Dorothy Hearst – Promise Of The Wolves (Simon and Schuster, £6.99) *****
The first in a trilogy about how the lives of wolves and humans became intertwined in the Stone Age. Kaala is an intelligent female wolf who belongs to a wolf pack which forbids interaction with humans. When Kaala finds herself irresistibly drawn to the humans who live nearby, she is forced to choose between loyalty to the pack and her own happiness. Although it seems strange at first to experience the story through the eyes of a wolf, this soon becomes a gripping and exciting saga, full of drama. The characters are well drawn and the suspense continues throughout.


Rachel Bellerby, 35, writer, Addingham

Graham Hurley – No Lovelier Death (Orion, £7.99) ****
Crown Court Judge Peter Ault and his wife are away on holiday, leaving their 19-year-old daughter Rachel alone in the big house. Although Rachel is a sensible girl, she decides to have a party and invites all her friends via her Facebook page. More than 100 young strangers turn up, most of them the hooligans from estates. They steal everything that can be carried away and trash every room in the house. When the dust settles and the police arrive, they find Rachel and her boyfriend murdered. They have no idea how to investigate this unusual case despite the 100 suspects already locked up. This is an excellent novel and a great read.


Betty Williams, 80, retired, Bradford