10 hot new releases: what to read this April

Longlisted for the Women’s Prize, this latest novel from Charlotte Mendelson is probably her best yet. She’s often labelled the ‘writer’s writer’, which translates as she’s very good but only a handful of people know about her! A brilliant story with great characterisation and beautiful writing. Simply put, a great book.

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The setting is Oxford between the wars and the characters are wonderful and wistful. A brilliantly funny book that really encapsulates the uniqueness of Oxford and this period in time that still defines the modern city to this day.

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A snapshot of our capital in a defining period in our history as the sun sets on the celebratory Sixties and the monumental changes that they beckoned through to the Thatcher years. A brilliant read for history buffs.

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A rip-roaring trail through the history of France, Robb is a brilliant writer who brings excitement with every sentence – and what a magnificent subject to tackle. A bestseller already and perfect for packing in your suitcase on a trip across the Channel.

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The most successful country music star of all time teams up with the most successful crime writer and the result is a surprisingly fun and gritty thriller that lies close to home for both writers. Great fun and surely a first in the Country Music thriller genre.

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An excellent follow up to laugh-out-loud Dial A For Aunties. A glorious wedding set in Oxford’s historic Christ Church grounds, with all the chaos and hilarity that comes with the aunties involved in.. well anything! Romance, thrills and genuine belly laughs guaranteed.

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Fans of Harari and Piketty will love this fascinating tour through the history of mankind that explores the origins of the unprecedented generation and accumulation of wealth of the past 200 years.

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This epic new novel is an intentionally distorted history of the USA, told in three distinct time periods. It is astonishing: powerful, raw, eerie and thought-provoking. And even though we’re only a quarter of the way through 2022, I genuinely wonder if I’ll read a better work of fiction this year,

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Rundell shares the details of Donne’s life with the passion and enthusiasm that the Poet deserves. This is not only an excellent and well-informed biography of a revered historical and literary figure but an entertaining one. Rundell’s focus on the many roles played by Donne in his lifetime makes for a cohesive narrative that results in a greater appreciation of his many talents.

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If you loved the latest season of Bridgerton why not check out the book that inspired this seasons storyline, recently re-released on paperback. The Viscount Who Loved Me is a dreamy historical romance that certainly shares the glamour and anticipation portrayed in the show. Julia Quinn is a master of her genre.

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