Reading on Beach

Summer 24 Book Club

by Northern Life

As summer approaches, we're all about envisioning lazy days soaking up the sun with a great read in hand. Here are the top picks to toss in your suitcase for your summer adventures.

THE GRIEF DOCTOR

BY JACK ANDERSON

Set on a secluded island off the Welsh coast, The Grief Doctor unveils a world of exclusivity and enigma. Authored by the ingenious Jack Anderson from Sheffield and known for his viral internet serial “Has Anyone Heard of The Left/Right Game?”, this novel takes readers on a journey into the depths of the human psyche and the haunting allure of an unconventional clinic.

£16.99. Published by Raven Books. Out 6th June. Buy here. 

A CLOCK STOPPED DEAD

BY J.M HALL

J.M. Hall invites readers into the charming world of retired teachers Pat, Liz, and Thelma, whose leisurely days at the café take an unexpected turn when a tantalising mystery presents itself. Set against the backdrop of the cosy Thirsk Garden Centre café, Hall skilfully crafts a narrative that blends friendship, intrigue, and amateur sleuthing into a delightful tale. J.M. Hall is an author, playwright and deputy head of a primary school from Beverley.
£8.99. Published by HarperCollins Publishers. Out now. Buy here

PIECE OF MY HEART

BY PENELOPE TREE

Piece of My Heart offers a captivating glimpse into the glamorous world of the Swinging Sixties through the eyes of a Vogue cover model turned author. From her discovery at Truman Capote’s legendary 1966 Black and White Ball to her rise as a style icon, Tree’s debut novel delves into the complexities of the fashion industry with striking honesty and emotion. Through a cast of larger-than-life characters, Tree explores themes of ambition, identity, and self-discovery, crafting a poignant coming-of-age story that resonates long after the final page.
£18.99. Published by Moonflower Books. Out now. Buy here.

RARE SINGLES

BY BENJAMIN MYERS

Perfect for summer, Benjamin Myers whisks us to the seaside town of Scarborough, where Dinah finds release in her town’s Northern Soul nights. Dinah’s passion for the elusive soul artist Bucky Bronco becomes her guiding light. Drawing from his Durham and West Yorkshire roots, Myers paints a vivid picture of Dinah’s journey toward liberation through music, crafting a soulful narrative that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.

£18.99. Published by Bloomsbury. Out 1st August. Buy here

HOW TO CATCH A KILLER: THE FORENSICS OF CRIME

BY PROFESSOR ANGELA GALLOP AND FORMER DCS CHRIS GREGG

For true crime fanatics, this is essential reading. In this unique and fascinating book, world-renowned forensic scientist Dr Angela Gallop and highly acclaimed former Detective Chief Superintendent and Head of CID for West Yorkshire Police Chris Gregg provide intriguing insights into some of the many cases they have helped to solve and examine other high-profile cases where their individual skills could have saved time and lives.

£20. Published by Bonnier. Out 29 August. Buy here.

KING OF SPORTS: CYCLE ROAD RACING

BY PETER WARD MBE

In a nostalgic return to cycling’s golden era, Peter Ward’s iconic work makes a long-awaited comeback. Originally penned in 1967 during Ward’s recovery from a training accident, this revered guidebook offers a timeless blueprint for cyclists of all stripes. With its enduring wisdom and relevance, “King of Sports” continues to hold sway as a must-have companion for anyone passionate about the thrill of two wheels.

£15. Published by Pendle Press. Out now. Buy here

NorthernLife June/July/Aug 24