What Ballymena is reading: Local author Jan Carson tops Waterstone’s Ballymena weekly bestsellers

Waterstone’s Ballymena has unveiled its latest Top 10 bestselling books, with literary fiction, psychological thrillers and popular non-fiction continuing to shape readers’ choices as the new year gathers pace.

Northern Irish author Jan Carson tops this week’s chart, while bestselling writers Freida McFadden, Maggie O’Farrell and Mel Robbins all feature prominently.

The list reflects a broad appetite for thought-provoking fiction, comforting cookery and titles focused on wellbeing and personal growth.

This week’s Top 10 bestselling books

1. The Raptures — Jan Carson

A haunting and atmospheric novel set in rural Northern Ireland, blending the everyday with the uncanny as a close-knit community grapples with grief, faith and superstition.

2. The Housemaid — Freida McFadden

The runaway psychological thriller following a young woman whose seemingly perfect job conceals disturbing secrets and dangerous power dynamics.

3. Nesting — Roisín O’Donnell

A raw and intimate debut exploring motherhood, coercive control and the search for safety, told with emotional clarity and urgency.

4. Hamnet — Maggie O’Farrell

The multi-award-winning novel reimagining the life and loss behind Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, focusing on love, grief and creativity.

5. Mary 90 — Mary Berry

A celebratory collection of recipes marking Mary Berry’s 90th year, bringing together classic dishes and modern favourites.

6. The Brain at Rest — Joseph Jebelli

A thought-provoking exploration of rest, neuroscience and mental health, examining why downtime is essential for a healthy brain.

7. When the Cranes Fly South — Lisa Ridzen

A lyrical and reflective novel examining love, memory and human connection through a quietly moving narrative.

8. Heated Rivalry — Rachel Reid

The red-hot queer romcom charting a fierce rivalry and irresistible attraction between the captains of two competing hockey teams.

9. The Glassmaker — Tracy Chevalier

A richly imagined historical novel set in Venice, following a female glassmaker navigating art, ambition and tradition.

10. The Let Them Theory — Mel Robbins

A practical and empowering guide encouraging readers to stop over-controlling outcomes and focus on what they can change.

Harriet Tyce titles prove popular with The Traitors fans

Fans of The Traitors will be pleased to hear Waterstone’s Ballymena currently has stock of Harriet Tyce’s books, with the standout title being Blood Orange, which has been flying off the shelves.

Blood Orange follows attorney Alison as she takes on the case of a woman accused of murder whilst dancing on her own fine line between an apparently perfect life and its reckless reality.

Tyce treads a dark path, asking searching questions about guilt and innocence whilst cleverly turning the tables on accused and accuser.

New release alert

• The Persian — David McCloskey

From the author of Damascus Station and The Seventh Floor comes another fiercely intelligent page-turner set in the shadowy world of international espionage, as a Persian Jewish dentist agrees to spy for Mossad in Iran to finance a new life in California.

• Dear Debbie — Freida McFadden

From the megaselling author of the Housemaid series comes an addictive and devilishly twisty tale about a New England housewife and agony aunt seeking vengeance against those who have wronged her.

• Glyph — Ali Smith

The follow-up to Ali Smith’s luminous Gliff, Glyph unravels a story hidden in the first part of the duology, as siblings Briar and Rose navigate a state turned hostile to curiosity and understanding.

• Wreck — Catherine Newman

Abounding with wit, crisp insight and compassion, this tender-hearted, laugh-out-loud funny novel follows a loving, messy and unique family and one member who develops a disproportionate fear of accidents.

• Heated Rivalry — Rachel Reid

The red-hot queer romcom that everybody is talking about, Heated Rivalry sees the chemistry between the captains of two competing hockey teams escalate to scandalous levels.

New year, new you: Popular self-help and lifestyle reads

Waterstone’s Ballymena reports strong interest in motivational and lifestyle titles as readers set intentions for the year ahead.

• What’s Stopping You? — Timothy Armoo

From building a network from scratch to harnessing fear as fuel, entrepreneur Armoo delivers eleven no-nonsense mindset hacks for achieving your goals.

• Filling Meals — Lindsay Wilson

The Australian former footballer turns from the pitch to the kitchen in his debut cookbook, which boasts a hundred easy and irresistible recipes from choc-cherry overnight oats to stacked Mexican chicken salad.

• The Overthinker’s Guide To Making Decisions — Joseph Nguyen

The author of Don’t Believe Everything You Think delivers an empowering guide on decision-making, from making peace with past choices to developing emotional resilience.

• The Atomic Habits Workbook — James Clear

The perfect companion to James Clear’s global phenomenon Atomic Habits, offering practical ways to either acquire or discard habits.

Events at Waterstone’s Ballymena

• Children’s Storytime

Saturday 31 January, 12pm

Join the team every Saturday for a story and colouring activities. This week’s book is Rock and Roll by Ruby Amy Thompson. Suitable for toddlers up to age six.

• Fiction Book Club

Thursday 5 February, 7pm

This month’s read is Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. Join the group for coffee, cake and chat — everyone welcome!

And finally…

The January sale continues in store, with more hardback titles being added across fiction, non-fiction and children’s books.

Waterstone’s Ballymena has also brought back its popular ‘Blind Date With a Book’ displays, inviting readers to take a chance on a wrapped mystery title. The promotion has again been extended to Young Adult and Teenage ranges.