What we’re studying: writers and readers on the books they loved in October

Ian Rankin, writer

Simon Mason is an writer new to me however I noticed his novel Lacking Individual: Alice in a bookshop and seen that each Mick Herron and David Peace had praised it. That was adequate for me. It’s a quick, elegant novel about an enigmatic investigator and his seek for Alice. An actual discover.

Louise Minchin, in her first novel, Isolation Island, brings intrigue and homicide to actuality tv. A gaggle of celebrities should stay as monks on a Scottish island whereas cameras observe their each transfer. However there are secrets and techniques to be unlocked and motives to be uncovered. Gripping and stuffed with memorable characters, this updates Agatha Christie with modern ingenuity.

Midnight and Blue by Ian Rankin is printed by Orion (£25). To help the Guardian and Observer order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Supply costs might apply.

Marianne, Guardian reader

I’ve been studying Booker shortlisted novel The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden, a couple of lady dwelling in her late mom’s nation house within the Netherlands, 15 years after the second world battle. The characters are well-drawn, together with the home, which is a crucial character itself. The twist at finish is intelligent and never apparent.

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John Self, critic

I used to be shocked by the current information of the loss of life of Paul Bailey, as I’ve been spending quite a lot of time together with his books in current months. His early novels reminiscent of Trespasses and Peter Sensible’s Confessions have an important line in grotesque, larger-than-life characters – imply moms, grumpy dads, depressing landladies, camp uncles – whereas his later books (Uncle Rudolf, Chapman’s Odyssey) are extra restrained however no much less distinguished. He could make me giggle and make me unhappy, all the time in the identical guide and infrequently on the identical web page. He might be missed.

I additionally this month found the novels of AL Barker, who was as soon as shortlisted for the Booker prize however now appears virtually forgotten. Her 1969 novel John Brown’s Physique is a couple of lady who thinks the person dwelling upstairs is a assassin – although he has sufficient issues of his personal to deal with. It’s eccentric, participating and shocking. The formidable Rebecca West mentioned “it’s best to ask your vet to place you down” should you don’t like Barker’s novels. I wouldn’t go that far, however they’re definitely value attempting – as are her quick tales.

As for brand new books, I used to be delighted by Jonathan Coe’s The Proof of My Innocence. It’s intelligent and political – whereas additionally being very humorous.

Tessa, Guardian reader

Anybody who reads this guide is in for an absolute deal with, as Kate Atkinson takes the homicide thriller format and gleefully subverts it in her newest Jackson Brodie novel, Dying on the Signal of the Rook.

You root for all of the characters, and Atkinson weaves all of the plot strands collectively right into a implausible page-turning ending. This might make a superb Christmas current – however ensure you learn it first earlier than you give it away.