HEATHER, a trainee teacher in London, feels she’s fallen years behind her college peers following a traumatic event. But when, in The Winner by CJ Parsons (HQ, £9.99) she wins a place in a social-media-based reality game she’s suddenly way ahead of everyone she’s ever known. 

The “Winfluencers” on Triple F get fame, fortune and followers, provided their popularity doesn’t dip below the cut-off point. The moment it does, they’re out on their ears. In the meantime, Heather’s enjoying the parties, the celebrity and the luxury. Just as long as nobody digs too deep into her past, she’ll be fine.

For understandable reasons, many authors enjoy giving the whole concept of unearned fame a thorough kicking. But this example is done with a good measure of sympathy, as well as humour, and plenty of tension. The motive for the crime eventually revealed is a winner, too.