New Zealand's Best Selling Books

Everything you need to know about how to crochet granny squares. The humble granny square is more popular than ever, whether you are making clothes, blankets or accessories. This practical guide has everything you need to become a crochet granny square expert. It is the ultimate sourcebook for crocheting granny squares, including full step-by-step instructions and photography for all the...

Discover The Atlas Paradox, the electric dark academia sequel to the viral sensation The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake - a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller. Inside the Alexandrian Society, alliances will be tested, hearts will be broken, and all must pick a side. Six magicians were offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Five are now members of the Society. And...

Durable and waterproof, with a handy slipcase and an easy-fold format, Lonely Planet's New York City Map is your conveniently sized passport to travelling with ease. Get more from your map and your trip with images and information about top city attractions, walking tour routes, transport maps, itinerary suggestions, an extensive street and site index, and practical travel tips and...

Percy Jackson: The Demigod Files is the perfect companion to this megaselling series - essential reading for all young demigods! In these top-secret files, Rick Riordan, Camp Half-Blood's senior scribe, gives you an inside look at the world of demigods that NO regular human child is allowed to see. These highly classified archives include three of Percy Jackson's most perilous...

It is 997 CE, the end of the Dark Ages. The king's grip on the country is fragile, and chaos reigns. A young boat builder dreams of a better future after a devastating Viking raid shatters the life he hoped for. A Norman noblewoman follows her husband to a new land, only to find her life there shockingly different; and...

From the creator of SLOW HORSES and soon to be a major TV series starring Emma Thompson and Ruth Wilson 'If you haven't read Zoe Boehm yet, welcome to your next fiction addiction' - Val McDermid, author of Past Lying 'Unexpected and satisfying . . . The engaging heroine never loses her cool, from the melancholy opening to the whirlwind...

Meet the traders who supply the world with oil, metal and food—no matter how corrupt, war-torn or famine-stricken the source. Gripping Economist Jaw-dropping Sunday Times Riveting Financial Times Fascinating Reuters We are entering an age of energy crises and food shortages. This book reveals why. Meet the swashbuckling traders who supply the world with energy, food, and metal. Their goal:...

Chihiro's cursed past sends him down a quest of bloody vengeance! Chihiro Rokuhira’s father, Kunishige, is the most famous swordsmith in the land. Thanks to his six enchanted blades, the war that has been gripping the nation ends, and peaceful days follow. After the war, he retrieves all six blades and hides them in the cellar of his workshop—but sorcerers...

Easy-to-use peekaboo sliders, a funny rhyming text, and a surprise mirror ending combine in this stylish and interactive board book for babies and toddlers! With a total of 10 smooth mechanisms to push, pull or turn on every spread, this beautiful book is packed full of fun! From Camilla Reid and Ingela P Arrhenius, the award-winning team behind the bestselling...

CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2019 SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER You Are Awesome by Matthew Syed is an empowering and inspirational guide designed to help young readers unlock their full potential and become the most amazing version of themselves. In this book, Syed dismantles the myth that talent is something innate and shows how it can be cultivated through...

With special bonus content – a Q&A between Alice Oseman and bestselling author David Levithan The debut novel from Alice Oseman, author of the 2021 YA Book Prize winning Loveless. Solitaire features the characters that inspired the beloved series Heartstopper – now a major Netflix series. My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog....

Calling all quizzers and problem solvers drawn to the smart, the quirky and the counter-intuitive: The Economist Quiz Book is here for you. Across 60 themed quizzes - on topics from TV, film and music to politics, science, natural history and more - three quiz rounds challenge the quizzer to find hidden connections, get their facts straight and sort the...

The fifth breathtaking and heart-pounding instalment in the incredible New York Times and UK Kindle bestselling Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi, Defy Me, continues to captivate readers with its gripping intensity and emotional depth. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Victoria Aveyard, and Leigh Bardugo, this novel explores the tumultuous journey of Juliette Ferrars as she confronts harrowing...

