HOT NEW PICKS
PROVOCATIVE READ
DANIELSWEREN-BECKER (HODDER&STOUGHTON,£9.99)
If there is one subject that causes moral division, it’s true crime. Those who are fans of the genre want to be part of a community that advocates for justice, and are often fascinated by the intricacies of the human mind. Those who are not see it as mining tragedy for entertainment – and that dichotomy is front and centre in this provocative and gripping novel. Like the much-lauded Daisy Jones & The Six, the story here unfolds in interview form, as the main players discuss their input into a previous reality show that followed the real-time investigation into a missing teen. Sara Parcell disappeared on her way to school and her desperate parents become accidental heroes when a moving video goes viral. Ambitious TV producer Casey realises this could be the break her career needs and persuades the family to allow her to film them as they search for their girl. But as the nation becomes obsessed, things spiral way out of everyone’s control. ★★★★★
BRIGHTON MYSTERY
ELLYGRIFFITHS (QUERCUS,£22)
Max Mephisto is back in Brighton to visit his daughter and grandchild when he bumps into a blast from his past in the form of fellow magician Ted English. But this is no happy reunion. Ted’s assistant Cherry has just been found dead – and Ted thinks he’s about to be accused of murder. With a Brighton policeman, plus two private detectives, on the case, things take a turn when another performer is killed. An engaging cosy mystery – with added bite. ★★★★
TWISTED GAMES
VALMCDERMID (SPHERE,£22)
Edinburgh DCI Karen Pirie is
