Maggie O’Farrell tops Waterstone’s Ballymena chart as summer reading season builds

Bestselling literary fiction, psychological thrillers and fantasy adventures are continuing to dominate the shelves at Waterstone’s Ballymena, with Maggie O’Farrell’s latest novel climbing to the top of this week’s bestseller chart.

The latest weekly update from the Ballymena store also highlights Father’s Day gift ideas, upcoming book clubs and a fresh selection of new paperbacks and major new releases arriving in time for summer reading season.

Top 10 this week

This week’s bestselling chart blends literary heavyweights, suspense thrillers and fantasy favourites.

1. Land — Maggie O’Farrell

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

2. Project Hail Mary — Andy Weir

A gripping sci-fi thriller following a lone astronaut on a desperate mission to save humanity.

3. The Divorce — Freida McFadden

The latest psychological thriller from the bestselling author of The Housemaid, packed with obsession, betrayal and dark twists.

4. One Year — Susan Bennett

A moving contemporary novel exploring love, change and life-defining moments.

5. The Testaments — Margaret Atwood

Atwood’s acclaimed sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale continues to captivate readers with its dystopian vision and political intrigue.

6. The New Neighbours — Claire Douglas

A tense domestic thriller where secrets and suspicion simmer beneath the surface.

7. The Ballad of Falling Dragons — Sarah A. Parker

An epic fantasy adventure filled with danger, magic and emotional intensity.

8. Deadly Silence — Jacqueline Connolly

A suspenseful crime novel layered with mystery and hidden truths.

9. The Impossible Fortune — Richard Osman

Another witty and twist-filled mystery from the bestselling author.

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

A dark and atmospheric mystery blending suspense with imaginative storytelling.

Father’s Day gift inspiration

Waterstone’s Ballymena says it has a strong selection of books and gifts available ahead of Father’s Day, with staff encouraging customers to visit in store for recommendations and ideas.

Book clubs continue this month

The store’s community book clubs continue throughout June, with organisers describing the groups as relaxed and welcoming to new readers.

• Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club

Thursday 18 June at 7pm

This month’s title is The Devils by Joe Abercrombie.

• Romance Book Club

Friday 19 June at 7pm

Readers will discuss Fever Dream by Elsie Silver. Please note this event is strictly 18+.

Tea and refreshments are provided at all sessions.

Storytime

Families are invited to attend storytime and colouring at 12pm on Saturday 13 June.

This week’s featured story is The Turtle Who Turned The Tide by Rachel Bright and Jim Field.

New titles this week

Several highly anticipated books have arrived in store this week.

• The Land — Maggie O’Farrell

The bestselling author of Hamnet delivers another richly atmospheric novel centred on family separation, colonisation and survival in nineteenth-century Ireland.

• The Calamity Club — Kathryn Stockett

The author of The Help returns with an uplifting story of friendship and resilience set during the Great Depression.

• John of John — Douglas Stuart

The Booker Prize-winning writer explores family, religion and secrecy in another emotionally powerful literary novel.

New paperbacks for summer

A number of popular titles have also arrived in paperback ahead of the busy summer reading season.

• Three Days in June — Anne Tyler

A witty and touching novel exploring love, second chances and family relationships.

• The Divorce — Freida McFadden

The bestselling thriller about obsession, betrayal and revenge continues to gain momentum among readers.

• One of Us — Elizabeth Day

A compelling thriller and family drama examining power, reputation and buried secrets.

Closing

With bestselling fiction, exciting summer paperbacks and welcoming community events continuing to attract readers through its doors, Waterstone’s Ballymena remains a popular destination for book lovers seeking everything from gripping thrillers to thoughtful literary fiction this season.