30 best romance books to make you believe in love again: From Emily Henry to Jilly Cooper
Will it be love at first page? Crack open one of these swoon-worthy romances and find out.
There’s a reason romance novels are one of the most popular genres out there; there’s something universally compelling about love, and the whirlwind experience of falling into it. While the genre is sometimes dismissed, the sales figures and massive social media followings tell a very different story. Simply put: we can’t resist a good love story. And sometimes, we need one. Whether it’s after being ghosted, attending yet another wedding solo, or discovering your partner has still left their socks on the floor, romance fiction offers the perfect escape. When dating apps feel exhausting or your other half is working late again, it’s time to turn to a novel that reminds you what falling in love can feel like. From Emily Henry’s sun-soaked tales of self-discovery to Jilly Cooper’s glamorous, high-stakes romantic sagas, these 30 books prove that romance at its best can make you fall in love with every page. Spanning first crushes, second chances, enemies-to-lovers tension and heart-racing chemistry, they capture love in all its messy, magical glory, and might just make you believe in it all over again. 30 best romance books Into the Blue by Emma Brodie You Again by Kate Goldbeck Every Summer After by Carley Fortune Happy Ending by Chloe Liese And Now, Back to You by BK Borison Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella Beach Read by Emily Henry As a Last Resort by Kristin Wollett Rivals by Jilly Cooper Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt Funny Story by Emily Henry We Met Like This by Kasie West Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff First-Time Caller by BK Borison Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter Dukes and Dekes by Torie Jean The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks The High Dive by Chelsea Fagan Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey The Hating Game by Sally Thorne The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn August Lane by Regina Black 1. Into the Blue by Emma Brodie A common misconception is that romance novels are all sunshine and rainbows, or that falling in love is always a purely joyful experience. In reality, true love often has a messy middle, but it’s worth it in the end, and Into the Blue captures that perfectly. AJ and Noah are acting partners whose connection deepens into something that goes beyond sexual tension or conventional romance; it feels almost embedded in their DNA. Over the decades, they find themselves drifting in and out of each other’s orbit, held apart by circumstance and an undeniable truth, yet continually pulled back together by an unbreakable bond. Can love really overcome anything… and, perhaps more importantly, should it? 2. You Again by Kate Goldbeck Inspired by one of the greatest romcoms ever made, When Harry Met Sally, this book is proof that opposites really can attract. Just as the pairing of an extroverted woman and an introverted man can be the perfect balance in a relationship, so too can a commitment-phobic woman and a hopeless romantic man go the distance – it just might take a decade or so. Ari and Josh hate each other at first sight. Every encounter only makes things worse, until they unexpectedly cross paths again at some of their lowest points. What follows is the slow evolution of a deep, vulnerable friendship, one that is clearly destined to become something more. Filled with sharp observations and sizzling chemistry, this is a story that practically begs to be experienced as an audiobook on your daily commute. 3. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune Soon to be a brand new Prime Video series, make sure you catch the book first. This romance novel is perfect for fans of Emily Henry’s travel-infused love stories, blending emotional depth with irresistible nostalgia. Spanning six years, it tells a friends-to-lovers story that didn’t quite go to plan. Persephone returns to Barry’s Bay, where she’ll meet Sam once again and be forced to confront the mistakes she thought she’d left behind. What follows is a hazy, nostalgic exploration of the choices that shape us, and whether it’s ever truly too late to make the right one. 4. Happy Ending by Chloe Liese The newest release on this list of romance novels – and one you won’t want to miss – leans into one of the most delicious, chaotic tropes of all: fake dating. Thea and Alex have three things in common: they love food, they hate where they live, and they’re both divorced. Oh, and their exes immediately got together after those divorces. What starts as a convenient arrangement soon evolves into something more complicated. They play at being first loves and, in the process, find an unexpected friendship. But when their lie is put to the test during a group holiday, the stakes are raised. Can they keep up the act and, more importantly, will pretending to be in love turn into the real thing? 5. And Now, Back to You by BK Borison Two competing meteorologists with no love lost between them, Jackson Clark and Delilah Stewart, have had more than their fair share of clashes over the years and have long since concluded they are complete opposites. Jackson thrives on routine and control, delivering forecasts from the safety of his radio booth, while Delilah prefers spontaneity and adventure out in the field, chasing the story as it unfolds. When they are unexpectedly paired together to cover the snowstorm of the century, tensions are forced into close quarters. She’s determined to be taken more seriously as a journalist, and in turn, she pushes him to rediscover the sense of fun he’s long buried. But as the storm rolls in and they’re stranded in the mountains together, the question remains: will this forced partnership change everything between them, or is it just a passing weather front? 6. Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella Emma Corrigan is a young woman with a huge heart, an irrepressible spirit, and a few very well-guarded secrets. She’s kept those secrets tightly under wraps, until a turbulent flight leaves her fearing the worst, and she ends up spilling everything to a handsome stranger sitting beside her. At least, he was a stranger at the time. Because when she returns to work, she discovers that the man she confessed all her most humiliating truths to is actually her company’s elusive CEO — the very person she most needs to impress. This romance book forces us to face the ultimate question: can someone still fall for you after discovering all of your worst mistakes? 7. Beach Read by Emily Henry If there’s a book that can make you believe in love again, it’s Beach Read. This beloved novel literally follows January as she tries to rediscover her faith in happily ever afters – how relatable. A romance writer who has lost belief in true love finds herself next door to Gus, a literary fiction author who would rather kill off his entire cast than write a happy ending. Stuck in creative ruts, the pair strike an unlikely deal: they’ll swap genres for the summer. As they challenge each other to write either doomed or hopeful stories, they begin to unravel something far more compelling than their manuscripts. Somewhere along the way, they might just end up writing their own happy ending. If anything can restore your faith in modern romance, it’s an Emily Henry novel. And they just cast the upcoming film adaptation… 8. As a Last Resort by Kristin Wollett Sam left her small-town Florida roots behind years ago and never looked back. But when her work nemesis falls ill, she’s forced to take his place on a resort development project – right in the hometown she swore she’d escaped. Suddenly, Sam is face-to-face with everything she ran from: her addicted mother, her estranged best friend and the high school bullies now settled down with families of their own. The one bright spot? Austin Marcs, the town golden boy and her childhood crush, who seems determined to swoop in whenever she needs saving. Their chemistry is undeniable, but how can Sam imagine a future with someone so tied to the very place she can’t stand? Tender, heartfelt and layered with grief, this romance doesn’t just make you root for the love story; you’ll find yourself falling for Sam herself. 9. Rivals by Jilly Cooper If you love your romance messy, glamorous and sprawling, Jilly Cooper’s Rivals is the ultimate guilty pleasure. Set in the cut-throat world of 1980s British television, it follows rival producers Rupert Campbell-Black (charismatic, arrogant and dangerously irresistible) and Declan O’Hara (idealistic, passionate and just as infuriating). Between on-set feuds, scandalous affairs and enough drama to fill a soap opera, Rivals delivers both sizzling romance and biting satire. Think Succession meets Love Actually, with even more bed-hopping and backstabbing. Top it off by watching the Disney+ series just in time for the second season! 10. Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt Divorce is a reality for many of us, which makes it especially heartwarming to see it explored in novels – even when it’s two exes trying to make things work. Wren and Ellis fell in love as teenagers, had their son Sam, and built a life together in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon. They were perfect for each other... until they weren’t. Now in their late 30s and sending their son off to college, Ellis convinces Wren to take an extended road trip back to Spunes to see if they can give their relationship one last chance. Everything feels right in the present, but can they truly overcome the past to build a future together? With sweeping coastal scenery, tender romance and the emotional weight of second chances, this story perfectly captures love, regret and hope. 11. Funny Story by Emily Henry Emily Henry is basically the Taylor Swift of romance novels: beloved by millions, endlessly quotable and a loud-and-proud Swiftie herself (with plenty of references tucked into her books). Funny Story might just be her best yet, thanks to a one-of-a-kind love interest: Miles, a tattooed, weed-smoking golden retriever of a man. The story follows Daphne, a small-town librarian whose fiancé dumps her for his childhood best friend (AKA the woman he claims is “like a sister”). Left stranded in Michigan, she moves in with Miles, the ex left behind on the other side of the break-up. When the two team up for a fake-dating scheme to make their exes jealous, Miles sets out to help Daphne fall for Michigan... but she just might fall for something, or someone, else entirely. 12. We Met Like This by Kasie West Too many of us can see ourselves in Margot Hart: a hopeless romantic determined to meet her soulmate the old-fashioned way. The snag? Her most consistent “relationship” is with Oliver, a guy she can’t stop rematching with on dating apps. They’re obviously not compatible... except, well, maybe physically. But when Margot loses her dream job as a literary agent and Oliver suddenly stumbles back into her orbit, she starts to wonder if he’s not the wrong fit after all. Maybe the real issue isn’t him... It’s her. This book might just convince you to download dating apps again! 13. Done and Dusted by Lyla Sage Town’s bad boy? Her brother’s best friend? Stuck back in the hometown she worked so hard to escape? Sign us up! Lyla Sage delivers a cowboy romance with all the sparks, heat, and small-town drama you could want. After an accident leaves Emmy unable to ride, she’s forced to return to the hometown she’s always tried to leave behind. Luke, Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and perpetual bachelor, used to tease her relentlessly, but now he can’t take his eyes off her. As Emmy rediscovers her spark, and Luke wrestles with feelings he can’t ignore, both must decide whether this fiery connection will heal them or leave them burned. 14. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston If you’re looking for the ultimate rivals-to-lovers romance, Red, White & Royal Blue is globally revered for a reason. Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, does not get along with Prince Henry of Wales. But when a very public international scandal forces them into a fake friendship, sparks start flying in ways neither expected. Between secret emails, stolen kisses, and the weight of the crown versus the White House, this book balances political drama with swoony romance. It’s cheeky, heartfelt and pure fanfic come to life. It’s the kind of love story that makes history feel sexy. 15. It Happened on a Sunday by Tracy Wolff If you’ve been swooning over Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, you’ll love this (completely unrelated) romance between a pop star and a football player. Sloane Walker has been chewed up and spat out by the press before, and she’s learned to protect herself with sharp eyeliner and an even sharper attitude. To her, Mateo – the golden-boy athlete and media darling – is nothing more than a convenient photo op. But when he starts to look past the armour and really see her, Sloane realises there’s more to Mateo than headlines and highlight reels. The cameras may be watching, but the only sparks that matter are the ones flying between them. 16. First-Time Caller by BK Borison If Sleepless in Seattle is your favourite Meg Ryan movie, you’ll fall head over heels for this charming love story. Aiden Valentine hosts a romance hotline, but he’s lost his own faith in love. Lucie Stone, a single mum juggling everything, doesn’t realise that her daughter secretly called the show for dating advice on her behalf. As Baltimore becomes captivated by their story and everyone roots for Lucie to find her happy ending, sparks start flying behind the scenes. Suddenly, the romance isn’t just on-air, it might just be real. Cosy, heartfelt, and full of swoon, this novel is perfect for fans of unexpected love and tender second chances. 17. Well, Actually by Mazey Eddings Fans of Chicken Shop Date will love this seemingly inspired romcom, where Eva Kitt hosts Sausage Talk: a quirky show interviewing B-list celebrities over lukewarm hot dogs. But when her off-the-cuff rant about her college ex goes viral, Eva suddenly finds herself in the spotlight. The catch? Said ex is Rylie Cooper, a social media golden boy who’s built a career preaching about dismantling toxic masculinity and teaching men how to be better partners. Forced to confront him live on her show, Eva reluctantly agrees to let Rylie take her on a series of “make-up” dates to atone for his past mistakes. Only, somewhere between the staged gestures and genuine connection, the line between performance and reality starts to blur. Could the boy who once broke her heart actually be the man who heals it? 18. Friends with Benefits by Marisa Kanter Romance novels often give us the perfect dose of escapism, but the best ones also weave in the messy realities of life. Friends with Benefits does exactly that: best friends Theo and Evie strike up a marriage of convenience for the most unromantic reasons: health insurance and a rent-controlled apartment. On paper, it’s a logical, practical solution. The only hiccup? Evie never really wanted to be married, and Theo has quietly been in love with her for years. Nothing has to change... until, inevitably, it does. 19. Dukes and Dekes by Torie Jean If Pride and Prejudice is your not-so-guilty pleasure and you have a soft spot for a reformed rake, you’ll adore this friends-to-lovers romance. Aulie Desfleurs is cast as the impulsive Lydia Bennet in this year’s Jane Austen Regency Fair, while Jack Parker – the bad boy of the American professional hockey league – lands the role of the infamous George Wickham after a suspension sends him fleeing to the fair. Thrown together in close quarters, old crushes and unspoken feelings heat up fast. Can Jack prove himself trustworthy while supporting Aulie through her chronic illness? And can Aulie finally let herself trust that Jack might stay for good? Full of tension, tender moments, and swoon-worthy romance, this novel is perfect for fans of love stories that burn slowly but leave a lasting mark. 20. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks Is it even possible to make a list of the best romance books without The Notebook? This is the blueprint for second-chance summer love stories. Noah and Allie meet as teenagers during one unforgettable summer in North Carolina. They’re from different worlds, but their connection is undeniable. Life tears them apart, but years later, fate brings them back together, testing whether first love can really last a lifetime. Keep a box of tissues close, as you’ll find yourself bawling harder than when you watched the film. 21. The High Dive by Chelsea Fagan Perfect for fans of The White Lotus and steamy academic rivalries, this romance follows Alex as she faces a blast from her past in the most glamorous – and high-stakes – setting imaginable: a yacht. It’s been ten years since that unforgettable night with Danial, and now she has to navigate him again while attending the wedding of two mutual college friends. Thrown into a world of ultra-wealthy guests as the lone middle-class outcast, Alex struggles to stick to her principles... even as her heart keeps pulling her toward him. With tension, longing and a touch of sun-soaked opulence, this novel perfectly captures the push-and-pull of romance that’s both irresistible and complicated. 22. Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood Nothing beats a book that’s so aware of its own clichés that it gleefully plays with them, and Ali Hazelwood manages just that in Problematic Summer Romance. Maya Killgore is 23, still figuring out life, and utterly distracted by Conor Harkness, her brother’s 38-year-old best friend. Fate lands them together in a romantic Sicilian villa for over a week. Can they resist the undeniable pull between them? Or will they lean into every cliché of summer romance? Perfect for fans of messy, irresistible love stories, this novel is as self-aware as it is swoon-worthy. 23. Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez This list of the best romance books wouldn’t be complete without something by Abby Jimenez, and for that, we’re recommending Part of Your World. After a wild bet, Alexis Montgomery’s world is completely turned upside down by Daniel Grant, a ridiculously hot carpenter who’s ten years younger and as casual as they come – the total opposite of sophisticated city-girl Alexis. And yet, their chemistry is undeniable. While her ultra-wealthy parents expect her to continue the family legacy of world-renowned surgeons, Alexis is perfectly content as a “mere” ER doctor. Every minute she spends with Daniel and his close-knit hometown reveals what truly matters in life. With so many differences between them, Alexis must decide: can she find a way to bridge two worlds, or will love force her to choose? Tender, steamy and full of heart, this romance is perfect for anyone craving a story about opposites attracting in the most irresistible way. 24. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren If you’re hunting for the ultimate enemies-to-lovers romance, look no further than this fan-favourite. When the entire wedding party comes down with food poisoning, the only ones left standing are Olive, the bride’s sister, and Ethan, the insufferable best man. The solution? Take the unclaimed honeymoon trip to Maui and pretend to be newlyweds. They can’t stand each other, but a free tropical vacation is worth faking it for – at least at first. Between beachside adventures, stolen moments and undeniable chemistry, Olive and Ethan quickly realise that what started as pretend might just be the real deal. 25. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey If Schitt’s Creek is your comfort show and Alexis Rose your spirit animal, then you’ll be obsessed with It Happened One Summer. Piper Bellinger is a glamorous LA wild child who suddenly finds herself cut off and banished to a tiny fishing town in Washington. Her mission: prove she can survive without Wi-Fi and five-star dining. Enter Brendan, the grumpy, flannel-wearing sea captain who wants nothing to do with her glitter. They clash, they banter, and then they struggle to resist the pull between them. With sizzling chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and a whole lot of heart, this is one of the best small-town, opposites-attract romance novels out there. 26. The Hating Game by Sally Thorne There’s something about workplace tensions that gets our hearts thumping, and nowhere captures this dynamic better than The Hating Game. Lucy and Joshua are coworkers locked in an epic office rivalry, complete with constant eye rolls, snarky comments, and passive-aggressive games. But when a promotion raises the stakes, their “hate” starts to feel a little too close to something else entirely. Witty, flirty and full of sizzling tension, this enemies-to-lovers romance proves that sometimes the line between love and hate is just a heartbeat away. 27. The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan Cosy up with this heartwarming read and a good cup of tea. Nina Redmond is a small-town librarian whose world is turned upside down when she unexpectedly loses her job. But instead of despairing, she buys a van and turns it into a travelling bookshop. Along the way, she brings literature, joy and a little bit of romance to the people she meets. This novel is perfect for anyone craving a feel-good, page-turning summer escape. 28. Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld Sally Milz is a writer for The Night Owls, a fictional late-night sketch show akin to Saturday Night Live. She's cynical about love, until pop star Noah Brewster guest-hosts and sparks fly. As their chemistry deepens, Sally grapples with insecurities about their differences in fame and status. Set against the backdrop of a pandemic, this novel explores love, identity and the complexities of modern relationships with humour and heart. It manages to question important topics about attraction and fame with a lighthearted touch. 29. A Not So Meet Cute by Meghan Quinn When it comes to a romance novel, it’s all about the meet-cute, and you can’t beat this one. Lottie Gardner, freshly fired and desperate to make her ex-boss jealous, prowls Beverly Hills in search of a rich husband. Enter Huxley Cane, a billionaire real estate mogul who’s lied to a client about being engaged and expecting. When their paths cross, they hatch a plan: pretend to be a couple to salvage Huxley’s deal. What starts as a fake engagement soon blurs into something real. It offers the perfect twist on the Pretty Woman trope, providing a modern and fun romcom. 30. August Lane by Regina Black This novel has been taking the romance world by storm, and you’ll quickly understand why. Former country heartthrob Luke Randall hates singing his only hit, Another Love Song, at dingy motel lounges, but it’s the only steady money left in his fading career. When he gets the chance to open for his childhood idol, JoJo Lane, the catch is returning to Arcadia, Arkansas, and facing August Lane, aka the woman who wrote the lyrics he’s long claimed as his own. August hates the song, and she hates Luke even more. But when she forces him into a co-writing partnership to save her songwriting dreams, old sparks reignite. As the concert nears, both must confront their shared past and decide whether to let a second chance love song finally be written. For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club. Looking for more reading recommendations? Join the Radio Times Book Club here - we offer 3-month or 6-month memberships as well as monthly or quarterly subscriptions where you'll receive a new hardback chosen by the RT team delivered directly to your door!
