Böcker utgivna av Random House UK Ltd

An island in the Caribbean. A centuries-old secret. A life adventure awaits. . . Discover the latest tale of friendship, courage and romance from the Sunday Times bestselling romance writer.'The queen of uplifting, feel good romance.' AJ Pearce'An immersive, uplifting read that Fforde fans will love.' Woman's Weekly'All the elements of a moving love story are blended to perfection.' The Lady'A force to be reckoned with for her uplifting tales of romance' Daily Express'Top-drawer romantic escapism.' Daily Mail'Warm, brilliant and full of love.' Heat'A charming romance about discovering your own worth' Woman's Own____________Dominica. A beautiful remote island where the sun shines and the living is easy.And where Cass goes to photograph a rare stone carving as a favour to her father.With her is Ranulph, a deeply attractive, much-travelled journalist, who offers to help Cass with her quest.But Dominica has just been hit be a severe hurricane, and Cass and Ranulph are spending all of their time helping the local community.Cass knows she must not fall in love with him... He is just looking out for her. He's being kind.There is no way he could be even the slightest bit interested in her. Could he?_________Readers can't get enough of Island in the Sun . . .***** 'There is mystery, intrigue, romance and danger all set against the beautiful backdrop of Dominica - and I loved it so much I was reading far into the night as I couldn't put it down.'***** 'It was such an easy and sweet read and I curled up on the sofa and lost myself in it ... Perfect escapism.'***** 'This is a great beach read ... Katie Fforde always writes a great moving story about love and friendship and self discovery and inner strength.'***** 'A wonderful read that will keep you engrossed from start to finish.'***** 'This book has everything I've come to expect from this author, great writing, humour, love and a little suspense, all cleverly wrapped up in a fabulous book.'-One Enchanted Evening, Sunday Times bestseller, November 2023

'This is one of the most gripping accounts of an era spanning war defeat, humiliation and failed revolution in 1918 to the violence, intimidation and propaganda of the Nazis' rise to power in 1933. It contains many lessons for the world now.' - John Kampfner, bestselling author of Why The Germans Do It Better'Vertigo is outstanding. Harald Jähner's gift for illuminating the big picture with telling detail gives the reader an uncanny sense of what it was actually like to be present in Germany during the Weimar Republic. This is history at its very best.' - Julia Boyd, bestselling author of Travellers in the Third ReichGermany, 1918: a country in flux. The First World War is over, the nation defeated. Revolution is afoot, the monarchy has fallen and the victory of democracy beckons. Everything must change with the times.Out of the ashes of the First World War, Germany launches an unprecedented political project: its first democratic government. The Weimar Republic is established. The years that follow see political extremism, economic upheaval, revolutionary violence and the transformation of Germany. Tradition is shaken to its core as a triumphant procession of liberated lifestyles emerges. Women conquer the racetracks and tennis courts, go out alone in the evenings, cut their hair short and cast the idea of marriage aside. Unisex style comes into fashion, androgynous and experimental. People revel in the discovery of leisure, filling up boxing halls, dance palaces and the hotspots of the New Age, embracing the department stores' promise of happiness and accepting the streets as a place of fierce political battles.In this short burst of life between the wars, amidst a frenzy of change, comes a backlash from those who do not see themselves reflected in the new Republic. Little by little, deep divisions begin to emerge. Divisions that would bring devastating consequences, altering the course of the twentieth century and the lives of millions around the world. Vertigo is a vital, kaleidoscopic portrait of a pivotal moment in German history.Praise for Aftermath by Harald Jähner:'Exemplary [and] important... This is the kind of book few writers possess the clarity of vision to write' - Max Hastings, Sunday Times'A masterpiece' - Spectator'Magnificent... There are great lessons in the nature of humanity to be learnt here' - Rupert Christiansen, The Telegraph'Jähner is masterly in telling the tragic, despicable, comedic and uplifting stories of those who were there' - Katja Hoyer, The Times'Thought-provoking... Jähner's unflinching account is a reminder that historical truths are rarely simple and always nuanced' - Daily Mail'A reminder that the German experience will always stand apart' - Economist

