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A brilliant recreation of the golden age of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia – its landscapes, peoples, conflicts, power structures and political geography. The eighth century has long been a neglected backwater in English history: a shadowland between the death of Bede and the triumphs of Alfred. But before the hegemony of Wessex, the kingdom of Mercia - spread across a broad swathe of central England – was the dynamic heart of a kingship that discovered the means to exercise central political authority for the first time since the Roman empire. That authority was used to construct trading networks and markets; develop economic and cultural links with the Continent, and lay the foundations for a system of co-ordinated defence that Alfred would reinvent at the end of the ninth century. Two kings, Athelbald (716–757) and Offa (757–796) dominate the political landscape of the rising power of Mercia. During their reigns, monasteries became powerhouses of royal patronage, economic enterprise and trade. Offa constructed his grandiose dyke along the borders of the warlike Welsh kingdoms and, more subtly, spread his message of political superiority through coinage bearing his image. But Athelbald and Offa between them built something with an even more substantial legacy – a geography of medieval England. And they engineered a set of tensions between kingship, landholding and church that were to play out dramatically at the dawn of the Viking Age. In this, the latest of his sequence of histories of Early Medieval Britain, Max Adams re-connects the worlds of Oswald, Bede and Alfred in an absorbing study of the landscape, politics and society of a fascinating century.

Arthur C. Clarke winner and Sunday Times bestseller returns to a world steeped in magic – and the Tyrant Philosophers' campaign to bring reason, logic and ‘perfection’ to it. As the Palleseen’s campaign to bring Perfection and Correctness to an imperfect world rages on, Eres Ffenegh – “the City on the Back of a Crab” – is the next state slated for conquest. But its citizens won’t give up sovereignty easily. The siege has dragged into winter and the defenders – both locals and Pal renegades – hold an uneasy alliance against the enemy at the gates, while the Pal army is looking over its shoulder for the next self-destructive dictate of their government back home. Within the city, Devil Jack, a good man apprenticed to the notorious conjurer known as the Widow, is driven to bargaining with hell to get back what he’s lost. Meanwhile Kiffel ea Leachan is the city’s champion, a child of privilege who’s just lost everything to the invaders. Both must try to survive the siege and make their own destinies in a world that’s cut them loose. Outside the city, Pal reinforcements have arrived to take the city, but it’s the sort of help that might just damn them all... THE TYRANT PHILOSOPHERS1. City of Last Chances: portrait of Ilmar, a city under Palleseen occupation2. House of Open Wounds: portrait of the Palleseen war machine at work. 3. Days of Shattered Faith: portrait of a kingdom consumed, piece-by-piece, by Palleseen diplomatic subterfuge. 3.1 Lives of Bitter Rain: a prequel novella to Days of Shattered Faith, portrait of a life in the Palleseen diplomatic corps. 4. Pretenders to the Throne of God: portrait of a city under siege. 5. The Grave of Perfection: will take us back to Ilmar, the 'City of Last Chances' where our story began.

'I loved it' Jill Mansell'She should be on prescription' Phillipa Ashley'Absolutely charming' Milly Johnson'Warm, wise and wonderful' Lucy Diamond'An absolute delight' Veronica Henry'The queen of feel-good fiction' Liz Fenwick'Leaves you smiling long after' Cathy Bramley'A happy, warm, joyous place to be' Jo Thomas'A must-read' Sue Moorcroft She’s found her dream home but can she make her dreams a realit? attie finds other people their dream homes for a living. Surely she, of all people, has the connections and the knowledge to find her own forever home? Instead, she baffles those closest to her by choosing to pack up and move every few months from one housesitting job to the next. Of course, that’s because she knows where she wants to live. It’s a beautiful house owned by a lovely old woman who’d simply love for Hattie to have it. But nothing is ever that simple. There’s Clive who refuses to listen to his great-aunt’s wishes about her house. There’s Luke, Hattie’s oldest friend, who just wants to see her happy. And there’s Hattie herself. It might take a difficult client, an awkward teenager and a couple of dogs to help her see what really makes a house a home. Readers love Katie Fforde... 'Never fails to bring a smile to my face' *****'Full of drama, fun and romance' *****'Total delightful escapism' *****'Transports you to a new place' *****

