A quiet suburban family with a powerful secret at its core, The Radleys by Matt Haig explores what it means to hide parts of ourselves in order to fit in. Beneath the humour and unusual premise lies a thoughtful reflection on identity, family dynamics, and the tension between living authentically and protecting those we care about.
A reflective and atmospheric novel exploring family secrets, shifting timelines, and the echoes of the past. In February, our Books and Bakes group discussed The Midnight Hour by Eve Chase, sparking thoughtful conversation about memory, perspective, and storytelling.
A group of schoolboys survive a plane crash and find themselves alone on a tropical island. At first, they try to organise themselves with rules, meetings, and a shared hope of rescue. But as fear grows and leadership fractures, order gives way to power, violence, and the loss of innocence. This summary of Lord of the Flies explores the novel’s journey from structure to chaos and invites readers to share what they thought of Golding’s unsettling vision of human nature.
A gripping psychological thriller that explores loyalty, fear, and the heavy cost of keeping a secret. In this reflective summary of Gillian McAllister’s That Night, we delve into the moment that changes everything for the Plant siblings and the emotional unravelling that follows. A tense, character-driven story that asks how far we would go to protect the people we care about — and what happens when a single decision becomes impossible to outrun.
In The Twyford Code, bestselling author Janice Hallett delivers a masterfully crafted literary puzzle told entirely through audio transcripts. As ex-gang member Steven “Smithy” Smith attempts to unravel the decades-old disappearance of his schoolteacher and a possible code hidden in children’s books, readers are invited to decode the truth alongside him. Thought-provoking, cleverly structured, and rich in emotion, this is more than a mystery—it’s a moving meditation on memory, identity, and the stories we choose to tell.
Shuggie Bain hasn’t been an easy read for the group, we do recognise how powerful and evocative the story is.
This month, our Books and Bakes Book Club has been reading Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell — a beautiful and heart-wrenching novel that brings to life the unseen story behind one of history’s greatest writers.
In If You Go Away, bestselling author Adele Parks takes readers on an emotionally complex journey through love, duty, class, and identity during the tumultuous backdrop of World War I.
Emma Healey’s Elizabeth is Missing is a compelling and haunting novel that weaves together two mysteries through the eyes of Maud, an elderly woman living with dementia.
“The Chemical Detective” is the debut novel by Fiona Erskine, introducing readers to Dr. Jacqueline “Jaq” Silver—a dynamic chemical engineer and explosives expert. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Slovenia’s snowy slopes, Jaq utilizes her expertise in avalanche control to ensure the safety of skiers and mountaineers. However, her routine Read more