'Absolutely gripping, deeply authoritative, hugely important and lethally lurid'Simon Sebag Montefiore, Sunday Times bestselling author of The World: A Family HistoryYevgeny Prigozhin emerged as one of the most dangerous warlords in the world and as one of Vladimir Putin's chief rivals in Russia's tumultuous political climate, exiled after leading Wagner's attempted coup and killed in a mysterious plane crash. But what is the truth about this enigmatic figure, his role in the war with Ukraine, and the chaos unleashed across Russia by his turn against Putin? And, in the aftermath of his death, what is next for Russia in the new stage of late Putinism that Prigozhin's life forged?Drawing on years of research, this book traces the rise of Russia's most prominent non-state actor and examines the political climate that propelled a convicted gangster with no government office to the formidable role he came to occupy. An essential story of Russia's recent history, Downfall is also a compelling insight into its likely future.

'An essential how-to book to reduce stress, calm anxiety and keep your brain active' - NIR EYAL'Lucid, fascinating, inspiring' - JOHANN HARI'The antidote to our modern-day struggles' - RANGAN CHATTERJEEDo you want to reduce your stress levels, boost your memory, mood and focus, and be more creative? Then it's time to get moving!In this groundbreaking international bestseller, psychiatrist and mental health guru Dr Anders Hansen presents the simple yet effective method for reducing stress and anxiety, boosting your memory, raising your IQ, and even slowing down the ageing process.With practical and concrete advice on how we can all reap the benefits of daily movement, The Mind-Body Method is the book you need to help you to make life-altering changes, understand why your brain is wired to move, and motivate you to achieve your health and fitness goals.

Get ready for one of the most gripping psychological thrillers of the year, perfect for fans of Gillian McAllister, Lisa Jewell and Paula Hawkins.'I've been yearning for something to give me Girl on the Train vibes. . . this is that book.' Lisa Jewell'Totally unpredictable. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough' Claire Douglas'A deliciously clever book. Jaw-dropping. Absolutely outstanding' Andrea Mara'Utterly gripping from first to last ... I guarantee you'll be absolutely hooked.' The Guardian___________A tragic accident? Or murder?A woman falls to her death from a London bank's twenty-fifth-floor roof terrace.You're arrested for her murder.You tell the police that you only met the victim the previous night at your office party. She was threatening to jump from the roof, but you talked her down.You've got nothing to do with this tragedy.You're clearly being framed.So why do the police keep picking holes in your story?And why doesn't your lawyer seem to believe you?It soon becomes obvious that you're keeping secrets.But who are you trying to protect? And why?Obsession. Intrigue. Revenge. Get ready for one of the most twisty thrillers this year!___________Readers are loving The Woman on the Ledge . . .***** 'ONE OF THE BEST PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLERS I HAVE READ THIS YEAR!!! WHAT A BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN MASTERPIECE!!!'***** 'It's been awhile since I have read a good PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER, and even longer since I read a great one-but this ORIGINAL gem is pretty great!'***** 'This has the best dynamics of a book that I have read in awhile. What a talented author!'***** 'Recommend this one to anyone who enjoys an intense, twisted, thought-provoking and engaging Psychological Thriller.'***** 'All I can say is that this is not a book to be missed.'___________More love for The Woman on the Ledge:'A thrill-ride of a novel - dark, riveting and twisty' Lucy Clarke'I inhaled this. . . Lots of twists and turns. Couldn't put it down!' Hayley Morris'Razor-sharp plotting, great writing ... a pitch-perfect legal thriller' Harriet Tyce'A deeply satisfying read' Her Honour Judge Wendy Joseph KC'I'm certain this will be one of my favourite thrillers of 2024 already!' Prima'A twist-a-minute thrill ride!' Lisa Gardner'Had me turning the pages through the night' Heidi Perks'A gripping thriller with a great premise and a twist I didn't see coming' John Marrs'The best thriller I've read in ages' Laura Pearson'Wonderfully twisty, fabulously unexpected and immensely satisfying' Alex Marwood'The best kind of plot-twisty story ... I devoured it!' Sabine Durrant'Breathtaking storytelling ... Stunning!' Jane Fallon'WOW! I absolutely loved it' Stu Cummins'A clever idea and an even cleverer plot.' Belfast Telegraph'So full of twists and turns it will make your head hurt - in a good way!' Fabulous, Sun on Sunday'A tense novel' Bella'A twisty tale that will keep you on your toes' Heat'A dark and compelling legal thriller.' Woman & HomeInstant Sunday Times bestseller, September 2024

