Top 5: Pick of the best books

1. CHRIS NICKSON – SKIN LIKE SILVER: Nickson’s latest novel is a Leeds-set Victorian murder mystery. and he will be launching the book on December 3 at The Leeds Library, Commercial Street at 6.30 pm. For details visit www.chrisnickson.co.uk.

2. Fred Smith – The Devil Returns Twice as Deadly: Described as dramatic fiction and set in the 18th century, Smith’s novel features a range of colourful characters including bailiff Robert Williams. For more details visit www.bookguild.co.uk

3. Pamela Hartshorne – House of Shadows: The fourth novel from the York-based author explores the haunting relationship between the past and the present. The book will be released on December 3 and is available through Pan Macmillan.

4. Telling it like it was: Edited by Anthea Boulton and Veronica Whymant the book tells stories from parts of the Yorkshire Dales – Dent, Sedbergh and district – from a chorus of lively Dales voices. It is published by Dales Historical Monographs.

5. Michael Portillo: The former politician turned broadcaster and railway enthusiast appears at York Literature Festival next year at a one-off event at the National Railway Museum. You can see him on March 11. For tickets call the box office on 01904 623568.