Bestsellers, book clubs and debut fiction spotlight feature in latest Waterstone’s Ballymena update

A mixture of thrillers, literary fiction, graphic novels and contemporary drama dominates the latest bestseller chart at Waterstone’s Ballymena, as readers continue to embrace an eclectic mix of genres heading into the summer months.

The latest weekly update from the Ballymena bookshop also highlights upcoming book clubs, family storytime sessions and a host of acclaimed new releases, including several titles shortlisted for the prestigious Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize.

This week’s Top 10 bestselling books

1. Gone Before Goodbye — Harlan Coben & Reese Witherspoon

A gripping collaboration between the master of suspense and the award-winning actress and producer, this page-turning thriller combines family secrets, emotional stakes and twists that keep readers guessing until the final pages.

2. We All Live Here — Jojo Moyes

Filled with warmth, humour and emotional intelligence, Moyes’ latest novel explores family life, relationships and the messy realities of modern living.

3. The Correspondent — Virginia Evans

A quietly charming and deeply moving novel centred on Sybil Van Antwerp, whose carefully ordered life of letters and correspondence is disrupted by an unexpected message from her past.

4. The Divorce — Freida McFadden

From the bestselling author of The Housemaid comes another deliciously dark thriller, as a woman navigating divorce becomes dangerously interested in her husband’s new partner.

5. Batman: Under the Red Hood — Judd Winick & James Starlin

One of the most acclaimed Batman stories ever written, this graphic novel sees Gotham shaken by the mysterious arrival of a ruthless new vigilante with ties to Bruce Wayne’s past.

6. The Artist — Lucy Steeds

Richly evocative of a Provençal summer, Steeds’ beautifully crafted historical novel follows an enigmatic painter, an ambitious journalist and a young woman harbouring secrets of her own.

7. Diddly Squat: The Farmer’s Dog — Jeremy Clarkson

The latest tale from Clarkson’s farming adventures delivers the humour, chaos and hard-won lessons that fans of Clarkson’s Farm have come to love.

8. The Predicament — William Boyd

A compelling and elegant literary novel from one of Britain’s finest storytellers, exploring identity, consequence and the unpredictable turns life can take.

9. The Score — Elle Kennedy

The latest fan favourite from the hugely successful Off-Campus series blends romance, humour and emotional depth in equal measure.

10. A Schooling in Murder — Andrew Taylor

A masterclass in historical crime fiction, Taylor’s latest mystery combines political intrigue, murder and atmospheric period detail.

Book clubs

Waterstone’s Ballymena’s regular book clubs continue throughout the summer, offering readers an opportunity to discover new authors and share recommendations in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

• Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club

This month’s selection is Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman.

The discussion takes place on Thursday 16 July at 7pm and new members are always welcome.

• Romance Book Club

Readers will be discussing The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig on Friday 17 July at 7pm.

Please note this is an 18+ event.

Tea and refreshments are provided during all book club meetings.

Storytime

Families are invited to join the store’s weekly storytime and colouring session at 12pm on Saturday 4 July.

This week’s featured book is The Little Prince by Louise Greig.

New titles this week

A number of highly anticipated new books have arrived in store.

• Natural Disaster — Lisa Owens

Set across a single 24-hour period, Owens’ latest novel explores the absurdity, humour and exhaustion of modern womanhood, motherhood and relationships.

• People in Love — Claire Daverley

The author of Talking at Night returns with an emotional story of friendship, love and second chances as an unexpected visitor arrives during an engagement celebration.

• The Ballad of Ronan McCoy — Colin Morgan

The actor’s debut novel is a moving coming-of-age story exploring friendship, grief and growing up in the shadow of tragedy.

Waterstone’s debut fiction prize shortlist

Several shortlisted titles are already attracting considerable attention from readers.

• A Private Man — Stephanie Sy-Quia

A beautifully written exploration of faith, sacrifice and forbidden relationships set within a Catholic college community.

• Honey in the Wound — Jiyoung Han

A sweeping intergenerational epic spanning ninety years of Asian history through the lens of magical realism.

• The Infamous Gilberts — Tomaski

A gothic and darkly comic novel following five fatherless siblings through the upheavals of the twentieth century.

• Lost Lambs — Madeline Cash

A sharp and devastatingly funny portrait of family dysfunction and wealth in modern America.

• May We Feed The King — Rebecca Perry

A richly imaginative historical novel that blends psychology, history and intrigue within a medieval royal court.

• Under Water — Tara Menon

A poignant exploration of grief, friendship and environmental change set against the backdrop of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.

With summer reading season now firmly underway, Waterstone’s Ballymena continues to offer a diverse mix of bestselling fiction, literary discoveries and welcoming community events for readers of all ages.

From chart-topping thrillers and award contenders to family storytimes and lively book club discussions, the store remains a popular destination for book lovers across the Ballymena area.

Whether searching for a holiday read, a new favourite author or simply an opportunity to connect with fellow readers, visitors will find plenty to inspire them on the shelves in the weeks ahead.