Waterstone’s Ballymena reveals this week’s Top 10 bestsellers, Easter reads and upcoming events

From Freida McFadden’s gripping psychological thrillers to Easter-themed children’s favourites, Waterstone’s Ballymena has unveiled its latest Top 10 bestselling books alongside half-price highlights, storytime fun and upcoming events for readers of all ages.

This week’s Top 10 bestselling books

Psychological suspense dominates this week’s chart, with Freida McFadden claiming both the top two spots as readers continue to devour her addictive thrillers.

1. The Tenant – Freida McFadden

A tense and twist-filled psychological thriller following a seemingly ordinary rental arrangement that spirals into something far more sinister.

2. Dear Debbie – Freida McFadden

Another gripping page-turner from the bestselling author, packed with secrets, deception and shocking revelations.

3. Hekate – Nikita Gill

A powerful and poetic reimagining of the Greek goddess Hecate, blending mythology, feminism and lyrical storytelling.

4. Addicted To Anxiety – Owen O’Kane

A practical and insightful guide exploring the roots of anxiety and offering tools to better understand and manage mental wellbeing.

5. Girl Moments – Coco Wyo

A warm and relatable celebration of friendship, self-expression and the small moments that define modern life.

6. The Family Friend – Claire Douglas

A suspenseful psychological drama in which a mysterious inheritance leads a woman to uncover unsettling links to her own past.

7. When The Cranes Fly South – Lisa Ridzén

A moving and atmospheric novel exploring relationships, memory and the passage of time.

8. Rasputin – Anthony Beevor

A richly detailed historical account of the infamous mystic whose influence over the Russian royal family became the stuff of legend.

9. Broken Country – Clare Leslie Hall

A compelling work of fiction exploring identity, belonging and the emotional ties that shape our lives.

10. Flashlight – Susan Choi

A beautifully written literary novel examining family dynamics, love and the complexities of identity across generations.

Half-price highlights

This week’s half-price offers include a mix of lifestyle inspiration and gripping fiction:

• My Gardening Life – Mary Berry

The beloved food writer, cook and television presenter introduces readers to her love of gardening in this highly personal account of her horticultural challenges and triumphs over the years.

• The Family Friend – Claire Douglas

From the bestselling queen of the psychological thriller comes another page-turning masterclass in suspense, as a woman investigates the mysterious death of a reclusive artist who unexpectedly names her in a will.

Children’s Storytime

Families are invited to the next Children’s Storytime on Saturday 28th March at 12pm, featuring story reading and colouring activities.

This week’s book is Unexpected Guests by Mariajo Ilustrajo, a delightful and imaginative tale perfect for young readers.

The event is suitable for toddlers up to age six, offering a fun and welcoming environment for little book lovers.

Fiction Book Club

The next Fiction Book Club will take place on Thursday 7th April at 7pm, where readers will discuss A Schooling in Murder by Andrew Taylor.

Organisers describe the group as informal and welcoming, adding:

“We’re an informal group of various ages that love a bit of laughter. Do come along - new members are always welcome.”

Author event with Jan Carson

Waterstone’s Ballymena will also host a special author event on Thursday 16th April at 7pm, welcoming acclaimed Northern Irish writer Jan Carson.

The author will read from and discuss her new novel Few and Far Between, offering fans a chance to hear directly about her latest work and creative process.

Easter Reading for Children

With the Easter holidays approaching, the store is highlighting a selection of egg-cellent children’s books to keep young readers entertained:

• The Dinosaur That Pooped Easter! – Dougie Poynter, Tom Fletcher & Garry Parsons

• That’s Not My… Easter Egg – Fiona Watt

• We’re Going on an Egg Hunt – Martha Mumford

• Where’s Bluey at Easter

• The Easter Story – Brian Wildsmith

• Happy Easter from the Crayons – Drew Daywalt & Oliver Jeffers

These colourful and engaging titles offer a mix of humour, adventure and seasonal storytelling perfect for the school holidays.