Best books for christmas

The best new books you’ll love

Zoe West shares her favourite picks for the week

What childhood book sparked your love of reading? One that really stands out for me is Winnie-the-Pooh. I was given a hardback copy on my seventh birthday, and I still treasure it. The maps in the fro

by Patricia Cornwell (£22, HB, Little, Brown Book Club) The Phantom Slasher is wreaking havoc in Northern Virginia. The killer’s signature is to invade his victims’ homes and watch their every move us

by Lucy Jane Wood (£20, HB, Pan Macmillan) Annie Wildwood works tirelessly to be the perfect witch. As well as running the Celestial Bakehouse, she goes above and beyond to please everyone around her,

Best books… Susie Dent Countdown ’s lexicographer picks ...