Editor Pick: Books

Thomas King's 'Obsidian' may not be your typical murder mystery but its a wonderful book and a satisfying conclusion to a great series.

In 'A Keeper' by Graham Norton Elizabeth Keane returns to Ireland to settle her mom's estate and takes a harder look at her family's past.

'Along The Trenches' by Navid Kermani is a amazingly well written and easy to comprehend book creating a stark picture of reality in modern Eastern Europe.

'Blanket Toss Under The Moonlight Sun' by Paul Seesequasis is a stunning collection of images and stories that offer a counterpoint to old stereotypes.

Nobody has managed to recreate the secret world of spies and subterfuge with Le Carre's flair and 'Agent Running in the Field' cements his reputation as a master of the genre.

'The Book of Dust: The Secret Commonwealth (Book of Dust Vol.2) by Philip Pullman proves this sequence is every bit as excellent as "His Dark Materials".

'Year of the Monkey' by Patti Smith is a wonderful trip inside the mind of a poet. Difficult, convoluted and a little absurd, but well worth the effort.

'Quichotte by Salman Rushdie will ease the pain of your heart and make you feel a little less alone in this strange new world.

'Arabicity', edited by Juliet Cestar and Rose Issa, is a wonderful collection of visual art which also serves as excellent introduction to the world of modern Arabic art.

'The Quarter' by Naguib Mahfouz is a lovingly executed and as artistic collection of short stories as you're liable to read anywhere.