Moran and James make Richard and Judy Book Club summer reading list

Caitlin Moran and Peter James are among the authors on Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan's latest Book Club summer selections. 

Moran kicks off the list with How to Be Famous (Ebury), a “funny, sharp, shocking” novel. “As usual Moran writes fearlessly, openly, honestly and incredibly funnily about sex.” says Finnigan, adding “I can’t think of anyone who writes quite like her. She’s unique.”

Absolute Proof by Peter James (Pan Macmillan) is next on the list with the thriller exploring the question of what would it take to prove the existence of God?  Finnigan describes Absolute Proof as “thought-provoking, thrilling, funny and challenging... James’s most ambitious novel yet.”

Continuing the thriller theme, the couple have chosen T M Logan's The Holiday (Zaffre). “Four best girlfriends, close since uni, unite with their families to spend a perfect summer break together in the south of France. There’s just one problem: one of them is a killer.” Finnegan said. 

Contemporary novel The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton by Anstey Harris (Simon & Schuster) also makes the list, telling the tale of a gifted musician who has her heart broken and puts it back together again. “David has told her he only stays with his wife for the sake of their children; when they are old enough he will leave her and come to Grace, forever,” said Madeley. When a night in Paris with David takes an unexpected turn for their relationship, Grace finds her life entering a new chapter.

Susan Lewis’s One Minute Later (HarperCollins) also joins this Summer’s Book Club, and follows Vivi Shager, who appears to have it all with her thriving career and gorgeous apartment, until she learns the shattering truth about her undiagnosed heart condition and finds herself waiting for a heart transplant. “This is an engrossing story, full of family drama, secrets and lies, passion and romance.” says Madeley. “This enthralling read balances hope and love with illness and tragedy”.

Marked for Death (Elliott & Thompson), Tony Kent’s second novel, is the final title to join this season’s Richard and Judy Book Club. The latest from the barrister and boxer turned crime writer sees a retired Lord Chief Justice murdered leaving Michael Devlin, a leading QC, and his TV journalist fiancée Sarah Truman unpicking the case. Madeley said: “Marked for Death has the real ring of authenticity... it makes for a terrific read.”

The Richard and Judy Book Club also launches with another series of podcasts, providing an introduction to all the featured titles as well as an exclusive interview with each of the authors. W HS mith customers can enjoy exclusive special editions of the Book Club titles filled with added bonus content, including book club discussion points, author Q&As and more recommended reads.