Verdict The Jury is out on this one. After reading the comments printed on the cover, I expected something different – lighter and more of a 'laugh out loud book', instead, I found myself becoming rather dispirited at the inevitability of Matt's downfall. However, an American friend to whom I lent the book, thought it both sad and funny, sharply American and very clever.” *** (based on an average of our views)

Reckless: Andrew Gross

Andrew Gross is co-author of many of James Patterson’s bestselling thrillers and readers who know those books will find themselves in familiar territory - a complex plot, an ex-cop, a former lover and a current one, and, naturally, an unwillingness to trust the authorities.

With plenty of violence along the way, Reckless moves from New York to London and from the Middle East to Continental Europe. Based around corruption in the financial world, personal greed and international terrorism, we follow Ty Hauck’s attempts to track down the guilty. Hauck is a security consultant with a vested interest in pulling together the evidence from the first murder but as he digs deeper it’s clear that not all is as it seems.

Verdict:“A well written page turner, most likely to be enjoyed by lovers of detail and those familiar with banking and/or financial crime; others may have to concentrate more to keep track of the many characters, conspiracies and financial complexities, but if you like thrillers and appreciate good plots you should enjoy this .” ***

Note: the review on the back of the book describes it as “sexy-as-hell”; don’t let that put you off (or encourage you) - this is not top shelf material!

In Her Defense: Stephen Horn

It's not often you come across a decent page turner, the likes of Grisham's debut "The Firm" or less know Allan Folsom's brilliant "The Day After Tomorrow" (Not to be confused with the film of the same name!) and to be honest, In Her Defense isn't quite up to that mark. Nevertheless, Stephen Horn's debut thriller is a fast-paced excellent read and one well worth the 1p! you can get it for on Amazon.

The murder of a former cabinet official has just propelled stunning socialite Ashley Bronson from the society column onto the front page, and, inexplicably, she wants recently seperated Frank O'Connellto defend her. She hands him her case, followed by her confession and some damning physical evidence. Frank thinks his biggest challenge is her guilt... but he's going to have a hard time juggling his new relationship, the case and his ex-wife and beloved child to keep her out of jail.

It was certainly one of those "Damn, I've finished it!" books, and well worth the read. In fact, as impressed as I was, I went out and bought his second Law Of Gravity, but more on that later!

Verdict: “A easily absorbing and lightly written thriller from the best courtroom stables in the world... the US! ****