'Machines Like Me' by Ian McEwan
Ian McEwan, author of the best-selling works 'On Chesil Beach' and 'The Children Act', is well-known for unpredictable subject choices. 'Machines Like Me' sees Charlie, a 30-something man avoiding full-time employment, fall in love with Miranda. He then purchases Adam, one of the first-ever artificial humans, and a love triangle ensues... Compelling, complex and unique.

'Where The Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens
A murder mystery come coming-of-age drama, this hauntingly beautiful narrative is set on the North Carolina coast. In late 1969, when Chase Andrews is found dead, the community immediately suspects the so-called 'Marsh Girl' Kya Clark. Kya, however, is not who they say she is...

'Those People' by Louise Candlish
She won multiple awards for 'Our House' and Louise Candlish's latest work is no less gripping. When Darren and Jodie move into Lowland Way, the suburban paradise in South London, the once convivial street because a place of havoc and disruption. Menacing and pacey, who has something to hide?

'My Sister, The Serial Killer' by Oyinkan Braithwaite
When Nigerian nurse Korede falls for the same man as her younger sister, Avoola, their relationship is put to the test. Avoola has long been the favourite child, albeit sociopath, with a penchant for killing off boyfriends. Korede has always been there to pick up the pieces, but how far will she go to protect her sister this time? Deliciously deadly comic deadpan…

'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones
Winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction 2019, 'An American Marriage' tells the story of newlyweds Celestial and Roy whose world is ripped apart by a shocking accusation. Roy is arrested and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, while Celestial leans on Andre, the couple's closest friend, to help her through the difficult and solitary time. A masterpiece of storytelling.

So whether you have a staycation or vacation in the calendar this year, make sure you leave a space in your bag for a book - or five! Happy reading…