Rafiq Hardi Kermanj, founder of the Communist Party of Kurdistan, is forced to flee Tehran for London with his family.In London, they suffer the shame of penury and migration layered on Kurdish statelessness.The lives of Rafiq's three children becoming increasingly dependent on their relationship to money:Siver, the only daughter, escapes into an unhappy marriage in Baghdad before fleeing to raise her daughter as a single mother in Dubai.Mohammed, the eldest, stays in London to climb the unforgiving ladder of the financial sector.Laika, the youngest, retreats into a contactless digital life, designing the trading algorithms that will ultimately prove his downfall in a condo near Wall Street.Sharp, topical, and powerful, Hyper is a story about what remains of our humanity in a world increasingly dominated by the flows of capital.Perfect for fans of Zadie Smith, Moshin Hamid, and Jennifer Egan.'Delicious, harrowing, gutting, hilarious, and deeply necessary, Hyper is a masterpiece.' Porochista Khakpour, author of Brown Album

'A classic, witty and wonderful mystery from the king of crime. Fast-paced and fun, clever and exciting. I loved it.' CHRIS WHITAKER'I loved every criminally delicious moment of Holmes, Margaret and Poe. What a wild ride! Hooked from the first page - and not just by the crime story but also the depth and complexity of the characters. Rock on Book 2!' DREDA SAY MITCHELL___________________________________________Brendan Holmes, Margaret Marple and Auguste Poe run the most in-demand private investigation agency in New York City.The three detectives make a formidable team, solving a series of seemingly impossible crimes which expose the dark underbelly of the city - from a priceless art theft, high-stakes kidnapping and a decades-old unsolved murder, to a gruesome subterranean prison and corruption and bribery at the highest levels of power.But it's not long before their headline-grabbing breakthroughs, unconventional methods - and untraceable pasts - attract the attention of the NYPD and the FBI.After all, it's no surprise that there's a mystery or two to unravel in the city that never sleeps . . . not least, who really are Holmes, Margaret and Poe?________________________Readers are loving Holmes, Margaret and Poe . . .***** 'I devoured this in less than 24 hours and I did not want it to end'***** 'I loved this book!'***** 'This has quickly become my favourite James Patterson novel to date'***** 'A great start to what I'm hoping will turn into a fantastic new series'***** 'Read in a day'________________________________'One of the greatest storytellers of all time' Patricia Cornwell'A writer with an unusual skill at thriller plotting.' Mark Lawson, Guardian'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' Lee Child'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' Ian Rankin'The master storyteller of our times' Hillary Rodham Clinton'It's no mystery why James Patterson is the world's most popular thriller writer . . . Simply put: nobody does it better.' Jeffrey Deaver'Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind.' Michael ConnellyHolmes, Margaret and Poe was a No.10 Sunday Times bestseller 14/01/2024

THE GLOBAL LITERARY QUEST BESTSELLER'A masterpiece' The Times'The style as well as the sweep is Bolaño-esque' ObserverParis, 2018. Diégane Latyr Faye, a young Senegalese writer, discovers a legendary book titled The Maze of Inhumanity. It has an immediate hold over him. No one knows what happened to the author, T.C. Elimane, who was accused of plagiarism, his reputation destroyed by the critics.Obsessed with discovering the truth about Elimane's disappearance, Faye weaves past and present, countries and continents, following the author's labyrinthine trail from Senegal to Argentina and France and confronting the great tragedies of history.Will he get to the truth at the centre of the maze?A gripping literary quest novel and a masterpiece of perpetual reinvention, The Most Secret Memory of Men confronts the impact of colonialism and neo-colonialism, the holocaust in Europe, dictatorships in South America and the Caribbean, genocide in Africa, and collaboration and resistance everywhere. Above all, it is a love song to literature and its timeless power.WINNER OF FRANCE'S MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARD, THE PRIX GONCOURTTranslated by Lara Vernaud.

