Summer reads, thrillers and Booker Prize contenders feature in latest Waterstone’s Ballymena update

Summer fiction, psychological thrillers and literary favourites continue to capture readers’ attention at Waterstone’s Ballymena, with this week’s bestseller chart showcasing an eclectic mix of contemporary novels, timeless classics and anticipated new releases.

The latest update from the Ballymena bookshop also highlights half-price offers, new titles from bestselling authors, an exclusive Gruffalo pre-order promotion, back-to-school offers and the newly announced 2026 Booker Prize longlist.

Top 10 this week

This week’s bestselling books reflect a wide range of reading tastes, from gripping crime fiction to literary classics and family favourites.

1. Summer Island — Kristin Hannah

A moving and emotionally rich novel exploring family relationships, forgiveness and second chances against the backdrop of a beautiful island setting.

2. The Correspondent — Virginia Evans

A quietly captivating novel following Sybil Van Antwerp, whose carefully ordered life of letters is unexpectedly transformed by a message from her past.

3. Getting Away With Murder — Shari Lapena

The bestselling thriller writer delivers another deliciously twisty tale, as a status-obsessed couple resort to desperate measures to protect the life they have built.

4. My Husband’s Wife — Alice Feeney

A tense psychological thriller packed with secrets, deception and unexpected twists that keep readers guessing until the final page.

5. Secret of Secrets — Dan Brown

Robert Langdon returns in another globe-spanning mystery, investigating the disappearance of the woman he loves while uncovering hidden secrets beneath the streets of Prague.

6. Paper Heart — Cecelia Ahern

A heartfelt and uplifting novel from the bestselling Irish author, exploring love, hope and the unexpected turns life can take.

7. The Odyssey (Emily Wilson translation)

Emily Wilson’s acclaimed modern translation breathes fresh life into Homer’s epic tale of adventure, loyalty and homecoming.

8. Tall Tale of the Giant’s Causeway — Lari Don

A beautifully retold version of one of Ireland’s best-loved legends, perfect for younger readers and families alike.

9. The Eights — Joanna Miller

An engaging historical novel blending friendship, ambition and resilience with richly drawn characters.

10. The Family Friend — Claire Douglas

Another gripping psychological thriller from the bestselling author, where buried secrets threaten to destroy seemingly perfect lives.

Half-price offers

Readers can also take advantage of this week’s half-price promotions.

• BBQ — Jamie Oliver

From paprika pulled pork to black pepper grilled peaches, Jamie Oliver serves up bold flavours and practical advice in this comprehensive guide to outdoor cooking.

• Getting Away With Murder — Shari Lapena

From the author of She Didn’t See It Coming comes a wickedly entertaining thriller in which a status-obsessed couple resort to murder to preserve their seemingly perfect lives.

New releases

Several exciting new books have arrived on the shelves this week.

• One Of Us Is Guilty — Steve Cavanagh

Maverick lawyer Eddie Flynn returns in another white-knuckle legal thriller as both members of a wealthy couple stand accused of murdering the woman with whom the husband was having an affair.

• A Snake Among Swans — Hannah Kaner

The author of the acclaimed Fallen Gods trilogy returns with an epic fantasy of betrayal, revenge and female rage as the last surviving heir of a conquered kingdom infiltrates an ageing warlord’s court.

Half-price pre-order

Gruffalo Granny — Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler

Return to the deep dark wood in the first new Gruffalo story for more than 20 years, introducing Gruffalo Granny in a brand-new adventure. Customers can pre-order the book at half price.

Storytime

Families are invited to join Waterstone’s Ballymena for storytime and colouring on Saturday 8 August at 12pm.

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

Back to school

The store’s buy one, get one half-price offer continues across selected primary and secondary revision guides.

Waterstone’s Ballymena also has a wide range of books designed to help children prepare for and enjoy the return to school.

Introducing the Booker Prize Longlist

Readers can also browse all 13 titles shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize, all of which are available in store.

The 2026 longlist includes:

• All Them Dogs — Djamel White

• Black Bag — Luke Kennard

• The Disappears — Marlon James

• The End of Everything — M. John Harrison

• Helen of Nowhere — Makenna Goodman

• John of John — Douglas Stuart

• May We Feed the King — Rebecca Perry

• The Palm House — Gwendoline Riley

• The Renovation — Kenan Orhan

• The Shadow of the Object — Chloe Aridjis

• Switzy — Emma Cline

• The Things We Never Say — Elizabeth Strout

• The Vivesectors — Missouri Williams

With bestselling fiction, exclusive offers, exciting pre-orders and a busy programme of family events, Waterstone’s Ballymena continues to provide something for readers of every age and interest.

Whether you’re searching for a gripping summer thriller, a literary award contender, a book for a young reader or simply your next great read, there’s plenty to discover on the shelves in the weeks ahead.