“The heart of another is a dark forest, always, no matter how close it has been to one's own.”— Willa Cather, The Professor's House

Miller Rose Roberts – Joseph Millson

Miller Rose Roberts by Joseph Millson is a beautifully thought-provoking novella that rewards readers who are willing to embrace uncertainty. I deliberately avoided reading too much about the plot beforehand, and that decision enhanced the experience, allowing the story to unfold naturally and creating a much deeper connection with Miller and her extraordinary journey. Millson's writing is immersive and emotionally intelligent, drawing the reader into a narrative that feels both unusual and surprisingly relatable. The novel's recurring seven-year cycle serves as a powerful metaphor for the transformations we all experience throughout life, inviting reflection on how we navigate change, identity and personal growth. 

 

 

 

London Falling - Patrick Radden Keefe

I listened to London Falling on Audible and found it to be far more than a true-crime investigation. While the mystery at its centre is compelling, what stayed with me most was the deeply moving exploration of family, grief and the uncomfortable reality that we may never fully know those we love. Patrick Radden Keefe handles the story with remarkable sensitivity, focusing not only on what happened but on the emotional aftermath for a family trying to make sense of an unimaginable loss. The book becomes a powerful exercise in introspection as parents revisit memories, question assumptions and search for meaning in the gaps they never realised existed. It raises thought-provoking questions about identity, communication and the secrets people carry, even within close families.

The Audible narration adds an extra layer of emotional depth. The measured delivery allows the family's pain, resilience and determination to resonate without feeling sensationalised. Rather than simply recounting events, the audiobook invites the listener to reflect on their own relationships and the ways in which families understand and misunderstand one another. What I appreciated most was that the book never loses sight of the human story behind the headlines. It is a poignant reminder of the enduring strength of family bonds, even when tested by tragedy and uncertainty. Thoughtful, compassionate and quietly devastating, London Falling is an exceptional listen that lingers long after the final chapter. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in stories that explore not just what happened, but what it means for the people left behind

 

 

Outside - Charlotte Levin

Outside is a quietly devastating, darkly funny, and deeply humane novel that showcases Charlotte Levin’s gift for writing characters who are messy, hurting, and achingly real. At its heart is Beatrice, a rising actor whose life collapses after a tragic incident leaves her unable to step beyond her front door. What follows is an intimate portrait of a woman whose world has shrunk to a handful of eccentric neighbours, a therapist with her own complications, and Matisse, her deliciously sweary parakeet!

The topic of agoraphobia is approached not as a plot device but as a lived reality. Beatrice’s panic, frustration, and self-loathing are depicted with a sensitivity that avoids melodrama. The novel’s emotional power comes from its close focus on Beatrice’s interior world. Her isolation is palpable: the elderly Polish neighbour, the world’s most boring postman, and the woman across the road nicknamed “Piano Bitch” form a strange, almost theatrical supporting cast. However, these characters aren’t quirky for quirkiness’ sake, they reflect the distorted intimacy of a life lived entirely indoors. Until Beatrice hires Finn, an Irish gardener, to tame the overgrown garden she herself cannot enter, the novel shifts. Their connection is tender, tentative, and fraught with the limitations of Beatrice’s condition. Can love can truly flourish when one partner is trapped by fear? What we see is a blend of dark humour and emotional honesty. Outside is a poignant, darkly humorous exploration of what happens when trauma collapses a life—and what fragile, stubborn hope can grow in the aftermath.

 

 

Two Missing Girls - Kerry Wilkinson

Two Missing Girls is a gripping psychological thriller from a staple favourite author of mine, with strong momentum and emotional stakes. The past/present narrative structure, especially Holly’s interview-style recollections, adds layers of uncertainty and keeps readers second guessing motives and timelines throughout, adding a unique layer to unfolding why these girls have gone missing at these intervals in time. The grief of losing a child, the strain on a marriage, and the resurfacing of old trauma give the story genuine emotional weight. Holly’s suspicion of Jason, the father, especially after the second missing girl’s (Aurora) hat is found in his wardrobe, creates a compelling moral tension.

This was a fast paced read, that kept you guessing, however, I still have unanswered questions after the final page, but I guess that is life sometimes!

 

 

 

And so many more to choose from...

My latest reads, loved and devoured. Revenge which a touch of inspiration...