It's a rare writer who can link the deep-science world of particle physics with the incomprehensible business of hedge-fund management - and make you want to read on.
It's a wildly entertaining journey of pride and fall, laced with the sort of surprises and cliff-hangers that kept Dickens' readers glued for the next weekly instalment.
When a motley crew of injured train passengers are deposited following a rail crash, the toffy Torrington brood have no intention of anything interrupting Emerald's birthday party.
Maggie Groff brings us a laid-back debut novel, set against a beloved Byron Bay with the magic, magnetism, charm and colourful characters reminiscent of Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City series.
Flawless as Helena Rubinstein's skin, and as captivating as the Polish born Jewish beauty magnate's 70 year reign, this brilliant biography stands as a fascinating history of "make-up".
Roger prides himself on being Norway's gun corporate headhunter. But an indulgent lifestyle and his wife's hobby leave him strapped for cash, so he boosts his income by stealing valuable paintings.