10 new books for August: Cecilia Ahern, Donal Ryan, Robert Harris...

There's a bumper crop of new books being published in the coming weeks 

Books for August

Where Are The Kings, by Donal Ryan (August 13): Boyhood, grief and family secrets are at the centre of the latest novel from award-winning Tipperary author Donal Ryan. One irreversible tragic event sees 12-year-old Jack's life change just as he is entering those dizzying years when he will transition from boy to man.

Brain Damage, by Freida McFadden (August 18): From the bestselling author of The Housemaid, her latest thriller sees Dr Charly McKenna wake in a rehabilitation hospital unable to walk, speak, or remember her own name. All she knows is that someone tried to kill her — and they may still be out there.

Love Unlocked, by Cecilia Ahern (August 27): The author of PS I Love You returns with a Dublin-set romance, where the removal of love locks seems to trigger a spate of break-ups. One woman delves deeper in her podcast, and finds the man behind the locks’ removals. The pair try to get to the bottom of the mystery as sparks fly.

White Lines by Ryan Caldwell, with Peter Lockhart (August 27): The story of former Ulster, Ireland and Premiership rugby player Ryan Caldwell, whose life spiralled after injury ended his career and addiction, rage and despair took hold. What follows is a raw, unforgettable journey through the depths of trauma, into the heart of the Amazon jungle, and across the rugged terrain of healing as Ryan confronts the pain he buried beneath his rugby persona and begins to rebuild.

The Comeback, by Mel Giedroyc (August 27): When aspiring performer Gill Piper learns the local theatre is approaching its hundredth year, she decides to put on a spectacular anniversary show to give it a comeback and unite the town. But Gill hasn't counted on self-appointed Artistic Director and diva extraordinaire Carla Keswick, who declares war.

Agrippa, by Robert Harris (August 27): Agrippa is 50 and writing his memoirs, but it’s dangerous to stir up the past. Roman history viewed through the eyes of the strategist closest to Emperor Augustus, he describes how one man has dominated his life: the cunning, ruthless, unknowable Octavius.

A Nation Once Again, by Paul Howard (August 27): Satirist Paul Howard introduces us to Fiach O’Bric, a career diplomat looking forward to a peaceful retirement when he is persuaded to take over a top secret civil service department tasked with preparing for a United Ireland — the ultimate impossible job.

The Most Normal Woman, by Roisin Kiberd (August 27): Linking her personal experiences with Botox and eating disorders to broader phenomena, Roisin Kiberd dissects the business of attaining perfection or even normality through consumption and body modification in this collection of essays.

Claws Out, by Bella Mackie (August 27): Diana Leyland hopes to ensnare wealthy David Farrand and claw her way to the top. The only snag? His daughter, Cat, has been digging into Diana's past and learned Diana's last three husbands are dead.

Big Little Truths, by Liane Moriarty (August 27): In the sequel to the best-selling phenomenon Big Little Lies, it has been a decade since the ill-fated quiz night at Pirriwee High. When the school receives an anonymous package containing a severed human finger, following reports of a creepy man lurking around students, (un-severed) fingers get pointed. Is this mischief, incrimination or even murder?