Max lives in a tall building in a crowded city. From his window, all he can see below is the busy street with people bustling to and fro. All he can see above is a little slice of sky, but every day he gazes at it, wondering what might be out there, beyond the blue, amongst the clouds. Then, one day, a bird appears from the little slice of sky, and lands on his window ledge. The bird is looking for a friend. But not just any friend – a very special friend, to whom it can give a tiny but amazing gift. The gift is a magical seedling. Max takes great care of the little plant, and every day it grows bigger and stronger, its glossy leaves stretching up toward the little slice of sky. Soon it has grown into a mighty tree. And that’s when everything changes. Not only for Max, but for everyone in the city.

LONGLISTED FOR THE CWA ILP JOHN CREASEY FIRST NOVEL DAGGER AWARD 'Twisty and compelling' Tracy Sierra'I'll be following Bailey Seybolt the way I follow Tana French' Kate Brody Everyone has heard the rumours. But who knows the real story of Coram Hous? rue crime writer Alex Kelley is struggling after her last book tanked her career. Her reputation in tatters, she accepts a commission to ghost-write a book about Coram House, a former orphanage by a lake in Vermont that is now being turned into luxury condos. Could this be the fresh start she needs? Years before, it was revealed that children at the orphanage were being abused; the church settled the case, but rumours persist about one of the other allegations made, that a small boy was deliberately drowned in the lake by someone in charge. Those in charge insist there was no such murder, but when Alex makes a shocking discovery only days after her arrival she realises that what began in the past is not going to stay there... An outstanding new atmospheric and character rich mystery debut, perfect for fans of Tana French, Erin Kelly and Gillian Flynn. 'Atmospheric and chilling' Flynn Berry

Max lives in a tall building in a crowded city. From his window, all he can see below is the busy street with people bustling to and fro. All he can see above is a little slice of sky, but every day he gazes at it, wondering what might be out there, beyond the blue, amongst the clouds. Then, one day, a bird appears from the little slice of sky, and lands on his window ledge. The bird is looking for a friend. But not just any friend – a very special friend, to whom it can give a tiny but amazing gift. The gift is a magical seedling. Max takes great care of the little plant, and every day it grows bigger and stronger, its glossy leaves stretching up toward the little slice of sky. Soon it has grown into a mighty tree. And that’s when everything changes. Not only for Max, but for everyone in the city.

Packed with personal accounts of the action, this is a vivid narrative history of the often-overlooked USAAF campaign in North Africa and Sicily in World War II. In 1942, the Western Allies needed to take the offensive against the Axis powers to relieve pressure on the Soviet Union and President Roosevelt ordered his military leaders to support the British in the Mediterranean. This led to the first USAAF units arriving in the Middle East as reinforcements for the British in July and as part of the Operation Torch landings in French Morocco and Algeria in November. This is the story of how, in only 11 months, the USAAF grew from these small beginnings in to become the senior partner in North Africa, providing aircraft and crews the other Allies were unable to match. In those 11 months, the Axis forces that had controlled almost the entire southern shore of the Mediterranean had been swept from the African continent and the island of Sicily. Using first-hand accounts from pilots and other aircrew, renowned aviation historian Tom Cleaver describes how the USAAF units that landed in 1942 faced an intense baptism of fire in combat with veteran Luftwaffe units, and how the experience gained in the skies over North Africa and Sicily was invaluable in developing the air forces that would dominate the skies over Europe in the latter years of the war.

