DIVINE MADNESS by Robert Muchamore
Reviewed by Cat, Children's Specialist
I read the first book in this fantastic series and had to buy the rest! They are simply excellent. Fast paced, full of excitment, drama and cheek! The characters are very real, and the existence of children as spies for the government very cleverly packaged together. You really really do

LOST AND FOUND by Oliver Jeffers
Reviewed by Cat, Children's Specialist
It doesn't get any lovlier than a picture book from Oliver Jeffers. His illustrations are fabulous and his stories told with a childlike simplicity. Matched with the pictures, the stories delight adults and children alike. Lost and Found tells of a boy who befriends a Penguin he thinks is lost.

COLD GRANITE by Stuart MacBride
Reviewed by Matt
If you're suffering withdrawal symptoms brought on by the end of Rankin's Rebus series, you could do a heck of a lot worse than checking out this Aberdeen-based series by Stuart MacBride. "Cold Granite" introduces us to our reluctant hero, DS Logan McRae and his colleagues, including his on-off

CASINO ROYALE
Reviewed by Matt
Growing up, I always wanted to be the next Bond. Maybe even still do now and again. Funnily enough, no one else could ever quite see it. With Daniel Craig in the role, I think I can maybe see why: gritty and raw, unrelenting and cynical, this is

DIVENIRE by Ludovico Einaudi
Reviewed by Matt
One of the greatest pianists of our time, in my humble opinion... The piano work and the accompanying strings in this album make it the perfect chillout music to enjoy whilst kicked back on the sofa with the lights dimmed and a glass of red wine to hand.

LOVE ACTUALLY by Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson and Colin Firth
Reviewed by John K
The best of British films. Pull up an armchair and enjoy it; laugh until you cry! Bill Nighy is amazing!  

PAPILLON by Henri Charriere
Reviewed by Jamie
Memoirs of Charriere's imprisonment in French Guiana. The veracity of his account may have been questioned, but it's still an inspiring read.

BAND OF BROTHERS
Reviewed by Callum M
This is the ultimate World War II film... Ok, I know it was a TV series, but if you watch it in one sitting, you'll see what I'm talking about!

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE by Rage Against the Machine
Reviewed by Graeme
Angrier than a hornets nest on fire. Have now reformed after years in therapy. Inspired a hundred G8 riots.

THE KNITTER'S HANDBOOK by Stitch'n'Bitch
Reviewed by Erika
Girls and boys, get your needles out! Knitting is back and is as hip as this book!

DOCTOR WHO: THE PLANET OF EVIL
Reviewed by Matt
I grew up with Tom Baker as my Doctor. This was the first story that brought a touch of Hammer Horror to the show, a move that brought about such classics as "The Horror of Fang Rock" and "Image of the Fendahl". And Elisabeth Sladen - my first crush!

THE LIES OF LOCKE LAMORA by Scott Lynch
Reviewed by Matt
I've never been a fan of fantasy fiction: all sorts of wierdy-beardy nonsense mostly, but the first novel of Scott Lynch's series redresses all that... Creating a world whose roots are firmly planted on the ground, only a few touches here and there to suggest the fantasy of it

TWISTED / MORE TWISTED by Jeffrey Deaver
Reviewed by Matt
Dabbling a bit with the whole writing malarkey, I've done some short story writing myself. These collections of tales from the master of twistery (it's a word, I'm sure) were my inspiration.

A BIT OF BLUR by Alex James
Reviewed by Pam
A very honest and very funny story of his life. What he can remember of it. Gives insight into the world of celebrity.

THE HISTORIAN by Elizabeth Kostova
Reviewed by Zoe
Keeps you right on the edge of your seat!

A BEAR CALLED PADDINGTON by Michael Bond
Reviewed by Maggie
International traveller and bear-about-town Paddington turns 50 this year! Find out how his story began with this charming classic (little known info - Paddington's Aunt Lucy sent him to London after browsing the travel section at Borders Darkest Peru branch!)

TAPESTRY by Carole King
Reviewed by Maggie
This seventies classic spent 6 years in the Billboard top 200.  An era-defining album from one of the greatest singer-songwriters of her generation.  A must-have for your collection.