Popular fiction that packs a bunch: ALL GOD’S CREATURES by Anthony Gardner, THE WOMAN FROM BOOK CLUB by Carrie Hughes, BLUFF by Francine Toon

ALL OF GOD’S CREATURES by Anthony Gardner (Eye Books £14.99, 256pp)

A charming satire in which a religious magazine editor, scheming oligarchs, and a witness protection program come together in an unlikely way.

This novel has been described as a crusade against revivalism, but it is actually more Waugh with an old-fashioned feel and beautifully written.

Mild-mannered Ben’s publication is taken over by a cult that thinks animals are more important than humans. He begins working as a nightclub pianist, entering a world of brave women, fake priests and fake paintings.

The plot is quite complex but Gardner provides a great setting, from Islington gangsters to the St Ives art scene. It’s so fun.

The Woman in the Book Club is available now

THE WOMAN FROM THE BOOK CLUB Carrie Hughes (Hera £9.99, 384 people)

When diminutive Lydia infiltrates a swanky book club in Surrey, she plans to kidnap one of the rich women’s husbands.

His target is Elliot, the grumpy lawyer husband of mouse Emma. Lydia and Emma alternate telling the story; dutiful wife and mother to the conniving seductress. Lydia’s bravery is breathtaking, but has she taken on more than she knows?

This brilliant, funny drama is filled with literary allusions and mouth-watering luxury lifestyle details.

A great supporting cast includes some spunky teenagers, a loyal, bookish sister, and the scruffy dog ​​who started it all. Don’t read this on the train like I did; You will miss your stop.

BLUFF by Francine Toon (Doubleday £16.99, 352pp)

It’s a time slip story set in a place that looks a bit like St Andrews. In the present day, Cameron has returned from work in London, which brings back memories of his dramatic end-of-school party on the beach a decade ago. What happened to calming Joanie down? No one has seen him since.

The mystery deepens when Cameron receives messages that unfollow him. Inside and among us, we cut to Joanie ten years ago, describing being drawn into the orbit of a mysterious academic, his handsome American girlfriend, and their charismatic friends.

I enjoyed the vibe of Wicker Man but most importantly the atmosphere of coming home for Christmas. Like many good horror movies, it’s about guilt and unreliable memory.