From the author of the blockbuster Horrible Histories series, also a TV show and movie, who has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. Horrible Histories author Terry Deary presents a hilarious collection of Saxon tales based on exciting true stories – four books in one! Perfect for history fans (and those who don't know they're history fans yet) aged 7+. The Witch Who Faced the Fire: Follow young Ardith Hutton on her journey as a cunning man's apprentice, learning magical cures for diseases and pains. But are they really magical? Does Ardith have the ability to cure the villagers when they seek out her assistance? They might just accuse her of witchcraft... The Lord Who Lost His Head: With royalty, bandits, blacksmiths and gold coins, this tale is packed with humour and trickery. Local village girl Marian needs to play it safe and smart; her family and the village are counting on her. The King Who Threw Away His Throne: King Vortigern was a fool with more brains in his beard than his skull. What will he do when the Saxon hordes plan to invade Britain? Join Mervyn on his great attempts to aid the king in defeating the Saxons. The Shepherd Who Ate His Sheep: It's the dead of winter, and all Upton Medway has to eat is pea and ham soup... without the ham. Steal a sheep and hope nobody notices, of course! But when the owner comes looking for the thief, who will take the blam? erry Deary's Terrible True Tales: Saxons explores the world of the Saxons and features real people from the thrilling time period. Packed with fun illustrations from Tambe, the four stories take place in some of the most recognisable Saxon settings.

'The inestimable Tom Hodgkinson once again contributes to our collective calm with this perfectly judged collection of philosophy.' Emma Thompson 'A great guide to philosophy and big ideas... it made me laugh out loud. It’s such a cheerful book, I read it in one go (well... two) and emerged refreshed and nourished.' Dominic West'He knows that play is one of the best teachers, and this treatise on Stoicism is illuminating, engaging, informative and highly accessible' Irvine WelshThere’s more to Stoicism than shrugging your shoulders and getting on with it, as Tom Hodgkinson discovers in this witty and enlightening book. Stoicism is an enduring and ancient philosophy that can help you with everything from love and politics to money and spirituality. The Stoics were celebrated by the Romans, they influenced Christianity and even Shakespeare admired them. Today, both therapists and politicians will profess adherence to the Stoic creed. The “serenity prayer” is a Stoic statement. The Beatles’ “Let it Be” is a Stoic song. Tom Hodgkinson, author of bestselling How to Be Idle, goes back to the original philosophical texts and looks at the greatest Stoics in history – including Seneca, Cicero, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius and St Augustine – to see if they can help us find fulfilment. He discovers that Stoicism is much stranger and more radical than you’d think. With witty reflections on everything from ethics, grammar, rhetoric, education, friendship and the importance of occasionally letting your hair down, Tom Hodgkinson shares his genuinely funny and brilliant guide to the Stoic life.

'A gripping, unsettling and authoritative portrait of football’s original dark genius — brilliantly researched and superbly told.' GUILLEM BALAGUÉA wonderfully compelling biography... This is a story that, once read, you can’t forget.' DUNCAN HAMILTON, THREE-TIME WILLIAM HILL AWARD WINNER'One Hel of a story... uncovers the explosive truth behind a man who went further than anyone else in his fierce desire to win.' THE SUN'Assiduously researched... tells Herrera's outrageous story with verve' FINANCIAL TIMESTHE STORY OF FOOTBALL’S MOST NOTORIOUS COACHNicknamed ‘Il Mago’ (The Wizard) after bringing European Cup glory to Inter Milan in successive years, Helenio Herrera was hailed as one of the finest minds in football. This explosive book explores the enigma of the incredibly charismatic ‘HH’: a philanderer, charlatan, trash-talker and serial winner mired in controversy. His stellar career was halted by the death of one of his star players and his subsequent trial for manslaughter. ‘HH’ revolutionised football coaching. Preparing his teams meticulously, he was obsessed with his players’ mental toughness and introduced idiosyncratic psychological techniques. He made his name as a coach, winning La Liga twice with both Atlético Madrid and Barcelona, but it was his move to Inter in 1960 that propelled him to stardom. His team won three scudetti in the mid-1960s and were only denied a third European Cup by Jock Stein’s Celtic in 1967. HH reveals how Herrera was the original master of the game’s dark arts. In Spain he introduced a regime of performance-enhancing drugs, and he continued this practice in Italy, which eventually led to his downfall. Featuring interviews with those who knew Herrera well – including Fabio Capello, Sandro Mazzola, Ian St John and Denis Law – HH is a fascinating story of deceit and intrigue, bloodshed, sex and glorious football.

