Black Ice -- Matt Dickinson

The Black Ice is Antarctica, the coldest place on earth.

Here Lauren Burgess, a scientist, has set up camp to make a discovery that will transform human life. Then a strange SOS from the frozen wasteland puts everything at risk.

Polar explorer, Julian Fitzgerald, plus a reporter, have crashed and are sending messages for rescue.

Lauren and one of her team, Sean, set out over the frozen landscape to rescue the men.

They bring them back to their base, but by then winter has set in so there is no chance of rescue for several months.

But there is much friction between the five people on the base and the rescued explorer, who wants all the glory for himself.

The author is an experienced mountaineer and his descriptions of conditions in Antarctica and what the characters endure are very believable. It was a rattling good adventure story that kept me gripped to the surprising end.

Pam Spencer

Safe Harbou r-- Janice Graham

Crispin Wakefield is the popular Canon of the Parisian Cathedral of St John's.

Because of his popularity the Dean is jealous of him while his wife spends their money freely,

Into this turmoil comes Julia Kramer, now an international actress, but a childhood friend of Crispin's family in Kansas.

Julia's partner is frequently away on business and she finds comfort with Crispin and his family.

When her partner Jona is murdered she turns to Crispin. He flies to Haworth, where Julia is making a film about the Bronts. This starts rumours and speculation about their relationship -- fuelled by the jealous Dean and Crispin's wife, Phoebe.

There are many twists and turns in this satisfying read set in Paris and Haworth.

Pam Spencer