"The Electric Michelangelo" is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of Cy Parks, a man from Morecambe Bay, England who becomes an apprentice in his mother's seaside hotel for consumptives. He later becomes a tattoo artist, first in his hometown and then in the bustling Coney Island, New York. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the transformative power of art as Cy navigates through the complexities of human body and spirit in the 20th century.

Mr. Fox is a novel about a writer who is challenged by his imaginary muse to stop killing off his female characters. This leads to a series of stories within stories, where reality and fantasy blur. The writer, his wife, and the muse navigate through these narratives, exploring themes of love, identity, and the power of storytelling. The novel is a mix of fairy tale, romance, and mystery, with a metafictional twist.

The novel centers around the unexpected and profound connection between Zeke, a man with Asperger's syndrome who is skilled in carpentry and house renovation, and Verona, a pregnant radio host who is significantly older than him. Their lives intersect when Verona hires Zeke to work on her house, and despite their differences, they form an intense bond. However, when Verona suddenly leaves for London, Zeke is compelled to follow her, embarking on a journey that takes him out of his comfort zone and into a series of unpredictable and transformative experiences. The story explores themes of love, the challenges of communication, and the ways in which people's lives can become intertwined in the most unexpected of ways.

This novel delves into the complex and fraught relationship between a mother and daughter against the backdrop of contemporary India. The daughter, now an adult, grapples with her mother's advancing dementia and the bitter memories of a childhood marked by neglect and unconventional parenting. As the mother's memory deteriorates, the daughter is forced to confront the painful legacy of their past and the ambiguity of her filial obligations. The narrative weaves through themes of memory, betrayal, and the inextricable bond of family, painting a portrait of two women bound by love and resentment in equal measure.

In "The Turn of the Key" by Ruth Ware, a young woman named Rowan Caine takes a job as a live-in nanny at a luxurious smart home in the Scottish Highlands. However, the seemingly perfect opportunity quickly turns into a nightmare as Rowan discovers the dark secrets hidden within the house and the tragic events that have unfolded in the past. As strange occurrences escalate and tensions rise, Rowan becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, desperately trying to prove her innocence and uncover the truth before it's too late.

"Ghachar Ghochar" is a compelling novella that explores the dynamics of a close-knit Indian family whose lives change dramatically after a sudden financial windfall. The story, narrated by an unnamed protagonist, examines the moral and emotional complexities that arise from their newfound wealth, leading to tension, corruption, and a disintegration of their former values. The title, a nonsense phrase coined by the family, symbolizes the tangled mess their lives have become - a situation so complicated that it's beyond any solution.

This psychological thriller revolves around a young mother, Alice, who insists that the baby in her home is not her daughter, Florence, but a stranger's child. Her husband, David, dismisses her claims, suggesting she's suffering from postpartum depression or worse. As Alice fights to prove her sanity and uncover the truth, the narrative delves into dark family secrets, manipulative dynamics, and the complexities of maternal bonds. The tension escalates with each chapter, weaving a tale of suspense, doubt, and the desperate lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.

In "Swimming Home," a vacation in the idyllic French Riviera is disrupted when a family of British tourists encounters an enigmatic woman named Kitty Finch, who swims naked into the villa's pool. Her presence becomes a catalyst for the unraveling of relationships, as she becomes intimately involved with the family, particularly the poet father. The novel explores themes of depression, the complexities of the human psyche, and the impact of an outsider on the fragile dynamics of family life, all while maintaining a tense, poetic atmosphere that culminates in a haunting conclusion.

In this hauntingly atmospheric novel, readers are introduced to a young woman grappling with a rare eating disorder and the loss of her mother, all while living in a malevolent, sentient house that has a disturbing history. The narrative weaves together multiple perspectives, including that of the house itself, to explore themes of identity, race, and belonging. As the protagonist's condition worsens and the house's sinister intentions become more apparent, the lines between reality and the supernatural blur, creating a chilling tale of psychological horror and the complexities of inheritance—both familial and cultural.

The novel revolves around a young woman named Alice Raikes, who, after an unexpected and traumatic event, slips into a coma. As she lies unconscious in a hospital, the narrative delves into her past, unraveling the complexities of her relationships with her family and her intense love affair. Through a series of flashbacks and the perspectives of different characters, the story explores themes of love, loss, and the intricate tapestry of human emotions that bind and separate us. The reader is taken on a poignant journey through Alice's life, uncovering the secrets and memories that led up to the fateful moment that changed everything.

In "Boy, Snow, Bird," a young woman named Boy Novak escapes her abusive father in New York City to settle in a small town in Massachusetts, where she marries a widower and becomes stepmother to his daughter, Snow. After giving birth to her own daughter, Bird, who is dark-skinned, it is revealed that her husband and stepdaughter are light-skinned African Americans passing as white. The book explores themes of identity, beauty, and the damaging effects of racism as Boy grapples with her feelings towards Snow and Bird, and the societal implications of their different skin tones.