How to read Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander books in order
We've put together the ultimate guide to the beloved time-travel series.
Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series has become an absolute phenomenon, celebrated for its epic blend of romance, historical adventure and time-travel twists. Its devoted fan base is made up of readers of all ages, inspired not only by the main novels but also by the hit Outlander TV adaptation and spin-offs such as Blood of My Blood. Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast of Jamie and Claire or just discovering the allure of the Scottish Highlands, here’s a complete guide to reading the Outlander books in order. How to read the Outlander books and spin-offs in order Virgins (a novella found in Seven Stones to Stand or Fall) Outlander Dragonfly in Amber A Fugitive Green (a novella found in Seven Stones to Stand or Fall) Voyager Lord John and the Hellfire Club (a short story featured in Lord John and the Hand of Devils) Lord John and the Private Matter (a standalone novel) Lord John and the Succubus (a short story found in Lord John and the Hand of Devils) Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade (a standalone novel) Lord John and the Haunted Soldier (a short story found in Lord John and the Hand of Devils) The Custom of the Army (a short story found in Seven Stones to Stand or Fall) The Scottish Prisoner (a standalone novel) A Plague of Zombies (a short story found in Seven Stones to Stand or Fall) Besieged (a short story found in Seven Stones to Stand or Fall) Drums of Autumn The Fiery Cross A Breath of Snow and Ashes An Echo in the Bone Written in My Own Heart's Blood A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows (a short story found in Seven Stones to Stand or Fall) The Space Between (a short story found in Seven Stones to Stand or Fall) Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone What happens in Outlander by Diana Gabaldon? In Outlander, Claire Randall, a World War II-era combat nurse, is mysteriously transported back in time to 1743 Scotland while on a second honeymoon with her husband. She becomes entangled in the Jacobite uprising and must navigate a dangerous and unfamiliar world, where her modern knowledge both helps and endangers her. Amid the political turmoil, Claire meets the dashing Highlander Jamie Fraser, and a passionate romance develops that changes the course of her life forever. What are the Outlander books about? Outlander (1991) Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is transported back in time to 1743 Scotland, where she becomes entangled in the Jacobite risings and a passionate romance with Jamie Fraser. Dragonfly in Amber (1992) Returning to 1968, Claire reflects on her time in the past and the events that led to her departure from Jamie. Voyager (1993) Claire discovers that Jamie survived the Battle of Culloden and embarks on a perilous journey to reunite with him. Drums of Autumn (1996) Now in the American colonies, Claire and Jamie settle in North Carolina, where they face new challenges and adventures. The Fiery Cross (2001) As tensions rise in the colonies, Jamie and Claire navigate the complexities of family, loyalty, and impending war. A Breath of Snow and Ashes (2005) The Frasers confront the harsh realities of the American Revolution and its impact on their lives. An Echo in the Bone (2009) The story weaves together multiple timelines as characters grapple with the consequences of their actions. Written in My Own Heart’s Blood (2014) The Frasers face personal and political upheaval as they navigate the tumultuous events of the 18th century. Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone (2021) The latest instalment continues the saga of the Fraser family amid the backdrop of the American Revolution. What is Seven Stones to Stand or Fall about? Published in 2017, this collection of seven novellas by Gabaldon offers readers deeper insights into the Outlander universe. This compilation includes two previously unpublished novellas and features beloved characters such as Jamie Fraser, Lord John Grey, and Master Raymond. Virgins In 1740 France, a young Jamie Fraser and his friend Ian Murray embark on their first mercenary mission, facing challenges and adventures. A Fugitive Green Minnie Rennie, a young woman searching for her mother, crosses paths with Hal Grey, leading to an unexpected connection in 18th-century Europe. The Custom of the Army It's 1759, and Lord John Grey is summoned to Canada to assist his friend Charlie Carruthers, who faces court-martial after a duel. A Plague of Zombies In 1761, Lord John Grey is sent to Jamaica to quell a slave rebellion, only to find himself investigating a mysterious death and a possible zombie outbreak. Besieged Set in 1762, Lord John Grey learns that his mother is in Havana, Cuba, just as the British Navy plans a siege, prompting a daring rescue mission. The Space Between This novella follows Michael Murray and Joan MacKimmie as they journey through Paris in 1778, encountering Master Raymond and the enigmatic Comte St. Germain. A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows Set during World War II, this poignant story reveals the origins of Roger MacKenzie's parents, Jerry and Dolly, and their connection to the standing stones. Which Outlander books are about Lord John? It seems we’re not the only ones who can’t get enough of English aristocrat and friend to the Frasers, Lord John Grey. Lord John is the focus of three short stories that appear in the collection, Seven Stones to Stand or Fall. Additionally, Gabaldon has written several standalone novels and stories about his various adventures. Lord John and the Hand of Devils (2007) is a collection of three novellas by Gabaldon that delve into Lord John's investigative adventures during the 18th century, blending elements of mystery, supernatural intrigue, and personal discovery. Lord John and the Hellfire Club Set in 1756, this novella follows Lord John Grey as he investigates the death of a man in London, leading him into the clandestine world of Sir Francis Dashwood's notorious Hellfire Club. Lord John and the Succubus In this 1757 tale, Lord John is called to investigate a series of mysterious deaths among soldiers in Prussia, believed to be caused by a supernatural entity known as a "night-hag". Lord John and the Haunted Soldier Written specifically for this collection, this novella takes place in November 1758, following the events of Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade. Lord John investigates the case of a cannon explosion on the battlefield, leading to the discovery of treason within His Majesty's ranks. Additionally, there are three books dedicated to Lord John, occasionally featuring Jamie as well. Lord John and the Private Matter It's 1757 and Lord John Grey must navigate scandal, secrets, and personal danger when a sensitive political case lands squarely in his lap. Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade Set in 1758, this novel follows Lord John as he uncovers a deadly conspiracy within a secretive military society, forcing him to rely on his wits and courage. The Scottish Prisoner Against the backdrop of 18th-century Europe, Lord John and Jamie Fraser reunite to unravel a treacherous plot while contending with political intrigue and imprisonment. When should you read the Outlander companion volumes? There are also two companion volumes of Outlander. These are best read after you have completed the series, to avoid any spoilers. The Outlandish Companion A comprehensive guide to the series, including character profiles, historical notes and behind-the-scenes insights. The Outlandish Companion Volume Two Continues the exploration of the Outlander universe with additional information and commentary. For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club.
How to read James Patterson’s Alex Cross books in order
We've put together the ultimate guide to James Patterson’s Alex Cross series, from his very first case to his latest showdown.
As Aldis Hodge returns as Alex Cross in the second season of Prime Video's adaptation, simply titled Cross, now could be the perfect time to revisit or read for the first time the novels that inspired it. Over more than three decades, Alex Cross has emerged as one of suspense fiction’s most enduring characters, appearing in 34 novels to date by James Patterson. Of course, the Alex Cross series isn't the only one written by Patterson, but it is a fan favourite, with readers finding themselves hooked by the adventures of the Metropolitan Police Department. Whether you're a newcomer who's enjoying the Prime Video series, a seasoned Cross-head who's read all of the novels, or someone looking for a lighter spin-off fix, you’ll find everything you need to know in this guide to Patterson’s most popular series. Here’s how you read the Alex Cross books in order. How to read the Alex Cross books in order Along Came a Spider (1993) Kiss the Girls (1995) Jack & Jill (1996) Cat & Mouse (1997) Pop Goes the Weasel (1999) Roses Are Red (2000) Violets Are Blue (2001) Four Blind Mice (2002) The Big Bad Wolf (2003) London Bridges (2004) Mary, Mary (2005) Cross (2006) Double Cross (2007) Cross Country (2008) Alex Cross’s Trial (2009) I, Alex Cross (2009) Cross Fire (2010) Kill Alex Cross (2011) Merry Christmas, Alex Cross (2012) Alex Cross, Run (2013) Cross My Heart (2013) Hope to Die (2014) Cross Justice (2015) Cross the Line (2016) The People vs. Alex Cross (2017) Target: Alex Cross (2018) Criss Cross (2019) Deadly Cross (2020) Fear No Evil (2021) Triple Cross (2022) Cross Down (2023) Alex Cross Must Die (2023) The House of Cross (2024) Return of the Spider (2025) What’s the appeal of the Alex Cross series? Meet Alex Cross: a forensic psychologist turned DC detective, a widower raising children and a dogged crime-solver with a heart. Since the first novel was published in 1993, readers have followed Cross through gruesome murders, ruthless masterminds and personal heartache. Patterson’s lightning-paced plotting and emotional chords – rooted in family, ethics and vengeance –have made Cross one of thriller fiction’s most iconic heroes. An ongoing theme in the earlier books is the unsolved murder of his first wife, Maria. What happens in Along Came a Spider by James Patterson? Along Came a Spider (1993) is the first book in James Patterson’s Alex Cross series and introduces the Washington DC detective/psychologist who will go on to anchor more than 30 thrillers. The debut sees Detective Alex Cross pulled from a high-profile murder case in his own neighbourhood to investigate the kidnapping of two wealthy children from an exclusive private school. The abductor, Gary Soneji, is a math teacher with delusions of grandeur who dreams of committing “the crime of the century” and cementing his place in history alongside infamous criminals. Cross teams up with Secret Service agent Jezzie Flannagan to track the missing children, but the deeper he digs, the more twisted the case becomes – blending abduction, murder, betrayal and psychological manipulation. The first book in the Alex Cross series establishes the hallmarks of the series: Patterson’s short, punchy chapters, high-stakes suspense, and Cross’s personal tug-of-war between duty and family life. It’s also one of the most psychologically driven entries, with Cross pitted against a chillingly unpredictable villain. When did Return of the Spider come out? The latest novel in the Alex Cross series, Return of the Spider, was released on 9th October 2025. It takes us back to where it all began, with the infamous Gary Soneji case from Along Came a Spider. When a hidden cabin yields a cache of grisly trophies and diaries, Alex Cross is forced to face a devastating possibility: he may have put the wrong man behind bars. As he retraces the steps of his rookie investigation, Cross learns the case was never truly closed... and the “Spider” might be deadlier than ever. Short break: Alex Cross spin-offs and novellas Novellas and spin-offs If you want a shorter, faster-paced taste of Alex Cross, James Patterson has written a handful of novellas and side stories. These are designed as quick thrillers, perfect for reading between the main books, or if you want to see Alex in action without committing to a full-length novel. Cross Kill (2016) is part of Patterson’s BookShots series. This novella pits Alex against an old enemy thought to be long dead, blurring the line between past and present dangers. Detective Cross (2017) is another BookShots instalment where Cross investigates a deadly explosion in Washington, DC, racing against time to prevent more attacks. Ali Cross series These spin-offs follow Ali Cross, Alex’s son, who takes after his father’s detective instincts but navigates them through the lens of a teenager. Written as middle-grade/young adult mysteries (aimed at readers roughly 9–14), they blend Patterson’s trademark fast pace with themes of friendship, family and growing up under the shadow of a famous detective. There are currently three books in the series: Ali Cross (2019) follows Ali as he gets caught up in a case when one of his friends goes missing. Ali Cross: Like Father, Like Son (2021) is a mystery that forces Ali to balance school life with living up to his dad’s legacy. Ali Cross: The Secret Detective (2022) sees Ali take on a case involving a school field trip and missing items. Which Alex Cross novels are the Prime Video Cross series based on? Cross on Prime Video is actually not based on any of Patterson's novels, and instead tells new stories while utilising the characters from, and world of, the books. Stars Aldis Hodge and Isaiah Mustafa previously discussed this when speaking with RadioTimes.com, with Hodge explaining: "What people will learn is that every season, the seasons aren't based on the books, right? They are new mysteries, new characters, new villains, with obviously your staple characters - your Cross, your Sampson, you know what I mean? "The benefit is that we get to create a world that stands as an asset to the Cross universe as it is. So people get the books, and then when they come to the series, they get an extension of the world that they love and know. And we get to create these magnanimous characters that really are truly inspired, they're creative, there's depth to them, a lot of mystery going on. "But we get the freedom to play and create how we do as artists, always celebrating the fabric and the foundation of the books. And we get to give the audience kind of like, again, the final full experience that they want to get out of the world of Cross that they love so much." Meanwhile, Mustafa added: "I think they complement each other, whereas the books can kind of introduce you to the characters and the world, but our show will fill in any gap, and create new things that you never even thought. "Like, 'I had no idea Sampson was like that, no idea that Alex was like that.' Like, it would create this world that is fully fleshed out and breathed into." Read more: Holly Jackson: 'I'm surprised I wasn't arrested for research on Good Girl's Guide to Murder' Daisy Jones & The Six star: 'Taylor Jenkins Reid has a great ability to take you on an adventure in the world' For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club. Looking for more reading recommendations? Join the Radio Times Book Club here - we offer 3-month or 6-month memberships as well as monthly or quarterly subscriptions where you'll receive a new hardback chosen by the RT team delivered directly to your door!
Need more Bridgerton now? 17 steamy historical romances and raciest Regency books to whet your appetite
Gentle Reader, it's time to actually read a book.
