Prodigal Son by Gregg Hurwitz

This is the latest title in the Orphan X series and we begin with Evan Smoak trying to settle into retirement from his exploits as rescuer of people in need. But will he be able to retire? Evan’s moral compass makes him want to continue to help others, but the government is watching him and if he doesn’t fulfill his promise to deactivate himself he will fall foul of the President. Then he gets a call he can’t ignore: his mother needs his help . But who is she? Where is she? And because he was abandoned at birth how does she even know his name ? So starts another fast-paced, action-packed adventure, full of twists and turns and leaving us on a cliffhanger ready for the next installment.

Highly recommended and available now from Malcolm’s Take Note Mairangi Bay

A High Country Life by Philippa Cameron

This beautiful book is a memoir of life through the seasons on a high country sheep station in Otago, complete with a collection of delicious recipes.

Life on Otematata Station in Otago is busy and varied. Philippa and Joe (who is the fifth generation to work the farm) care for this 40,000 hectare property along with 30,000 merino sheep and 500 cattle.

Told through the eyes of Philippa in her role as station cook, this book tells of mustering in autumn, lambing in spring, the freezing days of winter and the scorching heat of summer.

Along with looking after two young daughters, her garden and various animals, Philippa cooks for the teams of workers. In this stunning book she shares a selection of delicious, hearty recipes that are popular with the many musterers who work on the station .

A fabulous gift idea for Mother’s Day, available now from Malcolm’s Take Note Mairangi Bay

A Sky Full of Stars by Dani Atkins

This is a beautifully written love story about four strangers whose lives are changed by the death of an astronomer and star-gazer named Lisa.

Lisa and Alex and their young son Connor live in their own happy universe, until one day when Lisa dies suddenly. Alex is shattered by the loss and struggles with the difficulties of being a single parent. However when he meets four people whose lives have been changed by Lisa’s death he begins to realise there is still meaning in the world and he can see a future for himself and Connor.

Dani Atkins has written a heartfelt and meaningful story with convincing and engaging characters.

Available now from Malcolm’s Take Note Mairangi Bay

What Do You Call Your Grandmother? by Ashleigh Barton & Martina Heiduczek

Nana, Kui, Teta, Yia Yia, MeeMaw – if you’re lucky you have a grandmother, preferably on tap. They come in all shapes and sizes and have all sorts of names. They can be Gangan, Mem, Mumma, or Bet in your own interpretation or the name bestowed by your culture. Whoever they are, they are your best defence against the world, the buffer between you and your parents and – if you’re especially lucky – the naughtiest person you know. What Do You Call Your Grandma? is a treat of a book introducing grandmothers from around the world. And now that so many different people call New Zealand/Aotearoa home, there are a lot of grandmothers out there who go by different names. And if you are a grandmother, you will be delighted to see that your peers in this book are a hip-happening lot!

Available now from Malcolm’s Take Note Mairangi Bay

The Disappearance of Stephanie Mailer by Joel Dicker

This the the new intricate thriller from the author of the best-selling “The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair“.

In the summer of 1994, the quiet seaside town of Orphea reels from the discovery of a quadruple killing. Two young police officers Rosenberg and Scott crack the mystery and the case seems closed.

But 20 years later, just as he is about to retire, Rosenberg is approached by Stephanie Mailer, a journalist who believes a mistake was made back in 1994 and that the killer is still at large and maybe ready to strike again.

Before she can give any more details, Stephanie Mailer disappears, and Rosenberg and Scott are forced to confront the possibility that her suspicions might have been well founded.

This is a compelling, twisting thriller, highly recommended and available now from Malcolm’s Take Note Mairangi Bay