Books

Agatha Christie is one of the most celebrated authors in literary history, often dubbed the “Queen of Crime.” Over her career, she penned detective novels, short story collections, and the world’s longest-running play, The Mousetrap.Her work has sold over two billion copies worldwide, making her the best-selling fiction writer of all time. A few years before her death, the author shared which works of her own were her favourite - and a famous novel featuring the beloved detective Hercule Poirot doesn’t make the cut.Christie is best known for her iconic fictional detectives - Poirot, the meticulous Belgian sleuth, and Miss Marple, the observant village spinster.Poirot features in some of the most successful novels of Christie, including Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile....

At the start of the year, many of you will likely have had a list of books to get through this year, perhaps including a fantasy or a recent Hunger Games instalment. However, many books worth our time have been released since 2020.At the beginning of the decade, Barack Obama released his memoir, and Maggie O'Farrell published her original take on William Shakespeare's family. Here is a list of the top books of the decade so far, as ranked by Goodreads.10. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle ZevinThis creative love story by Gabrielle Zevin explores the decades-long friendship between Sam Masur and Sadie Green, both now video game designers who first met as children and later reunite in college. When they decide to collaborate on a video game, they are met with massive succe...

A self-confessed 'non-fiction junkie' as revealed five fiction titles he simply couldn’t put down. (Image: Getty)A self-confessed “non-fiction junkie” who has read more than 1,000 books has revealed five fiction titles he simply couldn’t put down. Prahalad Rajkumar said that while he typically prefers non-fiction for its life lessons, a good fiction book can “delight the soul” and even offer just as much wisdom.He explained that while he’s learned more from non-fiction than school or university, certain fiction books have moved him deeply, and even taught him lessons about life, loss, and love. “I’d choose a non-fiction book over a fiction book any day,” he said. “But a good fiction book can delight the soul. It can transport you into a magical world and expand your mind.” Writing on Me...

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more These are 10 of the best new books publishing in September (Image: Getty)If you're on the hunt for a fresh read this September, this curated list of 10 of the best new releases might just contain your next favourite book, regardless of your preferred genre. Between R. F. Kuang's Katabasis and new releases from the likes of T. Kingfisher, Carissa Broadbent and Gareth Brown, August was a great month for bibliophiles.September is shaping up nicely too, with many eagerly awaited releases by beloved authors such as Richard Osman, Rebecca Ross and Mona Awad, as well as some hidden gems that might have slipped under your radar so far. As someone who reads every day, both for work ...

A 2022 book has been a hot topic in the reading world, with avid book-lovers unable to pry their hands away from its pages. The thriller will be made into a film, released in December 2025, following its success.This exciting read is The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. On Goodreads, the novel has gained an impressive 4.25 score out of five with readers singing its praises in reviews.A synopsis of the novel on Goodreads, says: "Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor."I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew seem...

The 30 most memorable moments from the Harry Potter series have been unveiled, with Harry's first journey through the wall on Platform 9 3⁄4 taking the top spot. A survey of 1,500 devotees of the beloved franchise ranked Voldemort's defeat and Hagrid's iconic line, "You're a wizard, Harry" in second place. The touching scene when Dobby is given a sock was also recognised as a fan favourite.Harry was voted the favourite character of the franchise, with nearly six in 10 choosing him. Hermione was the runner-up, closely followed by Ron. Lord Voldemort narrowly avoided last place, which was claimed by Dolores Umbridge.The study found that, on average, a fan will watch one of the films three times a year, despite the final instalment being released almost 15 years ago.A spokesperson for  Kri...

This novel has gained an infamous reputation for being one of the scariest books of all time. One reader said when they first purchased the book, they were told not to read it.If you’re looking for a page-turner this autumn, look no further than this nail-biting novel. It by Stephen King has become a well-known horror novel and one which readers are continually keen to get their teeth into.The novel is set in the small town of Derry, Maine, where a group of children comes face-to-face with a terrifying and ancient evil that emerges every few decades to prey on the town’s residents. As strange and horrifying events unfold, the kids form a deep bond and vow to confront the darkness together. Years later, now adults, they are drawn back to Derry when the evil resurfaces, forcing them to fa...

As an avid reader, particularly in the summertime or while on holiday, I consider myself to have an eye for a good beach read. The type of book that you can get lost in for hours, that will transport you to a different world, era or destination.There is something sentimental in looking at the books on your shelf and remembering where you were when you read it and the memories that resurface alongside it. This year has been no different, and there are three books in particular that stuck out for me. Here are my top three beach books that I'd urge you to read.Happy Place by Emily HenryThe book's synopsis reads: "Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re sti...

This book racks up a huge 735 pages but tells the story of just one single day - and readers have called it a “masterpiece”. Often hailed as one of the best novels of the 20th century, you won’t want to miss out on this fascinating piece of literature.Ulysses is a famous novel by James Joyce that takes place over just one day on June 16, 1904, in Dublin. It follows Leopold Bloom, an ordinary man going about his daily life. But what makes this book really stand out is how Joyce tells the story.Instead of a straightforward plot, the book dives deep into characters’ thoughts, feelings, and little everyday moments, using a style called stream-of-consciousness. This means readers are essentially inside Leopold’s head and following his every thought.The book is loosely inspired by an ancient ...

This nail-biting book is one best read in Autumn and with Halloween just around the corner, you’ll want to start this spooky read now. Written by Stephen King, this novel has gained a huge reputation after being adapted into a hit film.If you’re looking for a page-turner, you won’t want to miss out on this horror that’s been named as one of the “greatest horror books of all time” by Forbes. The Shining is a psychological horror novel that follows Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, who takes a winter caretaker job at the remote Overlook Hotel.Jack moves to the hotel with his wife Wendy and his young son Danny, who has a mysterious psychic ability called “the shining.”As winter sets in and the hotel is snowed in, isolation, supernatural forces, and Jack’s fragile ...