Gentle readers, if you binged the first half of Bridgerton season 4 and devoured Benedict and Sophie’s blossoming romance, you’re probably now staring at the calendar, counting down to Part Two on 26 February. We feel you. To pass the time, why not become a true gentle reader? Close that Netflix tab and pick up a book, it’s the best way to immerse yourself in the Regency romances of Bridgerton and other period dramas. To make it easier, we’ve rounded up the best historical romances and Regency-style reads to tide you over until the next episode. Let's get into some historical fiction. What to read after finishing Bridgerton An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn Marry Me By Midnight by Felicia Grossman Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke A Waltz on the Wild Side by Erica Ridley A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin A Lady For a Duke by Alex Hall A Rogue of One's Own by Evie Dunmore Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James Much Ado About Margaret by Madeleine Roux A Gentleman’s Gentleman by TJ Alexander Hathor and the Prince by JJ McAvoy Remember When by Mary Balogh The Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell Notorious by Katherine Harlow Denying the Duke by Callie Hutton The Duchess Takes a Husband by Harper St George Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas 1. An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn It’ll come as no surprise that if you’re looking for books like Bridgerton season 4, the place to start is the novel that inspired it. The third book in the Bridgerton series follows Benedict and Sophie’s love story – a classic Cinderella tale, though even more enchanting on the page. Sophie Beckett was adapted into Sophie Baek for the series to suit the brilliant Yerin Ha and add extra layers to the role, and the novel has been rereleased with a series tie-in, making it the perfect follow-up to the season. Sophie never imagined she’d sneak into Lady Bridgerton’s legendary masquerade ball – or that her very own ‘Prince Charming’ would be waiting. Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie had been relegated to servant by her cruel stepmother. But that night, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she felt like royalty… even if all enchantments must eventually end. 2. Marry Me By Midnight by Felicia Grossman It’s 1832 in London, and Isabelle Lira may be in distress, but she is no damsel. Since her father’s death, his former partners have been trying to edge her out of their joint equity business, leaving her with one urgent solution: marry fast – to a powerful ally outside the respected Berab family’s sphere. Finding the right spouse means casting a wide net, so she hosts a series of festivals, inviting every eligible Jewish man in town. Think of it as a romance full of fake dating and arranged agreements… which, naturally, get a little messy along the way. It has some Cinderella vibes, much like Bridgerton season four, except this time she’s the wealthy heiress, and he’s the penniless orphan. And if you loved this one, don’t miss Felicia’s other books, including Dearest Beast, out in June. 3. Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke Once again, a Cinderella retelling worthy of An Offer From a Gentleman, now sprinkled with a cosy bookshop and a classic makeover trope — the perfect book for fans of Bridgerton season 3 as well. Evie Harlow runs a quaint little bookshop in London, the grandest adventure an unmarried woman with no prospects could hope for. That is, until Maximillian Shaw, Duke of Westbourne, strolls in with a daring proposition: to win a bet with his friends, he’ll transform her into the diamond of the season. The duke may be devilishly handsome, but Evie has no intention of accepting his outrageous offer. When disaster strikes her shop, however, she finds herself with little choice but to be swept up into his dazzling high-society world. 4. A Waltz on the Wild Side by Erica Ridley A wilder take on historical romance, packed with danger, daring rescues, and swoon-worthy heroes. Advice columnist Miss Vivian Henry despises the Wild Wynchesters her young cousin idolises. Privileged families might get away with murder while ordinary people remain firmly in their place. But when her cousin goes missing, and the authorities turn a blind eye, Viv has no choice but to seek help from the very vigilantes she loathes. Animal trainer and secretive poet Jacob Wynchester leaves his comfort zone and finds himself on an adventure far beyond anything he could have imagined. With the gentlemanly charm of Bridgerton and its own Lady Whistledown-style intrigue, this one’s a historical romance with bite. 5. A Lady's Guide to Fortune-Hunting by Sophie Irwin Kitty Talbot doesn’t need love; she needs a fortune, and she sees marriage as her only way to secure it. With just twelve weeks to find a wealthy husband and save her sisters, she must use every ounce of cunning and ingenuity to climb London society. The only person she can’t fool is Lord Radcliffe, who sees straight through her schemes and is determined to stop her at any cost. Much like Bridgerton, the author deftly explores the era’s social dynamics, highlighting the sexism that favoured men, the pressures faced by the eldest child, and the biases and prejudices of the upper class toward those less fortunate. 6. A Lady For a Duke by Alexis Hall One of the standout elements of the Bridgerton adaptation is its thoughtful approach to queer storylines, and this remarkable LGBT historical romance delivers in the same spirit. Presumed dead at Waterloo, Viola Carroll seized the chance to live authentically as herself, but freedom came at a steep price: the loss of her wealth, her title, and her closest companion, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood. Years later, when their families reconnect, Viola discovers just how deep that loss ran. Shattered without her, Gracewood has retreated so far into grief that Viola barely recognises the lonely, brooding man he has become. As Viola works to restore Gracewood to himself, new desires give fresh names to old feelings, ones that were impossible before, and perhaps still are, yet Viola cannot deny them. Even if embracing them risks losing everything all over again. The stakes are high! 7. A Rogue of One's Own by Evie Dunmore If you love your Regency romance with a strong heroine – think Sophie Baek or Kate Sharma – you’ll devour this novel by Evie Dunmore. Lady Lucie and her band of Oxford suffragists are ready to stage a coup against Parliament, but the one obstacle she didn’t expect? Her old nemesis and London’s notorious lord of sin, Lord Ballentine. And he’s only willing to hand over the reins for an outrageous price: a night in her bed. Yep, this is one delightfully racy Regency you won’t want to miss. 8. Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James The stakes are never higher than a woman’s virtue, something we’ve seen play out in nearly every season of Bridgerton. Lady Roberta St Giles, the sheltered only daughter of a marquess, falls for a man glimpsed across a crowded ballroom: a duke, a masterful player, and notorious rakehell with no interest in marriage... until he lays eyes on Roberta. Yet the Earl of Gryffyn knows all too well that the price to gain a coronet can be dangerously high. Damon Reeve, the earl, is determined to shield the exquisite Roberta from the wrong destiny, but can he entice her into a high-stakes game of his own, even if it means risking his own heart along the way? 9. Much Ado About Margaret by Madeleine Roux Fancy another masquerade ball? Margaret Arden dreams of living like the passionate, daring heroines in her novels. Life at Mosely Cottage with her mother and two younger sisters is safe, but Margaret craves more than the demure, dainty existence she’s always known. After a particularly brutal rejection from an annoyingly attractive publisher, she fears being forced into marriage to protect her family. Then her cousin’s glamorous wedding masquerade sets her on a thrilling collision course with scandal, notoriety, and maybe even love. 10. A Gentleman's Gentleman by TJ Alexander Lord Christopher Eden is far from your typical gentleman. Preferring the quiet company of his childhood cook and his elderly butler to the endless eyes and ears of the ton, he enjoys a life removed from society’s scrutiny. But when his late father’s will demands that he marry by the end of the season to inherit the family fortune and Eden estate, Christopher faces a daunting challenge: he isn’t attracted to women, and making a wife happy seems impossible. Then comes the real complication: James Harding, his new, distractingly handsome valet. Their growing friendship carries secrets that could upend everything — and puts Christopher’s impending nuptials in jeopardy. 11. Hathor and the Prince by JJ McAvoy Daphne may not have ended up with a prince in Bridgerton season 1, but Hathor Du Bell might just get her fairy-tale ending. Long overshadowed by her sister and thoroughly bored by the ton’s uninspiring suitors, Hathor finds herself facing the close of the London season with no match in sight. That is, until the Queen announces the arrival of Prince Wilhelm Augustus Karl von Edward of Malrovia at a glittering week-long society event hosted at the Du Bells’ Belclere Castle. The fantasy quickly unravels when Hathor finally meets the prince, and he’s nothing like she imagined. What follows is a deliciously flirtatious rivalry that neither can resist, making this a Regency romance that’s as addictive for the reader as it is for its heroine. 12. Remember When by Mary Balogh Feeling particularly taken by Violet and Marcus's storyline this season? Well, then we'd love to introduce you to Clarissa Ware, the Dowager Countess of Stratton. After sorting a suitable match for her daughter, she returns to Ravenswood, intending to spend the summer alone there. But that's difficult given the return of Matthew Taylor, a gentleman who became the village carpenter she was close to when younger, who never would've made a match. Now everything is different, as their summer friendship deepens into romance, they stand together on the precipice of change. 13. The Duke Undone by Joanna Lowell Before he was searching for the Lady in Silver, Benedict was a painter refining his craft, so it seems only fitting to include this tale of a Royal Academy painting student. Lucy Coover quickly comes to the aid of the naked drunkard she stumbles upon one evening in the Shoreditch slums. If only she could banish his lovely form from her dreams as easily. Instead, she finds herself compelled to paint the man in his natural form. Little does she know that her impromptu subject is none other than the seventh Duke of Weston, Anthony Philby. He needs the painting destroyed to save his reputation, so he goes hunting for the artist and finds more than he bargained for. 14. Notorious by Katherine Harlow Oh, you want steamy? Say no more. Rumours swirl around the rakish Viscount Rochford, a man who’s left a trail of broken hearts in his wake and built a fearsome reputation for jilting society women. So when whispers suggest he’s finally ready to settle down, the ton is shocked, none more so than Miss Penelope Stratton. Beautiful, shy, and armed with a sizeable dowry, Penelope has no shortage of suitors, yet against all better judgement she finds herself drawn to the one man least suited to marriage: a notorious rake with a scandalous past. Consider this the perfect follow-up for fans of rakish Benedict Bridgerton. 15. Denying the Duke by Callie Hutton Lord Alexander Pemberton lost the love of his life, Lady Patience, to an arranged marriage with his brother, driving him to bury his broken heart in the military. Four years later, he’s summoned home to inherit the title after his brother’s death – only to discover a shocking truth: Patience never married his brother, and now Alex is expected to marry her instead. But Patience can’t wed a man who no longer loves her… or does he? Can they find their way back to each other before it’s too late? 16. The Duchess Takes a Husband by Harper St George Let’s be honest: Lady Danbury is one of Bridgerton’s most iconic characters – and this book serves up that same unapologetic girlboss energy. Camille, Duchess of Hereford, is a society outcast thanks to her American ways and outspoken interest in the suffrage movement. Enter Jacob Thorne, the illegitimate son of an earl and co-owner of London’s notorious Montague Club. Camille proposes a scandalous deal: she’ll lend him the respectability of a fake engagement if he shows her whether pleasure is something she can claim for herself. This is a provocative tale you don't want to miss. 17. Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas Let’s close our list of steamy Bridgerton-style reads with this racy delight. Lady Sophia Sydney will stop at nothing to ensnare the unattainable Sir Ross Cannon, scheming to ruin his reputation and spark a scandal that will rock all of London. She charms her way into his life, earning his trust and taking up residence in his home. By day, her intoxicating presence tempts him beyond reason; by night, her eyes – and her body – promise hours of unbridled passion before dawn, if only he’ll let her share his bed. She knows he’s falling for her more with each passing day… but she never expected to fall in love with him herself. For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club. Looking for more reading recommendations? Join the Radio Times Book Club here - we offer 3-month or 6-month memberships as well as monthly or quarterly subscriptions where you'll receive a new hardback chosen by the RT team delivered directly to your door!
Harriet Tyce books in order: How to read The Traitors star's crime novels
All of the barrister turned crime writer turned Faithful's books, including her upcoming release.
As the UK becomes captivated by the latest season of The Traitors, one Faithful is standing out for her cunning strategy: Harriet Tyce. Not only is Tyce a successful crime writer, but she’s also a former barrister – though her fellow Faithfuls and the Traitors themselves remain blissfully unaware. Her sharp mind and calculated approach have made her a standout on the show, proving that her legal and writing skills translate perfectly to reality TV – and she's already caught one Traitor. While viewers cheer for Harriet on screen, many are also turning to her novels off screen, eager to dive into the dark, twisty worlds she creates and to support their crime-solving hero. Born and raised in Edinburgh, Harriet holds a Master’s in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia and has published four gripping crime novels, with a fifth on the way. Her books have been praised for their clever plotting, so perfect for fans of suspense and thrillers. Here’s everything you need to know about Harriet Tyce’s books, how to read them in order, and details on her newest release. Harriet Tyce’s books in order Blood Orange (2019) The Lies You Told (2020) It Ends at Midnight (2022) A Lesson in Cruelty (2024) Witch Trial (2026) Blood Orange (2019) Harriet Tyce released her debut novel in 2019, drawing on her own legal experience to craft a far wilder tale of fiction. The story follows Alison, a woman who seemingly has it all: a doting husband, an adorable daughter, and a career on the rise. But Alison has just been handed her first murder case to defend, and beneath the perfect façade lies a life full of secrets. She drinks too much, neglects her family, and is having an affair with a colleague whose appetite for pushing boundaries may be more than she can handle. When her client wants to plead guilty to stabbing her husband, Alison senses that something isn’t right. Meanwhile, someone is watching her… and they know all of her secrets. Can Alison save her client? Can she save herself? The novel comes with a glowing recommendation from crime-writing extraordinaire Lisa Jewell, so you know it’s a gripping read from start to finish. The Lies You Told (2020) Sadie Roper gave up her high-flying career as a criminal barrister for marriage ten years ago, but now she’s back in London, ready to reclaim her career and determined to get her daughter into one of the city’s most prestigious schools. But as always, it’s not quite that simple. The school is unwelcoming to newcomers, her daughter hasn’t made a single friend, and the other parents are as fiercely competitive as their children. Sadie quickly finds herself on the outside as she navigates the fraught politics of the school gate. Things take a turn when a high-profile case lands on her desk, and the queen of the school mums starts taking an unusual interest in her. But in a world of ambition, secrets and rivalry, everything is not as it seems. Sadie may be keeping her friends close, but she doesn’t yet know that her enemies are closer still… It Ends at Midnight (2022) Tyce’s third novel takes us to Edinburgh, a city she knows all too well. Set in one of the poshest neighbourhoods, the story begins with a lavish New Year’s Eve party that ends in a gruesome double murder. At the centre is Sylvie, a woman hiding a secret that could destroy both her relationship and her burgeoning legal career. When her friend Tess is diagnosed with cancer, she decides it’s time to make amends for past wrongs, and what better backdrop than an extravagant New Year’s Eve party for her dramatic confessions? But as midnight approaches and the countdown begins, it becomes clear that one of the guests doesn’t want reconciliation. They want revenge. And they want someone at this party to die. A Lesson in Cruelty (2024) A novel recommended by bestselling authors Lucy Clarke and Lisa Jewell? Sign us up. For her fourth novel, Tyce mixes things up with multiple narrators, through the three strangers Anna, Lucy and Marie. Anna wants a fresh start after three long years behind bars. Lucy craves the attention of the only man she can't have, her alluring Oxford professor. Marie has spent too long as a recluse living by someone else's rules. The three strangers are brought together through a dead body and an elaborate web of lies, causing them all to discover the cost of getting the life they desire so badly. When is Harriet Tyce's new book released? It will come as no surprise that Tyce’s stint on The Traitors is being followed up by a new book – and we’re not complaining in the slightest. Having penned some of the sharpest thrillers of recent years, and now living her own real-life murder mystery on reality TV with Claudia Winkleman, Tyce gives readers another must-read crime novel for 2026. Witch Trial is set for release on 26th February. The story begins with the death of 18-year-old Christian Shaw, whose body is discovered in an Edinburgh park. The community is in shock, and that shock deepens when the police charge Christian’s best friends, Eliza Lawson and Isobel Smyth, with her murder. Two teenage girls accused of killing their classmate ignite a modern-day witch trial that captures the nation’s attention. Called reluctantly for jury duty is Matthew Phillips, a respected heart surgeon. But as the trial unfolds – and the girls reveal a chilling defence no one expected – Matthew begins to question everything: the evidence, the motives, and even his own judgement. A very different crime novel from Tyce’s previous work, Witch Trial explores not just the investigation, but the trial itself. It delves into social media, online bullying, stalking, and the ways public opinion can shape justice, making it a timely, tense read for 2026. Perfect for fans of 2025's hit show Adolescence. For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club. Looking for more reading recommendations? Join the Radio Times Book Club here - we offer 3-month or 6-month memberships as well as monthly or quarterly subscriptions where you'll receive a new hardback chosen by the RT team delivered directly to your door!
When is the next Heated Rivalry book released?
Your guide to Rachel Reid's Game Changers series.
Who would’ve thought we’d all be tuning in to watch men play ice hockey? Only, of course, we’re not really watching Heated Rivalry for the hockey — we’re here for the magnetic romance between the two star players, Shane Hollander (played by Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). Their fierce on-ice rivalry is mirrored by undeniable off-ice chemistry, as the pair struggles to balance a secret relationship with the intense demands of their professional lives. It’s high-stakes sport meets high-stakes romance, and viewers have been hooked. The series became an instant hit when season 1 premiered in its native Canada in December 2025, with such a strong response that a second season is already in the works. UK viewers were finally able to dive in when the show landed on 10 January 2026, and many of us have been eagerly devouring it ever since. What some viewers may not realise, however, is that Heated Rivalry is adapted from a hugely popular book series. The show is based on Heated Rivalry, the second novel in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series, which centres on different gay couples navigating love, ambition and life in the world of professional ice hockey. Once you’ve finished binge-watching the TV adaptation, chances are you’ll want even more heat on the ice. That’s where the books come in... Here’s everything you need to know about the Heated Rivalry novels — also known as the Game Changers series. Happy reading. When is the next Heated Rivalry book out? Unrivaled is currently set for release on 29 September 2026. The Heated Rivalry duo are easily the most beloved characters in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers series — a fact made clear by one very important detail: Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov are the only couple to receive not just a sequel novel, but now a third book as well. On 12 January 2026, Reid officially announced that Shane and Ilya would be returning for another instalment. Titled Unrivaled, the upcoming novel is the seventh book in the Game Changers series and follows the couple after The Long Game, exploring the next chapter of their relationship — and the new challenges that come with it. The official synopsis reads: "For the first time in their professional hockey careers, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander have nothing to hide. After more than a decade of keeping their love secret, they’re out, married, and even playing on the same team. The support has been incredible. Most of the time." It continues: "While fans celebrate them, others in the hockey world are still reeling from the reveal. A growing backlash — led by the popular hockey podcast Top Shelf and the #TakeBackHockey movement — is making its presence felt. Standing together in the light was everything Shane and Ilya ever wanted. Now, they may be facing their biggest challenge yet." And who knows, if season 2 of the TV adaptation proves just as successful as the first, this third novel could well provide the perfect blueprint for a potential season 3. Heated Rivalry books in order Game Changers (2018) Heated Rivalry (2019) Tough Guy (2020) Common Goal (2020) Role Model (2021) The Long Game (2022) Unrivaled (2026) 1. Game Changers (2018) This one will feel instantly familiar to fans of the show. Scott Hunter, the captain of the New York Admirals, is a star centre who finds himself stuck in a frustrating on-ice slump. One day, he stumbles into the Straw+Berry smoothie shop, and everything changes when sparks fly with grad student Kip. Before long, Scott becomes a regular, with Kip’s smoothies (and unmistakable flirting) helping to pull him out of his rut. What starts as a chance encounter quickly turns into something far more meaningful. Viewers were first introduced to Scott (François Arnaud) and Kip (Robbie G.K.) in season 1, making their story the perfect entry point into the Game Changers book series. Their romance offers a striking contrast to Heated Rivalry: instead of a slow burn rivalry, Scott and Kip fall hard and fast, while still tackling the realities of hockey’s deeply ingrained homophobic culture and the very real fears surrounding coming out. 2. Heated Rivalry (2019) This is the book that had everyone frantically Googling the rules of ice hockey — especially those of us in the UK. Heated Rivalry follows Canadian golden boy Shane Hollander and Russian rebel Ilya Rozanov, who first meet as teenage prodigies on the road to the MLH (Major League Hockey) draft. From the very beginning, they’re each other’s fiercest competition. Their legendary rivalry makes every on-ice matchup an unmissable event, fuelled by national pride, ego and an intense drive to win. But while the hockey world fixates on their clashes on the ice, the real tension simmers off it. Behind closed doors, Shane and Ilya find themselves unable to resist one another, blurring the line between rivalry and desire, and setting the stage for one of the most addictive, slow burn romances in contemporary sports fiction. 3. Tough Guy (2020) Unfortunately, we have to say goodbye to Ilya and Shane — for now — but there’s no need to worry, because book three in the Game Changers series is just as irresistible. This instalment follows Ryan Price, an enforcer: a 6’7” giant whose role on the ice is to protect his team’s star players. Beneath the intimidating exterior, however, Ryan struggles with anxiety and deep-rooted self-esteem issues. When he’s transferred to Toronto, he’s determined to put down roots and finally connect with the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Things take an unexpected turn when Ryan runs into his childhood crush, Fabian Salah. Confident, extroverted and a musician by trade, Fabian is the polar opposite of Ryan, and he can’t stand hockey. As the pair reconnect, Fabian becomes Ryan’s guide to Toronto’s gay scene, helping him step outside his comfort zone and into a life he’s long wanted. But with their worlds colliding once again, the question remains: can a relationship survive when hockey threatens to come between them? 4. Common Goal (2020) How do you shake things up in the fourth instalment of an MLH hockey romance series? You go for an age-gap romance. Eric Bennett, the 41-year-old goalkeeper for the New York Admirals, has decided this will be his final season. He’s ready to retire, but is also facing an uncertain future after ending his 16-year marriage. Always aware of his bisexuality, Eric is now stepping into the dating world with men for the very first time... and has no idea where to start. Enter Kyle Swift, a 25-year-old bartender at the Kingfisher (aka Kip’s favourite bar!). Kyle has made a personal vow to steer clear of older men, but when he and Eric meet, sparks fly. The two start off in a friends-with-benefits arrangement, but as the hockey season progresses, they both realise that hearts are rarely so easy to contain. 5. Role Model (2021) It’s time for some classic grumpy-meets-sunshine energy — think black cat meets golden retriever. Role Model brings back a familiar face from Game Changer: Troy Barrett, the closeted sidekick to homophobic bully Dallas Kent. Recently traded to the struggling Ottawa Centaurs after a scandal and a messy breakup, all Troy wants is to do his job and go home… until he meets the team’s social media manager, Harris Drover. Sunny, outgoing Harris is determined to lift Troy’s spirits, even as he starts developing what he assumes is a one-sided crush. Slowly, Troy begins to see Ottawa not just as a fresh start on the ice, but as a chance to make amends for past toxic behaviour and embrace his full self. And for fans of the series, there’s a bonus treat: Ilya Rozanov makes a memorable appearance in Role Model, keeping the Game Changers universe delightfully connected. 6. The Long Game (2022) They’re back! The Long Game is the long-awaited sequel to Ilya and Shane’s story. At the start of the novel, it’s been 10 years since Shane and Ilya’s secret hookup blossomed into a full-blown romance, and the pair have reached a crossroads. Shane is at the top of his game and doesn’t want to rock the boat, while Ilya, now playing for Ottawa, worries they could be sneaking around for another decade. Now it’s time to decide what truly matters: each other, or hockey? For fans of the television show, The Long Game will likely provide the foundation for season 2 of Heated Rivalry, promising even more drama, passion, and on-ice tension. How is the show different to the books? As always, adaptations require some changes, and Heated Rivalry is no exception. The TV series speeds up the timeline, condenses events, and trims much of the internal monologue that gives readers insight into Shane and Ilya’s thoughts. These adjustments make sense given the show’s six-episode run and budget constraints. The differences are noticeable right from the opening. While the book spends time exploring Shane and Ilya’s lives before they meet — giving readers a sense of their personalities and why we should root for them — the series drops viewers straight into their first encounter. Surprisingly, the show also downplays the hockey itself. The intensity of their on-ice rivalry and the stakes that drive their competitive spirit are less prominent than in the book. However, the series adds new layers, particularly to Shane’s character. His Asian-Canadian identity is explored in greater depth, and his mother emerges as a more formidable 'mom-ager' presence. One change fans particularly lamented is the omission of the book’s prologue, as well as a different, shortened ending that cuts the original epilogue, one of the most beloved parts of the novel. For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club. Looking for more reading recommendations? Join the Radio Times Book Club here - we offer 3-month or 6-month memberships as well as monthly or quarterly subscriptions where you'll receive a new hardback chosen by the RT team delivered directly to your door!