The third adventure in the Isaac Turner Investigates series sees Isaac’s summer in Italy go horribly wrong when he becomes embroiled in a heist to clear his grandfather’s name. Can Isaac shine a light on the truth in time?'An ingenious mystery' - A. F. Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, on THE CLOCKWORK CONSPIRACYEvery summer holiday, Isaac Turner spends three weeks with his grandfather, Ferdinand, at his house in Italy, and this year his best friend Hattie is coming too. Everything points to a fantastic summer, until Ferdinand is arrested for the theft of millions of euros of jewellery. But Ferdinand hasn’t stolen anything – yet. Drawn into a daring heist during a solar eclipse, Isaac and Hattie must figure out who is telling the truth, and who is using the cover of darkness to deceive them.

'Full of secrets, Cornwall, and wonderful detail.' Katie Fforde'Gloriously rich and layered.' Liz Fenwick'Characters to fall in love with.' Jackie Morris Time has forgotten this remote corner of West Cornwall, and left its many secrets undisturbed. Until now... Ezra Curnow has lived in the little cottage on the Trengrose estate all his life. He was born there, as was his father, and his grandfather before that. It is his own little Cornish paradise. Then the mistress of the estate, Eliza, dies without leaving a will, putting the cottage’s ownership into question. London financier Toby and his wife Minty are soon enticed by Trengrose’s charm and, worse still, see a lucrative rental opportunity in Ezra’s cottage. But Ezra is prepared to battle to save his beloved home, and has a number of secret weapons in his armoury. What Ezra doesn’t know is that Eliza also took some secrets to her grave – and she doesn’t intend to rest quietly until they come to light... A sumptuous Cornish tale packed with heart, relationships and mysteries from the past, from the bestselling author of The Sea Gate. READERS LOVE SECRETS OF THE BEES:'Without a doubt my favourite book of the year so far.''***** 'A gorgeous, compassionate and surprising novel.'*****'Great twists... I can't praise this book enough. Read it'*****'I loved every bit of this book from start to finish.'*****'One of the best stories I have read in a while... heartwarming'*****'A lovely read... one to help you lose yourself for a while'*****

DAILY MAIL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEARWINNER OF THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2025 SPORTS PERFORMANCE BOOK OF THE YEARSHORTLISTED FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS READER AWARDS 2025 ‘I laughed, gulped and cried as I read Susie’s stories of battling through some of the hardest races on this planet as well as some of the hardest moments in her life’ Sophie RaworthAN EXHILARATING READ FROM ONE OF THE UK'S LEADING ENDURANCE RUNNERS. Susie Chan is an icon of endurance running. Since taking up running at the age of 35, she has completed the legendary Marathon des Sables more times than any other British woman, set the 12-hour treadmill World Record and was one of the first women to finish all the World Marathon Majors. Susie’s story is an inspirational fight against the odds. From leaving a dysfunctional marriage, managing as a single mum and tackling cancer treatment, Susie has had her fair share of adversity. Throughout it all, running has kept her going. She always finds a reason to lace up her shoes and hit the road – or the track, trail or tread. Her mantra: You never regret a run. From the Moroccan desert, the Peruvian jungle and the sweltering Death Valley, to Susie’s local South Downs and a running track in Tooting, her adventures take her across the globe. With Susie’s down-to-earth personality, refreshing attitude and wicked sense of humour, we learn the countless reasons she finds to push herself further and the life-changing opportunities running has given her. Her passion for the sport is infectious, and her story is a shining example to all in the running community and beyond.

