Spring reading

SUCH A QUIET PLACE MEGAN MIRANDA (Allen & Unwin) RRP $29.99

The surrounds are picture perfect, the neighbours friendly — until a double murder destroys the serenity of the Hollow’s Edge community. When Ruby Fletcher is convicted, a collective sigh of relief goes up. After all, Ruby isn’t really one of them — she’s a grifter who used her friendship with Harper Nash to shoehorn herself into their lives. Imagine everyone’s surprise when the conviction is overturned and she returns to Harper’s house, taking up residence as if nothing ever happened. Suddenly, everyone is looking over their shoulder worried about what Ruby will do next — after all, they all bore witness against her at the murder trial. Then Harper starts receiving threatening notes. Someone, it appears, knows more than they are letting on about the deaths. A tight, tense read with a deft twist at the end of the tale. APPLES NEVER FALL LIANNE MORIARTY (Macmillan Australia) RRP $32.99

It’s often said the people we love the most can hurt us the deepest. But are they capable of murder? Aussie bestselling author Moriarty revels in revealing a family’s dirty little secrets — and Apples Never Fall is no exception. From all appearances, the Delaney family should be leading contented lives. Former tennis coaches Joy and Stan have retired after years of success and their four adult children, while never quite living up to their parents’ hopes as tennis stars, are busy with their own lives. When Joy goes missing, her children are forced to re-examine their parents’ marriage and family history with fresh eyes. And who is the mystery girl who lobs on the Delaney’s doorstep? And why did she choose their family? One for Moriarty fans, with enough twists to keep you reading to the end. THE OTHERS MARK BRANDI (Hachette Australia) RRP $32.99

The acclaimed Australian author’s newest offering is a mystery in itself. Is it dystopian or a tale of survival? The story of the lengths a father will go to protect his son from “the others”? With echoes of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, the sense of foreboding grows with the recounting of each day in the son’s diary. He adds dictionary meanings of words his father uses, often noting he thinks he has the right meaning where there are several, and includes drawings of episodes from their lives in the lonely farmhouse. It is a hard existence for the pair, a drought undermining their efforts to be self-sustaining away from any human contact. But there are signs all is not as his father has told him. This is a page-turner that will have the reader keen to find the answer to the question this novel poses.

BOOKS

3for SPRING RENEWAL

LINDA McCARTNEY’S FAMILY KITCHEN

Linda McCartney with Paul, Mary & Stella McCartney (Hachette Australia), RRP $49.99 McCartney’s plant-based recipes have been reimagined to fi t the times. Includes personal stories and family photos.

1-MINUTE GARDENER

Mat Pember and Fabian Capomolla (Plum), RRP $45 Growing your own fruit and vegies doesn’t get any easier with this guide, which includes handy one-minute skills from trellising to spacing plants.

LOVE PEOPLE, USE THINGS

Joshua Fields & Ryan Nicodemus (Hachette Australia), RRP $29.99 Take the minimalistic approach a step further by prioritising the relationships that matter with this guide to decluttering your life.

FUTURESTEADING Jade Miles (Murdoch Books), RRP $39.99 Good for the soul

The bushfires that struck Victoria in the summer of 2020 proved the catalyst for Jade Miles to write this book. The podcaster and mum of three describes Futuresteading as a practical and inspirational guide to living in a way that values tomorrow: a slower, simpler, steadier existence that, ultimately, creates a healthier lifestyle. From tasty recipes to gardening tips and how to make your own cleaning products, Jade provides practical advice on ways to live a more meaningful life. And she says you don’t have to move to the countryside to apply her principles. They can be applied anywhere, whether you’re in a high-rise rental or a backyard caravan. A timely read to remind us what is most important.