23 best sci-fi books to help you escape reality: From Dune to The Martian
From epic space operas to mind‑bending thrillers, these are the sci‑fi stories that will transport you to other worlds.
Whether you’re craving distant galaxies, futuristic tech or alternate realities, sci‑fi offers the perfect escape from the everyday. From the sprawling deserts of Dune to the high‑stakes survival of The Martian, these 23 unmissable books will take you on journeys that stretch the imagination, challenge perception and remind us why we fell in love with the genre in the first place. There’s something for everyone on this list of the best sci-fi books, so buckle up and prepare to enter the stratosphere with us. 23 best sci-fi books Dune by Frank Herbert The Martian by Andy Weir Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell Brave New World by Aldous Huxley The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin Hyperion by Dan Simmons The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman Kindred by Octavia E. Butler Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro Ready Player One by Ernest Cline The Road by Cormac McCarthy The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone Jade City by Fonda Lee Red Rising by Pierce Brown The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine 1. Dune by Frank Herbert Before it became a blockbuster film starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, Dune was Frank Herbert’s bestselling sci-fi epic, followed by five sequels that many fans still consider the pinnacle of the genre. Set on the desert planet Arrakis, it follows Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family tasked with ruling a hostile world where the most precious resource is the “spice” melange, a substance that extends life and heightens awareness. When House Atreides is betrayed, Paul is thrust into a perilous journey; one that will shape not only his destiny, but the fate of an entire universe. 2. The Martian by Andy Weir Some readers shy away from sci-fi set in our own universe, while others love it for that shred of possibility. And Andy Weir’s The Martian feels all too possible. It follows astronaut Mark Watney, one of the first people to walk on Mars, and soon to be the first to be left for dead there. After a violent dust storm nearly kills him, his crew evacuates, believing he didn’t survive. Stranded, alone and unable to contact Earth, Mark has limited supplies that won’t last until a rescue mission. Even worse, starvation may not be the most pressing threat: failing machinery, the brutal Martian environment or a simple mistake could end his life far sooner. But Mark refuses to give up. With ingenuity, dark humour and sheer determination, he tackles one obstacle at a time. The result is a tense, exhilarating survival story that feels terrifyingly real. 3. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell Chances are you first encountered this book at school, although you might not have fully appreciated it at the time. Published in 1949, George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four imagined a future that felt chillingly prescient by the time 1984 arrived, and in many ways feels even more relevant today, especially in an age of mass surveillance and advancing AI. It’s a novel that still feels less like fiction and more like a warning. Set in Oceania, a totalitarian state ruled by the ever-watchful Party and its figurehead, Big Brother, the story follows Winston Smith, a man who quietly longs for truth, intimacy and freedom. Such “thought crimes” are punishable by imprisonment or death. When Winston begins an illicit affair, he’s drawn into the dangerous world of resistance and the brutal reality of what it means to challenge absolute power. 4. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley Another classic sci-fi novel you may have first encountered in the classroom, Brave New World is well worth revisiting with a little more age and perspective. The best science fiction books endure because they reflect timeless fears and questions, and Aldous Huxley’s 1932 novel, written in the shadow of rising fascism, feels unsettlingly relevant today. Huxley imagines a future where society is engineered for control: humans are genetically bred, socially conditioned, and chemically numbed to ensure passive obedience to an authoritarian order. It’s a world of dazzling technological advancement, but at the expense of freedom, individuality and perhaps even the soul. 5. The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin Don’t limit yourself to the best sci‑fi novels written in English, as Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem is a revolutionary leap for the genre. Its blend of grand, universal themes – humanity’s place in the cosmos, the nature of civilisation, and the ethics of survival – alongside a gripping narrative of mystery and suspense, has secured its place in the sci‑fi hall of fame. Set during China’s Cultural Revolution, a secret military project sends signals into space, hoping to make contact with alien life. The message is received by a civilisation on the brink of extinction, which then plans to invade Earth. Back on our planet, factions form: some are intent on welcoming the newcomers and aiding their conquest of what they see as a corrupt world, while others are determined to resist at all costs. 6. Hyperion by Dan Simmons Sci‑fi doesn’t just explore different worlds and societies; it can also reinvent the very structure of storytelling. Dan Simmons's Hyperion is a perfect example, framing its narrative like The Canterbury Tales within a sprawling science‑fiction epic. The result is a mysterious, emotionally rich journey filled with unique characters and profound questions about life, artificial intelligence and humanity’s future. Celebrated for its masterful space‑opera world‑building, Hyperion weaves the interconnected stories of seven pilgrims, exploring deep philosophical themes alongside the enigma of the Shrike. On the world of Hyperion, beyond the reach of the Hegemony of Man, waits the creature known as the Shrike. Some worship it. Some fear it. Some have sworn to destroy it. In the Valley of the Time Tombs – monolithic structures moving backwards through time – the Shrike waits. On the eve of Armageddon, with the galaxy at war, seven pilgrims set forth on a final voyage to Hyperion. Each carries a desperate hope, a terrible secret and perhaps the fate of humanity itself. 7. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley One of the newest additions to the canon of great science fiction books, The Ministry of Time is a genre‑bending tale of time travel, politics, espionage and the transformative power of love. It asks questions that feel uncomfortably close to reality. A recently established government ministry is recruiting “expats” from across history to explore whether time travel is possible, not just for the body, but for the fabric of space‑time itself. Our unnamed protagonist is promoted to the role of “bridge” and tasked with living with, assisting and monitoring the expat known only as “1847”, Commander Graham Gore. What begins as a mission she expects to be nothing more than a painfully awkward arrangement evolves into something far more profound. By the time the true scope of the Ministry’s project is revealed, the bridge has fallen headlong and irrevocably in love, with consequences she could never have foreseen. Facing choices that will shape the future, she must decide what she truly believes and what she is willing to risk to change it. This might just be one of the best time travel tales of the decade, raising questions we never thought to ask and couldn't possibly begin to answer. 8. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams Sometimes we just need a good laugh with a side of sci‑fi. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy may be one of the most absurd novels ever written, yet it’s also strangely comforting and deeply thought‑provoking. It won’t make sense... until it does. Seconds before Earth is demolished to make way for a galactic freeway, Arthur Dent is rescued by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher for the revised edition of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, who has spent the last 15 years posing as an out‑of‑work actor. Together, they embark on a chaotic journey through space, guided by the Guide itself (“A towel is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have”) and joined by a galaxy‑full of unforgettable characters: Zaphod Beeblebrox, the two‑headed, three‑armed, ex‑hippie president of the galaxy; Trillian, Arthur’s one‑time cocktail party crush; Marvin, a paranoid, brilliant, chronically depressed robot; and Veet Voojagig, a former graduate student obsessed with the mysterious disappearance of all the ballpoint pens he has ever owned. An unlikely crew that will have you giggling into the pages and scratching your head in bewonderment. 9. Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson We return to Mars once again with Kim Stanley Robinson’s captivating trilogy about the colonisation of the red planet. More than 30 years old, it still feels eerily plausible in today’s climate, especially with renewed focus on Mars. John Boone, Maya Toitavna, Frank Chalmers and Arkady Bogdanov lead a bold terraforming mission. For some, Mars becomes a passion that drives acts of courage and madness. For others, it is an opportunity to strip the planet of its riches. For the genetic alchemists, it offers the chance to create a biomedical miracle, reshaping everything we know about life and death. Colonists orbit giant satellite mirrors to channel light to the surface. Black dust on the polar caps captures warmth. Massive tunnels, kilometres deep, are drilled into the mantle to unleash stupendous vents of hot gases. Against this backdrop of grand upheaval, rivalries will ignite, alliances will fracture and loves will form and fall apart. For there are those willing to fight to the death to keep Mars unchanged. 10. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Looking for a shorter science‑fiction novel? Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is a masterwork of twentieth‑century literature, set in a chilling dystopian future where burning books becomes the ultimate tool of control. Bradbury’s warning still feels disturbingly relevant: strip away knowledge, and you strip away freedom. In this world, television dominates and literature teeters on the brink of extinction. Guy Montag is a fireman tasked with destroying the most forbidden of commodities: printed books. He follows orders without question, returning each day to a dull life with his wife, Mildred, who is absorbed by her television “family”. But when Montag meets his curious neighbour Clarisse – who reveals a past without fear and a present shaped by ideas – he begins to question everything. After Mildred’s suicide attempt and Clarisse’s sudden disappearance, Montag starts hiding books in his home. When his secret is discovered, he must flee for his life. 11. I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman This might be the strangest entry on this list of the best sci‑fi books, but stick with it, and you won’t be disappointed. I Who Have Never Known Men is a haunting, heartbreaking post‑apocalyptic novel about female friendship, intimacy and the lengths people will go to preserve their humanity in the face of devastation. Fair warning: it will make you cry. Deep underground, 40 women are imprisoned in a cage. Watched over by guards, they have no memory of how they arrived, no sense of time and only fragments of their lives before captivity. As years pass in the burn of electric light that erases day and night, one young woman – the 40th prisoner – remains isolated and silent in a corner. But she will prove to be the key to the others’ escape and survival in the strange world that awaits them above ground. 12. Kindred by Octavia E. Butler One of the strengths of science fiction is its ability to explore real‑world themes more deeply, free from the constraints of conventional fiction. Kindred is a powerful example, blending historical fiction with sci‑fi to examine the enduring impacts of racism, sexism and white supremacy. Dana, a present-day Black woman, is celebrating her 26th birthday with her new husband when she is abruptly pulled from her home in California and transported to the antebellum South. Rufus, the white son of a plantation owner, is drowning, and Dana has been summoned to save him. Time and again, Dana is drawn back to the slave quarters, each visit growing longer, more arduous and more dangerous, until it becomes uncertain whether her life will end before it truly begins. 13. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut At its core, Slaughterhouse‑Five is about the absurdity of existence and the ways we try to make sense of it. Celebrated for its blend of humour, tragedy and experimental storytelling, it explores war, trauma, and fatalism, cementing its place as a profoundly human and enduring anti‑war classic. The novel follows Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes “unstuck in time” after surviving the firebombing of Dresden as a prisoner of war during World War II. His story leaps between childhood, wartime horrors, life as a post‑war optometrist and an otherworldly abduction by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore. This is one of those novels you simply must read at least once in a lifetime. 14. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro Let’s put a pin in other planets and space travel and turn to the medical side of sci‑fi, something that feels eerily close to reality. Never Let Me Go is a dystopian novel wrapped in romance, friendship and bittersweet coming‑of‑age hopefulness. Spoiler: you’re going to cry, a lot, even more than you think. Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth grow up at Hailsham, a secluded private school in the English countryside, where children are sheltered from the outside world. Raised to believe they are special and that their well‑being matters not just to themselves but to society, they are blissfully unaware of the truth. Now adults, they must confront the dark secret behind Hailsham’s protective façade, and the shocking reality of their own existence. It captures the way that memories can deceive you, and new evidence can bring a sinister light to the past. Never Let Me Go also raises questions about bodily autonomy that have never been more relevant than in today's political climate. 15. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Alright, let’s give your tear ducts a break and head into the wild west of gaming sci‑fi. With gaming and virtual reality now dominating popular culture, immersive worlds have never been more tantalising. Fans describe this book as a geek fantasy, a nerd utopia. It’s 2044 and the world is in a worse state than it is now – if that’s even possible. The only time teenager Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade has devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines; puzzles based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past, promising massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. But when Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill for the ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade’s going to survive, he’ll have to win and confront the real world he’s always been desperate to escape. You might want to unplug your PlayStation after this one. 16. The Road by Cormac McCarthy A searing, post‑apocalyptic novel that lingers in your mind long after the final page. Many argue that this is Cormac McCarthy’s masterpiece, though it faces stiff competition. The Road is a profoundly moving story of a journey, one that imagines a future where hope has all but vanished, yet love endures. A father and his son walk alone through a burned America. Nothing stirs in the ravaged landscape except ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stone, and when snow falls, it is grey. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, though they have no certainty of what awaits them there. They have nothing but a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes on their backs, a cart of scavenged food and each other. It's a tale of how far a father will go for his son and the loss of humanity that occurs when societal rules are shed. It's not for the faint of heart, we'll tell you that much. 17. The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson Multiverse stories are all the rage in film and television, but few capture their complexity and politics as deftly as Micaiah Johnson’s The Space Between Worlds. Multiverse travel is possible, but with a catch: no one can visit a world where their counterpart is still alive. Cara, however, has a rare track record as her parallel selves are exceptionally good at dying, whether from disease, turf wars or vendettas they couldn’t outrun. She’s already perished on 372 worlds. On this Earth, though, Cara has survived. Identified as an outlier and deemed the perfect candidate for multiverse travel, she is plucked from the wastelands and given a new life in the lower levels of the wealthy, walled‑off Wiley City. Citizenship and security are hers, as long as she keeps her head down and avoids trouble. Trouble, however, has other plans; when one of her eight remaining doppelgängers dies under mysterious circumstances, Cara is drawn into a world where survival comes at the cost of unearthing a dangerous secret. 18. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone There is something uniquely affecting about love painted against the backdrop of the boundlessness of space and time. This Is How You Lose the Time War is a novel of war, betrayal, longing and the paradox of time – or rather, its absence. Amid the ashes of a dying world, an agent of the Commandant discovers a letter marked: burn before reading. Thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents, each determined to secure the best possible future for their warring factions. What starts as a taunt – a battlefield boast – becomes something far greater: something epic, something romantic, something that could alter the past and the future. But the discovery of their bond would mean certain death. After all, the war still rages, and someone must win. 19. Jade City by Fonda Lee The first book in The Green Bone Saga and Fonda Lee’s adult fantasy debut does not disappoint. Praised for its masterful world-building and morally complex characters, Jade City creates a vibrant setting reminiscent of 1970s Asia, delivering a story of loyalty, power and ambition. Think The Godfather, but as gritty, lush sci-fi fantasy. The Kaul family leads one of two crime syndicates that control the island of Kekon, the only place in the world where rare magical jade is found. This jade grants those with the right training and heritage extraordinary abilities. Once guardians of Kekon against foreign invasion, the Green Bone clans now exist in a bustling post-war metropolis full of fast cars, foreign money and political intrigue. Their influence is in commerce, construction and controlling the districts they protect. But when tensions between the Kauls and their greatest rivals erupt into open violence, the fate of all Green Bones – and the future of Kekon itself – hangs in the balance. Keep your entire weekend free, as you'll struggle to put this one down. 20. Red Rising by Pierce Brown Welcome back to Mars! Again! Red Rising by Pierce Brown launches you into a brutal, fast-paced saga of dystopia, space opera and revenge. Expect epic battles, political intrigue worthy of Game of Thrones, and a hero driven to extremes. Darrow is a Red, the lowest caste in a colour-coded future society, toiling under the belief that he is making Mars habitable for future generations. But Darrow discovers humanity conquered Mars long ago, and Reds like him are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class. Fuelled by justice and the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute – a proving ground for the ruling Gold caste. There, he must fight for survival and the fate of civilisation, even if winning means becoming the very thing he despises. 21. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin Ursula K. Le Guin has earned her place among the greatest sci-fi writers of all time. In this groundbreaking novel, a lone human emissary, Genly Ai, is sent to Winter, an alien world whose inhabitants spend much of their lives without gender, to negotiate its inclusion in an intergalactic civilisation. To succeed, Ai must navigate a society shaped by unfamiliar customs and political intrigue. Ai forms an uneasy alliance with Estravan, a high-ranking Winter politician who risks everything to help him. Together, they embark on a perilous journey across Winter’s frozen wilderness, confronting harsh elements, betrayal and the fragility of trust. Celebrated for its exploration of gender, identity and humanity, The Left Hand of Darkness blends political intrigue, survival and philosophical depth into a profound meditation on connection and empathy. 22. Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky Anyone who delegates spider-killing duty to their spouse should probably steer clear of this novel; though that would be a shame, because Children of Time is a thrilling ride from start to finish. Revered for its breathtaking scope, the novel blends an epic generational ship story with the fascinating evolution of a non-human species – spiders – from simple creatures to a technologically advanced civilisation. It explores profound themes of identity, human failings, and the ethics of scientific progress. The last remnants of humanity flee a dying Earth, searching for a new home among the stars. Following in the footsteps of their ancestors, they discover a world terraformed and prepared for human life – a new Eden. But centuries of abandonment have turned it into something far darker. New masters have claimed the planet, transforming it into mankind’s worst nightmare. Now two civilisations hurtle toward inevitable conflict, each testing the limits of survival. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, the question remains: who are the true heirs of this new Earth? 23. A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine What sets A Memory Called Empire apart is its richly imagined culture – a dazzling blend of Byzantium and Aztec influences – woven with poetry and linguistic depth that make reading it a truly immersive experience. Layered atop this is a sprawling interstellar empire and a web of political intrigue that feels like Succession in space. Ambassador Mahit Dzmare arrives at the heart of the Teixcalaanli Empire to find her predecessor dead. No one admits his death wasn’t an accident, or that Mahit might be next, as political instability threatens the highest echelons of the imperial court. To survive, Mahit must uncover who is behind the murder, protect herself and safeguard her small but fiercely independent mining Station from the empire’s expansion. All while navigating a seductive alien culture, engaging in dangerous intrigue of her own and guarding a technological secret that could either annihilate her Station... or save it. No biggie, right? For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante. Looking for more reading recommendations? Join the Radio Times Book Club here - we offer 3-month or 6-month memberships as well as monthly or quarterly subscriptions where you'll receive a new hardback chosen by the RT team delivered directly to your door!
From page-turners to prizewinners: The best 27 books of 2025 so far
Whether it's breakout debuts, blockbuster returns, twisty thrillers or candid memoirs, these are the 2025 releases you won't want to miss.
