7 Nottingham summer reads that are perfect for packing in your suitcase
7 Nottingham summer reads that are perfect for packing in your suitcase
Romances, mysteries, guide books, and more...
Having Nottingham summer reads in your bag will help you soak up our county and the sunshine, whether you’re going away or having a lazy day at the Arboretum.
We’ve rounded up seven brilliant reads that are based in Nottingham by five authors who either live in Nottingham or have done so previously. From heartwarming romances to intriguing mysteries, there’s sure to be something that will grip you. As well as this, we have also found independent retailers where you can grab them.
We know that Nottingham authors like D.H. Lawrence and Alan Sillitoe have some iconic reads, but this list is books that are perfect for a holiday. If you want to suggest others for this list or share Notts books you love, do get in touch at editor@thenottsedit.com.
7 Nottingham summer reads to delve into this season
By Eve Smallman
Who’s That Girl? / You Belong With Me
Mhairi McFarlane
Funny, heartbreaking, and seriously gripping, Mhairi McFarlane’s books are rom-coms with a real sense of reality. Who’s That Girl? is our favourite of Mhairi’s McFarlane’s, who we interviewed about her wonderful writing. Follow Edie as she returns back to Forest Fields, after experiencing heartbreak and embarrassment on a night she’d rather forget. Luckily, she's soon distracted by A-List heartthrob Elliot Owen (think Game of Thrones vibes), who she's paired up with to ghostwrite his biography. Has she found her Hollywood ending? The sequel You Belong With Me picks up where the end of Who’s That Girl left off; it was only released June 20, making it a very fresh summer read indeed.
Read if: You want a summer romance that will last you through the holidays.
mhairimcfarlane.com
Both books, signed: tealeavesandreads.co.uk
111 Places in Nottingham
Phil Lee
We all know that Nottingham is a wonderful place, with streets laced with remarkable history. This travel guide showcases a huge variety of must-sees, with information that’s both useful for locals and for those visiting the area. Did you know that the English Civil War started here? Or that writer Graham Greene worked for a local paper? While author Phil Lee has written numerous travel guides, this time he’s delved into his hometown, so you can be assured he does really know our county. Each place is illustrated with beautiful photography by Rachel Ghent that makes it so inviting to flick through.
Read if: You want to discover more of Nottingham and need somewhere to start.
Smart
Kim Slater (now known as K.L. Slater)
When teenage boy Kieran finds the body of a tramp floating in the Trent (eek!), the police simply think it’s an open-and-shut case. He knows better though, and has promised to find out exactly what happened. Can he can figure out what’s happened and find out why his beloved grandma has stopped coming around, too? Despite the dark theme, this is a Young Adult novel and was even shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. K L. Slater has moved into writing psychological thrillers, so if you like the sound of this but want something more grown-up, keep an eye out for her new book Message Deleted.
Read if: You’re looking for a thrilling read set on streets you’ll recognise.
klslaterauthor.com
fiveleavesbookshop.co.uk
Always on My Mind
Beth Moran
This is a beautiful, cosy read that's more than just a romance. It follows Jessie, who left home at 18 and swore she'd never go back. But, when her boyfriend leaves her on her own to go travelling, she finds herself moving back to Sherwood Forest and living with her twin brother and his two best friends — including Elliot, her teenage love that she never quite got over. She soon finds a job working at her parents' day centre, where she gets to know a ragtag group of elderly folk, and finds her true passions in life. It's got heartwarming moments from all angles and will make you well up during surprising moments.
Read if: You're looking to find yourself this summer and need some inspiration.
bethmoranauthor.com
theportobellobookshop.com
Dead Flowers / Wish You Were Here
Nicola Monaghan
Old murders? Lies? Family secrets? These are all makings of a great crime novel. When DNA analyst Doctor Sian Love finds the remains of two bodies wrapped together in her basement, she knows the drill — she’s spent 10 years in a murder squad, after all. However, it soon turns out to be personal. Unravel the case with this feisty and independent detective, who walks the streets of Nottingham as she tracks down the truth. The sequel Wish You Were Here delves into another case and is also filled with Notts references — look out for mentions of Broadway, The Sumac Centre, and The Old Angel.
Read if: You loved Line of Duty (not just because of the Vicky McClure connection).
nicolamonaghan.com
Dead Flowers: vervebooks.co.uk
Wish You Were Here: vervebooks.co.uk
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