Books: Five of the best new reads

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue is published in hardback by Virago, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.99)

CORK-born novelist, podcaster and screenwriter Caroline O'Donoghue returns with her latest novel, The Rachel Incident – a witty, heartbreaking friendship love story based in Ireland in the mid-00s.

When Rachel sets her heart on seducing her married professor, she enlists the help of her best friend and housemate James to ensnare her pray. But when their mission finds them on an entirely different path, Rachel and James discover they are stuck in a web of deceit they couldn't unravel if they wanted to.

Hilarious, messy, and all the things being young and infatuated can often be, The Rachel Incident creates a world so vivid you feel it wrap around you.

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Much as O'Donoghue's masterpiece Promising Young Women did, this book won't leave you willingly… nor will you want it to.

9/10

The Trial by Rob Rinder is published in hardback by Century, priced £20 (ebook £9.99)

WHO better than a barrister-turned-author to write a book about the dramatic death of a hero policeman just as he was about to give evidence at the Old Bailey? Rob Rinder has drawn from his firsthand legal knowledge to produce a classic whodunnit, with a sensational twist.

The hero policeman, Grant Cliveden, was poisoned, with all the evidence pointing to Jimmy Knight, a criminal he helped to convict.

A seemingly open and shut case, especially when Knight makes the outrageous claim that he was framed for his previous arrest, and the only person prepared to believe him is trainee barrister Adam Green. An overheard row between the policeman's widow and a liaison officer and a surprising discovery on CCTV footage of events leading up to the death help Adam uncover some shocking discoveries.

The book is gripping from from the first page, and The Trial is the first in a new series from the author, who starred in the reality courtroom show Judge Rinder.

8/10

The Other Side Of Mrs Wood by Lucy Barker is published in hardback by Fourth Estate, priced £14.99 (ebook £7.99)

IF YOU'RE looking for a fun beach read, you could do a lot worse than this tale of rival mediums duking it out in Victorian London. The Mrs Wood of the title is an established medium, providing entertainment and solace to the genteel bereaved with a mixture of clever psychology and ridiculous tricks.

But the world of spiritualism is a fickle one and Mrs Wood fears her act is getting stale. Taking on an adoring young fan as an apprentice seems like the answer to a prayer. Only there's a lot more to the apparently innocent Emmie than meets the eye – and it soon starts to look as if there's not enough room for both of them at the séance table.

Although it has its darker moments, it's essentially a comic tale, briskly told, which, while it raises smiles rather than belly laughs, definitely has the feel-good factor.

7/10

NON-FICTION

Life On Other Planets by Dr Aomawa Shields is published in hardback by Constable, priced £22 (ebook £12.99)

LIFE On Other Planets is a beautiful meditation on space, identity and belonging. Leading American astronomer Dr Aomawa Shields takes us through the story of her life – from her obsession with the sky as a young girl, through to studying astronomy at MIT, pursuing acting and then finding her way back to science.

Astronomical themes run throughout the book, from the chapter titles to the metaphors and tidbits of information Shields weaves throughout her story.

As one of the few black women in her field, Shields' story is one of resilience – battling detractors and imposter syndrome to become a prominent astronomer.

Her writing style is lyrical and readable, and while Shields might not be a household name in the UK, her story is well worth knowing.

9/10

CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK

Roar by Beth Mead is published in paperback by Wren & Rook, priced £9.99 (ebook £5.49).

AN INSPIRING and informative interactive guide written for children of all ages, to get them thinking about what sports they enjoy the most or could be interested in.

This easy-to-read motivational book includes tips and helpful activities, as well as an insight into the England forward's life, from growing up to her greatest achievements in football and where she is now.

The 28-year-old, who was Golden Boot winner when the Lionesses won the 2022 Euros, shares her football knowledge and encourages the reader throughout to work hard to focus on becoming the best they can be in their favourite individual or team sport.

What's also good is that MBE Mead doesn't shy away from the negative as, despite certain setbacks during her football career, she gives an honest reflection on a one-to-one level with her reader to get them dreaming of where their passions may lie.

8/10