This year has already delivered a spectacular array of stories, essays and revelations, with 2025 shaping up to be an excellent one for literature. From heartbreaking memoirs to mind‑bending novels, laugh‑out‑loud debuts to literary masterpieces, it’s hard to pick the best books of 2025, but we’ll try our hardest. Whether you’re after escapism, insight or sheer page‑turning pleasure, our round‑up of the year’s top books offers an ultimate guide to reading this year. Get ready to discover your next obsession, with something for everyone on this list. Best fiction books of 2025 A Particularly Nasty Case by Adam Kay Buckeye by Patrick Ryan The Rest of Our Lives by Benjamin Markovits What We Can Know by Ian McEwan The Artist by Lucy Steeds Disappoint Me by Nicola Dinan Stag Dance by Torrey Peters Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson The Murder at World’s End by Ross Montgomery Katabasis by R.F.Kuang Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins Who Wants to Live Forever by Hanna Thomas Uose Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab 1. A Particularly Nasty Case by Adam Kay Former doctor turned bestselling author Adam Kay makes a striking fiction debut with this medical mystery full of heart and dark humour. At its centre is Eitan Rose, a gifted doctor whose mental health struggles often hold him back. Still reeling from a breakup and haunted by the loss of his sister during his training, Eitan is just about keeping afloat when his boss dies suddenly. Convinced it’s more than natural causes, he sets out to uncover the truth. With sharp insights into medicine, an undercurrent of grief, and plenty of wit, A Particularly Nasty Case is a particularly good book to curl up with on a Sunday afternoon. 2. Buckeye by Patrick Ryan Rich with insight into the human spirit and sharp observations of American life, Buckeye is a generational tale of secrets and consequences. In Bonhomie, Ohio, a fleeting moment of passion in the wake of Allied victory binds together Cal Jenkins—a man scarred not by battle but by his failure to serve—and Margaret Salt, a woman determined to conceal her past. As their town flourishes during the postwar boom, long-buried secrets come to light. Spanning some of the most transformative decades in modern America, the novel traces how one encounter reverberates across generations, forcing two families to confront who they really are and what kind of future they can claim. 3. The Rest of Our Lives by Benjamin Markovits Empty nest syndrome hits differently these days—though with the current housing market, some might welcome it. This novel puts a witty spin on the dilemma. Twelve years ago, Tom Layward made a pact with himself: as soon as his youngest daughter turned 18, he’d finally leave his unfaithful wife. Now, dropping that daughter off at university in Pittsburgh, Tom remembers his promise, and just keeps driving west. What follows is a modern riff on the great American road novel, full of nuance, wit, and the messy beauty of late-life choices. 4. What We Can Know by Ian McEwan In 2014, a single great poem is read aloud... and then lost forever. For generations, its message lingers in speculation, though no copy is ever found. By 2119, the lowlands of the UK are drowned by rising seas, and those who remain are haunted by memories of the world that vanished. When an academic uncovers a clue to the poem’s existence, he unravels a story of entwined loves and a devastating crime—one that upends everything he thought he knew about those closest to him. At its heart, this is a love letter to art, to the written word, and to the fragile beauty of humanity in the shadow of catastrophe. 5. The Artist by Lucy Steeds If your perfect Sunday includes an art gallery, add this novel by Lucy Steeds to your cart immediately. Set in 1920, it follows reclusive painter Edouard Tartuffe and his niece, Ettie, living in a remote farmhouse in Provence. When young journalist Joseph arrives to write about Tartuffe, he soon discovers that the greatest mystery of the cottage lies not in the painter but in a woman living under the same roof. Richly sensory, the novel lets you smell the lavender of Provençal summer, see the vivid paintings, taste the ripe food, and participate with the characters’ most profound emotions. 6. Disappoint Me by Nicola Dinan An electrifying tale of love, betrayal, and the complicated allure of bougie domesticity from the author of Bellies. Thirty-year-old Max, weighed down by a lifetime of dysphoria and irritating exes, is plagued by deep dissatisfaction. She decides to seek answers in good old-fashioned heteronormativity—namely, Vincent. Though his corporate colleagues, traditional friends, and Chinese parents never imagined him dating a trans woman, Vincent cares for Max in a way she once dismissed as a foolish fantasy. But he carries his own baggage. When the fallout from a decades-old entanglement resurfaces, Max must confront what forgiveness truly means. Prepare for an emotional labyrinth, to say the least. 7. Stag Dance by Torrey Peters Following up a novel as talked-about as Detransition, Baby is no small feat, but Torrey Peters exceeds expectations with Stag Dance. This bold collection—one novel and three stories—is audacious, sharp, and deeply human. In Stag Dance, a group of restless lumberjacks in an illegal winter logging outfit plan a dance, some choosing to attend as women. When the broadest, strongest, plainest axman announces his intention to dance as a woman, he sparks a strange rivalry with a handsome young jack, igniting a cascade of obsession, jealousy, and betrayal that builds toward the dance. The result is a startling, intimate vision of gender, transition, and desire. 8. Boleyn Traitor by Philippa Gregory The “queen of royal fiction” returns with another dazzling tale of ambition, betrayal and survival in Henry VIII’s court. This time it's Jane Boleyn's turn, as Philippa Gregory follows a woman who lives in the shadows of power, where secrets are currency and a whisper can decide a Queen’s fate. For Jane, survival means wearing many masks: a loving wife concealing doubt, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and a cunning spy who wields her words like a weapon. In a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, one misstep could cost her everything. As with The Other Boleyn Girl, Gregory masterfully illuminates an untold story of Tudor intrigue and power. 9. Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid Taylor Jenkins Reid is basically a time traveller of the literary word at this point, renowned for transporting readers to iconic moments, crafting complex protagonists and weaving passionate tales about the transformative power of love. In her latest novel, Atmosphere, she delivers all three once again, setting her story amid Houston’s Johnson Space Centre in the summer of 1980. As new astronauts, Joan and her colleagues forge unexpected friendships, navigate intense relationships, and face the mounting pressures of life at NASA. 10. Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Four women. Four intertwined stories of love, longing, and desire. Chiamaka, a Nigerian travel writer in America, reflects on past lovers and lingering regrets during the isolation of the pandemic. Her best friend Zikora, a successful lawyer, faces betrayal and heartbreak that forces her to turn to the one person she thought she’d never need. Omelogor, Chiamaka’s bold cousin and a financial powerhouse in Nigeria, begins to question how well she truly knows herself. And Kadiatou, Chiamaka’s devoted housekeeper, proudly raises her daughter in America, until an unimaginable hardship threatens everything she’s built. A piercing exploration of choice, fate, family and the bonds that connect us all. It's rare for a writer to make us care about four different protagonists so profoundly, but Adichie makes it seem as easy as breathing. 11. Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson Holly Jackson's A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder took the world by storm, first on the page, then on Netflix. Now, the bestselling author makes her adult debut with Not Quite Dead Yet. We follow Jet, a young woman with her whole life ahead of her — or so she thinks — until a fateful Halloween attack leaves her with a rare brain injury that will kill her within a week. Faced with her imminent death, Jet seizes a unique opportunity: to solve her own murder before it happens. Racing against the clock, she embarks on a desperate investigation to uncover the truth and leave a legacy for her family. A clever, suspenseful twist on the murder mystery genre, this novel blends urgency, intrigue and heartbreak into an unforgettable read. 12. The Murder at World’s End by Ross Montgomery Imagine Knives Out meets Downton Abbey, but with an impending apocalypse. Are you still with us? Set on a remote tidal island in Cornwall, 1910, The Viscount of Tithe Hall is consumed by feverish preparations for the end of the world, convinced Halley’s Comet will bring doom. He seals off the hall, but the real danger is already inside. The next morning, the Viscount is found dead. Now, the murderer walks among them. The only hope lies with an unlikely duo: the newest butler and the family’s formidable matriarch. Together, they must unravel a web of secrets before time runs out. 13. Katabasis by R.F.Kuang The fervent voice of academia returns with a tale of passion, rivalry, and the ultimate journey. From the hallowed halls of Cambridge to the infernal depths of Hell itself, two graduate students must set aside their differences to save their professor’s soul, perhaps at the cost of their own. Alice Law has devoted her life to her career, and Professor Jacob Grimes is the key to her ambitions. But his untimely death — and the shadow of her possible involvement — throws everything into jeopardy. Alongside Peter Murdoch, Alice ventures deeper into Hell than any mortal before, navigating its shifting levels and confronting truths that could destroy them both. 14. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros The third instalment of the wildly successful Empyrean Series landed in 2025, and readers eagerly devoured it. Returning to a world of dragons and their riders, Onyx Storm reunites fans with smart‑mouthed Tairn, brooding Xaden, and over‑eager Andarna. Now, Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies in unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. It's basically a road trip movie but on a dragon's back. Her path will test every shred of her wit, luck and strength. She will risk everything to protect what she loves: her dragons, her family, her home… and him. Even if it means keeping a secret so devastating, it could destroy them all. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. But most of all, they need the one thing only Violet can find: the truth. 15. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins We return to Panem, this time for the 50th Hunger Games and the second Quarter Quell. But this is a story we’ve never heard before. Meet Haymitch Abernathy, before he was the bitter, world‑weary mentor Katniss and Peeta knew. A young boy torn from his home and his lover, thrust into the arena to fight for District 12, Haymitch is determined to survive… and to make his death mean something. By his side are a girl who is almost like a sister, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most insufferable girl in town. Together, they will face the Games and not let their deaths be in vain. As the film adaptation of Sunrise on the Reaping hurtles toward the big screen, take a moment to meet the vibrant characters who will bring this story to life. 16. Who Wants to Live Forever by Hanna Thomas Uose We can’t go a day without seeing a headline about weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mountjauro, or tabloids criticising beloved faces for ageing gracefully. Who Wants to Live Forever offers a rare chance to challenge those expectations and our own perceptions. In this all-too-recognisable world, a drug has been invented that stops ageing for as long as you take it. Some, like Yuki, campaign against it. Others — including the founder and Sam, Yuki’s husband — eagerly embrace the chance to delay death and decay. But with extended lifespans come a host of ethical dilemmas. And how can two people stay married when one wants to live forever and the other had imagined forever together would be a lot shorter? Bleak yet hopeful, romantic yet lonely, this novel is both ordinary and extraordinary. You'll never look at those headlines the same way. 17. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab V.E. Schwab is one of those rare talents who refuses to be confined to a single genre, and this time she blends fantasy, horror, historical fiction and more. This queer vampire tale follows three women — María (1532), Charlotte (1827) and Alice (2019) — whose lives become entwined through their shared fate in the midnight soil. Each wrestles with desire for freedom, the weight of societal constraints and a yearning for something more, until they are transformed into immortal beings with a hunger for blood and answers. Exploring vampirism as both immortality and a dangerous, deeply human craving, this is a story that will leave you starving for just one more page… and just one more touch. Best non-fiction books of 2025 The Extinction of Experience by Christine Rosen Dare I Say It by Naomi Watts You Have a New Memory by Aiden Arata Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy Source Code: My Beginnings by Bill Gates Dead and Alive by Zadie Smith The Land of Sweet Forever by Harper Lee 18. The Extinction of Experience by Christine Rosen In The Extinction of Experience, Christine Rosen examines the cultural and emotional changes brought about by our embrace of technology. She warns that key human experiences are at risk of disappearing; from face-to-face communication and a sense of place to authentic emotion and even boredom itself. Drawing on cultural phenomena such as TikTok challenges and mukbang, alongside unsettling trends like sociometric tracking and online conspiracy culture, Rosen reveals a profound shift in the human condition that risks normalising alienation and control. How can we reclaim humanity? Who are we in a disembodied world? 19. Dare I Say It by Naomi Watts Dare I Say It blends heartfelt and humorous stories from beloved actress Naomi Watts with expert advice from doctors, hormone specialists and nutritionists, stripping away the secrecy and shame that still surrounds menopause and ageing. Watts shares the latest research on managing menopause symptoms and navigating the physical and emotional changes that come with growing older. This is the book she wishes she’d had when she began menopause at just thirty-six, and the one many of us need right now. Buy it for yourself or gift it to someone else, as this is a bookshelf staple. 20. You Have a New Memory by Aiden Arata Many have labelled her the “meme queen of depression,” and in this kaleidoscopic essay collection, she brilliantly examines what it means to exist online — from fanfic forums to TikTok. Aiden Arata exposes influencer grifts from the inside, explores the strange allure of stay-at-home girlfriend creators and interrogates our online obsession with doom, all while grappling with the real-world apocalypse. With a wry, weary voice, Arata unpacks how we exist as creators, consumers and products in an ever-braver new world. If you’re scared to check your screen time, this could be one of the best books of 2025 for you. 21. Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams Are you ready to enter the dark, blue-coded world of Facebook? In this searing memoir, Sarah takes us inside her career at the heart of one of the most powerful companies on the planet. From private jet trips and encounters with world leaders to shocking accounts of misogyny and double standards behind closed doors, she reveals the personal and political fallout of unfettered power and a toxic corporate culture. Along the way, she reflects on the challenges of working motherhood and dishes up irresistible insights into the power-hungry leaders of Facebook. Careless People is equal parts scandalous and eye opening. 22. Book of Lives: A Memoir of Sorts by Margaret Atwood How does one of the greatest storytellers of our time write her own life? Margaret Atwood’s memoir is an extraordinary answer. Unfolding her story through the books that have shaped our literary landscape, Atwood takes us from the cruel year that birthed Cat’s Eye to the Orwellian streets of 1980s Berlin, where she penned The Handmaid’s Tale. Brimming with bohemian gatherings, a magical life with the charismatic writer Graeme Gibson, and moments of political upheaval, her memoir introduces poets, bears, Hollywood actors and larger-than-life figures worthy of her fiction. For fans of her novels, this is essential reading. 23. Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai Pretty much everyone knows who Malala is by now, but in this extraordinary memoir, she reintroduces herself to the world. Finding My Way is a deeply personal exploration of how she navigated life when her darkest moments threatened to define her, all while seeking the freedom to discover who she truly is. It’s an intimate story of friendship, first love, anxiety, self-discovery and humanity. Vulnerable yet bold, brimming with authenticity, sharp humour and tenderness, this is a testament to the strength it takes to be unapologetically yourself. 24. Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy By the author of The God of Small Things and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, this powerful and deeply moving memoir traces Arundhati Roy’s complex relationship with her mother, Mary Roy. An intimate and inspirational account of how she became the person—and the writer—she is, shaped by circumstance, but above all by the extraordinary bond with a mother she calls “my shelter and my storm”. Brimming with grief, feminism and the enduring strength of love, Roy bares it all with unflinching honesty. 25. Source Code: My Beginnings by Bill Gates We all know the story of Bill Gates: the Harvard dropout who co-founded a software company that became an industry giant, transforming the way the world works and lives. The billionaire who later turned his focus to philanthropy, tackling climate change, global health, and education. But this memoir isn’t about Microsoft, the Gates Foundation or even the future of technology. It’s the deeply human story of how Gates became who he is today. From his childhood shaped by a principled grandmother and ambitious parents, to his first friendships and the sudden death of his best friend; from struggling to fit in to discovering coding at the dawn of the digital age. It’s a vivid portrait of a young man whose midnight coding marathons at a local computer centre eventually led to a college dorm-room revolution that changed the world. 26. Dead and Alive by Zadie Smith Zadie Smith brings her singular gift for insight to a wide-ranging collection of essays on the art, culture and politics that have fascinated her in recent years. She takes us inside the work of artists Toyin Ojih Odutola, Kara Walker and Celia Paul, invites us to the cinema to reflect on Tár, and heads to Glastonbury to witness Stormzy’s rise. Along the way, she strolls Kilburn High Road in her beloved North West London, mourns the loss of literary giants including Joan Didion, Martin Amis, Hilary Mantel, Philip Roth and Toni Morrison, and reflects on political shifts on both sides of the Atlantic. This is Zadie Smith at her most incisive. Dead and Alive is a compassionate and fearless examination of art, life, and what it means to live in these turbulent times. 27. The Land of Sweet Forever by Harper Lee A rare blend of fiction and nonfiction, The Land of Sweet Forever offers an unprecedented look at one of history’s most esteemed writers. You probably first met Harper Lee through her Pulitzer-winning debut, To Kill a Mockingbird, whether in a classroom or on a particularly ambitious beach holiday. Tracing her path from the Alabama schoolyards of her youth to the luncheonettes and movie houses of midcentury Manhattan, this book opens up still-vital conversations about politics, equality, art, love, the American South and what it truly means to lead an engaged and creative life. This is one of the best books of 2025 and a chance to revisit a familiar voice. For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante. Looking for more reading recommendations? Join the Radio Times Book Club here - we offer 3-month or 6-month memberships as well as monthly or quarterly subscriptions where you'll receive a new hardback chosen by the RT team delivered directly to your door!
23 best historical fiction books: From Taylor Jenkins Reid classic to Outlander
Turn back the clocks with these incredible historical fiction books and lose yourself in glittering royal courts or bustling wartime cities.
