Books

A period drama that many people missed when it first came out is being talked about again, with viewers calling it one of the best classic films ever made. It looks like a straightforward story at first, but those who have watched it recently say it is far more detailed than they remembered.The film deals with strict social rules and many people say it has become more meaningful with time. It has also introduced new viewers to the novel it is based on, which has been praised for more than a century. Reviews describe it as thoughtful, sharp and beautifully acted. Some viewers even call it a “masterpiece”.The film, and the book behind it, is The Age of Innocence. Viewers have praised the film for over two decades, with many calling it one of Martin Scorsese’s most impressive works.One per...

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will debut in the USA on HBO on Sunday, January 18 and on Sky and streaming platform NOW on January 19.Like Game of Thrones, The Last of Us and other major HBO shows, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is expected to be simulcast on both sides of the Atlantic, so there's no need to wait to watch the show.The new drama is shorter than its predecessors, with only six episodes, which will air weekly. So, those who prefer to binge-watch boxsets will have to exercise some patience.HBO has confirmed that it's already given the green light for season two of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, with filming commencing in Belfast in December 2025. Season two is anticipated to be released sometime in 2027.A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms boasts an impressive cast and, given th...

Departure(s) by Julian Barnes, Hardback, £18.99Booker Prize winner Julian Barnes approaches his 80th birthday this month secure in his position as one of our finest writers. And Departure(s) can only polish his reputation. As ever, Barnes’ themes are simultaneously big and small, playful and poignant – love, loss, memory and mortality – gently building to a thought-provoking crescendo. Also as ever, the lines between fiction and reality are subtle. Narrator Julian is an elderly author living with a rare blood disorder. In a story within the story, he recalls friends Stephen and Jean who fall in love twice – once when they are young and again when they are old. Only Barnes knows what’s truly real. The rest of us can just enjoy the ride. 9/10A Killer in Paradise by Tom Hindle, Hardback, £...

Netflix has announced it's transforming a beloved series of novels into a period drama for modern audiences. This follows anticipation for another period drama touted as superior to Bridgerton, whilst viewers have also devoured a gangster drama praised as among the finest TV shows, and enjoyed a gripping BBC thriller, reports the Manchester Evening News.The upcoming period drama from Netflix will draw from a collection of bestselling novels that have captivated readers for years and garnered exceptional reviews on Amazon Books.One reader penned an enthusiastic five-star review of the first instalment: "This was a amazing little book to read I really enjoyed this book it was interesting to think about and got my daughter thinking too! [sic]."Another reader shared in their top-rated revie...

With the festive period over and 2026 officially underway, keen readers will already be planning what they'll be reading this year. If romance is one of your preferred genres, you're in luck, as bestselling author Kate Dramis has shared some of her top recommendations. Known for The Curse of Saints trilogy, Kate's next book, The Odds of You, is a contemporary romance that's like 'if The Holiday met Notting Hill'. Publishing on January 6, it follows Sage, an author with a second book to write, and Theo, a newly world-famous breakout actor. After a not-so-meet-cute on the plane on the way to New York Comic Con, they find each other again on the Isle of Skye - and maybe even fall in love in the process.Without further ado, here is Kate Dramis’ list of the top five romance books you need to...

The new year is finally here, and with it brings the release of a number of books that people can’t wait to get their hands on.There are many highly anticipated novels coming in 2026 – from thrillers that will get your blood pumping on even the coldest winter nights, to the best fiction to take to the beach with you.However, as someone who is constantly reading, there are three novels that I especially look forward to. Here are my top three books to read in 2026.Before I Knew I Loved You is Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s sixth in the ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold’ series.I read the original earlier this year, which takes us back to the magical Funiculi Funicula café.It teaches you to make the most out of every situation, but not to have any regrets, and to try and be content with the path that yo...

Readers have been voting for the book they deem to be the greatest of all time. It will come as no surprise to learn that Jane Austen has come out on top with her beloved novel, Pride and Prejudice. The novel was originally published in 1813, more than 200 years ago. Since then, the book has seen many TV and film adaptations as well as a reworked novel.Now, Goodreads fans have voted for the book to come out on top, deeming it "timeless" and "enchanting".The book's synopsis reads: "Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, follows the story of the Bennet sisters in 19th-century England, focusing on the relationship between the intelligent and independent Elizabeth Bennet and the wealthy, proud Mr. Darcy. The novel explores themes of love, social class, and reputation, as Elizabeth and Darcy m...

2026 is officially here, marking the beginning of a fresh set of New Year’s resolutions. Reducing screentime, getting fit and eating healthily are some of the most common resolutions set each year.Reading more is another common goal, with many people taking to Goodreads to set their reading goals for the coming year. But where should you start? From fantasy and romance to crime and literary fiction, here are 10 of the best books coming out this month to help you get ahead of your New Year’s resolution. And for more book recommendations, reviews and news, you can subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack. 1. Dear Debbie by Freida McFaddenDebbie Mullen is losing it. For years, she's given advice to the wives of New England, hearing from countless women who fee...

My first job was at a local independent bookshop (Image: Julien McRoberts via Getty Images)My first job was at a local independent bookshop. At the age of 16, I wasn't initially thrilled about spending my Saturday mornings organising books and serving customers, but I quickly grew fond of it. In retrospect, it's one of the best jobs I've ever had. It broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to genres and styles I wouldn't have otherwise explored, and fuelled my love for reading, reports the Express.During my time there, I witnessed people purchasing a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, crime thrillers, romance, autobiography, non-fiction and memoirs. However, certain titles consistently made their way into customers' hands over the years, despite some having been ...

If there’s one thing I love almost as much as reading, it’s talking about the books I’ve read. And having read a grand total of 185 books in 2025, it’s fair to say I’ve got lots of thoughts to share.I tend to read pretty broadly, with my top 10 list featuring picks across the fantasy, literary fiction, romance and sci-fi genres. Here are the books I just can’t stop recommending, including several that kept me up late into the night. For more book news, reviews and recommendations, you can also subscribe to The Bookish Drop, our free weekly newsletter on Substack.1. King Sorrow by Joe HillSix friends make a deadly deal with a dragon in King Sorrow, Joe Hill’s first novel in almost 10 years. We follow Arthur, Gwen, Colin, Donna, Van and Allie over the course of four decades as they’re for...