Northern Life Book Club Sep/Oct 23

As the autumn draws ever nearer and our beautiful towns and villages become littered with golden leaves, we’ve found the best northern literature to help you curl up with a good book.

TORMENTIL BY IAN HUMPHREYS

Ian Humphreys is a West Yorkshire-based editor and award-winning poet. ‘Tormentil’ is his second poetry collection which largely focuses on the escape his hometown moorlands provide. Like many, Humphreys struggled with isolation and loss during the Covid-19 pandemic, explored through his verses on the moors’ heather, sights and sounds. These thought-provoking poems are layered with ideas on community and family.
£10.99. Nine Arches Press. Out 21st Sept.

 

TRACKING BACK BY BILL HODSON

Bill Hodson was raised in Bolton and became a massive Bolton Wanderers supporter, influencing ‘Tracking Back’ (his debut novel). His story follows lawyer Sarah Curtis who needs to close her father’s law practice in Bolton following his death – however, disaster strikes. Gerry (a close family friend and former Bolton Wanderers footballer) goes missing, and his family is subject to threats. This, coupled with the murder of another former player, gives Sarah one option. To find Gerry. Will she get to him in time?
£9.99. The Book Guild. Out now.

 

THE YORKSHIRE FARM GIRL BY DIANE ALLEN

Diane Allen grew up in Leeds and was raised on a farm before getting a job at a publisher in 1990. Her book focuses on the hardships the Fothergill family experiences in pre-World War Two Yorkshire. The farm is in her father Bob’s complete control, and there’s no place for Sally to help. However, after Bob takes up a part-time job, Sally is forced to work the farm alone in harsh winters. With a looming threat of war, times are complex, and Sally hopes for a better future.
£7.99. Pan Macmillan Books. Out now.

 

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL BY JACK SHEFFIELD

Jack Sheffield was born in Yorkshire in 1945 and has written novels since 2006. In his most recent text, set in 1887, Jack Sheffield and his wife expect many changes. They have a baby due, and Jack is awaiting a readjustment of the curriculum at the school he’s a headmaster of, Ragley-on-the-Forest School. The book focuses on life in the village and how entertaining he finds the little things in life. However, following a decade-long reign at the school, he’s offered a new position as a senior lecturer. How will his new life shape up?
£9.99. Transworld Publishers. Out now.

 

FOUL PLAY AT THE SEAVIEW HOTEL BY GLENDA YOUNG

Glenda Young is a bestselling author from the village of Ryhope, often writing crime novels focusing on daring heroines. Helen Dexter is enjoying the new four-star status of the Seaview Hotel. But she begins to wonder if this accolade is cursed when a series of disasters strike. It starts when a crazy golf team arrive to play in a Scarborough tournament. Their odd behaviour heightens when the rival team captain turns up. Yet, there’s worse to come for Helen when one of the guests is murdered playing crazy golf. Then the Seaview’s prize-winning cook Jean quits, leaving Helen devastated. And so, as Helen’s fiftieth birthday approaches, the last thing she’s in the mood for is a celebration. However, mysterious invitations arrive to a party that Helen doesn’t want. Can Helen unmask the crazy golf killer, save the reputation of the Seaview, win Jean back and solve the mystery of the party invitations? With her rescue greyhound Suki by her side, Helen Dexter is on the case.
£22. Headline Publishers. Out 14th Sept.

 

THE THERAPY CROUCH BY ABBEY CLANCY & PETER CROUCH

Former English professional footballer Peter Crouch was born in Macclesfield and has played for Burnley FC. Married for 12 years and together for seventeen, with four young children, Peter and his wife Abbey have been entertaining legions of fans discussing the ups and downs of married life on their hit podcast The Therapy Crouch, and will now be baring all in a brand-new book. From hooking up to facing life’s challenges, getting together to staying together, join the nation’s favourite couple as they navigate the trials and tribulations of dating and relationships.
£22. Ebury Publishers. Out 12th Oct.

NorthernLife Sep/Oct 23