Read This Next with Emily Darlow

Whether you’re looking for a thriller that will keep you awake long past bedtime, a sweeping historical adventure, or a story filled with heart and hope, this month’s new releases offer something for every kind of reader.

Enough by Dawn French

Bestselling author and beloved comedian Dawn French delivers a moving and thought-provoking novel centred on Etta, a woman approaching her 69th birthday who has made a life-changing decision. Gathering her family together, she announces that she has had enough and intends to die before the day is out. As the hours unfold, Etta reflects on a life filled with love, mistakes, triumphs and disappointments, while those closest to her grapple with the implications of her decision. Funny, wise and deeply compassionate, Enough explores ageing, autonomy and what it means to live a life that feels complete.

The verdict: Dawn French tackles a confronting subject with warmth, humour and remarkable sensitivity. Emotional without being overly sentimental, this is a novel that will spark conversation and linger in readers’ minds long after the final page.

The Palace of Lost Virtue by Anthea Hodgson

Set against the glittering backdrop of Western Australia’s gold rush, The Palace of Lost Virtue follows Marigold Harrington, who arrives in Kalgoorlie in 1898 searching for answers about her missing father. What she discovers is a booming frontier town filled with ambition, danger and opportunity. Inspired by real historical figures and events, Anthea Hodgson’s latest novel spans decades and brings to life the women who forged their own paths in one of Australia’s most colourful periods. Rich in historical detail, it is a story of resilience, friendship and determination.

The verdict: Historical fiction fans are in for a treat. Beautifully researched and vividly imagined, this engrossing novel combines mystery, history and unforgettable characters in equal measure.

The Divorce by Freida McFadden

When Naomi discovers her husband has emptied their bank accounts and filed for divorce, her seemingly perfect life implodes overnight. Determined not to let him destroy everything she has built, she begins digging for answers. What follows is a rollercoaster of deception, betrayal and shocking revelations as Naomi uncovers secrets she never saw coming. As always, Freida McFadden keeps readers guessing at every turn, with twists arriving right up until the final pages.

The verdict: Fast-paced, addictive and impossible to put down, The Divorce delivers exactly what McFadden fans have come to expect. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that constantly pull the rug out from under you, this one belongs at the top of your reading pile.

Three Reasons for Revenge by Dervla McTiernan

When their lives intersect in unexpected ways, three women find themselves connected by betrayal, heartbreak and a desire for justice. Each has her own reasons for seeking revenge, but as their stories unfold, the consequences become increasingly difficult to control. Known for her gripping crime fiction, Dervla McTiernan brings her trademark tension and sharp characterisation to this compelling contemporary thriller that explores what happens when ordinary people are pushed to their limits.

The verdict: Cleverly plotted and emotionally satisfying, this is a thriller that offers more than just suspense. McTiernan delivers complex characters, high stakes and plenty of surprises along the way.

The Missing Mother by Mali Cornish

When a mother vanishes without explanation, those left behind are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about their family and their past. As questions mount and long-held secrets begin to surface, the search for answers becomes increasingly urgent. Mali Cornish blends mystery with emotional family drama, creating a story that explores loss, identity and the complicated relationships that shape our lives.

The verdict: Combining page-turning intrigue with genuine emotional depth, The Missing Mother is an absorbing read that will appeal to fans of family mysteries and domestic suspense.

Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm by Maya Linnell

Maya Linnell returns with another heartwarming rural romance set in the Australian countryside. At Sunny Cross Farm, new beginnings and second chances are waiting, but finding happiness is rarely straightforward. Filled with community spirit, friendship, family ties and a touch of romance, this feel-good novel captures the charm of country life while reminding readers that sometimes the best opportunities arrive when they’re least expected.

The verdict: Warm, uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable, this is comfort reading at its finest. Perfect for curling up with on a chilly winter afternoon, Sunrise at Sunny Cross Farm delivers exactly the kind of hopeful escape many readers are looking for.