Literary fiction and psychological thrillers dominate latest Waterstone’s Ballymena bestseller chart

Classic literature, contemporary fiction and gripping thrillers continue to prove popular with readers at Waterstone’s Ballymena, with this week’s bestseller chart showcasing an eclectic mix of modern favourites and timeless classics.

Alongside the latest Top 10, the Ballymena bookshop is also highlighting half-price offers, family storytime and upcoming book club meetings for local readers.

Top 10 this week

1. 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.

2. The Widow — John Grisham

The master storyteller returns with another compelling legal thriller packed with secrets, suspense and courtroom drama.

3. The Names — Florence Knapp

A deftly structured and thought-provoking debut exploring identity, fate and the profound influence of the names we are given.

4. The Artist — Lucy Steeds

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

5. East of Eden — John Steinbeck

Widely regarded as one of the greatest American novels ever written, Steinbeck’s masterpiece explores family, morality and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

6. The Count of Monte Cristo — Alexandre Dumas

The enduring classic tale of betrayal, revenge and redemption continues to captivate generations of readers.

7. The Deal — Elle Kennedy

One of contemporary romance’s biggest success stories, this witty and heartfelt novel combines humour, chemistry and emotional depth.

8. We All Live Here — Jojo Moyes

Filled with warmth and insight, Moyes’ latest novel explores family life, relationships and the complicated realities of modern living.

9. Broken Country — Clare Leslie Hall

A beautifully observed and emotionally rich novel examining love, identity and the lingering influence of the past.

10. Victory ’45 — James Holland

The acclaimed historian delivers a vivid account of the final months of the Second World War and the dramatic events that shaped the modern world.

Half price offers

Readers can also pick up a number of bestselling titles at half price this week.

• It Could Have Been Her — Lisa Jewell

From the bestselling author of Don’t Let Him In comes another page-turning psychological thriller revolving around a woman who finds herself drawn into a web of dark motivations and secrets when she attempts to return a dog to its owner.

• Secret of Secrets — Dan Brown

An enthralling page-turner from the author of the bestselling The Da Vinci Code, The Secret of Secrets finds symbologist Robert Langdon plunged deep into the mysterious past of Prague, trying to solve the disappearance of the woman he loves.

• BBQ — Jamie Oliver

From paprika pulled pork to black pepper grilled peaches, the beloved Jamie Oliver serves up bold and smoky flavours in this must-have barbecue bible filled with tips and stunning recipes.

Storytime

Families are invited to join the team for storytime and colouring at 12pm on Saturday.

This week’s featured book is Hanna Asks For Help by Tom Percival.

Book clubs

Waterstone’s Ballymena’s popular book clubs continue to provide a welcoming space for readers to discover new authors and share recommendations.

• The next Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club takes place on Thursday 16 July at 7pm, with members discussing Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman.

Readers are invited to come along for some relaxed discussion and book chat, with new members always welcome.

• The next Romance Book Club will be held on Friday 17 July and will focus on Rachel Gillig’s The Knight and the Moth.

Fans of the genre are encouraged to come along and chat all things romance. Please note this is an 18+ book club.

With a blend of bestselling fiction, classic literature, family events and welcoming book clubs, Waterstone’s Ballymena continues to offer something for readers of all ages and interests.

Whether searching for a summer holiday read, a thoughtful gift or simply an opportunity to meet fellow book lovers, visitors will find plenty to discover on the shelves in the weeks ahead.