Patrick Mercer – Dust And Steel (Harper, £7.99) ***

Morgan, captain in the Honourable East India Company, saw distinguished service in Mercer’s last book set in the Crimean War, but nothing can prepare him for the breakdown of trust between British and Indian troops. The so-called Pandies’ rebellion has spread to his Bombay ranks. The British tolerate rather than understand the religions or caste systems the men belong to, and fail to foresee the Indian Mutiny. This book is full of battles, drama and danger.

Gemma Richards, 32, office worker, Bingley

Katie Agnew – Saints v Sinners (Orion, £6.99) ****

Saucy, frothy and entertaining, this tale of escapism, scandal and sex against the decadent backdrop of Monaco will keep you turning its pages. Wealthy Fatty LaFata disappeared from his yacht, leaving no clues, and his wife and family distraught. Or are they? Each carry their own secrets and nothing is as it seems. Can journalist Robbie solve the mystery or is he already in too deep to help? Full of surprises, the author gives us a glimpse of the dark side as well as its shallowness in this excellent, superbly-plotted novel.

Patricia Roberts, Brighouse