New Top 10s, storytime and Jan Carson visit at Waterstone’s Ballymena

Waterstone’s Ballymena has released its latest weekly round-up, with bestselling fiction, a strong children’s chart and an eagerly anticipated author event all helping to keep the town’s reading community buzzing this spring.

From historical intrigue and psychological suspense to family-friendly storytime sessions and new literary releases, this week’s update offers something for readers of every age.

Adult Top 10 This Week

A diverse range of genres dominates this week’s bestselling fiction list, blending historical drama, crime and literary fiction.

1. The Pretender — Jo Harkin

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

2. A Rebel and a Traitor — Rory Carroll

A gripping narrative exploring conflict, loyalty and the human stories behind political upheaval.

3. The Tarot Reader of Versailles — Anya Bergman

A sweeping historical tale steeped in mystery, power and the opulence of the French court.

4. The Crimson Moth — Kristen Ciccarelli

A darkly enchanting fantasy romance packed with danger, secrets and spellbinding world-building.

5. The Truth About Ruby Cooper — Liz Nugent

A compelling psychological thriller from the bestselling Irish author known for sharp twists and dark character studies.

6. Fundamentally — Nussaibah Younis

A thought-provoking and timely work examining identity, politics and contemporary life.

7. Children of Radium — Joe Dunthorne

A powerful literary work exploring family history, legacy and memory.

8. Nobody’s Fool — Harlan Coben

A fast-paced thriller from the master of suspense, filled with secrets, lies and shocking revelations.

9. Wolf Hour — Jo Nesbo

A tense, atmospheric crime thriller from the bestselling Scandinavian noir writer.

10. A Woman of Substance — Barbara Taylor Bradford

The timeless classic charting one woman’s extraordinary rise to power and success.

Children’s Top 10

Young readers continue to be well catered for, with humour, interactive books and family favourites leading the way.

1. Megalomaniacs — Jamie Smart

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

2. Sleep Tight, Disgusting Blob — Huw Aaron

A wonderfully silly bedtime story guaranteed to delight younger readers.

3. Dog Man: Big Jim Believes — Dav Pilkey

The latest adventure in the bestselling Dog Man series.

4. That’s Not My… Bunny — Fiona Watt, Rachel Wells

A touch-and-feel favourite perfect for younger children.

5. Dog Man: Big Jim Begins — Dav Pilkey

Another popular instalment in the mega-selling graphic novel series.

6. Baby Tractor! — DK

A bright and engaging board book for little vehicle lovers.

7. That’s Not My… Easter Egg — Fiona Watt, Rachel Wells

A festive seasonal favourite for toddlers.

8. Five Little Lambs — Alex Barrow

A charming springtime board book ideal for younger readers.

9. Pop-Up Peekaboo! Bedtime — DK

An interactive bedtime book designed for pre-schoolers.

10. Ten Minutes To Bed: Where’s Little Chick? — Rhiannon Fielding, Chris Chatterton

A beautifully illustrated bedtime adventure.

Weekend Storytime Sessions

Families are invited to join Waterstone’s Ballymena for storytime and colouring on:

• Saturday 11 April at 12pm

• Sunday 12 April at 3pm

This week’s featured read is Monkeypig by Huw Aaron.

An Evening With Jan Carson

One of the standout events in the coming weeks is An Evening With Jan Carson.

The acclaimed local author 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 Jan read from the book, take part in a Q&A session and purchase signed copies on the night. Refreshments will also be provided.

New Releases in Store

Several notable literary titles have also landed on shelves this week.

• Upward Bound — Woody Brown

A highly original and heart-warming debut exploring the intersecting lives within a Los Angeles daycare centre for the disabled community.

• The Palm House — Gwendoline Riley

A beautifully observed and wryly comic exploration of friendship, grief and emotional reckoning.

• Son of Nobody — Yann Martel

From the Booker Prize-winning author of Life of Pi, this humane and moving novel examines family, regret and grief through a lost account of the Trojan War.