This week, Michael Popple recommends three excellent new releases to buy this Christmas. More of Michael’s reviews can be found on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
The Queen’s Captain by Peter Watt
Pan Macmillan, $32.99
1863, Australian colonial Ian Steele is still fighting in the British army under the name Captain Samuel Forbes. Ian’s 10 years in the army are nearly done, but first he must survive campaigns in India and New Zealand. With friends in danger and old enemies plotting to kill him, how will the adventure of the Queen’s Colonial end?
Australia’s master of the historical fiction novel, Peter Watt, returns with the final book in his Colonial trilogy. This book is jammed full of action and adventure and provides the reader with a thrilling conclusion to this epic historical series.
The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
Mickey Haller, the Lincoln Lawyer, is forced to defend his most important client yet, himself. After a body is found in the trunk of his Lincoln, Haller is charged with murder. Forced to plan his own defence from behind bars, Haller needs to find out who framed him and prove it in court. But can even the legendary Lincoln Lawyer win such an impossible case?
The latest novel from the always impressive Michael Connelly is an amazing legal thriller that readers can really sink their teeth into. Fun, clever and extremely compelling, this is the perfect gift for any crime fiction lover.
The Tower of Fools by Andrzej Sapkowski
Gollancz, $32.99
Fans of The Witcher television series and books will love to receive this intriguing first book in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Hussite trilogy. Set in 15th century Poland, this novel follows Reinmar of Bielawa, a young doctor and magician, who finds himself in all manner of trouble with a powerful noble family. Forced to flee into the wilderness, Reinmar becomes caught up in a dangerous conspiracy that could change Europe forever.
This exciting novel from Sapkowski combines interesting fantasy elements with key parts of Eastern European history. A unique and wildly entertaining read, it is an incredibly fun book to read over the summer break.