My Year in Books 2025: July

Ah, another very short list again this month. I only got time to read one book for pleasure in July, though it was a very long one!

In case you're curious, here are my lists for the rest of the year: January, February, March, April, May, June

The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton (2020)

This next book was a library book. I actually got it out in early June, but it took a little while to read it. Partly, that was because it’s quite a massive book! But mostly, it was because I had a lot of other stuff I needed to read for review this month. I’ve read Turton’s first and third novels and absolutely adored them, so it’s a bit strange that it took me so long to read his second one. But I’ve read it now, and I really liked it! The book is set in the seventeenth century, on a ship heading from the Dutch East Indies to Amsterdam. On board is the world’s greatest detective, Sammy Pipps, and his bodyguard Arent Hayes. Sammy has been imprisoned by the Governor of Batavia for an unspecified crime and is locked in the hold for the journey. Before they’ve even left the dock, however, strange things start to occur, leading some to wonder if the devil is tormenting the voyage. The story unfolds as a cross between supernatural horror and classic locked room mystery, with an impossible murder leading Arent to team up with Sara, the Governor’s wife, as the only detective who could solve the puzzle quickly has been locked up. It’s a really compelling story, and the classic whodunnit elements are never overshadowed by the shadow of the supernatural. The reveal is deeply satisfying as well – I worked out about 50% but there were some really good surprises left too.

Lammas Stories Wanted for Hannah's Bookshelf on North Manchester FM

Submit your seasonal flash fiction to be played on Hannah’s Bookshelf this August!

Can you tell a seasonal story in just 3 minutes? Want to have your work played on the radio? This month, I’m looking for seasonal (Lammas, summer, first harvest) flash fiction from around the world for inclusion on Hannah’s Bookshelf, the weekly literature show on North Manchester FM.

On Saturday 2nd August, I’ll be hosting the Hannah’s Bookshelf Autumn Equinox Special, and as part of my seasonal special, I’ll be playing a selection of my favourite 3-minute stories on the show (broadcast on FM and on digital). Want to be part of it? Submit a recording of your seasonally inflected story (maximum 3 minutes) by midnight on Monday 28th July.

All genres welcome – be they cosy, romantic, scary or sad. The only rules are that stories must be your own original work, have some connection to the season, and be in English (the language of the broadcast). And please ease off the swears – stories have to be radio friendly! All you need is a microphone and a story – once you’re ready to submit your story, click on the ‘Start Recording’ button on my website to record your story and submit it. Remember to enter your name and email address when submitting your story.

If you aren’t able to submit via a recording and would like another method of taking part, please message via my website for more information.

Please share this call with anyone who you think might be interested – I’d like to cast the net as wide as possible. My favourite seasonal stories will be broadcast on the Hannah’s Bookshelf Lammas Special at 2pm on Saturday 2nd August, on digital radio and 106.6FM.