The Team
HOBECK RECOMMENDED READS
Rachel Sargeant steps back in time
Author of the Gloucestershire Crime Series
In 1931, Jack, a steady but bored young man, meets Giselle on the boat train from Paris. On a whim he invites her to accompany him to a wedding in Northumberland. Fast forward to 1950 and there’s still a price to pay for Jack’s impetuous decision to spend those days with that enigmatic woman. When the past catches up with him, he recounts a story of obsession, lies and murder spanning two decades. This is part literary historical fiction – with an expert lightness of touch for period detail – part mystery and part gothic-style suspense.
The Alibi
Julie Anderson loves a cracking crime drama
Author of the Clapham Trilogy
Set as German tanks roll into Paris on 14th July 1940 this unusual policier takes us to a world turned upside down, where strange alliances are made and betrayal is always just around the stair. Eddie Giral, compromised veteran of an earlier war, pursues the truth to find the murderer of four Polish refugees when thousands are dying elsewhere in France. Hugely atmospheric and engaging, with a superb portrayal of the city under occupation. Plus, a cracking crime drama. Highly recommended.
The Unwanted Dead
Rebecca seeks perfection
Co-director, Hobeck Books
I am a complete sucker for 'I loved this book' marketing. That is how I came across Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico. It's a short book and has got a very simple premise: Anna and Tom, a millennial couple, live in Berlin. They are happy, and then they aren't. Their life together is the coffee table book / Instagram image of perfection. Appearances though, as we all know, can be deceptive. The language in this book flows beautifully as the narrative travels through Anna and Tom's lives, from the minutiae of their everyday existence to their innermost reflections on whether there is actually any depth to their world. I thought this book was stunning. However, I can appreciate that it might not be to everyone's taste - Anna and Tom certainly had good taste though - I want their apartment!
Perfection
