Land leads Waterstone’s Ballymena chart as readers embrace romance, mystery and literary fiction

Maggie O’Farrell’s Land remains at the top of the bestseller chart at Waterstone’s Ballymena this week, as readers continue to gravitate towards a mix of literary fiction, romance, mystery and crime.

The latest weekly update from the Ballymena bookshop also highlights upcoming book clubs, family storytime sessions and a host of acclaimed new titles, including several books shortlisted for this year’s Women’s Prize.

Top 10 this week

A varied selection of bestselling fiction dominates the chart this week.

1. Land — Maggie O’Farrell

The bestselling author of Hamnet returns with a richly evocative story of upheaval, loss and survival set in nineteenth-century Ireland.

2. The Deal — Elle Kennedy

A hugely popular contemporary romance that continues to attract new readers with its blend of humour, chemistry and emotional depth.

3. Rory — Alan Shipnuck

A revealing portrait of golfing superstar Rory McIlroy, exploring both his triumphs and challenges on and off the course.

4. The Artist — Lucy Steeds

A beautifully crafted historical novel rich in atmosphere, secrets and artistic ambition.

5. The Secrets We Hide — Karin Slaughter

The latest thriller from the bestselling crime writer sees Detective Emmy Clifton confronted with another disturbing murder investigation.

6. The Murder at World’s End — Ross Montgomery

A gripping mystery packed with twists and suspense from the acclaimed author.

7. The Correspondent — Virginia Evans

A charming and moving novel centred on letters, friendship and unexpected change.

8. The Long Shoe — Bob Mortimer

A delightfully eccentric mystery from the comedian and bestselling novelist.

9. The Mistake — Elle Kennedy

Another romance favourite from the bestselling author, combining humour, passion and personal growth.

10. The Score — Elle Kennedy

The popular Off-Campus series continues to resonate with romance readers.

Book clubs continue this summer

Waterstone’s Ballymena’s regular book clubs remain a popular way for readers to discover new authors and share recommendations in a relaxed setting.

• 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 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 at all book club meetings.

Storytime returns on Saturday

Families are invited to attend storytime and colouring at 12pm on Saturday 27 June.

This week’s featured book is Gretel the Wonder Mammoth by Kim Hillyard.

New titles this week

A number of highly anticipated books have arrived in store.

• The Secrets We Hide — Karin Slaughter

Return to North Falls in the follow-up to We Are All Guilty Here, as Detective Emmy Clifton investigates another shocking murder involving a mother and her teenage daughter.

• The End of Everything — M. John Harrison

A haunting and thought-provoking dystopian novel imagining Europe after an unnamed catastrophe, from one of speculative fiction’s most respected voices.

• The Defence — Rob Rinder

The fifth instalment in the bestselling Adam Green series sees the barrister defend a wellness guru’s assistant accused of murder.

Women’s Prize shortlist highlights

Several shortlisted titles are also attracting strong interest among readers.

• The Correspondent — Virginia Evans

A quietly charming and deeply human novel following Sybil Van Antwerp, whose carefully ordered life is disrupted by a letter from her past.

• Flashlight — Susan Choi

An intricately crafted novel exploring family, identity and loss through the mysterious disappearance of a father during a family holiday.

• Kingfisher — Rozie Kelly

A lyrical and psychologically rich debut centred on obsession, creativity and sacrifice.

• The Mercy Step — Marcia Hutchinson

A powerful coming-of-age story exploring family, faith and freedom through the eyes of a young Black girl growing up in 1960s Britain.

• Heart the Lover — Lily King

Filled with wit and insight, King’s novel examines the relationships that shape and challenge us over decades.

• Dominion — Addie E. Citchens

A luminous debut exploring Black womanhood, faith, family and community through the story of a minister’s wife facing turmoil after her son’s mistake.

With summer reading season in full swing, Waterstone’s Ballymena continues to offer readers a rich mix of bestselling fiction, literary discoveries and welcoming community events.

From chart-topping novels 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 in store over the weeks ahead.