Annotation:In many ways, this is a memoir about disappearances. Known for his psychological thrillers such as The Adversary, Carrere offers a complex memoir about his grandfather, his family, a film project, and an obsessive love affair that is doomed from the start. Excellent!

Annotation:Everyone assumed it was the uncle who murdered young Callum Hinds – everyone except Callum’s sister, Orla Payne. Orla’s questions not only attract the attention of DCI Hannah Scarlett, head of Cumbria’s Cold Case Review Team, but also the attention of Callum’s real murderer.

Annotation:The novel gradually reveals the intertwined stories of two characters Paul and Cora. Paul lives in the country but is drawn to London after his mother dies and his oldest daughter goes missing. Meanwhile, Cora, who has left her husband and leaves London to live in the country house she inherited from her parents and then finds out that her husband has gone missing. The two separate stories eventually merge in an intriguing climax.

Annotation:Chloe, a 39-year-old divorced mother and a lifelong member of the Jane Austen Society applies for what she thinks is a documentary set in Regency England only to learn once she is selected that it is in fact a reality TV dating show. A very funny look at all things Regency with a 21st century twist.

Annotation:After Beatrice hears that her younger sister is missing she boards the first flight home to London. When her body is found the police say it is suicide but she is certain they are wrong. Determined to find her sister's killer, she embarks along a dangerous journey. This is a well written book with a surprising twist at the end.

Annotation:One day, a mysterious manuscript containing references to an emotional crisis and someone with “something of a young Audrey Hepburn about her” arrives at a newspaper office. Whatever can it mean? The details unfold as follows: An insurance salesman named Shaw, on holiday one summer, encounters a beguiling donkey named Caroline. To the outrage of his neighbours and the bemusement of friends and co-workers, Mr. Shaw returns home with Caroline and proceeds to teach her the intricacies of chess. This lovely book is an enchanting fable for adults.

Annotation:Bruno Schulz might best be considered a writer’s writer. Franz Kafka, Jonathan Safran Foer and China Mieville have all acknowledged their appreciation. Schulz’s short stories reflect both comedy and tragedy and are rooted in everyday, small town life, but an everyday life perceived with a heighted, surreal sensibility. Two of my favourite stories were “August” which is almost theatrical in its description of the heat, and “Cinnamon Streets” which captures a child’s capacity for adventure and incorporates elements of fairy tale logic. Enjoy!

Annotation:Vaclav and Lena seem meant for each other. In childhood, they met in an ESL class and easily became friends. Lena is soon absorbed into Vaclav’s boisterous family and the pattern of their lives seems set. Then, Lena disappears. This is a great coming-of-age story with two compelling teen protagonists.

Annotation:In this moving novel, Truong imagines a young, gay, Vietnamese man named Bonh who is hired as a cook by Alice Toklas and Gertrude Stein. Truong provides a fascinating insider’s view of the household at 27 Rue de Fleurus.

Annotation:This fine reprint of Williams’ 1965 novel is about a young man named William Stoner sent to the University of Missouri to study agriculture. Once there, he becomes sidetracked by his love of literature. Eventually he becomes a full professor. Stoner’s devotion to intellectual pursuits serves to counterbalance the pain caused by his unhappy marriage. Recommended.