FICTION
Small Great Things, by Jodi Picoult: The most thought-provoking and controversial novel yet from the #1 New York Times bestselling author ((Allen & Unwin, RRP $37).
The Tao Deception, by John M Green: A Tori Swyft Thriller described by the publisher as “The Da Vinci Code meets James Bond”—an explosive tale of espionage (Pantera Press, RRP $33).
Goodwood, by Holly Throsby: A compelling ride into a small community, torn apart by dark rumours and mystery (Allen & Unwin, RRP $33).
Goldenhand, by Garth Nix: The fifth book in the New York Times bestselling Old Kingdom series (Allen & Unwin, RRP $28).
The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories, by P D James: Four of the Queen of Crime’s very best Christmas short stories, in a beautiful hardback gift edition (Faber, RRP $28).
Orphans of the Carnival, by Carol Birch: A haunting tale of identity, love and independence evoking the strange and thrilling world of the Victorian carnival (Faber, RRP $33).
NON-FICTION
Life on the Edge, by Jay-Jay Harvey: The top radio host tells all in these stories of her 22 years at hugely popular radio station The Edge (Allen & Unwin, RRP $37).
Wolf Boys, by Dan Slater: The shocking story of two American teens recruited as killers for a Mexican cartel (Allen & Unwin, RRP $33).
Appetites, by Anthony Bourdain: The “bad boy” of cooking’s first cookbook in more than ten years (Bloomsbury, RRP $53).
Queer: A Graphic History, by Dr Meg-John Barker, illustrated by Julia Scheele: From identity politics and gender roles to privilege and exclusion, Queer explores how we came to view sex, gender and sexuality in the ways that we do (Icon Books, RRP $28).
The 50 Greatest Beers of the World, by Tim Hampson: From English ale to Czech lager, Belgian sour to American pale ale, German Berliner Weisse to Australian Adelaide sparkling ale, award-winning author Tim Hampson explores beers from four continents to choose his 50 favourite brews (Icon, RRP $25).
Ethical Carnivore, by Louise Gray: What would happen if you could only eat animals you killed yourself? This is the story of how one woman took a dinner party challenge seriously, and what she learned along the way (Bloomsbury, RRP $30).
QI: The Third Book of General Ignorance, by John Lloyd, John Mitchinson, James Harkin and Andrew Hunter Murray: The writers behind the hit TV show return to prove, once again, that everything you think you know is wrong (Faber, RRP $23).
Fight Like a Girl, by Clementine Ford: A fearless approach to reclaiming the fight for women’s liberation as one of the most important battlegrounds of the 21st century (Allen & Unwin, RRP $33).
YOUNGER READERS
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J K Rowling: Discover J K Rowling’s wizarding world with glorious full-colour illustrations (Bloomsbury, RRP $70).
Squeakopotamus, by Dawn McMillan, illustrated by Ross Kinnaird: A memorable tale for younger readers from the bestselling authors of I Need a New Bum! (Oratia Books, RRP $20).
Sweet Pizza, by Giancarlo Gemin: Joe’s family cafe in Bryn Mawr was started before the war by his Italian great-great grandfather. Joe’s mother wants to sell it but Joe vows to save the family business, and find out more about his past. For ages 9-12 (Nosy Crow, RRP $17).
Swarm: Zeroes 2, by Scott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan and Deborah Biancotti: The second book in the addictive, action-packed series from three New York Times bestselling authors. For ages 14-plus (Allen & Unwin, RRP $23).
Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas, by Lynne Cox & illustrated by Brian Floca: A charming tale based on the true story of Elizabeth, a beloved elephant seal, who returned time and again to the Avon River in Christchurch (Potton & Burton, RRP $20).