Rebecca Smith Book order

'Mysterious deaths, an intuitive octopus, and colourful characters in a Devonshire seaside town, make this an unmissable read' Tamar Hodes 'Utterly addictive from the first page' Jonathan Whitelaw Diana Parks is a beautician with a temper, and she's not the only member of Ottersea WI who's had enough of bullies and slimeballs. When the body of lecherous landlord, Raj Sumal, washes up on the beach, it's up to Detectives Jim Paddon and Grace Brown to solve the mystery. They start to suspect Raj's wife, Sukhi, who likes walking on the cliffs. Meanwhile, at Ottersea Oceanworld, Jane the Octopus hears people's secrets and understands everything during a sweltering summer of strange deaths, new friendships, and a whole lot of ice cream. 'Whimsical and amusing' Faith Martin 'Wickedly subversive, sneakily funny, and then surprisingly moving' Carole Burns

A brilliant and heart-warming story about the power of imagination and the special bond between grandparent and grandchild.

‘Eye-opening and persuasive’ SUNDAY TIMES ‘Brilliant … I loved it’ KIT DE WAAL ‘Thoughtful, moving, honest’ CAL FLYN

An empowering and powerful picture book, published in association with The Little Princess Trust.

1944. The Battle of Kohima. James Ash dies leaving behind two families: his 'wife' Josmi and two children, Jay and Molly, and his parents and sister in England who know nothing about his Indian family. 2012. Emmie is raising her own daughter, Jasmine, in a world she wants to be very different from the racist England of her childhood. Her father, Jay, doesn't even have a photograph of the mother he lost and still refuses to discuss his life in India. Emmie finds comfort in the local museum - a treasure trove of another family's stories and artefacts. Little does Emmie know that with each generation, her own story holds secrets and fascinations that she could only dream of.

Twins Katrina and Alex normally live on a houseboat in London, but are spending the summer in Scotland while their mum, a brilliant musician, receives treatment. Aunt Clara is an artist, like Alex, and Uncle Archie is a forest ranger. Almost right away, the twins find themselves searching for what seems to be a big cat. Or, is something stalking them? "Rebecca Smith writes with such subtlety about the lives of twins Alex and Katrina, uprooted from an uncertain life in a London houseboat after their vulnerable mother is found collapsed and in need of rehab. Up in the Scottish Highlands, despite the idyllic landscape and the loving support of their aunt and uncle, something fearsome is prowling in the shadows. Could the deep scratches on a tree and the attacks on local livestock be the work of something bigger and wilder than a fox or a dog? Has Alex really seen it outside in the night? Or are he and his sister just being stalked by their own dark fears while they wait to find out whether their mother will recover? A wonderfully atmospheric and lyrical story, unsentimental but so affecting." - Ali Sparkes

Filled with humor and relatable anecdotes, this book offers a refreshing perspective on motherhood amidst life's chaos. It captures the ups and downs of parenting, celebrating the joys and challenges that come with being a mom. Through witty storytelling, readers will find solace and laughter, making it an ideal read for anyone navigating the complexities of family life.

I haven't full on belly-laughed like this for a long time The perfect antidote to a chaotic world, More Than Just Mum will have you crying with laughter

Read a snappy synopsis and then spot the main characters and elusive author hidden in ten beautifully illustrated scenes from Jane Austen's novels.

Winning and beguiling ... Smith shares Jane Austen's clarity and gentle irony Independent