Another time, another place

With books you can go anywhere and not just to another place, but another time. And you can find unlimited new exciting people to hang out with, whether "real" or fictional – and you decide when they leave! Enjoy.

Photograph: iStock

Text: Susan Jessen Spiele

A devilish sea saga

The Devil and the Dark Water

By Stuart Turton

In 1634 a detective is sailing to Amsterdam in chains. He is to be executed for a crime he may not have committed. His bodyguard is with him, hoping to prove him innocent. But at sea strange and horrible things start to happen.

Classic diabolically twisted crime

The Inugami Curse

By Seishi Yokomizo

The 1940s in Japan. Private detective Kindaichi receives a letter from the attorney of the now-dead king of silk, Inugami, wanting to hire him to prevent "events soaked in blood". Then the attorney is murdered, and a hunt for a ruthless killer begins.

Beautifully paced, emotionally packed

Conjure Women

By Afia Atakora

A remote plantation in the South before, during and after the civil war is home to Rue, her mother May Belle and the disappeared owner's daughter. May Belle teaches her daughter healing and curses and helps fellow slaves, especially the women.

Truly magical alternate history

The Once and Future Witches

By Alix E. Harrow

In 1893, there is no such thing as witches anymore. But when three sisters join New Salem's suffragists, they might turn the women's movement into the witch's movement. If they trust the right people and live long enough.

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