Jeff Popple reviews three enjoyable books to start off the year’s reading. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

The Writing Class by Esther Campion

Hachette, $32.99

Those looking for a ‘feel good’ read to start the year off with, will embrace Esther Campion’s The Writing Class. Devastated when her husband leaves her, recently retired teacher Vivian Molloy retreats to her home in a small, picturesque town in rural Tasmania. Forced out of her solitude by a friend, Vivian reluctantly takes up the challenge of teaching a writing class at the local library. Her expectations are low, but she soon finds new confidence and happiness as the class becomes a refuge for an odd collection of strangers. A pleasant, heartwarming tale about second chances and unlikely friendships.

Best Australian Political Cartoons 2024 edited by Russ Radcliffe

Scribe, $35

Those after some humorous relief between cricket overs can dive into Russ Radcliffe’s annual collection of the best Australian political cartoons. From Dutton’s fear-how to mongering to the referendum fallout to the cost of living crisis and the tragedies in the Middle East, the cartoons cover all the highs, and lows, of the political year. Not surprisingly, there is a stronger focus on international issues this year, especially the American election, but there are also some very good local cartoons. Glen Le Lievre’s one on supermarket prices is striking, as is Johannes Leak’s poignant reflection on the Bondi Junction stabbings. An amusing, and sad, look back at 2024.

One Dark Night by Hannah Richell

Simon & Schuster, $32.99

The early morning discovery of a murdered girl’s body at the bottom of an old stone folly in the supposedly haunted woods near a small British town sets Hannah Richell’s One Dark Night off to a grim start. The girl is a student at the local school where investigating detective Ben Chase’s daughter goes, and he soon finds himself pressured to find the killer before his daughter’s involvement in the night becomes public. Mixing family drama with detective work, and a touch of the supernatural, itmoves along at a solid pace with clever twists and an underlying sense of tension. Good beach reading.