NOVEL: Before I Say Goodbye

Nell McDermott has a row with her husband because he doesn't approve of her running for Congress. Adam, an ambitious architect, departs for work but his yacht is blown up killing him and his business partners.

Nell is contacted by a renowned psychic who claims to be in contact with her dead husband in Mary Higgins Clark's latest suspense thriller. And as Nell investigates the death she discovers Adam may have been involved in arson, dangerous building work and financial skulduggery.

Before I Say Goodbye, a Simon and Schuster hardback costing £16.99, is one of Clark's most rivetting books Though she follows her usual formula - woman-in-peril, several potential bad guys, short zig-zagging chapters - the story comes up fresh.

DAVID KNIGHTS

NOVEL: Somewhere A Bird Is Singing

Aww! A perfect ending to a brilliant story. I really enjoyed this mixture of drama and romance - it certainly plays on your emotions.

Sally Harrup is an orphan. Her sister Ruth was driven to prostitution in order to look after them. But now she is bed-ridden, so Sally finds employment in a local shop. On her travels, Sally meets Ethan, a local fisherman who captures her heart, and Eva, a captain in the Salvation Army.

When Ethan goes missing at sea, Sally is left distraught and angry. Sally volunteers herself for Eva's crusade - but what of the consequences? EV Thompson's saga, published by Warner as a £5.99 paperback, is an incredible book, and well worth the effort.

HANNAH WILSON

CHILDREN'S BOOK: Heartland Coming Home

For those of you who are familiar with the tale of the Horse Whisperer, the main storyline of this book will be familiar.

Heartland is a sanctuary for sick and emotionally disturbed horses run by Amy, her mother and stablehand. Their happiness is shattered one night when, after a traficaccident, Amy loses her mother, her faith in herself and her faith in her ability.

This children's novel from Scholastic is a sentimental tale which could, in my opinion, have been better written. Lauren Brooke's language and description were childish and the adventure seemed to sort itself out far too quickly, stopping any excitement at the source.

A light read, for a younger audience.

LUCY QUINTON

ALBUM: Shaft

The 1970s had hardly begun when black detective Shaft was cruising the mean streets and showing cinema audiences how to be really cool. Three decades later and Samuel L Jackson plays the character in a modern-day reworking of the story.

Can't decide which era you prefer? Then buy the soundtrack and you get the best of the black beats from both. Today's best R&B, soul and hip-hop names - such as R Kelly, Angie Stone, Donell Jones and Carl Thomas - sign in with new tracks.

Throughout the album there are arrangements and grooves that hark back to the days of disco, street jive and leather trenchcoats. Rising above everything is the pounding, rising, hypnotic Theme From Shaft in a blistering reworking.

Whether or not you see the new movie or the re-released original, this Arista album offers a seriously cool listen.

DAVID KNIGHTS