Bestsellers, book clubs and Jan Carson event keep Waterstone’s Ballymena busy this April

Saturday 11 April 2026

Waterstone’s Ballymena has unveiled its latest weekly round-up, with a fresh Top 10 bestselling list, family storytime sessions, book club dates and a highly anticipated visit from acclaimed local author Jan Carson all on the calendar this month.

From crime thrillers and fantasy to children’s favourites and contemporary literary fiction, the latest chart reflects a broad mix of tastes among local readers as the spring season continues.

Top 10 for This Week

This week’s bestselling list sees thrillers, humour and literary fiction sitting side by side, with titles for both adults and younger readers proving popular.

1. The Pretender — Jo Harkin

A richly layered historical novel filled with deception, ambition and intrigue.

2. The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks — Katie Kirby

The latest laugh-out-loud instalment in the hugely popular children’s series, following Lottie’s chaotic holiday adventures.

3. Wolf Hour — Jo Nesbo

A tense, atmospheric crime thriller from the master of Scandinavian noir.

4. Murder at Gulls Nest — Jess Kidd

A gripping mystery packed with atmosphere, secrets and Kidd’s signature sharp storytelling.

5. Broken Country — Clare Leslie Hall

A deeply emotional and immersive novel exploring relationships, identity and the ties that bind.

6. Exit Strategy — Lee Child

A fast-paced thriller from the bestselling master of action and suspense.

7. A Rebel and a Traitor — Rory Carroll

A compelling narrative of conflict, loyalty and the human stories behind political turmoil.

8. Sleep Tight, Disgusting Blob — Huw Aaron

A delightfully silly and imaginative children’s bedtime read.

9. Megalomaniacs: The Invasion Begins — Jamie Smart

Another energetic, laugh-out-loud adventure from one of children’s publishing’s most popular creators.

10. We All Live Here — Jojo Moyes

A warm and emotionally resonant story exploring relationships, family and belonging.

Half Price Offers

The current half-price promotion runs until 15 April and includes two new releases:

• The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks by Katie Kirby

• Air Fryer Light and Easy from Pinch of Nom

The offer gives readers the chance to pick up two of the season’s most popular titles at a reduced price.

Saturday Storytime

The next storytime and colouring session will take place on Saturday 18 April at 12pm.

Families are invited to join the team as they read The Wonder by Tom Percival.

An Evening With Jan Carson

A major highlight this month is the upcoming event with local author Jan Carson.

Carson will visit the store on Thursday 16 April at 7pm to celebrate her new novel, Few and Far Between.

Guests will have the opportunity to hear the author read from the book, take part in a Q&A session and purchase signed copies on the night. Refreshments will also be available.

Monthly Book Clubs

Waterstone’s Ballymena’s popular monthly book clubs continue throughout April.

• Romance Book Club

Friday 17 April, 7pm

This month’s title is The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli. Please note this event is strictly 18+.

• Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club

Thursday 23 April, 7pm

This month’s discussion will centre on Hekate by Nikita Gill.

New Releases

Several highly anticipated titles have arrived in store this week.

• Celestial Lights — Cecile Pin

From the author of the former Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize-shortlisted Wandering Souls comes a compassionate and heartbreaking story of space, sacrifice and the inexorable march of time, as a famous astronaut reflects on his closest relationships during a ten-year mission to a distant moon.

• Everything That Is Beautiful — Louise Nealon

Told through the perspectives of three very different women, Everything That Is Beautiful unfolds the story of one complicated family in startlingly honest prose.

By turns funny and deeply moving, and with unmatched emotional intelligence, this is an unforgettable story of love and family, heartbreak and hope.

• Whatever Happened to Madeline Stone? — Louise O’Neill

“A glamorous, sexy, fascinating read about damaged people and what really happens to child-stars” — Marian Keyes.

Closing

With bestselling fiction, family-friendly events and one of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated authors returning to the store, Waterstone’s Ballymena continues to offer something for every reader this spring.

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At a Glance

• New weekly Top 10 bestselling books released

• Half-price offer runs until 15 April

• Storytime returns on 18 April

• Jan Carson author event takes place on 16 April

• Romance and fantasy book clubs scheduled this month

• New literary fiction releases now available in store