Thrillers, fantasy and local talent shape Waterstone’s Ballymena Top 10

Waterstone’s Ballymena has revealed its latest Top 10 bestselling books, with high-octane thrillers, fantasy favourites and a strong showing from local author Jan Carson reflecting another busy week for readers in the town.

From Lee Child’s latest action-driven release to rising demand for immersive fantasy and contemporary fiction, the chart highlights a wide mix of genres capturing the attention of Ballymena book lovers.

Top 10 for this week

A blend of page-turning suspense, literary fiction and escapist reads dominates this week’s list.

1. Exit Strategy — Lee Child

A fast-paced, action-packed thriller from the master of the genre, delivering tension and high stakes from the very first page.

2. The New Neighbours — Claire Douglas

A gripping psychological thriller where secrets lurk behind closed doors and nothing is quite as it seems.

3. Between Two Fires — Christopher Buehlman

A dark and atmospheric historical fantasy set against the backdrop of medieval Europe, blending horror and epic storytelling.

4. Few and Far Between — Jan Carson

A richly imaginative new novel from the acclaimed Northern Irish author, combining magical realism with deeply human themes.

5. Hekate — Nikita Gill

A lyrical and powerful reimagining of mythology, exploring transformation, identity and feminine power.

6. Rory — Alan Shipnuck

An insightful and revealing account of golfing superstar Rory McIlroy, charting his rise and career.

7. Broken Country — Clare Leslie Hall

An emotionally driven novel exploring relationships, place and personal change.

8. Shadows in the Moonlight — Santa Montefiore

A sweeping and romantic story filled with drama, intrigue and evocative settings.

9. Dungeon Crawler Carl — Matt Dinniman

A cult-favourite fantasy adventure packed with humour, chaos and high-stakes survival.

10. The Pretender — Jo Harkin

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

Children’s Top 10

Young readers continue to enjoy a mix of humour, adventure and familiar favourites.

• The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks — Katie Kirby

• The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes — Suzanne Collins

• Big Jim Believes — Dav Pilkey

• The Magic Faraway Tree — Enid Blyton

• Sleep Tight, Disgusting Blob — Huw Aaron

• That’s Not My… Farm — Fiona Watt

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot — Jeff Kinney

• The Overthinkers’ Club — Nat Luurtsema

• The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away — Sophie Anderson

• Chicken Hill: Attack of the Zombie Cactus — Beccy Blake

Saturday storytime and special local author event

Waterstone’s Ballymena continues its weekly Saturday Storytime and colouring sessions at 12pm, offering families a relaxed and welcoming space for young readers.

On Saturday 2 May, the team will read Hank Meets Frank by Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie.

A special highlight follows on Saturday 9 May, when local author Johnathan Sung will host a live reading and draw-along session at 12pm, giving children a chance to engage directly with a visiting writer.

Half price offers this week

This week’s half-price promotion includes:

• BBQ — Jamie Oliver

A bold and flavour-packed barbecue guide filled with tips and standout recipes.

• The Seriously Epic Holiday of Lottie Brooks — Katie Kirby

Join Lottie on another hilarious and relatable adventure, packed with humour and awkward moments.

New this week

A wide range of new titles has also arrived in store, spanning crime, memoir, satire and literary fiction.

• Murder in Paris ’68 — Edward Chisholm

An exploration of the high-profile investigation that saw French film star Alain Delon linked to the murder of his bodyguard.

• BBC Proms Guide 2026

A comprehensive guide featuring concert listings and expert insight into performers and repertoire.

• Hungry — Katriona O’Sullivan

A deeply personal and insightful memoir from the acclaimed author of Poor.

• Clown Town — Mick Herron

The latest instalment in the bestselling Slough House series, filled with espionage, blackmail and dark humour.

• A Deadly Episode — Anthony Horowitz

Another gripping entry in Horowitz’s hugely popular mystery series.

• Fruit Fly — Josh Silver

A darkly comic literary satire exploring identity, privilege and modern culture.

• Devotions — Lucy Caldwell

A compelling short story collection examining love, grief, longing and new beginnings.

Closing

With bestselling thrillers, imaginative children’s books and a busy programme of in-store events, Waterstone’s Ballymena continues to offer a vibrant space for readers of all ages — whether discovering a new favourite or sharing stories with the next generation.