Meet Kiki - whose brain is a hullaballoo! Her brain goes a mile a minute - and sometimes she wishes it would just stop! This joyful and emotional rhyming story brings us inside Kiki's mind, and celebrates the way she thinks, as well as offering ways to help direct Kiki's creativity and energy. An empathetic story from a passionate new...

Broke young man + chainsaw demon = Chainsaw Man! Denji is a destitute young man living a miserable existence, burdened by debt and grief as he works as a small-time devil hunter to pay off his deceased father's overwhelming debts. His only companion is his loyal pet devil, Pochita. Everything changes when Denji is brutally killed during a routine job,...

In The Culture Map by Erin Meyer, readers embark on an insightful journey into the dynamic world of international business. In an era where professionals frequently interact across borders—whether from the comfort of a home office or in diverse international settings—understanding cultural nuances is paramount to success. Meyer's book serves as an indispensable guide for anyone navigating the intricate terrain...

Find the name that you and your baby will love for ever. Of all the decisions a new parent makes, choosing that special name is the most significant and the most rewarding. A new reference book for prospective parents, this clear, helpful and easy-to-use A-Z guide gives you thousands of brilliant suggestions for picking the perfect name for your new...

Remember, you are bound by the Official Secrets Act… Summer, 1940. Nineteen-year-old Jakob Novis and his quirky younger sister Lizzie share a love of riddles and puzzles. And now they’re living inside of one. The quarrelsome siblings find themselves amidst one of the greatest secrets of World War II—Britain’s eccentric codebreaking factory at Bletchley Park. As Jakob joins Bletchley’s top...

A fun and reassuring tale about dealing with worries from the author of the bestselling The Lion Inside. It's a beautiful day and The Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic. But it isn't long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy... What if he hasn't brought enough to eat? What if he gets lost in the...

Classic Spanish language course, now revised and updated with a new audio app. Learn to speak Spanish in just three months with this practical and comprehensive self-study language course. Whether you're a complete beginner or wanting to refresh your knowledge, Spanish in 3 Months with Free Audio App by DK will have you speaking Spanish fluently in just 12 weeks....

WINNER OF THE 2013 COSTA NOVEL AWARD – the acclaimed number one bestselling novel about a woman who lives her life over and over again through the most turbulent events of the 20th century, including the London Blitz. The PRIZE-WINNING BESTSELLER, now a major BBC1 DRAMA SERIES starring Thomasin McKenzie, Sian Clifford, and James McArdle, directed by BAFTA award-winning John...

Ambler's electrifying Istanbul-set thriller from 1962, and the basis for the classic film Topkapi. Arthur Abdel Simpson is a failed journalist and soon-to-be failed thief, embittered by memories of his unhappy childhood in England and eking out a living in Athens. When he spots a newly arrived tourist at the airport, he offers his services as a private driver and...

From the author of Foster and the Booker Prize shortlisted Small Things Like These. 'Perfect short stories.' – Anne Enright 'Breath-taking.' – Irish Times 'Her stories are as good as Chekhov.' – David Mitchell A writer alone at a retreat is faced with an unwelcome visitor. A priest seeks solace from a romantic memory. A farmhand regrets losing the finest...

Robert Louis Stevenson's immortal tale of personality and evil, now in a wonderful new clothbound edition. Published as a 'shilling shocker', Robert Louis Stevenson's dark psychological fantasy gave birth to the idea of the split personality. The story of respectable Dr Jekyll's strange association with damnable young man Edward Hyde, the hunt through fog-bound London for a killer, and the...

Informative, empathetic and empowering for families and their brilliant neurodivergent children. Alex Partridge, bestselling author of Now It All Makes Sense A must-read for every parent or teacher of a child with ADHD. Lisa Lloyd, bestselling author of Raising the SEN-Betweeners Is your ADHD child struggling at school? Do they make friends, but find it difficult to keep them? Do...

The nation's favourite doctor, Dr Ranj, is here to explain everything you ever wanted to know about puberty - plus lots more. What does it mean to be a boy? And I'm not just talking about what you have between your legs, but what life is really like for boys. Growing up is a real minefield! So I've put everything...

