painted to be a credible antagonist.