Published By: OneworldPages: 384Released On: 05/11/2026 English is home to a veritable menagerie of animal metaphors, similes, sayings, adages, proverbs, idioms and rhymes, ranging from the commonsense to the utterly absurd. From curious cats to mindless sheeple, lexicographer Jeremy Butterfield takes a species-by-species safari through the English language in pursuit of its most unusual animalContinue reading “The Metaphor Zoo: Why the English Language Loves Animals – Jeremy Butterfield”
Tag Archives: Books By Your Bedside
The Christmas Tree Murders – Katie Lumsden
Published By: Michael JosephPages: 496Released On: 05/11/2026 It is December 1884, and we have a murder to solve. Come, my friend – follow me, for we have much to see. First, a house: a brand-new country estate, with all the latest technological innovations – electric light-bulbs, running water, dumb-waiters, hydraulic lifts. Second, a family: celebratedContinue reading “The Christmas Tree Murders – Katie Lumsden”
42 Tales From Life: A Modern Bestiary – Richard Dawkins
Published By: ApolloPages: 368Released On: 05/11/2026 Through 42 different tales, Richard Dawkins reveals the fundamental truths behind even the most unfathomable animal behaviours – the galloping of fish, the shape of the rhinoceros’ horn, the surprising similarities between horses and lizards, and why hummingbirds glow in such brilliant hues. This is popular science and incisiveContinue reading “42 Tales From Life: A Modern Bestiary – Richard Dawkins”
Death Comes as a Shadow – Natalie Marlow
Published By: BaskervillePages: 352Released On: 05/11/2026 It’s May 1935, and while the rest of Birmingham is decked in red, white and blue for the silver jubilee, the detective agency in Needless Alley remains unpatriotically down-at-heel. Into the office walks respectable spinster, Myfanwy Davies. She is dying, has cash to spare, and her last wish isContinue reading “Death Comes as a Shadow – Natalie Marlow”
The Mistletoe Wedding Murders – Denzil Meyrick and Ian Moore
Published By: BantamPages: 336Released On: 05/11/2026 It’s Christmas Day 1954 and Frank Grasby’s father is getting married at Rowantree Hall. To make matters worse, Frank is best man. Various clergymen and Frank’s boss, Superintendent Arthur Juggers gather for the celebration. Guests line the chapel as the bride glides down the aisle. The blizzard whirls outside,Continue reading “The Mistletoe Wedding Murders – Denzil Meyrick and Ian Moore”
Murmuration – TJ Klune
Published By: TorPages: 336Released On: 19/11/2026 In the idyllic town of Amorea, Mike works his dream job at the local bookstore. The staff at the local know his order – especially Sean, the waiter who has a special smile just for Mike. Now, after years of anticipation, Mike and Sean are ready to take theContinue reading “Murmuration – TJ Klune”
Michael – Bob Mortimer
Published By: Gallery UKPages: 320Released On: 19/11/2026 Michael has had a big life. A life of abundance and applause. But now he’s dead (or at least he’s pretty sure he is). He is given the chance to return – but it comes with a catch. He ends up back in a time he’d tried toContinue reading “Michael – Bob Mortimer”
Everything Happens So Much – Andrew Hunter Murray
Published By: OrionPages: 336Released On: 05/11/2026 Nothing ever happened to her. And then everything did. Esme Good is an unremarkable young woman working a dull job in a city much like the one you’re picturing now. Her only escape is The Elsewheres: tiny potions which allow her to visit alternate versions of herself. Sadly, theseContinue reading “Everything Happens So Much – Andrew Hunter Murray”
In One Brief Moment All Eternity – Elif Shafak
Published By: VikingPages: 608Released On: 15/10/2026 During a time of great turmoil, Gustave Flaubert created literature’s most scandalous heroine: Madame Bovary. He then poisoned her with arsenic. But what if, 175 years later, Emma – and the women history overlooked – could seize the quill from his hands and tell a different story? In OneContinue reading “In One Brief Moment All Eternity – Elif Shafak”
Stay Another Christmas – Phillipa Ashley
Published By: PenguinPages: 384Released On: 05/11/2026 After a life-changing accident, Katie’s plan for Christmas is simple: rent a spectacular island house in the Lake District, gather the people she loves, and enjoy snowy walks, crackling fires and the promise of a fresh start. What she doesn’t plan on? Her ex-boyfriend turning up. Still reeling fromContinue reading “Stay Another Christmas – Phillipa Ashley”
