James Rollins – Amazonia (Orion, £6.99) *****
A man staggers out of the Amazonian jungle and without a word is dead in hours. He was part of a scientific expedition that went missing four years ago. Amazingly, he had only one arm when he set off, but had two when he returned. Another party left in search of some answers. Could there be other survivors out there? The new expedition is beset with dangers from huge animals and hostile tribes with poisoned darts. This is thrilling, unputdownable stuff and I was enthralled.


Betty Williams, 81, retired, Bradford

Carrie Duffy – Idol (Harper Collins, £6.99) ****
Jenna Johnson and Sadie Laine are two twenty-somethings with talent and ambition. While pop star Jenna enjoys travelling the world with her boyfriend, Sadie’s trying to make it as a dancer in London. When Sadie takes a holiday to LA, their two worlds are set to collide and Jenna’s carefully-crafted career could be about to come to an end, thanks to a secret Sadie’s kept for years. A fast-paced, spirited and modern read, set in fascinating, glamorous locations which most of us can only dream of.


Rachel Bellerby, 37, writer, Addingham