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Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
11 of the best summer reads to pack in your suitcase or staycation at home
From thrillers and romances, to autobiographies and historical fiction, we've rounded up 11 of the best new books to read this summer - wherever you're spending it You might have packed your sun cream, bikini and hat for your summer holiday – but no holiday is complete without a stack of good books. Whether you're jetting off to a picturesque beach, an intriguing city or simply enjoying a staycation at home, there's a wealth of novels to help you unwind. Summer 2025 is the season for page-turners that will have you sitting up into the small hours of the morning to read just one more chapter. We've pulled together our list of our top recommended reads to pack in your luggage or curl up on the sofa with. The Woman In Suite 11 by Ruth Ware A decade later, this gripping sequel to the New York Times bestselling author's The Woman In Cabin 10 – adapted into a Netflix series featuring Keira Knightley – is set on the stunning shores of Lake Geneva where a terrified woman is confined in a suite owned by the hotel's billionaire proprietor. It sees the return of journalist Lo Blacklock, now married with children, who is invited to the grand opening of the exclusive Swiss hotel, only to find herself being asked for help by the wife of the billionaire, who alleges she is being held captive in her marriage. Somewhere Only We Know by Cathy Bramley The bestselling author of The Lemon Tree Café presents a woman mourning the loss of her daughter, but when she discovers her late child's travel journal, she embarks on the gap year journey the 23 year old had dreamed of undertaking. Memories of a romantic summer in Bali soon resurface, along with an old flame. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry The TikTok sensation and bestselling romantic novelist, whose books have sold over 10.5 million copies worldwide, presents readers with this fantastic beach read. It follows journalist Alice Scott as she tracks down former heiress and party girl Margaret Ives on a remote US island, eager to write the reclusive star's memoir. However, when a rival journalist arrives, things heat up both professionally and personally. Great Big Beautiful Life is out now. A Particularly Nasty Case by Adam Kay For those planning a late summer getaway who enjoyed former junior doctor Adam Kay's hilarious and heartbreaking memoir This Is Going To Hurt, his debut novel is a must-read. Described as 'hilarious, macabre and heartrending in equal measure', it kicks off when a hospital consultant dies of a heart attack and a fellow doctor suspects foul play. But when another doctor dies under similar circumstances, an investigation begins. My Other Heart by Emma Nanami Strenner Female friendships are at the core of this coming-of-age story that spans continents and generations, penned by a journalist who has spent much of her life living in southeast Asia, Australia and the US. Starting in 1998, the story follows Mimi Traung who tragically loses her toddler at Philadelphia Airport and is hastily sent back to Vietnam, seemingly losing her daughter forever. Fast forward 17 years, she returns in search of her child. Simultaneously, two best mates, both part Asian but from vastly different backgrounds, embark on a journey to discover their roots. Eventually, these three women's paths cross, forcing them to confront their true identities. My Other Heart is out on July 17. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. The Compound by Aisling Rawle For those who view reality shows with a healthy dose of scepticism, this debut novel from an Irish ex-bookseller is a must-read. It offers a literary take on Love Island and Big Brother, focusing on Lily who finds herself in the titular compound surrounded by other stunning girls, all awaiting a group of men who have crossed a desert to escape a war-ravaged world. Initially, it appears to be a typical shallow setting until the producers start demanding contestants undertake disturbing challenges, leading to horrifying outcomes. While dark humour is plentiful, the underlying message of this literary gem highlights the perils of materialism and the extremes some will go to for fame. The Compound is out now. The Treasures by Harriet Evans The first in The Sevenstones Trilogy – a fresh family saga spanning 50 years and three generations, penned by the bestselling author of The Beloved Girls – is set in 1965. It tracks Alice and Tom as they mature in New York and Notting Hill respectively, their lives eventually intertwined by a misplaced treasure, an overlooked letter and a life-altering phone call. Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Vietnam War and counterculture movement, Sevenstones – a house brimming with history and secrets – remains a steadfast presence. The Treasures is out now. Whistle by Linwood Barclay Bestselling thriller writer Linwood Barclay ventures into horror for the first time with this narrative about successful children's author Annie. Following the sudden death of her husband and a scandal sparked by one of her books, she relocates with her young son Charlie to a small town in upstate New York. However, when Charlie discovers a forgotten train set in a locked shed at their new home, things take a chilling turn. Annie starts hearing a train at night despite no railway line for miles, and begins sketching a menacing new character who has no place in her children's books. Whistle is out now. Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie For those who might have overlooked this release in spring, grab a copy of this distinguished author's first novel in 12 years, focusing on the complex female experience shaped by race, wealth and shame. It delves into the lives of four African women residing on both sides of the Atlantic, under vastly different circumstances, yet somehow interconnected. One is an affluent travel writer in search of love, while her best friend, a lawyer, is acutely conscious of her ticking biological clock. The narrative also includes a housekeeper and a high-flyer trying to figure out her life's desires. Dream Count is out now. You Are Here by David Nicholls Freshly available in paperback for those without an e-reader or room for a bulky book, this love story carries all the signature wit, heartbreak and optimism of Nicholls' work, from One Day to Us and Starter For Ten, all of which were adapted for screen. The plot throws two solitary individuals together on a coast-to-coast walk, often amidst driving rain and damp anoraks, courtesy of a mutual friend. Gradually, through their personal struggles – he's a geography teacher grieving his failed marriage, she's a divorced copy editor – they discover friendship, solace and hope in each other. You Are Here is out now. Men In Love by Irvine Welsh For those who prefer more hard-hitting narratives, this follow-up to Trainspotting sees the return of Renton, Spud, Sick Boy and Begbie as they abandon their heroin habits in search of happiness on the dance floor during the twilight of the Thatcher era. Their path to salvation leads them through Edinburgh, London, Amsterdam and Paris – culminating at Sick Boy's wedding day. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term
Books help improve the development of your children's brains: from speech and language to memory PAPER CHASE From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term THERE is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age. But research has found kids reading enjoyment has plummeted to its worst level in almost two decades. Advertisement 11 There is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age Credit: Getty That is despite the National Literacy Trust studies showing reading for pleasure benefits empathy, confidence and wellbeing. Children's author Adam Kay, whose new book Simon Gets Sneezed comes out in July, told The Sun: 'Not only does a love of books award you a lifelong membership to an infinite world of stories and adventure, reading for pleasure is crucially important for children. 'It literally improves the development of their brains: from speech and language to memory and attention.' So here, books editor Veronica Lorraine brings you ten of the best new children's books for half term. Advertisement Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost JOIN Puppy and friends for a colourful, fun and hilarious rhyming adventure – can you follow the actions and do the Wobbly Bottom dance? (Farshore, Preschoolers, £6.99) 11 Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost Credit: Supplied Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne FARMER does all the jobs on the farm, and she does them perfectly. Advertisement When Farmer falls ill, her loyal sheepdog Flo must come to the rescue. 11 Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne is about Farmer and her dog Credit: Supplied (Templar books, age 3+, £7.99) Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron A DELIGHTFULLY disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale. Advertisement Man starts personalised children's books company after being made redundant and it's expected to turn over £1.3 million this year It's bedtime for Blob, although they just might need some persuading . . . 11 Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron is a delightfully disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale Credit: Supplied (Puffin, age 3-7, £7.99) Dadbot by Jack Noel FULL of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping, this hilarious graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Bunny Vs Monkey and reluctant readers. Advertisement (Piccadilly Press, age 7+, £8.99) 11 Dadbot by Jack Noel is a graphic novel full of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping Credit: Supplied Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine BETTY isn't supposed to have a yeti living in her room, but what the grown-ups don't now won't hurt them? Will it end in disaster or will Betty and the Yeti become friends? Advertisement 11 Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 6+, £9.99) Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay DEXTER started speaking at four seconds old. By the age of three, he had 87 A-levels. Advertisement 11 Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay Credit: Supplied And by ten, he was working as a paediatrician at the hospital. (Puffin, age 6+, £7.99) Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth POETRY collection serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood, crafted with wisdom and warmth by the author. Advertisement (Templar Books, age 7+, £16.99) 11 Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth is a poetry collection that serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood Credit: Supplied Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick HAZARD is an ordinary town where strangeness is a way of life. When Travis, Zayd, Siline and Danielle start a school project, it changes everything. Advertisement 11 Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 9+, £7.99) Heir Of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray BLAZE, a Rain Singer, is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire. Then she is thrust into battle – and the limelight. Advertisement 11 Heir Of Storms is about Blaze who is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire Credit: Supplied (Penguin, Young Adult, £9.99) Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody VIOLET is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again. Then meets the captain of the Ransom Devils… Advertisement 11 Violet is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again in Rival Darling Credit: Supplied (Electric Monkey, YA, £9.99)
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term
THERE is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age. But research has found Advertisement 11 There is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age Credit: Getty That is despite the National Literacy Trust studies showing reading for pleasure benefits empathy, confidence and wellbeing. Children's author Adam Kay, whose new book Simon Gets Sneezed comes out in July, told The Sun: 'Not only does a love of books award you a lifelong membership to an infinite world of stories and adventure, reading for pleasure is crucially important for children. 'It literally improves the development of their brains: from speech and language to memory and attention.' So here, books editor Veronica Lorraine brings you ten of the best new children's books for half term. Advertisement Read More on Fabulous Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost JOIN Puppy and friends for a colourful, fun and hilarious rhyming adventure – can you follow the actions and do the Wobbly Bottom dance? (Farshore, Preschoolers, £6.99) 11 Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost Credit: Supplied Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne FARMER does all the jobs on the farm, and she does them perfectly. Advertisement When Farmer falls ill, her loyal sheepdog Flo must come to the rescue. Most read in Fabulous 11 Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne is about Farmer and her dog Credit: Supplied (Templar books, age 3+, £7.99) Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron A DELIGHTFULLY disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale. Advertisement Man starts personalised children's books company after being made redundant and it's expected to turn over £1.3 million this year It's bedtime for Blob, although they just might need some persuading . . . 11 Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron is a delightfully disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale Credit: Supplied (Puffin, age 3-7, £7.99) Dadbot by Jack Noel FULL of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping, this hilarious graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Bunny Vs Monkey and reluctant readers. Advertisement (Piccadilly Press, age 7+, £8.99) 11 Dadbot by Jack Noel is a graphic novel full of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping Credit: Supplied Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine BETTY isn't supposed to have a yeti living in her room, but what the grown-ups don't now won't hurt them? Will it end in disaster or will Betty and the Yeti become friends? Advertisement 11 Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 6+, £9.99) Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay DEXTER started speaking at four seconds old. By the age of three, he had 87 A-levels. Advertisement 11 Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay Credit: Supplied And by ten, he was working as a paediatrician at the hospital. (Puffin, age 6+, £7.99) Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth POETRY collection serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood, crafted with wisdom and warmth by the author. Advertisement (Templar Books, age 7+, £16.99) 11 Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth is a poetry collection that serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood Credit: Supplied Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick HAZARD is an ordinary town where strangeness is a way of life. When Travis, Zayd, Siline and Danielle start a school project, it changes everything. Advertisement 11 Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick Credit: Supplied (Farshore, age 9+, £7.99) Heir Of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray BLAZE, a Rain Singer, is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire. Then she is thrust into battle – and the limelight. Advertisement 11 Heir Of Storms is about Blaze who is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire Credit: Supplied (Penguin, Young Adult, £9.99) Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody VIOLET is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again. Then meets the captain of the Ransom Devils… Advertisement 11 Violet is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again in Rival Darling Credit: Supplied (Electric Monkey, YA, £9.99)
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
From mysteries to a genius doctor and robots, ten great children's books to thrill your kids this half term
Veronica Lorraine, Gardening Editor and Associate Head of Features Published: Invalid Date, THERE is nothing like getting stuck into a good book in the holidays, no matter your age. But research has found kids reading enjoyment has plummeted to its worst level in almost two decades. That is despite the National Literacy Trust studies showing reading for pleasure benefits empathy, confidence and wellbeing. Children's author Adam Kay, whose new book Simon Gets Sneezed comes out in July, told The Sun: 'Not only does a love of books award you a lifelong membership to an infinite world of stories and adventure, reading for pleasure is crucially important for children. 'It literally improves the development of their brains: from speech and language to memory and attention.' So here, books editor Veronica Lorraine brings you ten of the best new children's books for half term. Puppy's Wobbly Bottom by Kit Frost JOIN Puppy and friends for a colourful, fun and hilarious rhyming adventure – can you follow the actions and do the Wobbly Bottom dance? (Farshore, Preschoolers, £6.99) Oh No, Flo! by Catherine Cawthorne FARMER does all the jobs on the farm, and she does them perfectly. When Farmer falls ill, her loyal sheepdog Flo must come to the rescue. 11 (Templar books, age 3+, £7.99) Sleep Tight Disgusting Blob by Huw Aaron A DELIGHTFULLY disgusting, utterly unique rhyming tale. Man starts personalised children's books company after being made redundant and it's expected to turn over £1.3 million this year It's bedtime for Blob, although they just might need some persuading . . . 11 (Puffin, age 3-7, £7.99) Dadbot by Jack Noel FULL of robots, puns and dastardly dad-napping, this hilarious graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Bunny Vs Monkey and reluctant readers. (Piccadilly Press, age 7+, £8.99) Beano Betty And The Yeti by Hugh Raine BETTY isn't supposed to have a yeti living in her room, but what the grown-ups don't now won't hurt them? Will it end in disaster or will Betty and the Yeti become friends? 11 (Farshore, age 6+, £9.99) Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor, by Adam Kay DEXTER started speaking at four seconds old. By the age of three, he had 87 A-levels. And by ten, he was working as a paediatrician at the hospital. (Puffin, age 6+, £7.99) Words Can Fly by Donna Ashworth POETRY collection serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood, crafted with wisdom and warmth by the author. (Templar Books, age 7+, £16.99) Serial Chillers: The Witch In The Woods by Jennifer Killick HAZARD is an ordinary town where strangeness is a way of life. When Travis, Zayd, Siline and Danielle start a school project, it changes everything. 11 (Farshore, age 9+, £7.99) Heir Of Storms by Lauryn Hamilton Murray BLAZE, a Rain Singer, is born into one of the most powerful fire-wielding families in the empire. Then she is thrust into battle – and the limelight. (Penguin, Young Adult, £9.99) Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody VIOLET is left heartbroken by the captain of the ice hockey team and vows never to date a jock again. Then meets the captain of the Ransom Devils… 11 (Electric Monkey, YA, £9.99)
The Guardian
24-03-2025
- General
- The Guardian
From sex toy safety to supply chains: why testing vibrators isn't as fun as you might think