There’s nothing quite like a great historical novel to sweep you away to another time and place. From glittering royal courts and bustling wartime cities to the quieter lives forever changed by history’s turning points, these stories blend fact and imagination in the most compelling way. Leave your cosy reading nook for the streets of Paris, the royal bedchamber and the bloodstained beaches of Troy, with these 23 historical fiction books. You’re guaranteed an epic, emotional and transportive experience from the very first page. Best historical fiction books <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/ALL-LIGHT-CANNOT-SEE-Breathtaking/dp/0008138303/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zifBNf37ycLt_bO7FemPph2kNxTBfFfQ9mbtnr8pTQtmom1lZoMxOOsVwB0TDn_h_OHqm6ucVHmqSZ1PA9-ZhOiIhap-wv1LLiQKCdoimoBf7VCRAlrDVq-6Y167Dt_450V-oYYU5ulLINR2dO0PI3u8YD8agYetMPLcU2Zee5zz58Aiq2_26r4--IdmGSldzsDZKrJc3-VhilflIJRTLT8Iyf7eeX2Pd4o3ty7jgzk.FfVAGF2a9Lr0Y0js93azpSHYt2TCdX6ZE2uWoZ26454&qid=1758278340&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nightingale-Kristin-Hannah/dp/1509898417/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1dg-3SGnHwzc6eMdBLL_DJZEtxk-WYIynZ7L---aBR2MAH8XexmkQKflvwnwrwG4jEDKtKxAdbwgX8mrtDGOL9LZSgRNsXZCB3xkG43DsIlmIlj2h232gLFiRRS7YOeL8B3_yoNHPeIZUgF_Qh15O_g-w2LXD8QZ9lehL5kf4h67uPLEnKmOtzLnIKB0a1jtl8z_fHYQTZ_MzLdgELe5s0clJZpAfr6IolszSIPevSI.hhE1LGdYzqtsAEiEqz-GtdNv6Jd07Y95usbrNAuezW4&qid=1758278362&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pachinko-New-York-Times-Bestseller/dp/1838930507/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rFn_9Cuz_YqjAAfuJAzKFhPNLGEW6iNc62DLFqbTCDNN7ljkYNx3KYrjPBu-9cZeIClSSalvLKX_tR-ZePC9NE78zHOQgemrAJHzwtXeJ6uqktBzLjjRXAXrrn2Dp_G7MBsKUQk1aYiuQ6hm_zjV5Aq9jWis7k2oxPTbl656E30LMYKOpVp7YPdcbbsPpmvXkatNyq5XNwhPXHOAguH5AkKhxGEs2K2c8zvD_N21sC0.sBoexZyTjCkjpahEbUWbgj7MMXXq2eCT3jSXvOfxlVI&qid=1758278382&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Pachinko by Min Jin Lee <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Outlander-gripping-historical-best-selling-adventure/dp/1784751375/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VSNBBCUKM_oYSaT0HolM77krLUcBc-io7Vzb3xh1sx9dj5qnW3lR5xobfvBJ-9UgI-KNHLNMhMRuxp7OC3YppvrCTyFD7JAzK1wpKGAbl6IRzjOWrrVGss4gMPRX9c958gIr6Lh-bnxtQRPTWvrSgJ84tAGUxIkrnYGR-SHiIpZNWQ1m1M0xPvBDhqQ9ajgI9MHGNKx4GTggC-1AoinP7-HH-_XbA1kQsSB1u2sdPf8.D_CRhtU007Llg3Wtx0lNXRb3_r3Sd67CbwkallgQuW8&qid=1758278405&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Outlander by Diana Gabaldon <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Thief-Definitions-Young-Adult/dp/1909531618/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sOMW-gn0kP5k2zHS805Z-Q1_YWh2XVxTuc519OMyCn3NTocwTrlLdWDHTQlsIJmzycZC1CRo02GSgksWCmosdAZEk62tKraRU8YbX-5OB0Fu38UhVn_Qdy-7UPB18opbOeeT48Ap8M29OmCwStQu80MVW_focdMxSGoB0mtthS5WPM3UqJwuPEa-NxGepOjqQaaAKwXL_gBuLajxMZtdsNdsPMFkiXrR9oecjmTzhck.e3eQG6czDhV5QyLvhSwyZUZOjzkOJshHsoc6kM211H0&qid=1758278422&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Book Thief by Markus Zusak <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Other-Boleyn-Girl-Philippa-Gregory/dp/0006514006/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.n-6l8pApPpApTa2lilNKjtJffUOtSIhI_sOZ1pKmbvxARI3k2kkmT4qXdH3Xt5zUvdZpTFtZI4mYyZBcW8IgyJ9kYKHeS40ML7l25534T5q0fDoZ4IXDiu8LQYsifE5IPLjYz8Xy1nZI4J_FrVCynpYsTJX3jDAa2XrnXnukGohRYlD7ASgeQeqDwzJbmJiI_xhnhv6CZHEFWjF-070iFn6zjppYeaw0dxgR4uwnB8o.z7ZV9Dvh6RKuICV-rLzXFfuitpXX5jleT5VvJcOZt3M&qid=1758278439&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kite-Runner-Khaled-Hosseini/dp/1526604744/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1OMZW1J1854HY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gk_hOM9h9Bje_0rxiOPvyndVhP2T3ekk5wIwBbUPooPX1UJH2YuK5Xoy8tYBo4QA8XNniJzNTgq7STgGj2mED6-078l8rpg0CccV6pxB3Pao4Pv-fmtzGfce4AAWwL3eaGl5AUkLruv0nCAus6DS1G0hDEtzRQONRcReV41AJf5EKlYXUywPRfw8sdEW3EYejPP3GHkDBHyIrKcj_yFOLfC-yuYM8FvNKE6PAzgvN94.oOIg0QrU0RwuPqsxquXr919WHC-AgVdacEoC5vJy0oA&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Kite+Runner+by+Khaled+Hosseini&qid=1758278454&s=books&sprefix=the+kite+runner+by+khaled+hosseini%2Cstripbooks%2C83&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Water-Elephants-Novel-Sara-Gruen/dp/0340962720/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bGDAZhTjzX7Xj2RATMfTHKESCzqKIabmwFXIUz2STeSs4-_7sjvvdyx4e9RtKN88gBa2XMovGIv9767WB7-UqggNSs9s3Qms-HnUQbdeVoJbo08z6hNlCyQwWHi-uOOjpDGRBx5U9F2wPVW6blzOIPcna7pIxaw59IyWw4aAKLOwdRiKL-ZuLXJERlgEwBr5gWWtU9NN5dv8zna9YaSFWx_lErCsS7qcQXWFNtA_MQs.9VlklWOYl1DP_nes6nFstyjVVN9ad33WVvZV7D1gorM&qid=1758278471&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/GIRL-PEARL-EARRING-international-bestseller/dp/0007232160/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6vZKn6pBHyLVpCdXDIOvey4W5ZUPDLlNA8Km5q2nn8Lo_Ekj2FeBCUuyHta5Rd8BqE28ayp9Qs7-xdxHfm2cG2DjIMqLsEDeBPKTWcx-6YbRZI8vdmh09wl8E6ezkatzdXl_feoHoPO_VF-YJOMNkFijqcbIc46kQuTgLm2e0b97sHfyYkwqWFLOjXHjcCHMHRpZFD1qX1OsLPDj86XI1dJ3cor0znWaazkPMXhTDnA.2kB8ypBAjsKyf4cl_zjPSHUe9TWIkxRDmNKva2SoXlI&qid=1758278490&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leopard-Discover-breath-taking-historical-classic/dp/0099512157/ref=sr_1_1?crid=OEX3SD0KUS15&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-8Qva3FVCC1-hmSwiqH3p7GNk2yEgohPqKli8H4rvSsZhiNixFOHMIKnfgkohLLKmFgPWMB96lpbOP6LM0Nqk2UDQ3iyhmgz9wPIVXrSzkD2iSLG2mGYDHIWVLNlL97mF5ukuccnSwemh4MC9UEPSEgUV10Vv2m3X3EFRWu9LmWk8IVtsXoC-kXGZKDX8XR-NgJtOzejA4UKETZeAkk2xLZ6rGowlsPjfTuh2hHiIrc.S1RvW9JMaAqPLa0KUj-S6aWuS-BQUXm69eh5Ht9SfZE&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Leopard+by+Giuseppe+Tomasi+di+Lampedusa&qid=1758278511&s=books&sprefix=the+leopard+by+giuseppe+tomasi+di+lampedusa%2Cstripbooks%2C87&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seven-Husbands-Evelyn-Hugo-Bestseller/dp/1398515698/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OVFW8QXI5Y3Z&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QJDyE8ojISLmzdXWAGfpdR0hTdRd3yygdxKrOdOlippVgZ7T_VwAzrweTxn0XiWHMwkY9VCcH400rSd0FBH_-9OR4T4drijXXIUa6oEfaqR9f3EFhNMeKs6u9HvB4y4VHVpifBuUlFRF5JKcnWhqwOflBrEN8I9gkgp7Q3GaTldUb0u5hrEsmKJOloIG2n1yeYgRH0gz-QJ4qHe-dHW1F2fUomTWUbN_HtNzipUFfNc.ICIulBCL-sVZFrkudphQa-wunMzdiHZfSFQCVHCfIpA&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Seven+Husbands+of+Evelyn+Hugo+by+Taylor+Jenkins+Reid&qid=1758278530&s=books&sprefix=the+seven+husbands+of+evelyn+hugo+by+taylor+jenkins+reid%2Cstripbooks%2C90&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0141039280/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eQzTa4rA12MNn5NdKoxNxfS9m4vE-0_hYmgOd46wexg7mqIpF85iVWV-FLy_OGLfnc1JQjJjN-IHIzSCDfwLR2i6KVM0aEXAd45naYYJhROshvCH40Lbsyby09YgzGeEuvoUVQCTSUPEtZmR-hIGjF6SZq7A3rHEnNwyXsPZ0vCvG7_iz0RKFqqC7oduxPNlj_PxKuC2WN7pB7NMX8TRsR-9BTLvptOhvkeMATs8ZWM.Zk0G2On3Qzlu4JTT4h9e2EqGOphmz-9D4FMTPoOXr_I&qid=1758278544&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Help by Kathryn Stockett <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Song-Achilles-Bloomsbury-Modern-Classics/dp/1408891387/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mQlAMCTb4wZF15XneCuYuQblhJwmPUaRek0D_udA_rUAChcgl5wDxlYuHRmsCePr5nXroUTtmqc2zF5NnPumOK7sV5oS7S6gtMa0QzvXXz-ORu24l1UYdXr6kDRqYbOVordyeXQdgJcn721OXxJ69rL5qGpS9qebGdqd93KSQ1-qQU8zyuGKP9n8sA8s95hDQCN0xFmjTdDq8cGXmFyCh2y9189zkY0O913W87bxDp8.v5ga-4ZscngKTE4BqoDG4PUFfEDGdTQ6K0Y1VdNvEC4&qid=1758278558&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Barrows <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gentleman-Moscow-Amor-Towles/dp/0099558785/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9tSrt9I-1JlKFyWzCiM-FRFxRlTdghcrGmXNLZuPaxqra6UVWk-3UHbPWoz5NdwxwfbGiZM5uqqolZ_gEqXKgt2_CUrI03uJ9DC0D4ng_Pc4ZpRjaNdhGjpx3OMxxBO-R-H_OilDxgHj-FhQB8ROw7VzsCqe_HDMXse6Sccf4N38Ghkd7y5hR-YoMBZSSS-aym9lJxHPHXbVN0Mo0Iawuu3EO0b9ORZzv_Xd2blxbmc.ESjLWaqgqcCnm1bVphdtWqwX_r-3NenWApScsF9cO54&qid=1758278588&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alice-Network-Novel-Kate-Quinn/dp/0062654195/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tTIu3e5VJjGr0Qcnow11kJIwDwAYKXcAlKIbYs6o3iDXSLPwtBqno2Kh7RczwsB2OfWHmopCWRcpg9TvnElDkEgFZIAXiBDomtv-y1RVwBmjEQ46UGNvuuhJkR7yKdUfplsUaf5uMu1oUhn0hteRZdjVpRExudPXw4qeE4vIjtVorhBR_MLpBfvQfmKLrF_L3IrhEhdP-jVeYHsIkl44jdgZnkDQ4CFfsAM7YfGrU9g.5d3th-jSSbOfF5OCO4ejNTAzZGfhY5A8z3B9SFcMFwM&qid=1758278603&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Alice Network by Kate Quinn <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tattooist-Auschwitz-including-foreword-additional/dp/1471408493/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LIC29VGQ7253&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rwreWUfdvC4wc7F2KqlR1Jz1RxycBQJ7GS63eiFwqaA1ghGQRYi0Bs4h1JZOtcW7U7-uWhwyyaa_RYhK5q5TxK7gUDRSw-zYnGK9I2pl94iftaEm1pMGqTEbcTsnC6B5tUaAUN2DXfvcf1dY9ZrV-ErW1kCLdJTa8GxiInIjpPmZYyMWwOaFwC2nWZz_Gsf-GAOd8eH5CXjS-7RrROlD24c-ehzjkZINAuEpSiohsYM.Vtg1-i4iAUjBIlFKOMCM2F3H8fE3UoQvmtH6LkCPQII&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Tattooist+of+Auschwitz+by+Heather+Morris&qid=1758278622&s=books&sprefix=the+tattooist+of+auschwitz+by+heather+morris%2Cstripbooks%2C85&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lessons-Chemistry-Sunday-bestseller-Between/dp/1804990922/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21BADV93XR7IG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MzvY-xP-gPZm6sXq-7NPX0H6-1ETagWAv3h3aRVxctZQtC4T1oBkxIh6RtBQoZCIN_SVqXor92i-gJVfU2RJQgQAjnCpyO_attes0QBUE9an9IamXFcVtlmf2lpLLPDM1iBScN4USAC_CAiRobRLx_4WbyoOn1b_5djwZs4JSwvmBIMFfNYYg8JtHU3xU3gPnqw1KoWhQl7NIIA-nhnk3HO5qURmxpIfl08PYkY4d1A.fZPv3kKVRYHVtdOW8Yny5t7Tw0BdNSBD-GT2VsmxKUA&dib_tag=se&keywords=Lessons+in+Chemistry+by+Bonnie+Garmus&qid=1758278663&s=books&sprefix=lessons+in+chemistry+by+bonnie+garmus%2Cstripbooks%2C85&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Homegoing-Yaa-Gyasi/dp/0241975239/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CPIO1-PJlCjdD2Y25YKOZhvJnc0NA8a79YneqpupHPN1-hA_UHhkxUGMQeDdZb7qaEW25b95U74l1H6nZmG0xAPGMwcC_VhZOcMLcqwtKzwYTh0QifcDiKC6zFA1q_1aXPLubdxMZUce5kl54cpofV-IeC335u2PBPInCB96BYwe6ywp1HqOzQkSV830sk901KpWNnoEwM_0eoypy9wembhg47dORoH7DoQR4EthVIg.n7DGbnHxCX94MzczW6uQK0KOsIuzeBaCIWLX7XJFt-s&qid=1758278680&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Underground-Railroad-Winner-Pulitzer-Fiction/dp/0708898408/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GSStj-zbdXNyFFHoKrmUV-vWj2DIiEULn5X0NhkFbur2gwmr3SbgwF6TkFy7ONZVRRR-gyXto_CfQ7cEIOAvCdvQyMPomjfJGcOFJ1EB15uiIMTKRRD0g39OXXh190OP8A90GeKgmAvGxyW0IkTvEa-t31oEjNnhhcA1zCzfVDePlXxwJrw_u8rxVp9eDzNGZAZffihvmu_4eeS1tBHvS1oQsW_crTRE62aInXnDMHM.zMifLqNpT2wAsgQk1Lgc0t04uomdI8SHzNq-wfbcpTo&qid=1758278783&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Apothecary-York-Times-Bestseller/dp/1800310161/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ck5OVEyLnNaYljKOnCvAa7yYt5eZL6joalveY4Gn4mk89ySxYRqnnHO7wMsiCJztx0CJ-i9aejEfdAr9M3tZXJVrk-q_vLy889igDfOpOadGzbRbAmcghl63-gl1681QDA6FC6fWFDYddtgo1GQfmOiRV2g0S35mtfqmMr-uovlz0_zKK1wJIA6GzmZ3J4P3WGhi4YTRO0-VkxIFTy_SXQ.S5OO9GdIIlLwo3Nw_wFwDfYQ-5pNDlXRsfwFhFePC2E&qid=1758278798&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310796" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray 1. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr Marie-Laure lives in Paris with her father near the Museum of Natural History, but when the Nazis occupy the city, they flee to Saint-Malo with a priceless and dangerous jewel. Meanwhile, orphaned Werner in Germany becomes a prodigy with radios, eventually forced to use his skills to track the resistance. Their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, showing how people struggle to remain good even in the darkest times. It’s a very different angle of the war, and the novel is especially celebrated for how Doerr captures the perspective of blind Marie-Laure. 2. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah In the quiet French village of Carriveau, Vianne Mauriac must survive when German soldiers occupy her home, forcing her to make impossible choices to protect her daughter. Meanwhile, her rebellious sister, Isabelle, seeks purpose and love amid the chaos, ultimately joining the Resistance after a betrayal. Against the backdrop of World War II, the sisters navigate fear, courage, and sacrifice in their own dangerous paths. Kristin Hannah’s novel is a powerful story of survival, love and the resilience of women in wartime. 3. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee In early 1900s Korea, teenage Sunja falls for a wealthy stranger who promises her the world, only to discover he is married and she is pregnant. Refusing to be bought, she marries a kind, sickly minister travelling to Japan. Her choice to leave home and reject her child’s powerful father sparks a saga that reverberates through generations. You’re taken through eight decades and four generations, to see that while many things change, some struggles never lose their sharpness. 4. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon Diana Gabaldon's beloved series blends historical fiction and fantasy to transport readers to the past, but be warned: once you start it, you'll struggle to stop. In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she steps through an ancient stone circle and finds herself in 1743 Scotland. Thrust into a land of war and fighting clans, she must navigate dangerous intrigues that threaten her life. There, she meets James Fraser, a brave Scots warrior who awakens a passionate love. Torn between loyalty to her husband and desire for James, Claire faces an impossible choice across two very different worlds. 5. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak It’s 1939 in Nazi Germany, and Death is busier than ever. Yep, Death narrates this entire novel, and it’s an incredible choice by Zusak. Back to the story itself. At her brother’s graveside, Liesel steals a book, sparking a lifelong love of reading with the help of her accordion-playing foster father. As she steals more books and her family hides a Jew in their basement, Liesel’s world opens to wonder and inches closer to danger. The result is a treasure of a novel, centred on the light of humanity in the darkest of times. 6. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory We’ve all heard of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, but what about…the other Boleyn Girl? Mary Boleyn arrives at court as a naïve 14-year-old and quickly captures the attention of Henry VIII. Thrilled by her growing influence and the King’s admiration, she falls for both her golden prince and her newfound power. But as her family’s ambitions and courtly rivalries unfold, Mary is soon overshadowed by her sister Anne. Forced to confront her own destiny, she must defy both family and king to seize control of her fate. Philippa Gregory is a pillar in historical fiction, so you know this book won’t disappoint. 7. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner follows Amir, a young boy from Kabul’s Wazir Akbar Khan neighbourhood, as he grows up amid Afghanistan’s political upheaval—from the fall of the monarchy to the Soviet invasion, refugee exodus, and rise of the Taliban. At its heart, the novel explores Amir’s complex relationship with his father and the bonds that shape him. Themes of guilt and redemption run deeply throughout the story, driving Amir’s journey toward atonement. Against a backdrop of war and displacement, it is both a coming-of-age tale and a meditation on loyalty, betrayal, and forgiveness. 8. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen When orphaned Jacob Jankowski impulsively jumps onto a passing train, he finds himself in a struggling circus during the Great Depression, surrounded by drifters, misfits, and fleeting towns. Tasked with caring for the circus animals, Jacob meets Marlena, the captivating star of the equestrian act, who is married to the charismatic but twisted animal trainer August, and forms a unique bond with Rosie, an elephant that no one else can train. Water for Elephants is a beautifully written story, rich in time and place, capturing a love that defies incredible odds in a world where even love is a rare luxury. 9. Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer represents one of the great enigmas of 17th-century art, and you’ll certainly recognise his work, especially one mysterious painting. Girl with a Pearl Earring is set in Vermeer’s prosperous Delft household during the 1660s, where the quietly perceptive Griet is hired as a servant. As she navigates her new role, Griet grows increasingly close to her master, drawing her into a delicate and dangerous intimacy. Eventually, she becomes Vermeer’s assistant and is chosen to sit for him as a model, forever changing the course of her life. 10. The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa In the grand tradition of sweeping period drama, The Leopard whisks us away to 19th-century Sicily, where a crumbling aristocracy is forced to confront the unstoppable tide of change. At its heart is the magnetic Prince of Salina, torn between clinging to his family’s fading splendour and embracing the revolution reshaping his world. A lush, elegiac tale of power, pride, and the passing of an era. 11. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid If you’ve spent any time on BookTok, you’ve likely encountered this novel a dozen times. However, it is one of the best historical fiction books available, skilfully ushering generations of readers into the mix. Ageing Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo chooses unknown reporter Monique Grant to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. Monique, struggling both personally and professionally, seizes the chance to revive her career. As Evelyn recounts her rise in 1950s Hollywood, her seven marriages and a forbidden love, Monique becomes captivated by her story. But as the tale unfolds, both Monique and the reader can’t help but wonder… why did Evelyn choose her to tell this long-awaited story? 12. The Help by Kathryn Stockett Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter returns home to 1962 Mississippi, where her mother expects her to marry, and her beloved maid Constantine has mysteriously disappeared. Aibileen, a wise black maid, struggles with grief while raising her 17th white child, and her friend Minny, a fiery cook, lands a new job with a woman who harbours her own secrets. Despite their differences, the three women join forces on a risky, clandestine project. Together, they challenge the rigid rules of their town and the era they live in. 13. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller Another BookTok favourite known for breaking everyone’s hearts. Weaving together Homeric myth, Ancient Greek history and romance, Miller's debut novel tells the story of the hero Achilles, as viewed through his lover Patroclus's eyes. The pair's journey from Phthia to the beaches of Troy makes for a brutal, heart-wrenching saga that delves into the Battle of Troy, the devastating impact of war, and how the term “Achilles heel” came to be. 14. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Anne Barrows In post-war London, writer Juliet Ashton searches for her next book and unexpectedly finds it in a letter from a man on the island of Guernsey. As they exchange letters, she becomes enchanted by his world and the quirky, unforgettable members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. What began as a clever wartime alibi has evolved into a community filled with humour, heart and love for literature. This is one of the few historical novels on this list that won’t leave you sobbing! 15. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles In 1922, Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to house arrest in Moscow’s grand Metropol Hotel for being an unrepentant aristocrat. A man of wit and learning who has never worked a day in his life, he is confined to a small attic room as Russia undergoes turbulent change. Yet within the hotel’s walls, Rostov discovers a richer, unexpected world of connection and emotional growth. His confinement becomes a journey of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery. At the core, this novel explores what it means to be a man of purpose. 16. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn In 1947, American college student Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and banished to Europe to take care of her ‘little issue,’ but she is determined to find her cousin Rose, missing in Nazi-occupied France. Thirty years earlier, Eve Gardiner joins the war effort as a spy in enemy-occupied France, trained by the legendary Lili, code-named Alice. Haunted decades later by past betrayals, Eve lives in seclusion in London until Charlie arrives, setting them both on a dangerous mission to uncover the truth. A female-driven tale of courage, loyalty and the lasting impact of war. 17. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris In April 1942, Slovakian Jew Lale Sokolov is sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau, where his language skills earn him work as the camp’s tattooist, marking fellow prisoners. Over two and a half years, he witnesses unimaginable horrors but also extraordinary acts of courage, using his position to trade jewels and money for food to help others survive. One day, he meets a young woman named Gita and vows to survive the camp and marry her. