Set during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, this novel follows an unnamed 18-year-old protagonist who is pursued by a powerful, older man known only as the Milkman. Despite her attempts to avoid him and maintain a low profile in her community, rumors spread about their supposed affair, leading to increased scrutiny and isolation. The book explores the protagonist's struggle to maintain her individuality amidst political and social turmoil, while also dealing with the pervasive threat of violence and the power of gossip in a close-knit community.

"The Invention of Nature" is a biographical account of Alexander von Humboldt, a 19th-century explorer, scientist, and naturalist who revolutionized the way we understand the natural world. Andrea Wulf chronicles Humboldt's travels across South America, his encounters with indigenous peoples, and his groundbreaking scientific discoveries that challenged prevailing notions of the natural world. Humboldt's ideas about interconnectedness and the unity of nature were ahead of their time and continue to influence environmentalism and conservation today. Wulf's book is a masterful exploration of one of history's most fascinating and influential figures.

"The Jumbies" is a captivating and enchanting tale that follows the adventures of Corinne La Mer, a brave and curious young girl living on the island of Trinidad. When a mysterious and powerful jumbie threatens her village, Corinne must use her wit and courage to protect her family and friends. With its rich Caribbean folklore and vivid descriptions, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with magic, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil.

Set in rural Trinidad, the book tells the story of a family with twin boys, Peter and Paul. Peter is academically gifted, while Paul is considered to be slower due to a complication at birth. When Paul goes missing, their father is faced with a terrible choice that highlights the stark contrasts between his sons. The novel explores themes of family, sacrifice, and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child.

"Fortune's Wheel" is a historical novel that transports readers to the tumultuous period of the Hundred Years' War and the Black Death in Europe. The story revolves around a young English craftsman who rises from the ashes of personal tragedy. As he navigates the complex social hierarchies and political turmoil of the 14th century, he finds himself caught between loyalty and ambition, love and duty. The protagonist's journey is one of resilience and transformation, set against the backdrop of a world where the whims of fate can uplift or destroy the fortunes of men. Through vivid storytelling, the novel explores themes of power, destiny, and the enduring human spirit.

This gripping legal thriller delves into the complexities of the German legal system through the lens of a seemingly inexplicable murder case. When an elderly industrialist is found brutally murdered, the suspect, an Italian man with no apparent motive, confesses to the crime, sparking a sensational trial. The young defense attorney assigned to the case finds himself embroiled in a deep-seated legal conundrum that challenges his beliefs about justice and morality. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a dark chapter of German history that reveals the true motive behind the murder, forcing him to confront uncomfortable truths about the past and its impact on the present. This novel is a compelling exploration of guilt, redemption, and the quest for justice in the shadow of historical atrocities.

"Zoo City" by Lauren Beukes is a gripping urban fantasy novel set in a gritty Johannesburg where people who have committed a crime are magically bonded with an animal familiar. The story follows Zinzi December, a former journalist with a sloth on her back, as she becomes embroiled in a dangerous mystery involving a missing pop star and a dark conspiracy that threatens her newfound stability. With its unique blend of crime, magic, and social commentary, "Zoo City" explores themes of redemption, identity, and the consequences of our actions in a captivating and thought-provoking way.

"Alberta empfängt einen Liebhaber" is a German novel that explores the life of Alberta, a woman in her forties who lives a routine life with her husband and children. Her world is turned upside down when she begins an affair with a much younger man. The novel delves into her internal struggle as she tries to reconcile her traditional values with her newfound passion and freedom. The story is a profound exploration of middle age, femininity, and the complexities of desire.

This novel delves into the lives of a white South African family over several decades, tracing the country's transition from apartheid to democracy. At the heart of the story is a broken promise made to Salome, a black woman who works for the family, to gift her a house. This unfulfilled commitment serves as a metaphor for the broader societal promises of justice and equity that remain unkept. Through the lens of one family's complex dynamics, betrayals, and secrets, the narrative explores themes of guilt, racial tensions, and the struggle for redemption, reflecting on the challenges of reconciling with the past in a changing South Africa.

This novel is a gripping thriller that intertwines the lives of a time-traveling serial killer and one of his survivors, who is determined to bring him to justice. Set against the backdrop of Depression-era Chicago, the narrative follows the killer as he uses a mysterious house to travel through time and target young women with bright futures—his "shining girls." After one victim survives a brutal attack, she embarks on a relentless quest to find her assailant, uncovering a trail of similar murders stretching across decades. The story masterfully blends elements of crime, horror, and science fiction, creating a chilling and suspenseful tale of resilience and retribution.