When people learn that my job as a sexual wellbeing specialist involves reviewing vibrators for the Filter – as their official Vibe Rater, if you will – they assume I've got it easy. That my work, in every conceivable way, must be a pleasure. But I get my hands dirty, probing everything from sustainability to sensitive data security to supply chains, to ensure buyers don't get (non-consensually) shafted. Vibrators are coming out from under the covers. They used to feel shameful and secretive, picked from a mail-order magazine or a poky shop with blacked-out windows; today, we're infinitely more liberated about toy ownership. We're putting our hands in our pockets, too: the global sex toy market was valued at approximately $37.5bn last year, and it is projected to climb to $83.85bn within the next decade. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. But navigating this sprawling landscape can feel overwhelming. And while 'adult appliances' may now be 10 a penny, it's not uncommon for top-end devices to cost hundreds. Reading a switched-on guide before you buy is a must. Here's a little insight into some of the things I had to consider when writing mine. Erotic gadget retail can be a mucky – even dangerous – business in ways you may not expect. The first international standard for sex toy safety, ISO 3533, was introduced only in 2021. Prompted by studies that showed an increase in emergency room admissions after accidents with poorly designed stimulators, the standard attempts to make toys less perilous. Yet abiding by ISO 3533 is voluntary, not mandatory. Moreover, it assumes toy manufacturers are sufficiently knowledgable and rigorous enough to conduct their own risk assessments. Having toured many factories where men previously in finance 'thought it'd be cool' to start a sexy business, I can attest to the alarming number of people who don't know their arse from their elbow creating items intended for use on the genitals. So: ISO mark or not, the first thing I analysed in my vibrator guide, to the best of my ability, was safety. Items that might land you in A&E or as an anecdote in Adam Kay's latest book were immediately discounted. One cheap bullet vibe I tested had a loop of fabric cord, so you could 'hang it round your wrist or in the shower'. Add residues from lubricant, body fluids and bathroom mould spores to that cord, and it'd quickly get more hazardous to health than Rapunzel's plait during an outbreak of nits. Big no. The most impressive toys I assessed usually resulted from multiple rounds of R&D, rather than rushed out to jump on trends. Notably excellent inventions have also emerged from developers actively considering how it's not just able-bodied, neurotypical people who desire and deserve sexual pleasure. Adult toy brand Rocks Off dedicated years to finessing its Quest range of accessible toys, collaborating with disability charity Enhance the UK. The entire shopping experience, 'from a clearly navigable website to packaging that could be opened easily, even using your teeth – was designed, developed and tested by disabled people', says charity CEO Jennie Williams. 'We had to consider factors such as how sensory issues can impact toy texture for neurodiverse users; how deaf people may worry about vibrator loudness, and being unaware of whether anyone can overhear them masturbating; and how bigger, LED-lit buttons might assist visually impaired people.' I'd wager several of the inventions that emerged from this process could benefit everybody's body. Take Rocks Off's Elevate cock ring: it has four hoops around the outside to make it a cinch to pull open and slide on and off, even if your grip or dexterity is limited, or your fingers are covered in slippery lube. There's a lot more at play with sex toys than first meets the eye, so I hope my reviews prove helpful. Will more adult product guides be on the horizon for the Filter? Well. Never say nether. The best hair straighteners for foolproof styling, tried and tested by our expert Small but mighty! The best travel-size toiletries for your next trip 'I didn't hate it, but I didn't feel particularly well afterwards': the best (and worst) vegan cheese, tested Otty Original Hybrid mattress review: the best hybrid mattress you can buy – and also one of the cheapest The best iPhones in 2025: which Apple smartphone is right for you, according to our expert Knitting is cool again. Here's everything you need to get started – and what you don't From a bath soak to help them sleep to an affordable coffee press to improve their morning caffeine hit; extra chocolatey biscuits (rated highly by Grace Dent) to Jess Cartner-Morley-approved pumps; massage balls for sore shoulders to life-affirming novels, every item in our bumper Mother's Day gift guide is designed for the wellbeing and happiness of the mother in your life. And for the traditionalists among you, there's even a bunch of letterbox flowers. Take it from us: we've got Mothering Sunday (30 March this year) covered. Hannah BoothEditor, the Filter If a big bouquet is more your mum's style, read our guide to the best online flower delivery services. Zoë Phillimore put them to the test, filling her house with 17 bouquets (and prompting her regular courier drivers to ask if everything was OK) so we could recommend only the longest-lasting and most beautiful blooms. There are some sustainable, British-grown options, too. Have you ever been surprised by a brand or retailer going above and beyond on customer service? Maybe they repaired an ancient raincoat for free or brought a much-loved kitchen appliance back to life with a new part. If so, let us know by emailing us at thefilter@
