Autumn 24 Book Club
by Northern Life
With the nights drawing in, we’ve curated a collection of scary stories to suit every taste, from traditional ghost stories and heart-pounding thrillers to dystopian nightmares.
SAVANNAH
BY JANE WHITEFORD
Set in 1870, this captivating coming-of-age story follows Savannah, a headstrong young woman from a privileged family whose reckless actions at seventeen lead to heartbreak and tragedy. Whiteford, who lives in Lancaster and published her first novel at 68, draws inspiration from the beautiful yet treacherous landscape near Morecambe Bay – the vast, alluring sands, mudflats, rivers, and gullies with the hidden dangers awaiting the unwary mirror Savannah’s tumultuous journey.
£12.99. Published by Troubador. Available here.
GHOST STORY
BY ELISA LODATO
Elisa Lodato’s third captivating novel offers a ghoulish escape to the Outer Hebrides. In this eerie tale, Seren Doughty moves to the abandoned island of Finish, hoping to immerse herself in a new project. However, she quickly learns the island is not as deserted as she initially thought. Strange noises and echoes of a bloody massacre fill the air, bringing the island’s haunted past to life. Lodato masterfully blends suspense and the supernatural, making this novel a must-read for those dark, gloomy nights as winter draws in.
£16.99. Published by Bonnier. Out 26th September. Available here.
MOVED TO MURDER
BY GIANETTA MURRAY
Vivien Brandt and her cat Sydney bring a breath of fresh air to a quaint South Yorkshire village, but their new life takes a dark turn when Vivien discovers a body. As she gets to know the vicar, a charismatic politician, and troubled teenagers, she uncovers the village’s hidden secrets. This compelling whodunnit blends cozy village charm with gripping suspense, making it a must-read for mystery lovers. The well-drawn characters and intriguing plot promise an engaging read from start to finish.
£10.99. Published by Troubador. Available here.
THE REVENGE OF RITA MARSH
BY NILESHA CHAUVET
This debut author navigates a complex web of morality and justice in this gripping thriller. By day, Rita cares for the vulnerable; by night, she hunts online predators. When a figure from her past resurfaces, her worlds collide, forcing a reckoning with her own motivations. Taut with tension, the narrative questions whether Rita is a saviour or a harbinger of fear. This electrifying debut probes the shadows where righteousness blurs into vengeance, leaving readers riveted till the final page.
£16.99. Published by Faber & Faber. Available here.
LORD OF THE FLIES
BY WILLIAM GOLDING – Adapted and illustrated by Aimée de Jongh
Acclaimed artist Aimée de Jongh has brilliantly adapted Lord of the Flies into a mesmerising graphic novel, perfect for the book’s seventieth anniversary. The full-colour illustrations captivate readers, pulling them into the idyllic island setting and then into the boys’ terrifying descent into savagery. This adaptation powerfully juxtaposes their initial innocence with the ensuing chaos, capturing the essence of Golding’s iconic tale. It’s a visually stunning rendition of the classic story, perfect for both new readers and long-time fans.
£20. Published by Faber & Faber. Out 12th September. Available here.
ECHOES OF RESISTANCE: STORIES FROM THE FRONTLINES
BY CONRAD BOWER
This short story collection explores struggles across the centuries, told through the voices of the activists themselves. It offers a compelling depiction of a people’s steadfast commitment to their cause, set against a backdrop of political and social apathy. Northern readers will appreciate the familiar settings of Manchester and Bolton, along with local resistance tales, including the Winter Hill Trespass. The collection culminates in a dystopian Manchester of 2050, providing a grim forewarning of our potential future.
£10. Published by Bower. Available here.
NorthernLife Sept/Oct/Nov 24