PRAISE FOR LOLÁ ÁKÍNMÁDÉ‘Lolá Ákínmádé crafts sharply written and deeply moving characters, raising brutal questions and steering clear of easy answers.’ Taylor Jenkins Reid'The queen of messy characters!' Onyi Nwabineli'Bitter Honey is an urgent call for empathy, grace and understanding.' Glamour'Ákínmádé is a master at shading the gaps between power and love.' Chika Unigwe'[Bitter Honey] is a real tour de force. Akinmade is a gifted storyteller.' Gary Younge'I loved BITTER HONEY... one of the best books Lola has ever written.' Kim GoldenTwo women. Four decades. A lifetime of secrets. 1978: A scholarship draws Nancy from Gambia’s warmth into Sweden’s winter. When her friendship with charismatic scholar Lars blossoms into something more, she thinks she may have finally found her place. But there’s more to Lars than his charming persona, and Nancy is about to discover the danger of being drawn into his world…2006: Tina has had her taste of fame as the nation’s Eurovision pop princess. But beneath her glittery façade, Tina is desperate to discover who she really is. Her mother, Nancy, seems desperate to keep the past under wraps, but will an unexpected figure help open the doo? ith a mother-daughter relationship at its heart, BITTER HONEY explores relationships, resilience, and what it means to fully wear your skin and carve your own space in this world. The first standalone novel from Lolá Ákínmádé is her most ambitious yet, spanning four decades and three continents. READERS LOVE BITTER HONEY: 'Bold, lyrical, and richly layered. Lola Akinmade writes with fire'*****'I fall in love with Lola's writing every time'*****'More books like this, please... such a captivating read'*****'The character-building is great... eye-opening'*****'Beautiful, emotionally resonant... unforgettable characters'*****'A highly addictive, compelling and heartbreaking novel'*****'A novel that stays with you... evoking deep reflection'*****'Deep, intense, really touching... a magnificent novel'*****'Like embarking on a profound journey that spanned not just years but entire worlds'*****'The storytelling is breathtaking, the emotions raw, and the themes deeply resonant'*****

Meet the real, thinking, feeling woman that was Charlotte Brontë, as told in this biography by the surviving witnesses to her life – the clothes that she once wore. These garments were present as she penned Jane Eyre, as she walked the cobbled streets of Haworth, and as she stood with her fiancé at the altar in the summer of 1854. Yet, until now, their testimonies had remained unheard. Renowned Brontë scholar and dress historian Eleanor Houghton’s innovative, richly illustrated biography, Charlotte Brontë’s Life Through Clothes, finally gives voice to the gowns, bonnets, shawls, corsets, parasols and boots that make up the novelist’s wardrobe. Secrets are revealed in their very fibres. Brontë’s steel busked corset tells the story of corporate espionage and forbidden love, whilst her striped, silk dress shows how she coped with the new-found pressures of fame. When exposed to 21st century technology, a tiny sample of fabric from her ‘Thackeray Dress’ reveals important innovations of the Industrial Revolution going on around her and a black lace veil, worn after the deaths of her siblings, expresses how she dealt with repeated familial loss.These clothes, some of which still bear the imprint of her foot or the sweat from her pores, prove themselves to be far more than mere celebrity curios. When ‘read’ alongside letters, portraits, her novels and the recollections of those who knew her well, Charlotte emerges as a woman altogether braver, more vulnerable, less isolated, less provincial, more fashion conscious than anyone ever expected. Myths are shattered, preconceptions challenged, and, the real Charlotte Brontë, beyond the famous author, finally emerges.

Groundbreaking in its departure from its predecessors, When Harry Met Sally… (1989) established classic romantic comedy themes and tropes still being employed today. Following the relationship between its title characters, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), and their best friends Jess (Bruno Kirby) and Marie (Carrie Fisher), the film unfolds as a series of episodes, from Harry and Sally's prickly car journey from Chicago to New York City to a momentous encounter on New Year's Eve twelve years later. Tamar Jeffers McDonald's insightful study explores how writer Nora Ephron and director Rob Reiner used structure, filmic devices, music and classic romcom concepts in innovative new ways. In her afterword to this new edition, she reflects on the movie's continuing influence on the romcom genre, and its relevance in a more turbulent era, where the question at the movie's heart - "Can men and women ever just be friends?" takes on fresh nuance in the age of #MeToo.