Bestsellers, big laughs and book clubs: Waterstone’s Ballymena reveals this week’s Top 10

Waterstone’s Ballymena has unveiled its latest Top 10 bestselling books, with psychological thrillers, heartwarming romance and children’s favourites all performing strongly in store this week.

Freida McFadden returns to the top spot, while Dav Pilkey claims two places in the chart, and Rachel Reid continues her winning streak with not one but two romance titles in the list.

This week’s Top 10 bestselling books

1. The Housemaid — Freida McFadden

The addictive psychological thriller that follows a woman taking a housekeeping job in a wealthy household — only to discover the family’s secrets are far darker than she imagined.

2. Dog Man 14: Big Jim Believes — Dav Pilkey

The latest hilarious instalment in the wildly popular Dog Man series, packed with comic-book chaos, heart and laugh-out-loud moments for younger readers.

3. The Boy from the Sea — Garrett Carr

A beautifully observed novel set in a coastal Irish community, exploring belonging, identity and the pull of home.

4. Hamnet — Maggie O’Farrell

The award-winning literary masterpiece reimagining the life and loss behind Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, centred on love, grief and family.

5. Heated Rivalry — Rachel Reid

The red-hot queer romcom charting the fierce rivalry — and irresistible chemistry — between two professional hockey captains.

6. Game Changer — Rachel Reid

Another fan-favourite hockey romance from Reid, blending emotional depth with swoon-worthy tension on and off the ice.

7. Pagans — James Alistair Henry

A sharp and darkly comic exploration of masculinity, belief and modern disillusionment.

8. The Wasp Trap — Mark Edwards

A chilling psychological thriller where buried secrets resurface and long-held friendships unravel with deadly consequences.

9. Dog Man 13: Big Jim Begins — Dav Pilkey

The previous instalment in the Dog Man series continues to delight young readers with its anarchic humour and fast-paced adventure.

10. My Favourite Mistake — Marian Keyes

A witty and heartfelt novel exploring love, second chances and the complicated beauty of imperfect lives.

New releases in store

Waterstone’s Ballymena has also welcomed a strong selection of new fiction to its shelves this week.

• Lost Lambs — Madeline Cash

A devastatingly funny takedown of the modern American family, Cash’s bravura debut focuses on the dysfunctional Flynns and the nefarious billionaire whose exploits might just bring them all back together again.

• Bad Asians — Lillian Li

‘A story for all the formerly “gifted and talented kids”. . . offers a delightful dose of nostalgia - and an affecting interrogation of the personas we put on, both online and in real life’ Katie Yee, author of Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar

• You & Me. You & Me, You & Me — Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees

An adorable time-travelling romance from the bestselling duo, You & Me and You & Me and You & Me finds a couple whose marriage is stagnating discover a way to revisit the past and – just possibly – rekindle their spark.

• Operation Bounce House — Matt Dinniman

From the bestselling mastermind behind the Dungeon Crawler Carl series comes a riotously anarchic sci-fi adventure, as a man determined to keep his family ranch going rails against the ‘eviction action’ plan undertaken by the colossal Apex Corporation.

Events at Waterstone’s Ballymena

• Children’s Storytime

Saturday 21 February, 12pm

Join the team every Saturday for a story and colouring activities. This week’s book is Follow Me, Flo! by Jarvis.

Suitable for toddlers up to age six.

• Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club

Thursday 19 February, 7pm

This month’s read is Night Watch by Terry Pratchett.

Join the group for snacks, banter and bookish chat — everyone welcome!

• Romance Book Club

Friday 20 February, 7pm

This month’s read is Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid.

Join for snacks and steamy chat about this red-hot romance that’s taken the world by storm.

With bestselling thrillers, laugh-out-loud children’s favourites and vibrant book clubs drawing readers together, Waterstone’s Ballymena continues to be a lively hub for book lovers of all ages.