Today’s post comes as a result of an urgent request.
A reader Tweeted this:
With pen and pencil I sat down to suggest a few delights but found the list soon out of control. How to choose just six brilliant writers from all the wonders out there?
This particular reader discovered my books through the Smart Women promotion, thanks to other authors she enjoyed. I’ve never met her but I know she’s a jewellery designer and loves beautiful things, she’s an eclectic reader and appreciates well-wrought prose. Finally, when she finds an author she likes, she devours all their work.
So, here are six authors with a body of work to their name, all of whom I can personally recommend. I have also added an example of their writing to start the curious reader on a wonderful journey of words.
A Renaissance man who apparently turns his hand to all kinds of genres with ease. His prose is witty, erudite and entertaining, sometimes subverting the style with a sly wink. A well-read man who writes well-worth reading books. Highly addictive.
His murder-mystery boxset is a great place to start.
A novelist with a poet’s soul, this author makes her words dance like butterflies. Her books are unconnected apart from the beauty of her prose, so start where you like, then relish her short story in the Grand Central collection.
Try 22 Britannia Road or Spilt Milk and you’ll be hypnotised.
If surround-sensory, rambunctious historical fiction is your thing, read this man. The Bitter Trade and Scatterwood would not be my traditional fare, but this is a writer who draws you into its world like Süskind’s Perfume.
You cannot stop and don’t want to.
Make your first encounter with Calumny Spinks in The Bitter Trade.
Hardly a hidden gem. Louise is sparkling already, winning YA prizes, rave reviews and readers across the spectrum. Her voice is cool, sharp and simmering with anger against injustice, while remaining articulate and human.
All her work is worth reading but if you liked The Handmaid’s Tale, read Only Ever Yours.
A writer so versatile and talented, you could spend months engrossed in her work. Crime, erotica, short stories and literary fiction, she messes with your mind in the best kind of way. If you like Euro Crime, get Don’t Look Down for Christmas.
Delirium: the Rimbaud Delusion is an absinthe dream.
A recommendation for all those who don’t know her work, this is a writer with such delicacy of touch when exploring sensitive topics. I love all her books and give them as presents, especially for their glorious covers.
Pick up any one of them and you’ll fall in love, but A Funeral for an Owl is my No.1.
And if you’re still hungry for more, check out the selection over at Bookmuse. We publish two or three new reviews every Wednesday and even recommend the perfect food, drink and audio accompaniments.
Glass of wine, anyone?
2 replies to "Half a Dozen Hidden Gems"
How lovely of you, Jill. xx
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!! I am starting with the ones published on KOBO and Barbara Scott-Emmett, which I am greatly enjoying.
It was terribly kind of you to take my cry literally and upon yourself – I was kind of hoping that everyone I speak to would send me a recommendation of their favourite novel (in much the same way as I am constantly retweeting my faves – you may have noticed this!!) so for you to have gone to this serious effort on my behalf is incredibly kind.
All those authors are new to me – with the exception of course of the truly awesome Jane Davis; it was her recommendation that led me to you, so I’m very hopeful that this daisy chain of novelists will continue.
Thank you again, I shall continue to share any #stubbs I stumble across in the hope they make you smile, so keep your eyes peeled. Hugs and cream teas from what’s been a gloriously sunny bank holiday weekend in Exeter. x