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is a harrowing yet hopeful story of love, humanity and resilience in the darkest of times. Definitely keep a pack of tissues ready for this one! 18. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys We all know about the tragedy of the Titanic, and many know about the equally ill-fated Lusitania, but what about the single greatest tragedy in maritime history? On January 30, 1945, a German cruise liner that was supposed to ferry wartime personnel and refugees to safety was sunk by a Soviet submarine. More than 9,000 people, including 5,000 children, lost their lives. Sepetys takes you through this tragedy through fictionalised characters: Joana, a Lithuanian with nursing experience; Florian, a Prussian soldier fleeing the Nazis with stolen treasure; and Emilia, a Polish girl close to the end of her pregnancy. You’ll find yourself praying for a happy ending for at least one of these tragic yet historically accurate figures. 19. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus Chemist Elizabeth Zott is no ordinary woman; she believes there’s no such thing as an average woman, even if her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute in the early 1960s doesn’t see it that way. The exception is Calvin Evans, a lonely, brilliant scientist who falls in love with her mind, proving that true chemistry can happen in more ways than one. Years later, Elizabeth is a single mother and the unexpected star of America’s favourite cooking show, Supper at Six, where her unconventional recipes secretly challenge women to rethink the status quo. Laugh-out-loud funny and sharply observant, Lessons in Chemistry is as original and vibrant as its remarkable protagonist. 20. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi Two half-sisters, Effia and Esi, are born in 18-century Ghana but live vastly different lives; Effia marries an Englishman and resides in the luxurious Cape Coast Castle, while Esi is imprisoned beneath her in the dungeons and sold into the transatlantic slave trade. Homegoing follows Effia’s descendants through centuries of Ghanaian history and warfare, while Esi’s line navigates the horrors of American slavery, the Civil War, and the Great Migration, tracing their struggles up to the modern day. Yaa Gyasi’s debut novel is a powerful, sweeping epic that makes history visceral, delivering unforgettable characters whose lives are shaped by forces beyond their control. A masterful and unmissable reading experience, Homegoing cements Gyasi as an astonishingly gifted young writer. 21. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead Cora is a young slave on a Georgia cotton plantation, an outcast even among her fellow Africans, facing a brutal path to womanhood. When Caesar tells her about the Underground Railroad, they risk everything to escape, but Cora kills a young white boy in the attempt and finds herself hunted. Their journey takes them through a network of secret tracks and tunnels, where each stop offers new dangers, from false havens to relentless pursuers like Ridgeway. Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad is both a gripping adventure of survival and a powerful meditation on America’s history of slavery and oppression. 22. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner All’s fair in love and poison… right? One cold February evening in 1791, in a hidden apothecary shop tucked down a dark London alley, Nella awaits her newest customer. Once a respected healer, she now sells expertly disguised poisons to desperate women, but when her client turns out to be a clever 12-year-old named Eliza Fanning, an unlikely friendship sparks a chain of events that could destroy Nella’s world. In present-day London, historian Caroline Parcewell is reeling from her husband’s infidelity when she discovers an old apothecary vial near the Thames, linking her to the unsolved “apothecary murders” of centuries past. As Caroline delves deeper, the lives of three women across time collide in a shocking twist where not everyone will survive. 23. Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray In 1919, amid the social and civil unrest sweeping America, Harlem becomes a beacon of creativity and Black pride, with music, theatre, fashion, and the arts flourishing. At the heart of this renaissance is Jessie Redmon Fauset, the new literary editor of the influential magazine The Crisis, tasked by W.E.B. Du Bois with discovering young writers destined to change the world. As Jessie nurtures talents like Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, and Nella Larsen, the magazine thrives and her star rises—but her secret affair with Du Bois threatens everything she has built. Facing the pressures of racism, sexism, and personal ambition, Jessie must navigate the high stakes of love, power and her own legacy. For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante. Looking for more reading recommendations? Join the Radio Times Book Club here - we offer 3-month or 6-month memberships as well as monthly or quarterly subscriptions where you'll receive a new hardback chosen by the RT team delivered directly to your door!
17 books to read if you're already missing The Summer I Turned Pretty
How to fill the Cousins Beach-shaped hole in your heart.
The finale of The Summer I Turned Pretty was the Gen Z/Millennial equivalent of the Friends finale. Only this time, instead of begging Rachel not to go to Paris, we were all urging Conrad to hop on a plane. Now that the kisses have been shared, the promises made, and our favourite couple is off to Brussels, we’re left with a gaping hole in our romance-loving hearts. With the nights drawing in, it’s the perfect moment to curl up with a book that can help fill the void. Here are the 17 best books to read if you’re already missing The Summer I Turned Pretty – well, until the film is released! What to read after finishing The Summer I Turned Pretty Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins Every Summer After by Carley Fortune Call It What You Want by Alissa DeRogatis Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid Happy Place by Emily Henry We Were Liars by E. Lockhart Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry But How Are You, Really by Ella Dawson Save the Date by Allison Raskin The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord The Wedding People by Alison Espach To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han 1. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter No one could miss the Audrey Hepburn references scattered throughout season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty – the perfect nod for an old movie enthusiast like Belly. A natural follow-up is Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter, which is all about bringing that movie magic into your own life. The story follows Liz, a teen who has spent years planning her life like a romcom – right down to the grand romantic gestures – only to discover that real-life love is messier and far less predictable than any script. Like Belly learning that a wedding doesn’t solve everything and that problems follow you to Paris, Liz learns that love doesn’t always come on schedule, and sometimes the best relationships are the ones you never saw coming. Enemies-to-lovers meets the boy next door in this delightful romcom, making it the perfect addition to your TBR list. 2. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins If you’re craving the holiday romances of The Summer I Turned Pretty, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins is a perfect next read. The story follows Anna, an American teen sent to a boarding school in Paris, where she meets the charming and frustrating Étienne St. Clair. As Anna navigates new friendships, school life and the thrill of first love, she discovers that following your heart often comes with risk and plenty of butterflies. Like Belly with Conrad, Anna learns that love can be both intoxicating and complicated, and that sometimes the best summers are the ones that change you forever. With a Parisian backdrop, irresistible romance and a mix of humour and heart, this novel is ideal for anyone longing for a summer filled with lingering glances and unforgettable moments. It captures the delightful American in Paris vibe as Belly does in the final episodes. 3. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune The most obvious comparison between Every Summer After and The Summer I Turned Pretty is the holiday-like setting of Cousins Beach and the lakehouse at Barry’s Bay. But on a deeper level, both stories explore grief, supporting someone through loss, hurting the people you love, the consequences of our choices and the long road back home. Percy and Sam were inseparable for six summers, their friendship blossoming into something more, until one mistake shattered everything. Now, years later, Percy returns to Barry’s Bay for Sam’s mother’s funeral, only to find their connection still undeniable. Has time healed old wounds? Can the past stay in the past? And can two people who once broke each other’s hearts find their way back to love? Spanning six summers and one life-changing weekend, this novel is as nostalgic and heartbreaking as a return trip to Cousins Beach. 4. Call It What You Want by Alissa DeRogatis Call It What You Want is the perfect coming-of-age story to mirror Belly’s journey of self-discovery and healing. Just like our favourite show, it’s filled with ups and downs, love and heartbreak, and the tough realisation that sometimes someone can’t give what you need... for now, at least. During her senior year of college, Sloane finds herself drawn into a situationship just when she least needs it – full of undeniable chemistry, sizzling touches and that push-and-pull that keeps your heart racing. Will Ethan catch Sloane when she falls? With his brooding, Conrad-esque charm, Ethan makes this novel the perfect way to spend one last sun-soaked summer at Cousins Beach. 5. Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune Belly spent summers with Jeremiah and Conrad, and that was enough to shape the two great loves of her life. Fern, on the other hand, spent just 24 hours with Will – and it was enough to etch him permanently in her heart. Nine years later, Fern is back home running her mother’s lakeside resort, reluctantly tied to a place she never wanted to stay. Then Will walks back into her life – changed, complicated and possibly carrying the answers she’s been searching for. Could timing finally be on their side? Belly found her love story in the end; now Meet Me at the Lake asks whether Fern will too. With its evocative lakehouse setting, emotional depth and heart-thumping romance, this novel perfectly captures the bittersweet magic of summers that stay with you forever. 6. The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther A wedding. Grief. Heartbreak. If those themes feel familiar after The Summer I Turned Pretty, you’ll find them beautifully echoed in The Summer of Broken Rules. Meredith has spent every summer on Martha’s Vineyard, but this year is her first time back since her sister’s death. With her entire extended family gathering for her cousin’s wedding, everything feels overwhelming – especially when she’s dumped just two weeks before. Flying solo for the family’s annual game of assassin, Meredith doesn’t expect to fall for a charming groomsman, but the pull between them is undeniable. Tender, swoony and threaded with Taylor Swift references, this novel perfectly captures the healing, bittersweet energy of The Summer I Turned Pretty – a story about grief, love, and finding joy again in unexpected places. 7. One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle If you’re longing for the tender mother-daughter relationships and breathtaking views of The Summer I Turned Pretty, One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle is a heartbreakingly beautiful follow-up. When Katy’s mother dies, she’s left utterly unmoored; Carol wasn’t just her mom, she was her best friend and first phone call (total Beck energy!). Still, Katy goes ahead with their long-planned trip to Positano, Italy, where she feels her mother’s presence in every sun-soaked vista. Then, the impossible happens: Katy’s mother appears in the flesh, 30 years old, vibrant, and very much alive. Suddenly, Katy has one Italian summer to truly know her mother as the young woman she once was. It’s tender, magical and bittersweet – exactly the kind of story TSITP fans will wish Susannah could have had. 8. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid If you loved the sun-soaked, family-and-friendship vibes of The Summer I Turned Pretty, Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid hits all the same notes, just with bigger stakes. The story follows the four Riva siblings as they prepare for their legendary annual summer party in 1980s Malibu, navigating secrets, rivalries and the complicated ties that bind them. Like Belly, the Rivas are learning about love, loyalty and the messy beauty of growing up under the glaring sun of family expectations. With unforgettable friendships, sizzling romance and one epic night that changes everything, this novel is a dazzling, emotional ride that will stay with you after the pages have ended. 9. Happy Place by Emily Henry We could recommend every Emily Henry novel for this list – after all, they’re set in dreamy destinations, packed with swoonworthy romance, and always come with a side of self-growth. But Happy Place is the one that feels most like a natural follow-up to The Summer I Turned Pretty. It follows Harriet and Wyn, a couple who secretly broke up six months ago but must pretend to be engaged during their annual group holiday in Maine. If you loved Conrad’s brooding charm, you’ll fall just as hard for strong-but-silent Wyn. With its mix of deep friendships, nostalgia, mental health themes and second-chance love, it echoes the emotional heart of Cousins Beach. Belly’s “happy place” may have been the beach, but Harriet’s is this stunning house in Maine, where longing looks, stolen touches and the hope of finding your way back home will keep you hooked. 10. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart If you were drawn to the mix of sun-soaked setting and emotional undercurrents in The Summer I Turned Pretty, We Were Liars by E. Lockhart will pull you in the same way – just with a darker twist. Set on a private island off Martha’s Vineyard, it follows Cadence and her wealthy cousins as they navigate love, loyalty and a family legacy full of secrets. Like Belly, Cadence is caught between the intoxicating freedom of summer and the weight of growing up, but here, the nostalgia comes with sharp edges. There’s romance, yes, but also friendship, betrayal and a shocking reveal that lingers long after the last page. If Cousins Beach was about first love and finding yourself, this island is about what happens when memory, privilege and heartbreak collide. Plus: the two shows are Amazon Prime sisters! 11. Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson If you’re missing the friendships at the heart of The Summer I Turned Pretty, Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson is a perfect next read. When best friend Sloane disappears, Emily must follow a mysterious list of dares she left behind, pushing her out of her comfort zone and into a summer full of unexpected adventures. Like Belly navigating her feelings for Conrad and Jeremiah while keeping her friendships close, Emily learns that growing up doesn’t mean leaving your friends behind. With humour, heart and a little romance sprinkled in, this is a story about taking risks, discovering yourself and celebrating the bonds that stick through life’s messy, magical moments. 12. The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry If you’re craving the mix of romance, self-discovery and summer magic that made The Summer I Turned Pretty so irresistible, The Love That Split the World by Emily Henry is a must-read. The story follows Natalie, a teen caught between two realities, as she navigates love, identity and a sense of destiny that stretches beyond one summer. Like Belly, Natalie experiences a summer that changes her forever; full of longing, heartache, and the kind of love that makes you believe in second chances. With swoonworthy romance, emotional depth, and a hint of magical realism, this novel is perfect for anyone looking to lose themselves in a story as unforgettable as a summer at Cousins Beach. 13. But How Are You, Really by Ella Dawson Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty took us [briefly] to college with Belly, Taylor and Jeremiah – a formative time for Belly, even if her real growth happened later in Paris, post-Runaway Bride energy. That makes But How Are You, Really by Ella Dawson a fitting follow-up: a novel about confronting your past, cherishing your chosen family and learning that love shouldn’t be a bandaid. The story follows Charlotte, who reluctantly attends her five-year reunion and is forced to face the people she left behind – including an estranged chosen family and the one that got away. Will she reconnect with old friends? Will the spark with Reece reignite? With heartfelt reflection, emotional growth and swoon-worthy tension, this novel is perfect for anyone missing the bittersweet, self-discovery moments of Belly’s journey. 14. Save the Date by Allison Raskin A core element of The Summer I Turned Pretty is the love triangle at its heart, so it feels only right to include another swoony, complicated triangle – also centred around weddings that might or might not happen – in Save the Date by Allison Raskin. Emma, a couples therapist, should be an expert on relationships, except her fiancé dumps her six months before their wedding. Determined to stick to her timeline, she sets out to find a new groom, only to get caught between Will, a charismatic podcast producer who refuses to be a replacement, and Matt, a sweet, recently divorced man eager to settle down. With humour, heart and all the romantic tension you could hope for, this novel is perfect for anyone missing the push-and-pull drama of Belly, Conrad and Taylor. 15. The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord One of the things that makes The Summer I Turned Pretty so relatable is the way friendships can turn into romances – and sometimes back again, leaving everyone confused. That’s why The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord is a perfect follow-up, centring on two best friends who haven’t spoken in 10 years. After each suffers a public, humiliating break-up that spreads across TikTok and daytime talk shows, a single photo of them together sparks a flurry of gossip, and suddenly, the internet is convinced they’re a couple. With everyone rooting for them, June and Levi decide to put aside their rocky past and make a pact: pretending to date will help June’s shop bounce back and remind Levi’s ex what she lost. Between staged photo ops and swoon-worthy moments, this novel is full of friendship, fun and romance. 16. The Wedding People by Alison Espach Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty had us on edge, wondering if Belly would go through with her wedding and how she might ever get out of it. If you’re craving more wedding drama and summer romance, The Wedding People by Alison Espach is the perfect follow-up: a hilarious story of friendship, heartbreak and finding your way through life. Phoebe Stone arrives in Newport, Rhode Island, hoping for a little self-care after hitting rock bottom. The only problem? There’s a wedding that weekend, and she’s mistaken for a guest. What better way to cope than crashing someone else’s big day? As the bride frets over every detail (except Phoebe), the two women form an unexpected bond, navigating their wildly different circumstances with laughter and compassion. 17. To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han Last but not least, Jenny Han gives us another dreamy romance to fall for, this time with Lara Jean and Peter. Perfect for anyone needing a post-Belly-and-Conrad fix, this novel explores first love, friendship woes, grief and the messy journey of figuring out who you are as a teen. When Lara Jean’s secret love letters are accidentally sent out, she’s thrust into a whirlwind of boy drama. To navigate the chaos, she pretends to date Peter – the recipient of one letter – but keeping the ruse going proves harder than expected when feelings start to feel all too real. For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante. Looking for more reading recommendations? Join the Radio Times Book Club here - we offer 3-month or 6-month memberships as well as monthly or quarterly subscriptions where you'll receive a new hardback chosen by the RT team delivered directly to your door!
