I’m reading a lot of non-fiction at the moment, trying to make sense of what’s going on in the world and a standout book is The Spy and the Traitor by Ben McIntyre, the true story of a Russian KGB officer who became a British spy. It’s impeccably researched and wonderfully told.

Northern Ireland is producing some fantastic fiction at the moment, particularly from women writers, and Trespasses by Louise Kennedy is one of the best of a very good bunch. It’s set during the Troubles, and politics provide a background for the novel but it’s also full of family drama, compassion and love. Kennedy has a true gift for creating unforgettable characters and her writing is full of empathy and humanity.

Those of us who remember paisley shirts, The Smiths and Doc Martens the first time around will love London With Love from Sarra Manning. The novel follows two people through decades of friendship, fashion and love. London has a starring role but anyone who has grown up in suburbia and remembers the thrill of finally living “in town” will identify with this warm and witty novel.

I’m saving Jo Spain’s new thriller, The Last To Disappear, for my holidays. Moving from London to Lapland, I’ve heard it’s her best yet.

Sinéad Crowley’s is a novelist and RTÉ correspondent who has written three crime novels featuring DS Claire Boyle. Her latest novel, Belladonna Maze, set in a big Irish house with dark secrets dating back to Famine times, is published by Head of Zeus.