Hazel and Fox are an ordinary married couple with a baby. Except for one small thing. They’re ex-serial killers. They had it all. An enviable London lifestyle, five-star travels, and plenty of bad men to kill. Not many power couples know how to get away with murder. Then Hazel fell pregnant and they gave it all up for life in the suburbs. Dinner parties instead of body disposal. But recently Hazel has started to feel that itch again. When she kills someone behind Fox’s back and brings the police to their door, she must do anything she can to protect her family. This could save their marriage. Unless it kills them first. If murder’s your thing, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay is the perfect Valentine read. Headline
She’s looking for the perfect man. He’s looking for the perfect victim. The Boyfriend by Frieda McFadden is a wonderfully twisted thriller about a single girl in New York, who’s not had the best luck with dating, until she meets utterly charming, perfect Tom. But then there’s the string of brutal murders … the prime suspect a mystery man who dates his victims before he kills them. Dark, bloody, passion and obsession. Penguin
The Book of Gifts by the hugely popular Instagram talent Lucy Claire Dunbar, who thinks hope can be found everywhere. In family. Friendship. The changing of seasons. And in her art, she seeks to capture that magic. From celebrating the kindness of strangers and commemorating loss to reflections on the passing of time and the beginning of new opportunities, Lucy’s work combines beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations with words that speak to the heart. Penguin
This was supposed to be the best year of Rowan’s life. Instead, his ankle is broken and his last football season at Lancaster Prep is done. Just like that. But then there’s Arabella. Beautiful. Stylish. Quirky. And she’s got under Rowan’s skin. Keep Me In Your Heart … the latest heart-racing, swoon worthy novel from bestselling, international sensation Monica Murphy. Penguin
Rose has a meticulously tracked life plan. One that allows no risks. William is the paragon of a sexy nerd. Tall. Dork. And handsome. And on game night, the two of them are
hyper-competitive. Might Rose have to take a risk and lose to find true love? Playing Flirty by Shameez Patel. Such fun. Hachette
Music is the second most important thing. The most important thing is love. This Song is (Not) for You by Laura Nowlin is all about navigating – and protecting – the loves and friendships that sustain us. A perfect young adult read for Valentine’s Day. Penguin
Kate Fagan’s The Three Lives of Cate Kay. Cass Ford is how she introduces herself to the woman she’ll eventually call the love of her life. Cate Kay is the famous author. Anne Marie Callahan is the name she left behind. Three names, three lives. Is she finally ready to admit who she really is? Bloomsbury
Known as the Peaceful One on TikTok, popular dating coach Dudu Nhlabathi-Madonsela is no stranger to teaching people how to win at mjolo and at love. The Dating Playbook
is her matter-of-fact guide on navigating the dating scene. Jonathan Ball Publishers
For these and more brilliant book club reads, visit exclusivebooks.co.za
The only writers’ block we’re keen on! Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2021 is a multi-award winning wine (honestly … you can hardly see the label for award stars and medal stickers) … it’s rich and powerful and elegant, with flavours of ripe strawberry, cherry and darker blackberry, vanilla and dark chocolate. Serve it with spicy lamb stew and Indian curries or braaied springbok fillet. R380, flagstonewines.com