A collection of the 60 best moments from every era of the BBC's beloved Top Gear. An adrenalin-filled, hilarious, loving celebration of probably the greatest motoring programme of all time. Unleash the adrenaline-fueled chaos of Top Gear with Top Gear Nought to Sixty - a collection of the 60 maddest motoring moments from every era of probably the greatest motoring...

If we do what is right, everything else will follow: happiness, success, meaning, reputation, love. This is central to Stoic wisdom. The path isn't always easy, but it is essential, and the alternative — taking the easy route — leads only to cowardice and folly. In the third book in his bestselling Stoic Virtues series, Ryan Holiday explores the crucial...

Darkness Will Bind Them… watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 on Prime Video. J.R.R. Tolkien's writings on the Second Age of Middle-earth, collected for the first time in one volume. Guided by the Dark Lord Sauron, the Elves of Eregion forge the Rings of Power. Yet in secret, he has begun building the Barad-dûr...

BROTHERS. ROBOTS. SUPERHEROES... ALEX AND FREDDY are two normal bickering brothers - who also happen to be SUPER-POWERED ROBOTS! They're off on school trips, going to the theme park, and annoying each other in the playground. But when ROBOT ATTACKS take place over London, it's time for the boys to step up! Will they be able to foil the plans...

If you enjoyed A Minecraft Movie, you’ll love this book! Master the art of building in Minecraft. Minecraft is a sandbox game where anything is possible! With over 600 blocks to choose from, getting started can feel overwhelming. This Creative Handbook will give you all the tools you need to become an expert builder. Whether it’s choosing your blocks or...

Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes is a phenomenal No. 1 bestseller where Rachel Walsh gets a second chance at first love. Back in the long ago nineties, Rachel Walsh was a mess. But a spell in rehab transformed everything. Life became very good, very quickly. These days, Rachel has love, family, a great job as an addiction counsellor, she even...

This Woven Kingdom is an instant #1 international bestseller with accolades including Instant New York Times bestseller, Instant #1 Sunday Times bestseller, Instant Indie bestseller, and Instant USA Today bestseller. In an epic narrative filled with clashing empires and forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance, This Woven Kingdom introduces us to Alizeh, a disposable servant to the world yet the long-lost heir to...

Create your own Duggee and the Squirrel Club story adventures with this super fun magnet book! Join Duggee and the Squirrels on some super adventures. What will they discover on a trip to the beach? Or under the sea? Use the magnets to make up your own stories, and earn your badges too! One more thing... DUGGEE HUG! Want more...

The definitive account of D-Day from the author of international bestsellers Stalingrad and Berlin: D-Day by Antony Beevor is a landmark historical narrative that captures the epic scale and human cost of the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944. Drawing from first-hand accounts, archival research, and a keen historian's eye, Beevor immerses readers in the gripping details of...

Explore the failures, mistakes and missed opportunities that shaped history in this new entry in the bestselling series. From the botched attempt to create a life-extending elixir that produced gunpowder, to the unsuccessful stint in medical school which led to a career in naturalism for Charles Darwin, to the missile detection system malfunction that almost sparked a nuclear war, the...

The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss is a groundbreaking and transformative guide that challenges conventional beliefs about work and life. Through a blend of insightful anecdotes, practical advice, and real-world examples, Ferriss provides readers with the blueprint to escape the confines of the traditional 9-to-5 grind. By leveraging modern technology and innovative thinking, this book presents a revolutionary approach...

THE BRITISH BOOK AWARDS NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2017 WINNER OF THE BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE and THE JQ-WINGATE LITERARY PRIZE THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP 10 BESTSELLER ‘A monumental achievement: profoundly personal, told with love, anger and great precision’ - John le Carré ‘One of the most gripping and powerful books imaginable’ - SUNDAY TIMES In East West Street, international...

Our narrator is a humble and solitary postal worker whose life takes an unexpected turn when he receives devastating news: he has only months to live. Estranged from his family and living alone with his cat, Cabbage, he is abruptly confronted with the brevity of his existence. As he grapples with his diagnosis, an unusual encounter occurs. The Devil visits...