'Loot held me spellbound from the first page...an expertly-plotted, deeply affecting novel ' Maggie O'FarrellYoung toy maker and dreamer Abbas is whisked away to Tipu Sultan's glorious palace in Mysore and ordered to create a musical tiger to delight Tipu's sons.When he is apprenticed to eccentric clockmaker Monsieur Du Leze, Abbas finds an unexpected friend who encourages his skill and hunger for learning. Through Du Leze, he also meets the unforgettable Jehanne, who has questions and ambitions of her own.But when British soldiers attack and loot Mysore, Abbas's world is turned upside down and his prized tiger is shipped off to a country estate in England. In order to carve out his place in the world, he must follow.A hero's quest, a love story, an exuberant heist novel that traces the bloody legacy of colonialism across the world, Loot is a dazzling, wildly inventive and irresistible feat of storytelling.'A thrilling, absorbing and immersive tale of artistry, adventure and romance' Claire Fuller'A cinematic novel of empire, colonialism and romance...Loot asks who gets written out of history and why' Guardian'Immersive and beautifully written...a clever and absorbing novel about empire and belonging' Sunday Times

'If you're looking for your next romantasy obsession, then look no further.' - Nisha J Tuli, international bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen'Totally original and massively creative world building, delicious enemies to lovers with a slow burn, and a fierce heroine you can root for. The book is completely unputdownable.' - Kate Golden, author of A Dawn of Onyx'A sexy, thrilling, portal fantasy with heartstopping twists and turns.' - K.A. Linde, No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wren in the Holly Library_______She would know the world of vengeful gods and monsters, and the lengths one would go for love. And nothing would ever be the same for her again.Gifted thief Romeria steals jewels under a notorious New York City crime boss. But when an enigmatic woman secures her services at swordpoint, Romeria is wrenched from this world and transported into a realm of opposing thrones, warring elven societies and elemental magic.Waking up in the body of a treacherous elven princess, Romeria quickly realises she's entangled in a deadly plot and must hide her identity at all costs - not least from the princess's betrothed, King Zander, who detests her. Romeria is forced to play the smitten princess as the unwilling pair work together to uncover the danger that surrounds them.But with their enemies closing in - and as she fights her growing feelings for the king - it's time for Romeria to find out who she truly is.The first book in the captivating Fate & Flame series_______'THE SLOW BURN IS TO DIE FOR' 5* reader review'Political intrigue, sexual tension, slow burns, the most perfect enemies to lovers and swoony kings!... I did NOT realise how obsessed I would become.' 5* reader review'An exciting and unpredictable fantasy story with a chemistry-filled enemies-to-lovers romance... I loved it!' 5* reader review'Intense, action-packed, magical, and full of passion.' 5* reader review'An enchanting and incredibly well written book with outstanding world building and the kind of deeply rooted character development I love.' 5* reader review'I could not be more obsessed with this book.' 5* reader review

'I do not know how to love you and be a good king to my people.'Romeria has fled Cirilea as a traitor. Zander has sacrificed his crown to save her life but dreads what her existence means for the future of his realm. They both know that no immortal will ever welcome her as Islor's queen. Side-by-side as outcasts - yet with a growing distance between them - they watch as a new threat to the kingdom unfurls, one larger than they could have imagined.Guided by an uncertain prophecy and with their allies rapidly losing faith, their company journeys to the Venhorn Mountains in search of answers. Yet with Romeria struggling to wield her newfound abilities and the mortal rebellion growing in strength, it may already be too late.The second book in the captivating 'Fate & Flame' series.

Fulfill your innermost dreams and ambitions by turning up the volume on your intuition and re-connecting with your Inner Genius.Executive coach Liz Tran asks you to train yourself to listen to and be guided by your innermost voice. From tech to spiritual leadership and executive coaching, Tran has charted her own path by learning how to tune into her intuition and be true to her Inner Genius. Informed by ancient sources of wisdom like Zen, Reiki, astrology, and Stoicism, The Karma of Success invites you to validate the unique goals and ambitions you set for yourself and ultimately, are destined to achieve.You'll learn the Four Pillars of Spiritual Strategy - inquiring inward, manifesting mindfully, enriching your energy, and becoming brilliant - and be guided by the stories of people who have looked inward to find meaning and success. So whether you're trying to start your own business, heal your inner child, or just figure out how to get through the next Mercury in retrograde, The Karma of Success will help you find your way.

