Book cover of On Hampstead Heath

Book description

"A mystery and an elegy for the death of old-fashioned journalism, it's a book that will warm your heart" The Observer

"Splendid . . . Funny, poignant, perceptive and plenty of sharp elbows along the way" Val McDermid

Thorn Marsh was raised in a house of whispers, of meaningful glances…

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Why read it?

1 author picked On Hampstead Heath as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Anyone who has spent any time in the world of journalism can recognise the flawed but ultimately lovable character of Thorn Marsh, Marika Cobold’s main character, who like far too many reporters, myself included, is far too often concentrated on her work rather than on living in the real world of human relationships.

Journalistic ethics should define us and our work, but Thorn falls from grace (or rather crosses a line). When her paper is taken over, she is placed on a mid-week supplement and is pushed for heart-warming clickbait. She actually makes up a story about an angel appearing…

From Katharine's list on female characters who rise from the ashes.

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Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

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