Discover the romantic, addictive, and thrilling world of Tahereh Mafi’s fantasy Shatter Me series. This stunning hardback collector’s edition with its exclusive design and gold reading ribbon is the perfect gift for fans and new readers alike. She was never meant for you. She was never meant for any of this. That girl was sentenced to death the moment I...

In Tokyo, there is a neighbourhood with the highest number of bookstores in the world. It is called Jinbocho where book lovers can browse to their heart's delight and where hunters of first editions or autographed copies prowl the bookcases. The Morisaki bookshop, a small family-run shop, is so packed with books that barely five people can fit inside. Books...

Snuggle up with this brand-new Guess How Much I Love You board book and soft toy set. A delightful book and soft toy gift set from the award-winning creators of Guess How Much I Love You – everything you need for story time with a little loved one. Guess How Much I Love You is the story of Big Nutbrown...

Learn how to design, build and customise 20 mini-projects in Minecraft. Embark on another bite-size adventure! Build over 20 new mini-projects in Minecraft, from duck party boats and houses on the moon to steam trains and fire engines! There’s even a UFO that abducts cows! With illustrated step-by-step instructions and tips throughout, this book will have you creating loads of...

The beloved classic novel, the basis of the classic film starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock. As children, sisters Gillian and Sally were forever outsiders in their small New England town, teased, taunted, and shunned for the air of magic that seems to sparkle in the air around them. All Gillian and Sally ever wanted was to get away. And...

When Light Yagami finds a notebook giving him power over death, will he use it for good—or evil? Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects—and he's bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the...

Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon. Knox doesn't tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride. Naomi wasn't just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin to Knockemout, Virginia,...

The #1 New York Times bestselling Hopeless series continues with this heartwarming conclusion that illustrates the power of following a difficult journey to discover what happens next. Finding Perfect ties together the tantalising threads left from previous instalments in the Hopeless series, delving into the intimate and intricate lives of its beloved characters. As Thanksgiving approaches, Daniel, Six, Holder, Sky,...

Be open, be honest, be you! Big Bright Feelings for little people. Most of the time Ravi can control his temper, but one day, he lets out the tiger within... Being a tiger is great fun at first – tigers can do ANYTHING they want! However, who wants to play with a growling, roaring, noisy, wild tiger who won't share...

There's a crime spree in town and Detective E.Z. Case needs a clever young assistant to help him nab the culprits—but only the cleverest kids need apply! Can you put your sleuthing skills to the test and work out whodunnit—and why? Who stole the trendy trainers from the clothes shop? Where is the notorious cat burglar hiding out? How did...

Welcome to Nikki Maxwell's aDORKable world and the mega-selling Dork Diaries series – now with over 50 million copies in print worldwide! OMG, Nikki Maxwell is getting her own TV show! Nikki and her friends were spotted at their school talent show, and now a reality TV crew is following her as she heads for pop stardom. SQUEEE! But having...

Two sisters. One secret. A journey to learn who they really are… The instant Irish number one bestseller! ‘I really, really loved it. I think it's her best book so far, written with maturity and great compassion. The characters are very relatable, Lou was my favourite … I enjoyed this book so much’ MARIAN KEYES 'A burst of Sicilian sunshine...

A delightful sticker book full of dolls to dress as they join in with wedding celebrations! This delightful little sticker book is full of bridesmaids, page boys, ring bearers, and wedding guests to dress. There are lots of different types of weddings, from a formal one to a ceremony on a beach, in a garden, or a magical winter setting....

This enchanting little book for young children is full of princess dolls to dress with 200 reusable stickers of delightful outfits. Dress Princess Mako in her Japanese robes, find a Russian gown for Princess Natalia's summer party and dress Princess Polly for a masked ball. The back cover folds out to 'park' stickers while you dress the dolls. Little Sticker...

An explosive new spy series for Alex Rider fans who love breathless plot, cutting-edge tech, and action-packed adventure. “Hi-tech, hi-spec and high adventure. This is the next generation of super spies. I loved it.” — EOIN COLFER, bestselling author of Artemis Fowl Selected as The Week Junior's Top 5 Action-Packed Adventures “A gripping, ingenious, thrilling read that you won't be...

