This week, Michael Popple suggests three books that would make excellent last minute gifts for Christmas. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog, unseenlibrary.com
Vendetta by Sarah Barrie
HQ, $32.99
Sex, violence and vengeance are all in abundance in this first recommended gift. Former vigilante turned maverick police officer Lexi Winter is forced to relive her past when her friends become entangled with a motorcycle club she used to work for. Going undercover, Lexi is drawn into old dangers, especially when the club’s former president returns, looking for explosive revenge. This is a brilliantly dark piece of Australian crime fiction that makes full use of its complex protagonist to tell an outstanding story. A gripping sequel to Barrie’s previous novels, you will not be able to put Vendetta down.
House of Open Wounds by Adrian Tchaikovsky
Head of Zeus, $32.99
Fantasy fans will love this impressive novel from Adrian Tchaikovsky. The Palleseen are an unstoppable empire, determined to rid the world of religion and superstition. As their armies advance, Yasnic, a former priest, healer and rebel, is drafted into an experimental medical unit. Working with an unorthodox band of healers, Yasnic is going to learn about the horrors of war, even if it kills him. House of Open Wounds is a bloody, humorous and powerful read, filled with heart and memorable characters. Tchaikovsky takes his readers on a hell of a ride, in one of the best fantasy books of 2023.
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
HarperCollins, $32.99
The final recommendation is a cosy and fun murder mystery from a rising star. Molly Gray is Head Maid of the Regency Grand Hotel. Proud, loyal and hardworking, Molly lives to clean up other people’s messes. But when a famous mystery writer dies in her hotel, she is dragged into another murder. However, this one has ties to her complicated past, and the secrets she knows are going to get her into trouble. This compelling sequel to The Maid is another amazing novel from Prose that views an intriguing case through the eyes of a unique protagonist. Highly recommended for Christmas.