'Brilliant' SUNDAY TIMES'Compelling and unnerving' SPECTATOR**A NEW STATESMAN Book of the Year 2023**This first collection of stories by Lawrence Osborne perfectly showcases his talent for tension, atmosphere - and characters out of their depthA naïve young linguist sent to the forests of Irian Jaya is manipulated into betraying her mission by a ruthless and disturbed pastor. A deaf girl hired as a maid by a wealthy New York couple turns the tables on her obliviously abusive employers and answers blackmail with blackmail. A psychiatrist treating a girl in rural England becomes ensnared in a love affair that threatens to destroy her career; while a young couple on holiday in Oman accidentally witness a killing, which leads to their being hunted as well. An entomologist at a remote hotel in the Andamans survives a tsunami and uses a dead body to further her study of ants.Collected here for the first time, Lawrence Osborne's stories, like his novels - 'elaborate and intricately plotted dances macabres' (The Times) - feel like nightmares set against calmly and meticulously observed backgrounds. With their nods to Daphne du Maurier and Roald Dahl, these nine long-form stories explore characters lost in the shadowed borders between the mundane, the fantastical and the violence of the natural world.

A Uyghur poet's piercing memoir of life under the most coercive surveillance regime in history***LITHUB'S #1 BEST-REVIEWED NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023*****A FINANCIAL TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023****AN ECONOMIST BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023***WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE'S JOHN LEONARD PRIZE FOR BEST FIRST BOOK*'Essential reading' AI WEIWEI, author of 1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows'Deserves to be read widely... Beautiful' FINANCIAL TIMESIf you took an Uber in Washington DC a few years ago, there's a chance your driver was one of the greatest living Uyghur poets, and one of only a handful from his minority Muslim community to escape the genocide being visited upon his homeland in western China.A successful filmmaker, innovative poet and prominent intellectual, Tahir Hamut Izgil had long been acquainted with state surveillance and violence, having spent three years in a labour camp on fabricated charges.But in 2017, the Chinese government's repression of its Uyghur citizens assumed a terrifying new intensity: critics were silenced; conversations became hushed; passports were confiscated; and Uyghurs were forced to provide DNA samples and biometric data.As Izgil's friends disappeared one by one, it became clear that fleeing the country was his family's only hope.Escape to America spared Izgil's family the internment camps that have swallowed over a million Uyghurs. It also allowed this rare personal testimony of the Xinjiang genocide to reach the wider world.Waiting to Be Arrested at Night charts the ongoing destruction of a community and a way of life. It is a call for the world to awaken to a humanitarian catastrophe, an unforgettable story of courage, escape and survival, and a moving tribute to Izgil's friends and fellow Uyghurs whose voices have been silenced.

Even saints need second chances...Discover the new heartwarming Christmas adventure with the Sisters of Saint Philomena, about friendship, family, and forgiveness. Perfect for fans of AJ Pearce, Katie Fforde and Call the Midwife.Everyone loves Sister Bridget. The cheerful Mother Superior of St Philomena's convent is friend to many in the town of Fairbridge and the irrepressible caller at the weekly Parish Bingo. There is nothing she can't sort out with a kind word, a cup of tea and a slice of her amazing chocolate cake.But as the Christmas tree goes up and festive cheer rises, a visitor arrives at the convent who doesn't like Sister Bridget one bit. Sister Bridget soon learns that secrets are bubbling to the surface back home in Ireland - especially for her younger sister Mary. She will need to face up to past deeds, however well-intended.With the help of her friends, and the power of love and forgiveness, maybe she can finally make things right.Sweet Mercies reminds us that none of us is perfect, and everybody deserves another chance at finding peace and happiness.Praise for Anne Booth:'Charming, witty and warm, Small Miracles is a gentle gem of a novel, a cheery balm in troubling times.' AJ Pearce, bestselling author of Dear Mrs Bird'With gentle humour, and surprising twists and turns, this is just the book we need in these difficult times. I didn't want it to end' Katie FfordeReaders adore Sweet Mercies:'A lovely feel good story...I raced through this''The whole book left me smiling''This book is like receiving the best Christmas present all wrapped up with a bow!''This book was a joy to read, full of community and kindness''What a lovely hug of a book!'