A necessary and educational narrative non-fiction read, that embraces the superpowers that dyslexic thinking brings. Xtraordinary People is written by Kate Griggs, founder of the Dyslexic Thinking movement and charity, Made By Dyslexia. Dyslexic herself, Kate dedicates her life to teaching the world about Dyslexic Thinking. This book is perfect for spotting dyslexic strengths in every dyslexic child - and...

One: Pot, Pan, Planet by award-winning cook Anna Jones is not just another cookbook; it is a culinary manifesto that embraces how we want to eat now: quickly, sustainably, and with style. This electrifying new collection features over 200 effortless recipes that streamline your cooking process, limiting the pans and simplifying the ingredients for delightful all-in-one dinners that save both...

In The Laws of Human Nature, Robert Greene delves into the nature of human behaviour, offering insights and strategies to help readers understand and navigate the complexities of human emotions and interactions. At its core, the book is a psychological exploration of the depths of human nature, intertwined with historical and contemporary examples to illustrate key points. Greene masterfully analyses...

If you have ever wondered why an airliner bound from London to Los Angeles flies over Greenland, how we know what lies inside the Earth, or how computers correct errors, then this book is for you - JOHN GRIBBIN How does a delivery driver distribute hundreds of packages in a single day? Why can maps influence elections? Where should we...

Lonely Planet's Portugal is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Feast on mouth-watering seafood and sip port in Porto, explore the wonders of Sintra and relax on the beaches of the Algarve; all with your trusted travel companion. Inside Lonely Planet's Portugal Travel Guide: Lonely...

I go down to the shore in the morning and depending on the hour the waves are rolling in or moving out, and I say, oh, I am miserable, what shall - what should I do? And the sea says in its lovely voice: Excuse me, I have work to do. Whether studying the leaves of a tree or mourning...

A new novel from Tyler is always a treat and this is her best in years Mail on Sunday THE NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER SHORTLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2015 ‘It was a beautiful, breezy, yellow-and-green afternoon...’ This is the way Abby Whitshank always begins the story of how she and Red fell in love that summer's day in 1959....

The Seventh Son is an instant Sunday Times bestseller. 'Genuinely thought-provoking' - The Times 'Extraordinary' - William Boyd 'Faulks is an enviably graceful and economical writer' - Guardian A child will be born who will change everything. Tech billionaire Lukas Parn has an ambitious plan. Behind the doors of the IVF clinic in his London institute, a daring switch is...

Mindhunter delves deep into the life of an FBI Special Agent and takes readers on a gripping journey into the minds of some of the most psychologically disturbed serial killers. This real-life account provides a fascinating and chilling insight into the complex and often harrowing work of criminal profiling and behavioural science. The book tells the true story that inspired...

The world's most-followed productivity expert reveals how to achieve more by finding joy in everything you do. The secret to productivity isn't discipline. It's joy. We have all been told that the secret to productivity is simple—work harder. The trouble is, endless hard work doesn't just make us unhappier; it makes us less productive too. Here, Dr Ali Abdaal draws...

From the New York Times number one bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah, comes Wild, a remarkable story about the resilience of the human spirit, the triumph of hope, and the promise of new beginnings. In the rugged Pacific Northwest of the United States lies the Olympic National Forest — a vast expanse of impenetrable...

Bestseller in 'Children's sex education' Amazon category in the UK, May 2024 "My son said nothing scared him after reading this book and he felt much more comfortable about it all." - online customer review "Do you ever wonder how to start the conversation about the birds and the bees with your child? Well, this book helps you in so...

Part of the bestselling, touchy-feely That's not my... series, which has sold millions of copies worldwide. Meet five friendly ducks in this exciting addition to the much-loved That's not my... series. Babies love the best-selling That's not my... books with their bold illustrations, patches to stroke, and a mouse to spot on every page, all designed to develop sensory and...

