Books

Murder mysteries, crime novels and thrillers account for a large proportion of the book industry and are widely recognised as the most popular genre. In this type of story, you can expect a dramatic murder or disappearance to take place, followed by a series of breadcrumbs that lead to revealing the killer. So, if you love trying to work out a whodunnit, look no further. Stylist has compiled a list of the best murder mysteries to keep you guessing. Here, I have highlighted five of the best, and one is Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. The Guest List by Lucy Foley (2020)The blurb reads: "A wedding celebration turns dark and deadly in this deliciously wicked and atmospheric thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie from the New York Times bestselling author of The Hunting Party."T...

Author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury have reunited after 36 years to create a new boo (Image: Debra Hurford-Brown)Thirty-six years ago, author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury created one of Britain’s most iconic children’s books. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, the offbeat story of a family hunting the titular bear through mud, snow and a dark forest, has sold 14 million copies and been adapted into a Channel 4 animation.It is beloved by generations of children and their parents. But Michael and Helen never worked together again – until now.The pair published Oh Dear, Look What I Got, a new children’s picture book, earlier this week. So why has it taken since 1989 for such a successful team to get back together?Speaking to Michael and Helen, in the latter’s elega...

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Author Maddie Martinez has shared five of her top book recommendations (Image: Getty)An author has shared five of their top book recommendations. Inspired by Jewish myth and full of political intrigue, Maddie Martinez's debut novel, The Maiden and Her Monster, is an atmospheric dark fantasy perfect for fans of Ava Reid and Naomi Novik.Speaking to Express.co.uk, Maddie said: "When I set out to write The Maiden and Her Monster, I knew I wanted it to be steeped in political intrigue—it felt essential to the plot, the characters, and the themes of the book. It is, after all, a book about the power of stories, and who is left behind in the shaping of an ethnonation. My backgroun...

The past is a foreign country, as L.P. Hartley once wrote, and exploring how people thought hundreds of years ago is something I find deeply fascinating. This was particularly the case when I was completing my MA degree at the University of Birmingham, specialising in the English Civil War. After a visit to the British Museum a last year, I popped into the London Review of Books in Bury Place in London to find my latest read.On the recommended shelf stood an intriguing looking 1997 novel by Iain Pears set in 1660s England - an era guaranteed to pique my interest. As well as my studies, my appetite had been wetted by reading the Restless Republic, a brilliant look at the Interregnum and Charles II’s ascension to the throne, whose father was executed in 1649. I picked up Pears’ work, turn...

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Dan Brown's first novel in eight years, The Secret of Secrets, is out now (Image: AFP via Getty)As Dan Brown publishes The Secret of Secrets, his first book in eight years, he reveals plans for a Robert Langdon TV reboot via Netflix – with a new, as yet un-cast, leading man. “It's been green-lit. The writer's room is going full blast, and I see things from time to time. I try to stay out of their way but I have enormous faith that they're doing a great job,” says The Da Vinci Code author talking over Zoom from his home in New Hampshire.Here are five other things I learned…Ignore the criticsDespite being loved by readers – and having sold 250 million books – Brown hasn’t enj...

Every year Bill Gates shares a reading list with his millions of followers, usually focusing on books he’s discovered in the past 12 months. But a few years ago, he decided to shake things up on his Gates Notes website with a post titled 'Five of my all-time favorite books'.“These aren’t the only five books I’d put on such a list,” he said, “but all five are ones that I have recommended to my family and friends over the years.” From science fiction to politics, sport, and even rock star memoirs, here’s a closer look at the titles Gates picked.Stranger in a Strange Land – Robert HeinleinFor his science fiction pick, Gates turned to a book that’s been with him since childhood. "Paul Allen and I fell in love with Heinlein when we were just kids,” he wrote, "and this book is still one of my...

Alongside the Warner Bros TV series reboot of Harry Potter, is the upcoming full cast audio editions from Audible.Joining the previously announced likes of Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore and Matthew Macfadyen as Voldemort are some huge Hollywood stars from franchises like Game of Thrones and Pirates of the Caribbean.The third group of voice actors revealed today are Kit Harington as Professor Lockhart, Keira Knightley as Professor Umbridge, Iwan Rheon as Professor Lupin, Ruth Wilson as Bellatrix Lestrange, Ambika Mod as Nymphadora Tonks, Leo Woodall as Bill Weasley, Simon Pegg as Arthur Weasley, James McAvoy as Mad-Eye Moody, Gemma Whelan as Professor Sprout, and Matt Berry as Sir Cadogan.McAvoy said in a statement: “I am absolutely thrilled to bring the fiercely determined Mad-Eye Moody to ...

It’s been 14 years since George RR Martin last published a novel in his A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy series.The Game of Thrones TV show has been and gone since then, and he still has The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring to go.The author, who turns 77 this month, has shared in his latest blog post what he’s been doing this August instead of working on the long-overdue novel.He writes: “August was a busy month for me and mine, with two conventions on the schedule, a road trip in between, and a couple of guests afterward.”Among the details, Martin mentioned taking part in Worldcon, in Seattle this year, saying: “I did two panels, both of them enjoyable.”Although Martin fails to mention walking out of one of the panels after an angry fan confronted him about the delay to Winds of Win...

When there's a chill in the air and leaves are starting to change colour, there's nothing like cosying up with a book. Autumn is already making itself known and these cooler nights call for a good read. Looking for some good book recommendations?The retailer TGJones, which has taken over WHSmith high street shops, has rounded up the most exciting reads this season. From debut books to a romantasy that shouldn't be missed, the booksellers have narrowed down five recommendations, from new releases plus some of the most popular books of the last few years. Time to put on a brew and dive into your autumn reading list.Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla BridgeThis hotly anticipated debut book by Mikayla Bridge is a YA fantasy that sees phoenix riders compete in thrilling F1-style races while uncove...

Ken Follett, renowned for his thrillers and historical fiction, has become one of modern literature’s most read and revered writers. With over 40 novels to his name - celebrated for their shocking narratives, rich character development, and meticulously researched scenarios - his work has sold more than 180 million copies worldwide.Born in Wales in 1949, Follett spent his early career working in journalism and publishing, writing books on the side before achieving international acclaim with the 1978 thriller Eye of the Needle.This World War II spy story won him the Edgar Award for Best Novel and set a spectacular precedent - every book he’s released since has become a bestseller.In 1989, Follett surprised fans with his first non-spy thriller, The Pillars of the Earth. An epic novel abou...