When an author dies, publishers are quick to republish their backlist – with no one to promote their books this may be the last chance to get their writer to the attention of potential readers. For the book buyer it is a reminder about that author you always meant to read but never quite got round to.
Margaret Forster, the prolific Cumbrian writer, died in February just days before the publication of her last book, How to Measure a Cow. The arresting title (which bears no relation to the story) is actually about a woman relocating under a false name to a drab northern town. It is a delicious slow reveal of a story as we gradually find out why, aided by a nosy neighbour just as keen as we are to know. The book also explores friendship and the complex relationship between women – a really satisfying read and a writer I wish I had come to earlier.
Bernard Cornwell (Warriors of the Storm) and Michael Arnold (Marston Moor) bring out their latest installments in paperback this month as does Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling with her third Cormorant Strike novel.
The thriller of 2015, Palace of Treason by Jason Matthews, arrives in lightweight form on 21st April – definitely one to pack for the summer holidays for those who like their spy stories with plenty of pace.