A grab-bag of great reads

From swimming off a beach in OZ to fleeing a drug cartel and being able to finger a murderer … these books are real page-turners

Who Did You Tell? is Lesley Kara’s dark psychological thriller about Astrid, who, in her battle against alcoholism, reluctantly moves back in with her mother. She’s focusing on recovery, going to meetings, confessing her misdeeds, making amends to those she’s wronged. But someone knows exactly what Astrid’s running from and won’t stop until she learns that some mistakes can’t be corrected – they need to be paid for! Penguin Random House, R290

In Grown Ups, Marian Keyes introduces us to the Cawseys. Two brothers, their lovely, talented wives and a host of children … they’re a happy bunch. But under the surface, things are a little murky. Bulimia. Compulsive shopping. One adoring husband, the other a bit of a sod. When secrets, are revealed they all have to take a good look at themselves. A wonderful read. Penguin, R220

After her entire family is gunned down following her journalist husband’s tell-all profile about the drug lord of a new cartel, Lydia Quixano Pérez flees with her eight-year-old son. They find themselves transformed into migrants, having to ride la bestia — trains that travel north toward the United States, the only place they think they’ll be safe. A story about a mother on the run … all too real, completely heartbreaking, Jeanine Cummins’ American Dirt is absolutely gripping (and massively controversial in the USA). Headline, R302

Hiding from their stepfather with his younger brother, Michael sees his stepfather driven away in the trunk of a stranger’s car. As a witness to what results in a murder, Michael is in danger – and as more bodies appear, it becomes clear the killer wants vengeance. Karen Rose’s Into the Dark is a terrifically gripping read! Little Brown, R180

Every morning, four women swim off an Australian beach. Theresa with two kids and a disintegrating marriage, lonely widow Marie, Elaine from England who’s finding it hard to settle, and 25-year-old Leanne with only herself to rely on. The women become friends in The Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle – a heart-warming tale of survival, laughter and true friendship through good times and (sometimes very) bad. Sophie Green has written a gorgeously fulfilling story. Little Brown, R325

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