It is completely absorbing, showing Lesley Downer's deep knowledge of Japan and her mastery of its complex history during the nineteenth century.

A persuasive storyteller and the setting is mesmerising.

Superb. A wonderful evocation of an alien world, with entrancing characters and a riveting narrative that fits perfectly with the historical facts.

Lesley Downer has pulled off a remarkable achievement in making the beautiful, strange and dangerous world of one woman in a 19th-century Japan facing Western invasion utterly believable, and utterly gripping.

Atsu is what we all want to be: a courageous woman of heartbreaking intelligence… set against our own darkest selves. This tale of western imperialism has so many resonances in the modern world, written with passion, depth and brilliance, and a sense of time and place that is earning Lesley Downer a reputation as the Shogun’s Writer for the twenty first century.

What a wonderful storyteller Lesley Downer is, and what an amazing story she tells in The Shogun’s Queen. Set at a pivotal moment in Japan’s history, her novel effortlessly transported me to nineteenth century Japan. At its heart is Okatsu, Downer’s heroine for all seasons, plus a vivid cast of characters – some loyal, some treacherous – all caught up in the turbulent politics of the time. I was only sorry to reach the end of this gripping and deeply suspenseful novel.

Impeccably researched, packed with intrigue, adventure and romance, this is a wonderful evocation of a bygone time.

An epic and intricate, beautifully described story of love, bravery and sacrifice . . . a must read for fans of Japan, historical fiction and great storytelling

What Hilary Mantel is to the Tudors or Mary Beard to the Romans, Lesley Downer is to ancient Japan.

Great fun

Before long events are spiralling drastically out of control

I raced through Jane Fallon's delicious new page-turner about friends behaving badly. It's unpredictable and feisty, with a lead character that's a long way from the average romantic heroine

Praise for Jane Fallon

Sparkling and unpredictable

Chick lit with an edge

Compulsively readable

Intelligent, edgy and witty

Deliciously devious . . . A darkly comic and addictive read

Well-crafted, dryly funny

Fun and feisty women's fiction at its very best

Jane Fallon injects a smart edge into the chick-lit genre

Deliciously edgy

Gripping stuff . . . A great, intelligent read

Witty, well observed

Brilliant and original

Absolutely brilliant

A hilarious page-turner

I love Fallon, she's in a category all of her own - her books are great fun and her characters are fabulous, believable women who take no nonsense

The ultimate choice . . . filled with the author's signature themes, think turbulent relationships, tricky families and the need for self-belief. Keyes' [is] an international treasure

Cause for celebration . . . An engrossing novel full of wit and warmth. The humour never once detracts from the emotional depth.

Cause for jubilation . . . This proves her to be the reigning queen of British chick lit . . . insightful, funny and poignant

Praise for Marian Keyes

Gloriously funny

Funny but poignant

A total triumph

Not only is it a great story with funny, loveable characters, it made me laugh out loud

A beautifully written modern love story from Britain's best contemporary female author

Wonderfully written and completely engrossing, with exquisitely drawn characters in a brilliantly plotted narrative. It will make you think long after you finish the final page

A tender, funny and hopeful look at love, grief and life. Bumper box of tissues required

A beautiful read

Funny, heart-warming and extremely wise

A deeply satisfying book full of big emotions

A laugh-out-loud, rollicking good read and a very touching love story

Moyes is the queen of the classy weepy

A delight

A sparkling novel of hope and sacrifice’

Magical, heart-warming and time-bending story.