In brief: The Blue Hour; England: A Natural History; A Book of Noises – review

The Blue Hour

Paula Hawkins
Doubleday, £22, pp336

Hawkins’s fourth novel begins with the discovery that a work by acclaimed artist Vanessa Chapman contains a human bone. James Becker – employed by the foundation responsible for Chapman’s estate – is sent to the remote Scottish island that was once home to her to investigate, where he meets Chapman’s former friend and companion, Grace. What follows is an intelligent, propulsive thriller examining art, ambition, legacy and the dynamics of power. Undoubtedly Hawkins ’s best novel yet.

England: A Natural History

John Lewis-Stempel
Doubleday, £25 , pp464

Lewis-Stempel’s latest work of natural history surveys 12 English locations, from the Thames Estuary and Richmond Park to North Yorkshire and the Lake District. While the author’s focus is nature – whether it’s the biology of ragworms or the elusiveness of otters – his scope is wide-reaching, encompassing history, culture and language. We learn about the derivation of words, the impact of the Industrial Revolution and the significance of Norse mythology. Throughout, the tone is personal and intimate, and Lewis-Stempel’s passion self-evident.

A Book of Noises: Notes on the Auraculous

Caspar Henderson
Granta, £10.99, pp368 (paperback)

“Auraculous” is a term coined by Henderson to encapsulate the wonder of sounds around us, from the cosmic and the natural to human-made. Beginning with the big bang, Henderson embarks on a fascinating journey through almost every type of noise imaginable in a title filled with gems. His playful sense of humour and curiosity makes for a highly engaging science book.

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