This book will tell the full story of one of the most exciting, dramatic and shocking tales of modern times.

**LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024**'Enthralling and exuberant ... Here is a wonder-book for word-lovers' Jeanette Winterson'A lively, entertaining, and illuminating read. I loved it' Susie DentWhat do three murderers, Karl Marx's daughter and a vegetarian vicar have in common?They all helped create the Oxford English Dictionary.The Oxford English Dictionary has long been associated with elite institutions and Victorian men. But the Dictionary didn't just belong to the experts; it relied on contributions from members of the public. By 1928, its 414,825 entries had been crowdsourced from a surprising and diverse group of people, from astronomers to murderers, naturists, pornographers, suffragists and queer couples.Lexicographer Sarah Ogilvie dives deep into previously untapped archives to tell a people's history of the OED. Here, she reveals, for the first time, the full story of the making of one of the most famous books in the world - and celebrates the extraordinary efforts of the Dictionary People.** A Financial Times, TLS and Daunt Books Book of the Year 2023 **'Utterly fascinating, entertaining, astonishing and as clever as a box of monkeys ... I completely love it' Joanna Lumley'Full marks to Sarah Ogilvie... guaranteed to grab those of us obsessed with books, language and mystery' Financial Times'[An] astonishing book' Sunday Times'Touching ... The oddities [of language] enliven the book' Observer *Book of the Day*'[An] affectionate and accomplished book' TLS'Engaging' Spectator'Marvellous, witty and wholly original' Alan Rusbridger'Glorious and surprising' Richard Ovenden, Bodley's Librarian and author of Burning the Books'A fascinating and delightful exploration of the Victorian world ... Wonderful' Nicola Shulman, TLS Podcast

**A Telegraph Best History Book 2023 and Spectator Book of the Year**The inspirational story of the ordinary people who forged the documents that saved thousands of Jewish lives in World War Two.'Powerful ... gripping ... inspiring' JONATHAN DIMBLEBYBetween 1940 and 1943, a small group of Polish diplomats and Jewish activists in Switzerland engaged in a wholly remarkable - and until now, almost completely unknown - humanitarian operation. Under the leadership of the Polish Ambassador, Aleksander Lados, they undertook a systematic programme of forging identity documents for Latin American countries, which were then smuggled into German-occupied Europe to save the lives of thousands of Jews facing extermination in the Holocaust.The Lados operation was one of the largest rescue missions of the entire war, and The Forgers tells this extraordinary story for the first time. We follow the desperate bids of Jews to obtain these life-saving documents, and their painful uncertainty over whether they will be granted protection from the Nazis' murderous fury. And we witness the quiet heroism of those who decided to act in an attempt to save thousands of lives.'Fascinating' The Times'Remarkable' Sunday Times'As gripping as it is moving' JULIA BOYD'An astonishing book' KATJA HOYER

It's the eighteenth century, and Celine's in trouble. A man, somewhere, is telling stories of her affairs, sexuality, mad orgies and addictions. None of this is true, but rumours are spreading like a plague, and as her name becomes a symbol for everything naughty. In a world ruled by men, Celine and her friends join together in search of justice.

A servant girl escapes from a settlement. She carries nothing with her but her wits, a few possessions, and her faith in god. What she finds is beyond the limits of her imagination and will bend her belief of everything that her own civilization has taught her, telling the story of America in miniature at a hinge point in history.

When Richard's parents die in a fire, he moves to Ballantyne. Classmate Tom goes missing, only Karen believes Richard who saw the telephone booth suck Tom into the receiver. He traces the number that Tom prank called to an abandoned house in the woods with a terrifying face in the window. A voice whispers: 'You know who I am. She's going to burn."

Having recently celebrated her eightieth birthday, Leon now confronts the dual challenges and pleasures of aging, whilst looking back on her adventurous life. Complete with a brief letter dissuading those hoping to meet Guido Brunetti at the Questura, and always suffused with music, food, and her fierce sense of humour.