From ecology-saving zombies to a murderous tattoo and a chilly new school for magic, the new year launches with fresh twists on familiar themes

In with the new! Publishing can be slow to wake from its Twixtmas carb-loading. But the early months of 2025 boast a few fresh takes to offer on familiar storytelling tropes, and a handful of first-time authors inaugurating brand new series.

Cosy crime has a well-thumbed playbook, but returnee author Niyla Farook ensures that her Murder for Two (Bonnier) is full of twists, turns and non-parochial perspectives as Ani and Riri probe the death of a beloved local cafe owner. The estranged siblings alternate perspectives: neurodiverse Ari is into sleuthing and lives in Yorkshire with her dad; visiting Riri was raised in California by her mum, wears a hijab and wants to be president. Was it the disgruntled chef? The shady YouTuber? When the twins’ dad is framed for murder, the stakes only get higher in this whodunnit full of matter-of-fact diversity, Greek food and surprisingly laissez-faire local police.