Bridgerton season 3 (Netflix)

The TV series departs from the order of the books by featuring third son Colin, rather than second son Benedict, in this latest adaptation. This is probably to carry on with the Lady Whistledown saga and make the most of Nicola Coughlan’s turn as Penelope Featherington. While Coughlan is outstanding, the chemistry with Luke Newton isn’t a patch on the leading couples in the first two series for all the extended sex scenes. He is certainly no Rege-Jean Page. Speaking of whom, it’s a pity that he and Phoebe Dynevor couldn’t be persuaded to make even brief cameos. In such a close family as the Bridgertons it’s not credible that the Duke and Duchess would not attend this season’s weddings and not even be mentioned. It was a good idea to add to the romance by including third daughter Francesca’s debut, which doesn’t feature in the books. Her story is told many years later and is about her second marriage, so it will be interesting to see what the Netflix show does with that, especially given the gender flip of her husband's cousin. Showrunner Shonda Rhymes has flagged that the stories of Benedict and Eloise will feature in the next series, which is likely to take a further departure from the source material given that both largely take place outside London andthe fashionable world of the ton. They are two of the more appealing characters of the series, so hopefully can arrest its decline.

Nobody Walks, by Mick Herron

Tom Bettany has been estranged from his son, Liam, since his wife died four years earlier. He is down and out, working in an abattoir in in France when he is notified that Liam has died in an accidental fall. Back in London for the funeral, Bettany embarks on a quest to discover exactly how his son died and who might be responsible. Unfortunately this sparks the interest of his former employer, MI5, never a good thing. Then there are the remnants of an organised crime gang that was the target of his undercover operation in this former employment. There is no possible good outcome here, in a situation from which nobody walks away. Another tale that is Slow Horses adjacent, this one gives the origin story of J.K. Coe – what led to his PTSD and banishment to Slough House. It can stand alone, but knowledge of the Slough House world adds breadth and depth. It also shines a light on the conduct and motivations of former service head Dame Ingrid Tearney, which provides an interesting counterpoint to that of later successor ‘Lady’ Di Taverner. This is a gripping thriller, with all the grim violence of the Slow Horses novels but maybe lacking their sardonic edge that can serve to leaven the darkness.

Geek Girl (Netflix)

Gawky and smart, 16 year-old Harriet Manners wants to be a palaeontologist. That’s if she can survive high school, where she is ruthlessly bullied and ridiculed. Possibly on the autism spectrum, Harriet often finds life overwhelming. Her only friends are Toby, the equally geeky boy next door and Nat, her best mate since kindergarten. Supporting Nat on her quest to become a model, Harriet gets scouted and sees a chance to change her life. But is she equipped to navigate the fashion industry? Will her uptight stepmum even let her try? Could a dreamily handsome top teen supermodel really be flirting with her? And could Nat ever forgive Harriet for stealing her dream? Totally predictable and improbable in every possible way, this light-hearted look at difference and acceptance is a colourful bit of fun.

My Favourite Mistake, by Marian Keyes

The Walsh family has provided rich pickings for Keyes, with seven of her 16 novels featuring the five Irish sisters. This one revisits fourth sister Anna, who lived down to expectations as the family flake in her teens and early 20s and went on to become an unexpected success in PR. After 20 years of stress in New York, a combination of perimenopause, burnout and a break-up send her back to Ireland and the bosom of her family. There she finds it hard to make a fresh start, until friends in need call her to their farm near Galway to rescue their attempt to develop a luxury wellness retreat. Anna needs to win local hearts and minds, while working with a tricky figure from her past who dredges up myriad sorrows, feelings and old mistakes. Distinguishing friends from foes can be difficult in a small town full of characters, especially when your hormones are out of whack. Can Anna save the day and get her life back on track? There is little doubt about the ultimate destination of this story but, as ever with the Walsh sister tales, the ride there is thoroughly enjoyable.

The Glass House, by Anne Buist & Graeme Simsion

Aspiring to be a psychiatrist, registrar Hannah Wright works in the acute mental health ward of a major Melbourne hospital. To achieve her goal she must deal with hospital politics, an overburdened health system and her own self-doubt. Each chapter starts with a different mental health crisis, set within a framework of treatment by Hannah and her colleagues. Post-natal psychosis, PTSD, anorexia, schizophrenia, depression – they happen to police officers, politicians, plumbers, refugees, anyone. The heavy subject matter asks important questions about diagnosis and treatment, but is handled with a lightness of touch that makes the book an easy read. It’s so compelling and engaging that it’s difficult to put down and wait to find out what happens to each of the patients and their families. Hannah’s personal and professional relationships are just as interesting as the medical stories. A product of a chaotic country childhood, she has a few issues of her own to address, which cause her to question her vocation. There is apparently the possibility of a sequel, which would be very welcome.