Books of the Month August 2025

BOOKS OF THE MONTH - AUGUST

August is here, and so is a new collection of books we think you’ll love.

This month’s picks are all about secrets, surprises, and a little bit of everything—family drama, gripping thrillers, laugh-out-loud mysteries. From a cosy holiday gathering with a dark twist to a deep dive into the brutal world of Roman gladiators, get ready to settle down with stories of deception, danger, delicious food and even a murder or two!

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The Lucky Winners by K.L. Slater. Merri and Dev never expected to actually win that dream house on the lake. It was a fun idea—buy a ticket, fantasize a little. But then they won. And Dev couldn’t be happier. Merri, though? She’s haunted by a past she’s never shared with him. Memories of her sister’s tragic death still cling to her, making it hard to feel safe, even in paradise. Then she starts noticing things—someone in the yard, figures in the dark, eyes watching through the windows. And when a body turns up in the lake, her worst fears come crashing in. Is this new life a gift… or a trap? As secrets unravel and paranoia grows, The Lucky Winners delivers a chilling, twisty thriller where one moment of joy turns into a nightmare that won’t let go. Published 14th August 2025 by Michael Joseph. Hardback £16.99. Order here

Food Person by Adam Roberts. Isabella Pasternack just got fired from her job at a digital food magazine, and now she’s stuck ghostwriting a cookbook for faded actress Molly Babcock. Molly’s comeback tour is rocky at best, she’s erratic, cold, and maybe doesn’t even like food. But Isabella is determined to stick it out, even if Molly is the queen of chaos. Luckily, she has her hilarious roommate Owen, a painfully bad-cook mother, and maybe (just maybe) a charming chef to keep her going. Food Person is a witty, warm-hearted journey through messy kitchens, stranger friendships, and discovering what really matters. It’s about learning to stand your ground, follow your gut, and maybe find love—or at least a really good lasagna—along the way. Equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and soulfully satisfying, this one’s a treat from start to finish. Published 3rd July 2025 by Hutchinson Heinemann. Hardback £16.99. Order here

Too Old for This by Samantha Dowing. Lottie Jones may look like your average sweet grandma, but don’t let the cardigans and church bingo fool you, she has a past. She’s lived in this sleepy town for decades, blending in perfectly. But when nosy journalist Plum Dixon shows up asking way too many questions about some cold cases, Lottie starts to worry. The thing is - she might know more about those murders than anyone suspects. And now that someone’s sniffing around, she’s got a mess to clean up - fast. But murder isn’t as easy as it used to be, especially when your back hurts and your knees pop. Too Old for This is a dark, laugh-out-loud mystery about second chances, small-town secrets, and a woman who may be retired—but is far from finished. Published 28th August 2025 by Michael Joseph. Harback £16.99. Order here

The Game is Murder by Hazell Ward. You're invited to a dinner party with a deadly twist. Thirteen guests. One murderer. And it’s your job to find out who. The Game is Murder is a murder mystery like no other, clever, immersive, and packed with twists. As you piece together clues, listen to the suspects, and examine the evidence, remember: nothing is as it seems. Every guest has secrets. Everyone has a motive. And trust? That’s the most dangerous game of all. Think you can solve the mystery before it's too late? Step into the story, follow the trail of lies, and prepare for surprises that keep coming until the very last page. One wrong move, and you could end up solving the wrong crime, or becoming the next victim. Let the game begin. Published 21st August 2025 by Michael Joseph. Hardback £16.99. Order here

The Stranger Inside by Amanda Cassidy. One ordinary evening, nurse Ciara Duffy steps out briefly, keeping an eye on her daughter and her friend at home via a nanny cam app. But then she sees it, an intruder entering the house. She races back, but no one’s there. That night, Ciara wakes up to her worst nightmare: her husband murdered beside her. Soon, the police are knocking at the door, and Ciara finds herself the prime suspect. She knows she didn’t do it, but someone clearly wants to ruin her life. And she might just know why. Now, with nowhere to turn and no one to trust, Ciara must fight to clear her name, and protect her daughter. But first, she has to escape. Packed with suspense, twists, and a heroine who refuses to back down, This is a heart-racing thriller that will keep you guessing to the final page. Published 7th August 2025 by Canelo Crime. Hardback £14.99. Order here

Those Who Are About to Die by Harry Sidebottom. What was it really like to be a gladiator in ancient Rome? Those Who Are About to Die plunges you right into the action, from the night before the games to the bloody aftermath. Historian Harry Sidebottom doesn’t just tell us about gladiators—he brings their world vividly to life. You’ll meet the fighters themselves, the emperors who cheered them on, and the crowds who couldn’t get enough of the violence. This gripping book explores what the games meant to the Romans—and what they reveal about their society, from views on power, freedom, and courage to sex, death, and glory. With incredible research and a fast-paced, immersive style, Sidebottom delivers a powerful account of the ancient world’s most brutal spectacle. Whether you’re a history buff or new to Roman lore, this one’s a fascinating ride into blood, honour, and survival. Published 29th August 2025 by Hutchinson Heinemann. Hardback £25. Order here

Strong Roots by Olia Hercules. This powerful memoir by Ukrainian chef Olia Hercules, is written in the wake of Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Olia weaves together a century of Ukrainian history through the lens of her own family, spanning four generations. From her grandmother’s forced deportation under Stalin to her parents’ recent flight from their occupied hometown, the story is filled with moments of courage, heartbreak, and quiet resistance. More than a family memoir—it’s a tribute to Ukrainian identity, tradition, and food. With recipes and memories delicately intertwined, it evokes the scent of sour cherries and the comfort of a well-made borsch. Strong Roots is both a testament to survival and a celebration of heritage, offering readers a moving reflection on home, belonging, and the resilience passed down through generations. Published 19th June 2025 by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC. Hardback £20. Order here

Our Beautiful Mess by Adele Parks. Connie is thrilled to have her daughters home for the holidays—family, laughter, and even a new boyfriend to meet. Her youngest, Fran, is bringing Zac along, and Connie wants everything to go perfectly. But from the moment she sees Zac, Connie’s gut tells her something isn’t right. He reminds her far too much of someone from her past—a charming man whose presence nearly destroyed her marriage. Then, Fran drops a bombshell: she’s pregnant. Now Connie’s worries multiply. As she struggles to keep the past buried, she begins to fear it might explode into the present. But Connie’s not the only one keeping secrets. Something much darker is simmering beneath the surface, and soon, someone in the house will pay a terrible price. One lie, one secret, one devastating truth—and everything Connie loves could come crashing down. Published on August 28th 2025 by HarperCollins. £16.99. Order here

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