The book follows the life of an eccentric and socially awkward woman in her early thirties, whose regimented and solitary existence is disrupted when she develops an unlikely friendship with a bumbling IT guy from her office. After they save an elderly man who has collapsed on the street, the trio forms a bond that ultimately leads her to confront her troubled past. As she grapples with her mother's cruelty and the secrets that have haunted her for years, she learns that opening up to others can be the key to healing and that she is capable of finding love and companionship. Through this journey of self-discovery, she realizes that she can break free from her previously lonely and routine life, challenging the notion that she is completely fine as she is.

A reclusive writer receives an unexpected invitation to a bachelorette party of an old friend she hasn't seen in years. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she attends the gathering at a secluded cabin in the woods. As the weekend unfolds, tensions rise and secrets are revealed, leading to a shocking and tragic event that leaves the protagonist questioning her own sanity and the motives of those around her.

"The Widow" is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complex and secretive world of a woman named Jean Taylor. When her husband, Glen, becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of a toddler, Jean is forced to confront her own beliefs and loyalty. Told from multiple perspectives, the narrative explores the blurred lines between truth and deception, unveiling shocking revelations and challenging the reader's perception of innocence and guilt.

The novel centers around Hope Arden, a woman who is afflicted with a peculiar condition that makes her unmemorable to everyone she encounters, effectively rendering her invisible in society. Despite her unique challenge, Hope becomes a master thief, capitalizing on her ability to slip through the cracks of people's consciousness. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she steals a piece of jewelry that ties her to a sinister technology company with a global influence. As she delves deeper into the company's operations, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens her anonymity and the very fabric of her existence, leading her on a journey that challenges the nature of identity, memory, and what it means to be truly seen.

The book is a complex and thought-provoking exploration of friendship, identity, and the search for meaning. It follows the intertwined lives of two men, one a privileged banker and the other a mathematician from Bangladesh, as they navigate personal and global crises. Through their conversations and reflections, the book delves into themes of race, class, war, and the nature of knowledge, challenging readers to question their own assumptions and beliefs.

"Ducks, Newburyport" is a sprawling and ambitious novel that explores the inner thoughts and experiences of an Ohio housewife as she goes about her daily life. The narrative is presented in a stream-of-consciousness style, with the protagonist's mind constantly jumping between various topics, memories, and anxieties. Through her musings, the novel delves into themes of motherhood, love, politics, and the anxieties of modern society, offering a unique and intimate portrait of one woman's existence.

"Black Man" by Richard Morgan (also published as "Thirteen" in the United States) is a futuristic science fiction novel set in a world where genetically engineered humans, known as "variants," exist alongside regular humans. The story follows Carl Marsalis, a former variant soldier who is now working as a private investigator. As he gets caught up in a series of murders, Carl must confront his own troubled past while navigating a society that fears and discriminates against him. This gripping and thought-provoking novel explores themes of identity, prejudice, and the consequences of scientific advancements.

"The Testament of Jessie Lamb" by Jane Rogers is a thought-provoking dystopian novel set in a world where a deadly virus threatens to wipe out humanity. Jessie Lamb, a sixteen-year-old girl, is determined to make a difference and save the future by volunteering for a controversial medical experiment that could potentially save the human race. As she navigates the ethical dilemmas and sacrifices that come with her decision, Jessie explores the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the value of life in a world on the brink of extinction.

The book follows two parallel narratives. The first is set in the 18th century, focusing on a packman named Jack Turner who is mysteriously found dead in the valley of Thursbitch. The second narrative is set in the present day, where a woman named Sal and her friend Ian explore the same area, finding themselves mysteriously drawn to the mystery of Jack's death. The narratives intertwine as the boundaries between past and present blur, revealing the mystical and spiritual significance of the valley. The story explores themes of time, memory, and the enduring power of place.

In a dystopian future, England has been devastated by economic collapse and climate change, and is now under the control of an authoritarian regime. The protagonist, known only as Sister, escapes from her life of forced labor and her loveless marriage to join a self-sustaining, all-female community in the remote hills of Cumbria. This community, known as the Carhullan Army, trains rigorously in both survival skills and combat, preparing for a rebellion against the oppressive government. Sister's life in the community and her eventual rise to leadership form the core of the story, which explores themes of freedom, gender, and the human spirit's resistance to tyranny.

"Born Yesterday" is a unique take on the events of 2007, using them to reflect on the state of Britain. The book examines the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, the floods that swept Britain, and the transition of power from Tony Blair to Gordon Brown. The author blends fact and fiction, creating a hybrid novel that offers a snapshot of a nation in transition and crisis, exploring themes of celebrity, power, and tragedy.

Set in pre-revolutionary France, the novel follows a young engineer who is tasked with demolishing an overflowing cemetery in Paris. As he undertakes this macabre task, he encounters a variety of characters, including a rebellious nun, a gravedigger, and a family living on the cemetery grounds. The book explores themes of mortality, the inevitability of progress, and the fragility of existence, all set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of dramatic change.