An act of terror. A summer of change . . . Never Too Late is a stirring drama about the power of human connection and embracing brave change, from the billion-copy bestseller Danielle Steel. Following the death of her beloved husband, Kezia Cooper Hobson decides to leave her home in San Francisco and move to a luxury penthouse in Manhattan,...

BOSH! ON A BUDGET NOW AVAILABLE OVER 1 MILLION BOSH! BOOKS SOLD ‘The vegan Jamie Olivers’ The Times Want to cook ridiculously good plant-based food from scratch but have no idea where to start? With over 140 incredibly easy and outrageously tasty all-plants meals, BOSH! will be your guide. Henry Firth and Ian Theasby, creators of the world’s biggest and...

Masters of the Air by Donald L. Miller is an electrifying narrative that delves into the lives and exploits of the men of the American Eighth Air Force during World War II. These brave airmen, piloting the renowned Flying Fortresses, played a pivotal role in crippling Nazi Germany’s grip on Europe. Their valiant efforts are brought vividly to life, taking...

The cult classic. Discover the nightmarish tale of a house that is bigger on the inside than the outside, a story that still inspires devotion among an army of fans. Experimental in terms of design, typography, structure, and content, this is a fully immersive and novel reading experience you won't be able to forget. Perfect for fans of Twin Peaks,...

A rediscovered classic - a Japanese cosy crime novel in translation set at the foot of Mount Fuji, first published in 1982, and now reissued for a 21st century readership. 'The Japanese crime novel everyone will be talking about in 2025!' READER REVIEW 'Full of unexpected twists . . . A perfect mystery for a chilly night.' READER REVIEW A...

The thrilling finale to the instant No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller A Fate Inked in Blood. A shield maiden fights to break the hackles of prophecy - and to overcome betrayal of the man who broke her heart - in this searing conclusion to the Norse-inspired fantasy romance duology that began with the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling A Fate...

In Doughnut Economics, Oxford academic Kate Raworth presents a groundbreaking alternative to the conventional economic paradigms that have dominated for decades. Amidst unforeseen financial crises, staggering wealth inequality, and relentless environmental pressures, Raworth invites readers to rethink fundamental aspects of the economy. This timely book identifies the shortcomings of traditional economic thinking and introduces a bold new perspective designed to...

Underland by Robert Macfarlane is a captivating and profound exploration of the subterranean world that lies beneath our feet. This Sunday Times bestselling masterpiece takes readers on an unforgettable journey, delving deep into the hidden realms of the earth – from the intricate mycelial networks through which trees communicate, to the icy blue depths of glacial moulins. This mesmerising voyage...

An indispensable analysis of the current challenges in one of the most troubled regions on our planet On Palestine is Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappé's indispensable update on a suffering region. Operation Protective Edge, Israel's most recent assault on Gaza, left thousands of Palestinians dead and cleared the way for another Israeli land grab. The need to stand in solidarity...

Nudge by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein explores the fascinating mechanics behind everyday decision-making and how subtle interventions, or "nudges," can steer people toward better choices without limiting their freedom. From the mundane to the highly significant, this groundbreaking book delves into how we choose what to buy, what to eat, how to invest, and even how to...

When Grace moves to Hong Kong with her mum and new stepdad, her biggest concern is making friends at her fancy new boarding school. But when a mysterious old woman gifts her a dragon egg during a field trip, Grace discovers that the wonderful stories of dragons she heard when she was a young girl might actually be real—especially when...

LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE 2023 A SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER It is 1921 and at Cassowary House in the Straits Settlements of Penang, Robert Hamlyn is a well-to-do lawyer and his steely wife Lesley a society hostess. Their lives are invigorated when Willie, an old friend of Robert's, comes to stay. Willie Somerset Maugham is one of the greatest writers...

The number one Sunday Times bestseller, Big Sky by Kate Atkinson, marks the much-anticipated return of Jackson Brodie in a stunning new literary crime novel. Known as "a hero for men and women alike" (The Times), Jackson Brodie is once again at the centre of a masterfully woven story filled with intrigue, humour, and poignancy. Set against the bucolic backdrop...