The Twilight Time by Karen Campbell (Hodder & Stoughton £12.99)
This atmospheric page-turner is, on one level, a gritty tale about Anna, a young policewoman trying to make her mark on the tough streets of Glasgow. In charge of the unit dealing with lowlife, pimps and prostitution, she’s disturbed to find she’s working with her former lover, now married with a child. Shot through with dark wit and wicked observations, the book is also a wonderful exploration of the choices women make – whether it’s career, motherhood, or even selling souls on the streets. With a gripping plot, compelling characters and a haunting, lyrical style, this debut is an absolute winner.