Waterstone’s Ballymena reveals this week’s Top 10 bestsellers, new releases and upcoming events

From gripping crime novels to children’s favourites and bestselling thrillers, Waterstone’s Ballymena has revealed its latest Top 10 bestselling books alongside exciting new arrivals, children’s storytime and upcoming book club meetings.

The weekly round-up from the Ballymena bookshop highlights the titles currently flying off the shelves, as well as the newest releases readers should keep an eye out for.

This Week’s Top 10 Bestselling Books

Leading the chart this week is Andrew Taylor’s gripping historical crime novel A Schooling in Murder, followed by a strong line-up of contemporary fiction, thrillers and family favourites.

1. A Schooling in Murder – Andrew Taylor

A gripping historical mystery set within the shadowy halls of an English public school, where secrets, ambition and murder collide in a chilling investigation.

2. Confessions – Catherine Airey

A compelling literary debut exploring guilt, memory and identity, as a woman confronts buried truths from her past.

3. Wolf Hour – Jo Nesbø

The Norwegian master of dark crime fiction returns with a tense and atmospheric thriller filled with psychological suspense and unexpected twists.

4. Flashlight – Susan Choi

A beautifully crafted literary novel examining family, identity and belonging through the lives of characters navigating love and loss across generations.

5. Dear Debbie – Freida McFadden

From the bestselling author of The Housemaid comes another addictive psychological thriller packed with shocking secrets and twists.

6. My Gardening Life – Mary Berry

Britain’s beloved cookery icon shares her passion for gardening, offering reflections, stories and inspiration from her lifelong love of plants and outdoor spaces.

7. Long Island – Colm Tóibín

The acclaimed sequel to Brooklyn, continuing the story of Eilis Lacey as she navigates marriage, identity and the pull between Ireland and America.

8. Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas – Dav Pilkey

The wildly popular children’s graphic novel series continues with another hilarious and action-packed adventure for Dog Man and his friends.

9. The Dose Effect – TJ Power

A practical guide exploring how brain chemistry influences mood, focus and motivation, offering insights into boosting wellbeing and productivity.

10. Cozy Friends – Coco Wyo

A charming and comforting illustrated book celebrating friendship and warmth, perfect for readers looking for a cosy escape.

Children’s Storytime

Families are invited to the next Children’s Storytime at Waterstone’s Ballymena on Saturday 21st March at 12pm.

Young readers will enjoy a story and colouring activities as staff read Skunk and Sniffy by Muireann Ní Choibháin and Paddy Donnelly.

The event is suitable for toddlers up to age six, making it the perfect weekend outing for families.

New Books Arriving in Store

A number of exciting titles have also landed on the shelves this week.

• Between Two Fires – Christopher Buehlman

A sensational medieval horror centred on an uncanny plague orphan with an apocalyptic prophecy. Between Two Fires is a visceral descent into superstition and terror that is not for the faint-hearted.

• Look What You Made Me Do – John Lanchester

The worlds of affluent North Londoner Kate and ambitious young screenwriter Phoebe collide spectacularly in this compelling and darkly funny tale of entitlement, betrayal and life behind façades.

• My Husband’s Wife – Alice Feeney

Layered with unforeseeable twists and cliffhangers, this unputdownable domestic thriller finds two women living in the same house, each claiming that the same man is their husband.

• A Beautiful Loan – Mary Costello

“A beautiful, compulsive novel of love, loss and courage.”

Critic Sinead Gleeson described it as:

“An exceptional, compulsive novel of love, loss and courage. Told in poetic, clear-eyed prose, A Beautiful Loan is heart-breaking but unsentimental, and easily Costello’s best work yet.”

• Judge Stone – Viola Davis and James Patterson

Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis teams up with blockbuster thriller writer James Patterson for an unputdownable courtroom drama introducing the formidable Judge Stone.

Game of the Month

Waterstone’s Ballymena is also highlighting Truth or Trap, a fast-paced guessing game filled with surprising facts and mischievous twists.

Players secretly bet paw tokens on their answers, but must get both guesses correct to win. Incorrect answers cost players their bets and one of the shared Nine Lives. When all lives are gone, the round ends and the player with the most tokens wins a Golden Sardine.

The game is suitable for ages eight and above and works for groups of two or more players.

Upcoming Book Club Meetings

Waterstone’s Ballymena continues to host a range of informal book clubs welcoming readers of all backgrounds.

• Sci-Fi and Fantasy Book Club

The next meeting takes place on 19 March at 7pm, where members will discuss Pagans by James Alistair Henry. The group welcomes readers of all ages and promises lively conversation and plenty of laughter.

• Romance Book Club

The Romance Book Club will meet on 20 March at 7pm to discuss Bad Bishop by L. J. Shen.

New members are welcome, though the discussion group is strictly for readers aged 18 and over.