T D Griggs – Distant Thunder (Orion, £7.99) ***

This is the story of pampered English teenager Grace Dearborn, and orphan Frank Gray, on the run following a murder at his family home. In 1893, these two characters from different continents are brought together. Frank’s humble background makes him different to any man she’s ever met. But war is looming and as a serving soldier, Frank must return to India, the country of his birth. Will the pair ever meet again? A descriptive and emotional novel with beautiful settings.

Rachel Bellerby, 39, writer, Moor Lane, Addingham

Kate Long – Bad Mothers United (Simon & Schuster UK, £7.99) ***

This is an honest and amusing account of good intentions leading to mother-daughter warfare, overseen by condescending neighbours, and a dodgy ex-husband. Karen, missing her own mum, and bringing up her grandson so Charlotte can get her degree, wonders where her own life has gone and where this middle-aged spread has come from. Charlotte, feeling she is neither a good student nor a good mum drifts away from her wonderful boyfriend to the delight of his mother. A funny read!

Gemma Richards, 34, office worker, Wagon Lane, Bingley

Preston & Child – Gideon’s Corpse (Orion Books, £7.99) ***

When the radioactive body of a scientist followed by a cloud of radiation are found in New York there is a frantic stampede to evacuate the city. Fellow scientist and friend Gideon Crew teams up with FBI agent Stone Fordyce to discover the site and target of the planned nuclear detonation. After numerous false leads Fordyce is informed that Gideon is involved in the act of terrorism. Preston and Child have again delivered a terrifying roller coaster nightmare that only stops on the final page.

Margaret Jarvis, 79, retired, Wyke