Browns Best New Books for April 2025
1st April 2025
Every month we carefully select our favourites from the fabulous new titles on offer. The clocks have sprung forward, spring is very much in the air and the Easter bank holiday weekend is approaching. April has lots going on, as well as the Easter holidays it is Autism Awareness month, World Book Night on April 23rd and April12th will be Zephaniah Day, a day to celebrate the life and legacy of the remarkable poet and activist Benjamin Zephaniah. April of course also has a clutch of brilliant new books and we hope you enjoy our picks for April as much as we did. Check back next month for our picks of the new books May has to offer.
Adult Non-Fiction
Rough Justice
Joseph, Her Honour Wendy, QC
Paperback / softback
What is right and what is fair? Do we have the law we deserve? Has justice improved over the years for victim, accused and society in general? What is justice? In this fascinating book, now in paperback, four very different cases are reconstructed by Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC. Cases are examined and parallels are drawn with similar cases and miscarriages of justice from the past as the complexities of the law are looked at and questions about how our justice system works are asked.
HH Wendy Joseph KC practised at the criminal bar for over 30 years and from 2007 to 2022 sat as a full-time judge at the Old Bailey, her first book Unlawful Killings was a bestseller and winner of the CWA Gold Dagger for Non-Fiction. Rough Justice is another thought-provoking and riveting look at the justice system and how it serves everyone who passes through it. Written with empathy and compassion, this book not only educates and entertains but will have readers questioning their own views of the law and how it works. With clear explanations of the law and a fantastic and gripping writing style this is not only an interesting but also a hugely enjoyable read.
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Marble Hall Murders
Horowitz, Anthony
Hardback
As the editor of novels featuring the beloved detective Atticus Pund, Susan Ryeland has already become embroiled in two real life murders, including that of the author of the bestselling Pund books. Now Susan is back editing a new Atticus Pund novel, this time a continuation novel by Eliot Crace, the grandson of bestselling children’s author Miriam Crace who died 20 years ago. Eliot believes that Miriam was deliberately poisoned and tells Susan he has hidden the identity of the killer in his book…
With the Easter bank-holiday weekend approaching what could be better than a twisty, clever mystery to lose yourself in? Anthony Horowitz’s previous Susan Ryeland novels – Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders – have been huge hits with readers and viewers of the popular TV dramatizations staring Lesley Manville. The latest (and possible final) instalment of these fantastic book-within-a-book mysteries sees Susan once again play both editor and detective as she tries to unravel clues left in another Atticus Pund story, this time one by Eliot Crace, an author Susan has a history with. With many twists and turns, a fantastic protagonist in Susan and lots of great references to golden age crime writing, these books are hugely enjoyable and satisfying reads and perfect for curling up with on a bank holiday.
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A Year of Pride and Joy
Green, Simon James
Hardback
Sharing our passions and finding out about other people’s interests is a great way to connect with others and discover new and fascinating hobbies. Featuring 52 talented, contemporary LGBTQ+ people, this fantastic anthology will introduce readers to new activities and inspire them to add joy to their lives. Each entry – one for each week of the year- is tied to a season, event or international day or week. Stephen Fry looks at the joy of timeless old movies and reveals his favourite; Olympic gold-medallist Tom Daly introduces readers to the joy of knitting along with a step-by-step beginners guide; actor Emma D’Arcy shares her love of swimming and TV presenter Dr Ranj Singh shows how much joy can be found in dance.
Edited by award-winning author Simon James Green this is a wonderful book to inspire and uplift children whilst celebrating the joys, talents and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. With informative text and engaging illustrations this is a great book to dip into for inspiration and to celebrate the passions of some inspiring individuals. The perfect addition to Primary libraries.
More DetailsChildren’s Fiction
The Line They Drew Through Us
Khan, Hiba Noor
Paperback / softback
Jahan, Ravi and Lakshmi are best friends, all born on the same day and each born in miraculous circumstances; by their twelfth birthdays their lives will change forever. The British announce Indian independence and the lines of partition that are drawn tear apart both the country and the friends. As tensions rise and millions desperately try to ensure they are on the right side of the border can a miracle bring the three friends back together?
Hiba Noor Khan’s wonderful Safiyyah’s War is one of our favourite books of recent years here at Browns so we were really excited to read her new book. The Line They Drew Through Us looks at three friends in the lead up to, during and immediately after the Partition of India in 1947, in which millions were displaced along religious lines and which led to an overwhelming refugee crisis as well as wide-spread violence. As with Safiyyah’s War, Hiba Noor Khan expertly weaves an exceptional historical story with wonderful characters and moving, lyrical storytelling to educate readers on a conflict that still affects many lives today. An emotional, vibrant and hopeful story about friendship, family and belonging which stays with the reader for a long time Another wonderful book from this most gifted of writers.
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