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TONY BURKE reviews new releases from Cheikh Lo, Mishra & Deepa Shakthi, N’Faly Kouyate
Gin Lane by William Hogarth is a critique of 18th-century London’s growing funeral trade, posits DAN O’BRIEN
ANDY HEDGECOCK sees his scepticism lessened by a story is more complex and far-reaching than is initially apparent
MARK TURNER holds on tight for a mesmerising display of Neath-born ragtime virtuosity
ALAN MORRISON introduces a UK poet whose despised daytime occupation provides the subject for his writing
MARK TURNER wallows in the virtuosity of Swansea Jazz Festival openers, Simon Spillett and Pete Long
THE Ospreys were one of the biggest rock bands in the world when their lead singer, Isaac Naylor, committed suicide off the coast of Devon while on police bail following the death of a young fan. But no body was ever found and now, eight years later, in The Death Of Me by Michelle Davies (Orion, £8.99), London music journalist Natalie has reason to believe he’s still alive, and still writing songs.
She has a pressing need for the financial relief which such a scoop would bring her, which is why she’s determined to continue with her investigation even when anonymous attempts to dissuade her turn to terrifying violence.
Gripping from start to finish, this novel also benefits from an interesting setting in the music business and in the dying profession of freelance journalism.
Doomed adolescents, when the missing person is you, classic whodunnit, and an anti-capitalist eco-thriller
MAT COWARD sings the praises of the Giant Winter’s full-depth, earthy and ferrous flavour perfect for rich meals in the dark months
The heroism of the jury who defied prison and starvation conditions secured the absolute right of juries to deliver verdicts based on conscience — a convention which is now under attack, writes MAT COWARD
As apple trees blossom to excess it remains to be seen if an abundance of fruit will follow. MAT COWARD has a few tips to see you through a nervy time
