Read this next with Emily Darlow
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a good book, whether it’s the kind you lose an afternoon to, stay up far too late reading, or quietly think about long after the final page. This week’s reading list brings together a rich mix of stories, from sharp and funny family dramas to atmospheric Australian crime, heartfelt romance and thoughtful literary fiction. Some of these novels will make you laugh, others may break your heart a little, and a few will keep you turning pages well past bedtime. If you’re looking for something new to add to your reading pile, these are the books we’re loving right now.
The Sisterhood Rules by Kathy Lette
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Sharp, funny and unapologetically feminist, The Sisterhood Rules is Kathy Lette at her wicked best. The novel centres on estranged twin sisters Isabel and Verity, whose complicated relationship is thrown into chaos when their outspoken mother goes missing. What unfolds is a clever, fast-paced story about family loyalty, betrayal and the expectations placed on women at every stage of life. With Lette’s trademark humour and social commentary, this is a book that makes you laugh out loud while quietly skewering everything from sexism to sibling rivalry. Perfect for readers who like their family dramas served with bite, heart and a healthy dose of irreverence.
Haze by Sam Elliott
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Set against the haunting backdrop of bushfire-ravaged regional Australia, Haze is an atmospheric crime novel that pulls you in from the first page. When a young girl disappears in a small coastal town already frayed by disaster, tensions rise and secrets begin to surface. Constable Dahlia Turner finds herself navigating not just a dangerous investigation, but a community on edge, fuelled by fear, misinformation and long-buried grudges. Dark, gritty and deeply Australian, Haze explores how crisis can expose both the best and worst in people. A compelling choice for fans of rural noir and slow-burn thrillers with emotional weight.
A Secret Garden in Paris by Sophie Beaumont
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For lovers of Paris, gardens and gentle life stories, A Secret Garden in Paris is a warm celebration of beauty in unexpected places. Australian Sophie Beaumont takes readers on a soulful journey through the French capital as she discovers tranquil green hideaways hidden among its bustling streets. Equal parts memoir, travel writing and botanical love letter, this book delights in the small, restorative pleasures that make travel special – a hidden courtyard of roses, a quiet café corner, the scent of lavender at sunset. Evocative and soothing, it’s the kind of book you’ll savour one chapter at a time, ideally alongside a cup of tea and a window seat view.
Cross and Sampson by James Patterson
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For readers who love their crime fiction fast-paced and full of twists, Cross and Sampson delivers exactly what you’d expect from James Patterson. This instalment reunites iconic detective Alex Cross with his longtime partner John Sampson as they face a new case that quickly spirals into high-stakes danger. With multiple storylines, relentless momentum and short, punchy chapters, Patterson keeps the tension high throughout. It’s classic blockbuster crime fiction gripping, accessible and designed to be devoured in just a few sittings.
Wise by Frank Tallis
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From the author best known for his psychological insight, Wise offers a more introspective reading experience. Frank Tallis brings his background in psychology to the page, crafting characters that feel complex, flawed and deeply human. The novel delves into questions of morality, perception and self-understanding, inviting readers to consider how well we really know ourselves and each other. Thought-provoking and quietly powerful, this is a book for readers who enjoy fiction that lingers long after the final page, prompting reflection rather than rushing toward easy answers.
Remember That Day by Mary Balogh
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Fans of historical romance will find plenty to love in Remember That Day, a classic Mary Balogh novel filled with emotional depth and restrained passion. Set within the rigid social structures of Regency England, the story follows two wounded souls brought together by circumstance, misunderstanding and undeniable attraction. Balogh excels at slow-burn romance, allowing relationships to unfold naturally while exploring themes of trust, honour and second chances. Elegant, tender and deeply satisfying, this is a comforting yet emotionally rich read for anyone who enjoys character-driven love stories set in another time.