Today in Bookish and Literary History, January 8

 2023 Gull Shit Alley and Other Roads to Hell by Jupiter Jones - UK

Danny expected to escape his shabby seaside hometown, but things go awry when Grandpa’s dementia worsens, and Danny must leave school and fend for himself. He develops a crush on the indifferent and elusive Gryff who, riffing on Dante’s Inferno, offers to guide him through the petty corruption and exploitation that underpin the town’s tourist trade. Danny begins working for brothers Earl and Rex Silverman who are involved in a dispute with rival business owner, Hector Quinn. This escalates in a series of tit-for-tat arson attacks – with Danny and Gryff on opposing sides.

2025 Wish You Weren't Here by Portia MacIntosh - UK

Lana has had enough. Her ‘perfect’ sister is getting married. In Australia. On Lana’s 30th birthday and no one seems to have noticed. To make matters worse, she’s been given a list of rules she must follow so she doesn’t upstage the bride. Well, rules are meant to be bent right?

2026 A Death in Glasgow by Eva Macrae - Scotland

Get ready to be addicted to the page-turning new mystery thriller from Scottish crime author, Eva Macrae, perfect for fans of Stuart MacBride, Happy Valley, and Dept. Q.

2026 The Abolitionist by Kathleen McGurl - UK

Can one man bring freedom and equality to all?

London, 1765. When Granville Sharp comes across a badly beaten black boy all he sees is a fellow human in need of help. He has no idea that the encounter will alter the course of his life, and shape the future of England.

But not everyone views slavery with abhorrence as Granville does, and changing set hearts and closed minds is no easy task. He will need to fight hard and sacrifice much to bring about the change he believes in.

2026 The Doll by Jocelyn Dexter - UK

The Doll is a dark and twisted tale of obsession, trauma and control, and is perfect for fans of C.J. Tudor and Alex North.