On Tuesday I got to the office early to find I had left my office keys at home. I hate moments like this. There I am, crouching by the front door, swearing profusely at myself, with the entire contents of my A&B bag strewn across the pavement  – it’s not a pretty sight. Then some joker from across the mews, who thinks it’s hilarious to mock my pain, chirps “My keys! They’ve GOT to be here somewhere!” as he passes. Oh Har Har. Listen Funnyman, I have no sense of humour at 8am in the morning.

Anyway, I resign myself to the fact that I have to wait for one of the other A&B ladies to arrive. I have, however, no book in my bag. (What!? I know. I told you it wasn’t my best moment.) But, after a quick trip to the nearby newsagents, I am armed with two magazines to help while away the time. These are:

Closer magazine. Why? Because I knew it will be featuring a nice review of Molly’s Millions by Victoria Connelly. Quick flick through and there it is on p87 – one of the mags Hot Picks! Excellent.

Psychologies magazine. Why? I was suckered in by the fact that Robin Penn Wright was on the cover AND because I got a free book with it! Bargain. This has got to be the best freebie. I had a choice of Black Seconds, by Karin Fossum and Digging to America, by Anne Tyler. I hesitated in the store – do I go with New York Times Bestseller and no doubt charming and clever novel about two Korean girls who immigrate to Baltimore? Or an easy page-turning thriller about a girl gone missing? At that early hour of the morning, and following the murderous thoughts I had projected towards Mr. Funnyman, I opted for Black Seconds.

I didn’t actually get a chance to start the book as, soon after, I spotted Susie down the other end of the mews – keys in hand. But I can let you know if I made the right  choice…

Chiara Priorelli, Publicity Manager