Tilda is Visible, by Jane Tara

A divorced mother of grown-up twin girls, Tilda Finch runs a successful business and has great friends. So why has her body started disappearing? Diagnosed with invisibility, Tilda finds she is part of a growing cohort of women across the world who are disappearing from view. Although it is a recognised medical condition there is little research into the problem and much dispute about whether or how it can be treated. Tilda will have to dig into her past and confront her inner demons to fight for visibility. It’s an interesting idea (if not original) to take a metaphorical issue that affects many women over 40 and make it a physical reality. But unfortunately this confused and uneven mish-mash of a story is a self-help manual, thinly disguised as a novel. It’s all about perception and meditation and overcoming childhood trauma and self-belief, apparently. Tilda addresses her issues, follows her dreams and dates a man who actually cannot see to regain her visibility. If only it was actually so easy.

The Seven Husbands of Eleanor Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Former film goddess Eleanor Hugo has decided it is time to tell the story of her life and extraordinary career, which started in the 1950s, after many years of silence. She has selected rising magazine journalist Monique Grant to write her juicy biography. Most of Eleanor’s many marriages were a means to an end – escape from childhood poverty and violence; covering up a scandal; a good career move - as she navigated the tricky, patriarchal and controlling Hollywood studio system. None of her seven husbands were the love of her life. Monique is navigating her own marriage breakdown and has much to learn from Evelyn about life, love and career advancement. But why is she the chosen one? Evelyn Hugo is a fascinating character, with admirable and despicable qualities. Most of the book is her first person account of her life and career, which makes Monique seem a cipher, peripheral to the tale. The story runs out of steam by the sixth husband and races to a conclusion with a twist that explains Monique’s role, but is unconvincing. It’s an entertaining read with some valid points about secrecy and stardom.

All Systems Red, by Martha Wells

A small research exploration team on a remote, uninhabited planet runs into trouble, but is it malfunction or sabotage? The Company they are contracted to has supplied the cheapest and shoddiest equipment; does this include the cyborg security unit charged with keeping them safe? This particular SecUnit calls itself Murderbot. It has a chequered past, a shy nature, an addiction to TV drama serials and a dangerous secret. With the team in deadly peril, Murderbot must decide how much of itself to expose to these unusually pleasant humans in order to protect them. In this slim novel Wells creates a world reminiscent of Becky Chambers’ sci fi stories, with diverse, relatable characters and a deep dive into what it means to be human – physically, emotionally and ethically. Murderbot is a fabulous protagonist – individual, complex, talented and flawed, who promises to be something of a space lone ranger. Will there ever be a Tonto? Probably not, but it will be fun finding out.

Lockwood & Co - The Whispering Skull, by Jonathan Stroud

Stranger than usual happenings in Kensal Green cemetery see Lockwood & Co investigating an historic mystery of a sinister Victorian-era Doctor who was involved in some very nasty and dangerous experiments. Independent teen agents Anthony, Lucy and George again clash rapiers with Quill Kipps and his team from the establishment Fittes agency in a bid to prove their superior skills. But sometimes your enemy’s enemy can be your friend, or at least your ally, when lives are at stake. The young ghostbusters are just scratching the surface of what looks like a major conspiracy among those who profit most from ‘the problem’ that has been plaguing the country for 50 years. This makes it even more of a pity that Netflix has opted not to continue with its series beyond this second book. In a nice cliff-hanger at the end Anthony Lockwood reveals a family secret, which should make the next book even more interesting.

Good Material, by Dolly Alderton

A mediocre comedian in his mid 30s, barely making a living, Andy is left heartbroken and homeless when his girlfriend of four years dumps him. Capable insurance exec Jen owns her own flat and generally has her shit together – what could possibly have gone wrong? Andy has almost never been single since his teens and is now the only single among his friends, who are preoccupied with marriage and kids. The next six months sees Andy flounder, wallow and gradually recover with the help of friends, colleagues, his mum, a strange old landlord and even Jen herself. The story has an interesting structure, most of it from Andy’s point of view, but with a small section at the end giving Jen’s perspective on the relationship and why it had to end. There are no villains here, just a painfully funny examination of love gone wrong with a bittersweet ending. The novel also offers an interesting insight into the pressures to conform to societal norms, who carries the emotional load of relationships and why it is ok to be single and child free, especially for women. It would make a great TV series.

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.