This week's selection of books spans five titles, each awarded an eight-out-of-ten score by our reviewing panel. The lineup includes a South Korean feminist novel about seven women navigating IVF treatment, a thriller that explores artificial intelligence and the ambitions of tech billionaires, a literary drama about grief and connection, a non-fiction account of a fictional biological catastrophe, and a children's picture book about a day off school.
Between Yesterday and Tomorrow: A Story of Grief and Recovery
Glasgow-born novelist Luan Goldie returns with a work of literary fiction that focuses on Zoe, a woman trying to rebuild her identity after a devastating loss. According to reviewer Holly Cowell, Goldie delivers emotionally rich, character-driven storytelling. When Zoe's boss asks her to take on a new task, she meets Cian, a witty and charismatic colleague. Together they slowly step out from behind the emotional walls they have built. As their relationship deepens, they must decide if they are merely sharing loneliness or if they can overcome their pasts and open themselves to the possibility of a future.
The novel, praised for its sparkling dialogue and nuanced characters, is described by Cowell as a tender exploration of love, loss and learning to move forward after trauma. Between Yesterday and Tomorrow is published in hardback by Juniper, priced at £16.99 (ebook £7.99).
Eden Falls: A Thriller Set in a World of AI and Corruption
Ajay Chowdhury's Eden Falls begins with the disappearance of Dr Adam Stone from Delhi airport. His wife, Aisha, is forced to work with his ex-partner, Sara Wolf, to follow a series of clues and locate a mysterious object connected to his vanishing. The novel, says reviewer Georgia Bates, is set in a world that feels alarmingly close to our own, raising questions about artificial intelligence, government corruption and the power held by tech billionaires.
The multi-narrative structure keeps suspense high, as Sara and Aisha are pursued by different authorities in a cat-and-mouse chase. Bates calls the combination of thought-provoking science and technology ideas with a thrilling plot a gripping read. Eden Falls is published in hardback by Harvill, priced at £18.99 (ebook £7.99).
Hello Baby: IVF, Friendship and Jealousy in Seoul
Kim Eui-kyung's cult South Korean feminist novel, translated by Sora Kim-Russell, follows seven women undergoing IVF at a top clinic in Seoul. The women share hopes and fears in a WhatsApp group until one member, Jeong-Hyo, stops replying. A year later, she shocks them by announcing she has had a baby. When the women prepare to visit her, they carry their own questions and anxieties.
Reviewer Harry Taylor notes that the novel includes difficult partners, tricky in-laws and the precarious balance between the desire for children and work commitments. Above all, it examines the supportive bond between friends, alongside the competitive jealousy that emerges when they are pursuing the same outcome. Taylor suggests the story will resonate with many millennials, and the late twist is worth waiting for. Hello Baby is published in paperback by Fourth Estate, priced at £14.99 (ebook £9.99).
Biological War: A Scenario: Non-Fiction That Reads Like a Thriller
Annie Jacobsen's Biological War: A Scenario is a work of non-fiction that pieces together how a genetically engineered plague could escape from a laboratory and potentially wipe out humanity. Based on interviews with senior US officials and scientific experts, the narrative demonstrates how an invisible microorganism could devastate the world's most scientifically advanced nations.
Reviewer Danny Halpin says the book is written with the pace of a Hollywood thriller and explores how a weaponised disease could spread through social inequality and the speed of international travel, leaving only the most ruthless and determined survivors. Halpin adds that the scenario feels unreal because society is generally unwilling to face the possibility of an unlikely but plausible apocalyptic path. Biological War: A Scenario is published in hardback by Torva, priced at £22 (ebook £9.99).
A Day Off School: A Cautionary Tale for Young Readers
In Oliver Jeffers and Kevin Waldron's A Day Off School, Herbie is excited to stay home because he has the sniffles. He listens to his sister Daisy leave without him, then builds a fort on the settee, races cars, draws a dinosaur and watches cartoons. By lunchtime, however, he becomes interested in what he might be missing at school and even grows bored of television, wishing Daisy would return to play with him.
Reviewer Alan Jones praises the stunning illustrations and a storyline that makes children think twice about wanting to miss school, complete with a fun twist at the end. The book is published in hardback by HarperCollins Children's Books, priced at £14.99 (ebook £5.99).
How to Find Your Next Read
For those looking to buy or borrow the books featured in this round-up, the original article suggests a range of options. High-street bookshops such as Waterstones track bestsellers, while Amazon lists popular new releases. Collectors and those seeking first editions may explore AbeBooks for rare finds. For e-readers, devices like the Amazon Kindle and Kobo eReader are recommended, and services such as BookBub provide details of ebook deals, some free.
Audiobook fans can take advantage of a free 30-day trial from Amazon-run Audible, which includes access to podcasts, or a 30-day trial from BookBeat offering 20 hours of listening across a library of more than a million books. Local libraries also remain a valuable resource, with apps such as Libby and BorrowBox providing access to audiobooks, ebooks and magazines.
Prices were correct at the time of publication. As always, this article contains affiliate links, and we may receive a commission on any sales generated through them.
