- Feel Good
- 23rd May 2025
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Sun, sand, and stories: Must-have summer reads by North East authors
Whether you want a light-hearted read to enjoy by the pool or something gritty to get stuck into at the park, we’ve rounded up some of the best local authors you can add to your holiday read list as the sunny season approaches…
Saltwater – Jessica Andrews
Sunderland-born author Jessica Andrews explores her North East roots in her debut novel Saltwater. She mirrors aspects of her own life when navigating from the Wearside area to the big capital of London, whilst exploring themes of social class, gender, and the body through her protagonist Lucy. Saltwater won the 2020 Portico Prize, given to novels that best evoke “the spirit of the North, so if a deep-rooted North East storyline is what you’re looking for, this could be the one for you.
Holy Island – LJ Ross
If you’re a thrill seeker fascinated by gripping crime mysteries, this bestselling novel by Ponteland-born author LJ Ross is sure to satisfy your curiosity. Holy Island, the first book in the hugely popular DCI Ryan series, is set in the coastal town of Lindisfarne. Detective Chief Inspector Ryan retreats there seeking peace and solitude during a forced sabbatical, but he soon finds himself pulled back into the darkness and thrust into solving a series of gruesome murders on the island. Blending suspense, psychological twists, and a touch of romance, Holy Island offers a compelling start to a series that has captivated millions of readers.
No Worries If Not – Lucy Nichols
This witty and empowering novel by adopted Geordie Lucy Nichols delves into the societal pressures women face to constantly apologise, even when it’s unwarranted. No Worries If Not follows a young professional, Charlotte Thomas, who is on a journey to becoming less unnecessarily apologetic. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Newcastle, the novel combines humour with a poignant message about self-worth and the importance of asserting oneself. So if you’re looking for a read that is sure to empower and boost your confidence levels, this one is the perfect choice.
Speak of the Devil – Rose Wilding
This gripping thriller set on New Year’s Eve in Newcastle follows the twists and turns of uncovering a murder where the victim is associated with all seven individuals who discover their deceased body. Speak of the Devil is hugely gripping and a real page-turner, and its fast-paced narrative that whips through dark alleys, tense confrontations, and psychological tension, will ensure that you won’t be able to put it down! With plenty of juicy twists and turns, it’s a story that is guaranteed to let your mind escape whilst on your summer holiday this year.
DCI Cooper series – Betsy Baskerville
This North Shields author channels her inner detective throughout this series of crime thrillers. The DCI Cooper novels have been praised for their authentic portrayal of the North East, relatable complex characters, and intricate plots. The series follows Detective Chief Inspector Erica Cooper, a resilient and relatable protagonist who returns to work after breast cancer treatment, balancing her demanding career with personal challenges, including single motherhood and complex relationships. So, if you’re looking for a new series to commit to over your summer downtime, this could be the one for you.
Milk Teeth – Jessica Andrews
This second novel by a Northern author, Jessica Andrews, has the same Northern connection as her debut novel, combined with the exploration of her protagonist’s life navigating European cities. This story explores the complexities of class, gender, and the societal pressures that shape our relationships with our bodies. Milk Teeth provides a thought-provoking representation of young females navigating their path in life. If you’re on the hunt for a story that will keep your eyes glued to the page until the end, Milk Teeth should be top of your list.
DC Ian Bradshaw Series- Howard Linskey
This series of gritty crime novels explores stories set in the North East of England during the 1990s. From serial killers to mysterious disappearances, Howard Linskey covers every inch of the crime genre in this series of books. The exploration of detective and journalist relationships, and the links between past and present crimes, will leave you wanting to read more. Howard Linskey leaves no stone unturned as he navigates the darkest corners of the crime genre, and you’re invited to join him on the journey through this gripping series.
Penance – Eliza Clarke
Set in a fictional town, ‘Crow-On-Sea,’ between Whitby and Scarborough, this story explores the themes of class disparity, community decay, and the lingering effects of historical events. With the 2016 Brexit referendum coinciding with the novel’s central crime, Penance is focused on a specific crime overshadowed by political upheaval. However, as the plot progresses, its pieces begin to get put together to reveal a clearer truth. So if a story with plenty of discoveries is something you enjoy, you must get Penance on your reading radar.
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