The Wolf Tree

Laura McCluskey

HarperCollins

On a remote Scottish island full of secrets, outsiders are not welcome. That’s the message detectives George (Georgina) and Richie get when they’re sent to Eadar to investigate the death of a young man found at the bottom of a lighthouse. Initially reported as a suicide, their job is to rule out foul play.

George, recently back at work after a traumatic head injury, wants to prove she’s fit to return, but with hostile locals and a partner who doesn’t trust her, it’s a challenge. Especially when she’s faced with dark figures at the window of their croft at night, a shady priest, and a sequence of events that just don’t add up.

Packed with mystery, suspense and an explosive finale, this atmospheric debut novel was a gripping read.

Toni, Blenheim 

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Truth Needs no Colour 

Heather McQuillan 

Cloud Ink Press

I love supporting home-grown NZ authors, so I was thrilled to get my hands on Heather’s latest YA novel, with the added bonus of a striking cover.

Following the disappearance of her father and the death of her activist mother, 15-year-old Mariana is taken in by her grandparents in the cyclone-ravaged South Island, ruled by the corrupt Carapace corporation. When she breaks the rules by wearing a red dress to school, she sparks a chain of events with severe consequences. Mariana is soon forced to make a choice – stay silent or stand up for what’s right.

With themes of injustice, activism and the changing world we live in, this thought-provoking dystopian novel was utterly compelling.

Theresa, Wellington

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The Bookshop Detectives 2: Tea and Cake and Death

Gareth & Louise Ward 

Penguin 

I’m a big fan of the Ward duo’s first book in this series, and their second book was just as good. Garth, Eloise and lovable pooch Stevie are hot on the case of a prolific poisoner threatening to ruin their ‘Battle of the Book Clubs’ fundraising event when quiz team members start dropping like flies.

Jam-packed with a quirky cast of potential suspects, oodles of tea, cake and wine, and plenty of red herrings, nailing down the culprit is no easy task. Especially when cryptic messages appear from an infamous serial killer from Eloise’s past.

This was a perfect cosy crime with a cliffhanger ending – the only problem is having to wait for the next book to come out!

Chris, Timaru

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Eddie Winston is Looking for Love 

Marianne Cronin 

Doubleday 

I first came across Marianne Cronin in your magazine when you recommened her debut novel The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot, so was excited to see this book on the shelves. 

An intergenerational friendship, quirky second-hand-store finds and the theme of finding yourself while helping others are at the heart of this book and I couldn’t put it down. I never wanted it to end. 

Eddie is a true gentleman who at 90 years old has never been kissed. Through an unlikely friendship with pink-haired Bella, he embarks on a foray into online dating and heart-warming adventures. A beautiful story that reminded me that it is never too late to try again. 

Wendy, Akaroa