22 best thriller books to get your heart racing: from Gone Girl to Shutter Island
Put your nervous system and puzzle-solving skills to the test with these incredible thriller novels.
Looking for a page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat? From pulse-pounding psychological twists to high-octane whodunnits, thrillers have a way of gripping us from the first chapter and refusing to let go. We’ve rounded up 22 of the best thrillers guaranteed to get your heart racing, whether you love a smart detective story, a chilling domestic mystery or a tale where everyone—and everything—is not quite what it seems. Curl up in a comfortable chair with these heart-racing thrillers and prepare for a wild, wild ride. 22 best thriller books <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silent-Patient-most-anticipated-thriller-ebook/dp/B07G17DR4X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DUVTPKLR9KPF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HrEnyoB2mmofxUICfzTFvf9_RnwglLRIhJ194BhVFBhPdtQH32ZuaB_g3nRIL1HAqWXkVbcbv-jgbQkqPBGTj8MZh-68YKp3bzt2cSenQjElMdXAJ9IpcP74ehwu89hJRWU0mL5miZCL1oWB4GfE21Cj52ACqI9DVPPnqK34byJ6jfMJ2AFo_Yps1T7Ze7IN51_A6mEcvVOdFpakx263HTd3Kbd-ruYZGGCaHp4MBHM.LPt6uReUhHHljrJFnGS31AcQwxLdklDYC2hbWQhaj7A&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Silent+Patient+by+Alex+Michaelides&qid=1755771319&s=books&sprefix=the+silent+patient+by+alex+michaelides%2Cstripbooks%2C119&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gone-Girl-Gillian-Flynn/dp/0753827662/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8g3B6-FTbN2RWQrCru5dxLkVmdHvV0lcZdG2PzNciuP5jyJxJXDp3oqFgj6H3OIVFUrM5N4sXrX26gV_uGMLHArTSguLISfMZL_kvR59UQZBeliPAvzueh5N5z0XAL0thGIzKeXcq089esbnxQZ0V-ArmvpE1tbpMu86QCucdbXNnUSawrlN1GS-HKco-3vGNvi8ukxHx0AeKFjoUpyBNWRq65H9YiAQhaNcXSbFZ3c.IG8uT_7XzxhNQHMBHWMrlBHUWdqY8nSCr5LkzDQMJcU&qid=1755771793&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-Train-Film-tie/dp/1784161756/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Bfxo8r72v4OL4wrDcOMnYyjpuqZUalRasB5fwECVgpZGaWBYavmnoAJR66XbyhtWB3q5dIRxD4fVC8P9qR--kSLEkLY7xTmjDYBeP1JAKKmpxGI-1Uzv5EMwoq28QfMKcu9-Kr0COWid101JpjGd2FHRjseF2IpbfZHL3oYKM_YI-Kg5pFGO-nGMm-kYyi1sylvsovHefuP_DbcOrnynV9GkdjaHVDJiQz_b0lvGgAI.lPbbFMV3Fv7Kfiub6TGJHU9R7M4Lf_FrdpPzdPh7-2w&qid=1755771818&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Housemaid-absolutely-addictive-psychological-jaw-dropping/dp/1408728516/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2UNZLQCGKXBLA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wkhpbW2tZQu8g3nqVAi2hDghWfP_fF15tXOpMRK_9GVnaBxrQDL41ZVmLY82UYVLoZOA_Lekv0okonVBLfYRTPJwgWRiUHD5rrKhmvU3m440fj-q6HzqbMrkE1p7qkSsnwCyCIRverMazLNxGM8hn9KjsaWQ32fdBInpjfyTTuZvYVZ2wyUOc9mCAuYCNBo_KyXdju2JjBdbWONsHB5rGMqB6RO1J52tZ2JVRFb6Puk.kHLGmns6P-z-t-N8xXjhcHxuRHNe5XpSWjuGOY3NhjI&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Housemaid+by+Freida+McFadden&qid=1755771843&s=books&sprefix=the+housemaid+by+freida+mcfadden%2Cstripbooks%2C88&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Housemaid by Freida McFadden <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hunting-Party-Lucy-Foley/dp/0008297150/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1039SYRZ7RWHR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oovbcxJwSWXX-dipPC9lSvB08NCtUTXyCPNdsrnDmn1jJnIW6nB8mT4HI2BMCDTv67LtUknRb5x8peKQIoQEwbgM-QdCsQIkSA8-TkehFeCprdmQrarG5UaqIKJrWZrFI_DPGjlv0e-AUmRuL7GzLM9ySZFYDNRKiNdfBB6KoWUFygAFwBmt-Mst6hbpzLXxUrZHsJu4GOEpMyQF6Gqf_jjlnWhbG_ZWzc5lW8J4lyk.yINiJv-6WhAjA07D8ZObVEQPkYUP1QBNoK2G0Jf8Zpk&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Hunting+Party+by+Lucy+Foley&qid=1755771865&s=books&sprefix=the+hunting+party+by+lucy+foley%2Cstripbooks%2C85&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Woman-Window-J-Finn/dp/0008234183/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8H2G38K-f8H5KqfsELy1MiGDMa23jcUjdwflWp9grM0RAthKZUtzx7IYKOYxWdPmUYDf-zXjuI9PFpUbR5UKZtPOLHlfC_6ekirBK9y762IyR7G6-GnZ4DMuyIs6IBN2qcvcXxH7DfjZsALf76hXY09k1M0Y6KEk9lqO-B7hUwO4je4DPwuRBrB9oEd7x9UB5VMJlKw7V2R1DnRd-E7sI_LaXnp0VofvTSj8O2BybVA.B2vmeH74-luMvQc9tUxXV5Qh6k5yIIZOcjqDcD-_ZH4&qid=1755772017&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Matter-Blake-Crouch/dp/144729758X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i9SUXvVpMjOQo1CNf9zafYlNkGphMU4mxjJGmY5PrqOLi7RiIMmaJDB9YJzgDi76lGO8l3ckr2dJqGI9s1281bdOeV7dRQ1HVCzY8Qrm5o3Ru4wTP3RHXTY7tjdumOs4KfSxb0x0QWwAyPa5YbsqQyI8zh1QmShU2dZ85j3FkLQFe6vucflQ7salQh9a3wTRNTCXAUOYTGxuyzF3U4UDS5Z4uvXnn4jooBb5U1RPDjk.SuxGcUwDuN4ErVlbYqbyvWwUyN3aSYxqAShmlgvs6ws&qid=1755772040&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Dark Matter by Blake Crouch My Murder by Katie Williams The Quiet Girl by S.F. Kosa The Long Weekend by Gilly MacMillan <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Wood-Ruth-Ware/dp/0099598248/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.o4uLwx7ft4lX9UllO0ciZ9ZoqyEEkCIB_OkUUOIctceHP0UxQZ_XqZELWSAfgH7_Ho8VadC2ITFYD2NhUDUIoR4OdrTvq-hWH6uTbDFNAqt0C1ysnlFc7akDU7Q2zIFohIGRU55E9x7lGmIpXNCtsxrBl4tgZbxjhTONXPY4eQdlfCoYV8MFSQkOPhnjF0g44bQUKGh2BN3cA9KqvlrePqbufBtsXSUcBf4uDrPIDAM.OVPdR7iZjsiNIOrcKbQ1LhFAOw8LhPziCpt-WrhLeSM&qid=1755772127&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wife-Between-Us-Richard-Judy/dp/1509842837/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-DG287oFRdBe31tz7MZ6eI_lV-FZI6-YvwjrOwlEvHwps1zww_nR8lpeQaE-VUFZ__sQH9zD38UGY7E_zYWY4IsiSvEopnB62J6r6VqkwQhpvt8xXOEu__YNYV1mXx_waDWo9dwczl9E_uV3ru4LBowoLZGoodrFNmo2z6d9EKxpB0WBAZL7TX1eHGDuTp7FyRSCE6luzzyV2_YAdaDVoQDSOkB_vr9jJyTVBmB4N1I.o4J20SHWggCvSzQrAPP0eU2mvieUHTuwnmx4cTRGK9c&qid=1755772149&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Its-Always-Husband-bestselling-thriller/dp/0008271127/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Sj6ESlfr4l9qhgcO746Bongfnk2hR0B4-Rglagqs6jFEsS7wuMBeduFRpl0y1ROAjzrooMS-rykmmgHpku12cHrjJkKvztgYh5NoDvcLEcEnRQJSsDh9T2m53WvDH-ak2GQUexuPsT4mvFaD65slqQ.zHu8mlFyuuKXo4Pouuyc4U1HyS4emcC9g9TyiXTc2D8&qid=1755772176&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">It's Always the Husband by Michele Campbell The Last Word by Taylor Adams <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shutter-Island-Dennis-Lehane/dp/0553824481/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.M2T0mFzUqJSbDx1UrlTdkvVYcrXd7HrqqMkXBqz_GTnMeHDa_m4pXf8JlSZmx2S_vIPrA9cWax35D4C-ZFXK0ORFhtKRemevb9vr6ClOGz03pUqpyZ9amAVL443ePk7J3F7Ba4wlxIaeMuOV_XyI4NIW47uFRJYVZZQJhwoGkhqv_R59rS0Cb3EUzR4WaHlquISlcPOHKBpm82nCEsooBG0gMO7EcQS1yR0hVLFYojA.9fC7mNNlKDWrCOgxVaeC71GepHGpdBVUhgq02GhT0s0&qid=1755772225&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Shutter Island by Dennis LeHane The Hand That Feeds You by A.J. Rich <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-Colours-Dark-Bestseller-wonderful/dp/1398707678/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1V02X29R52ETR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PeMG5DCgZx0gyDboes4yFOmDEB_ZDtGbsG06HYUVT-stnAXF0kdsrjupqFdnB7w79EP9rFTKFqAkHCh0AE3a4YgaRne3vJ7JE4VZo_9DP3CBYKPrKqLA2Qm8b8UmpQ-oYPD9hijLVTKkLrengulA2mQSqxzOiAQvr9UOfmI0ab5uq6gE1IDIY9IbzQKzMRbP.7e31LD-IO0L_vVY6CRdeYK36DpWZuWwp7hGBQ7opjRA&dib_tag=se&keywords=All+the+Colors+of+the+Dark+by+Chris+Whitaker&qid=1755772271&s=books&sprefix=all+the+colors+of+the+dark+by+chris+whitaker%2Cstripbooks%2C82&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Girl-Dragon-Tattoo-Millennium/dp/0857054031/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LmvmBxtMBz4PbU43J8j1Coz9PvLQY9OaDh31LLCtW5idt4Ut4Fpb8Bm6yfGYa77KA03tdrmk8_le8-21m6em_8Man1fsN236aX-iores53pIzeLX_AfHzkPRt6RzPyrqbUNjdMf-ZlnQlBDwk9MUAH1CX9XLtm6k293Ytz5nizWyvPkpu08-aT0lkWg_eJ6NhODbuAHjw19Oiq9Rzm8UJYZ6el621w7JH6Lfwn6aUu4.MuO30lCVr77XyXyFCjT079KtytQA9EZCJM8MYSPKq9M&qid=1755772292&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Then-She-Gone-Lisa-Jewell/dp/1784756253/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8J55GB6DHZ0V&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.g0MX15hFc7vzboZzD431mGUjmsslIPQvHbIORoLgJ81Be8ghVoqqzaE6-ym5QNfMLaY21N-dxCq6deMeCRRt3JIgCA8eDvnwrQStdNbOo1Qid_PC7kaupxu_vf-fBVrm3pK7bENGodAmlblxjRaxtryR4e5KX_J0uJEaigrufVDPURc9080n_LkfDyTGY3DCa9o3Ri8FjY_-v1rbskbVNunBMTTl5BVUhRp-X83hB-E.j658them8TNk9zpuaGK-N1hqCAJsYnlxuJSoAfyYD-E&dib_tag=se&keywords=Then+She+Was+Gone+by+Lisa+Jewell&qid=1755772313&s=books&sprefix=then+she+was+gone+by+lisa+jewell%2Cstripbooks%2C67&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Before-I-Go-Sleep-Watson/dp/1784160016/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RpMwBKSyeTW2wrktqmPoe9zMc6vLvX87sFVI_wFIOVEoRSrgtrleyq1uW5yeQ0kVxPQimgN1w2SGowqeynCKvxsT-540xGLBYl3g2J4a3GtRVCc7dx6P6K-zaOyHc-z44OTMLjfGKr0dUr7-qYtxlN5xGOJNQ5mIlnGyHcA50N9Qn5D7Q6aEKPnNa1E8zHFZcFIzVnrnv5cvqymF7Zgj-iVDU18NkH21HhUL5PQ2Ua8.Iax-sjjQ39428g9d3_ypm_BBffkTioIXf2D35tVzpb4&qid=1755772375&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Not-Quite-Dead-Holly-Jackson/dp/0241753686/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SJX3HFRBTKCA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SwNsPQ4tDKLBFUwz5902nHXB-urOFMhiAOc8MmYjr2oIAnA5Yr0QFoHfL5ePo63_0zmiBR_3CKG1v04VmB9y8PnLEkOuPJ2YVCPHQgKiHJ8AZIJCrMeY8VR1BPmAIL4eDPn9tfYak7VJf2P3sbEWjTFLoQFEUa0EV9pIliEc5on9-QsMvmRsHMD3oaWMZvb_nhqkYCfwFFYBL8uCXPuH5k_m3Akq88CZFmWgkMW4MMI.23sHeE7fqSeA8Qlme5tity25McsP5z_hOaeLnwENm38&dib_tag=se&keywords=Not+Quite+Dead+Yet+by+Holly+Jackson&qid=1755772399&s=books&sprefix=not+quite+dead+yet+by+holly+jackson%2Cstripbooks%2C73&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wrong-Sister-bestseller-Discover-psychological/dp/1405957611/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1Q0WRTA0XEZFI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xxtF_z0tSNM-jrPkEMQavlyG8HNIgDVtH8ClEBlNo8INcpTIVc-LhxDedkxMaVpPp4HHeyJHGRRgzc_j_9iumkGyfvpMfOzjU9E-1srXDphhYedHT1FfHUPY5rebMa8cz2Q-aM7rBqPZlDOsMZ5xa8uNi6v80pSbduEWdzBQP2Q9uRFdWbfa8HuWeDbUXvZxahwJy7SJaz8EShLMbiqaG6cF2ncYmTP7GjZHfZyZMfo.B0reBwje-y7-GmVKLb6nZdc_L3srmR92jVDVeufgBCM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+wrong+sister+claire+douglas%5C&qid=1755772420&s=books&sprefix=the+wrong+sister+claire+douglas+%2Cstripbooks%2C103&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2310782" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas 1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides A gripping psychological thriller about a woman who shoots her husband and then refuses to speak. Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist who has waited a long time for the opportunity to work with Alicia, who hasn’t spoken since that fateful day. But soon, Theo will be forced to confront his own motivations for pursuing the mystery of Alicia and her husband. The story is a clever twist on obsession, therapy and secrets that will have you questioning everyone’s motives. That ending? Completely jaw-dropping. 2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn A dark, twisted tale of a marriage gone horribly wrong, and the birthplace of the ‘Cool Girl’ monologue that takes over social media every few months. Nick Dunne comes home on his fifth wedding anniversary to find his wife, Amy, is gone, leaving a scene of struggle in their home. It doesn’t take long for Nick to become the prime suspect, as secrets keep floating to the surface. The media jumps on the tale, with photos of Nick’s beautiful wife whipping the public into a frenzy. With unreliable narrators and shocking plot twists, Flynn keeps you guessing until the very last page. The mix of suspense, social commentary, and sheer cruelty is addictively binge-worthy. If you loved the movie adaptation starring Rosamund Pike and Ben Affleck, you’re guaranteed to devour this thriller novel. 3. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins Everyday life meets obsessive intrigue as an alcoholic commuter spies on a seemingly perfect couple. One day, Rachel witnesses the wife in an intimate embrace with another man. Later, she discovers that the wife, whose actual name is Megan, is missing. Rachel inserts herself into the investigation, and things take a turn for the worse. Hawkins masterfully blurs perception and reality, making you doubt yourself along the way. The suspense builds steadily to a gut-wrenching reveal. 4. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden A domestic thriller filled with secrets, lies, and deadly consequences. You’ll likely recognise this unique cover from every airport bookstore, as this is Freida McFadden’s most popular series. The wealthy Winchester family hires Millie to clean and care for their immaculate home. But their behaviour worsens and the secrets begin to mount. The Winchesters aren’t quite what they seem, but neither is Millie, and so they all enter into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse. McFadden excels at ratcheting tension while keeping the twists believable. It’s a perfect combination of psychological tension and page-turning drama. 5. The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley Lucy Foley is one of the most popular thriller writers of the moment, and her unique location-centred style is perfectly captured in The Hunting Party. A weekend getaway with friends in a remote Scottish hunting lodge goes horribly wrong. Alternating between the present when a body has been found, and the day that led to the death, we begin to see the cracks in this perfect group of longtime friends. Foley’s skilful character development and creeping suspense make this murder mystery impossible to put down. Every secret revealed feels like a step closer to the ledge. 6. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn An agoraphobic woman believes she witnessed a crime in her neighbour’s house. Finn blends Hitchcockian suspense with unreliable narration perfectly. Once again, we’re left to wonder what is real, what is bias, and what is going to happen by the end of it all! Finn expertly captures both the fuzzy-headed confusion brought on by Anna's alcoholism and the suffocating claustrophobia of staying inside for almost a year. Every page ratchets up tension and paranoia, culminating in a shocking finale. You won’t want to leave your house until you’ve finished this book. 7. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch Let’s mix things up with a bit of sci-fi. Blake Crouch’s mind-bending sci-fi thriller delves into alternate realities and the choices that shape us. A masked stranger asks Jason, "Are you happy with your life?" before knocking him unconscious. Jason wakes up strapped to a gurney and surrounded by strangers in hazmat suits. Jason’s new life is nothing like his own; he isn’t married to his wife, his son was never born, and he is a celebrated genius. But which life is real? How can he return home? Does he even want to? Crouch’s writing is taut, fast-paced, and emotionally gripping. You’ll finish it questioning your own life paths. 8. My Murder by Katie Williams A gripping tale of a woman caught in a deadly game of manipulation and deception. Lou is happily married, the mother to a sweet toddler, and a recent victim of a local serial killer. She was brought back to life by a government project, but she can’t find her way back to her old life as questions remain around her brutal death. Lou needs to find out what happened to her, but she might not be satisfied with the answer. Williams keeps the suspense tight with shocking twists at every turn. 9. The Quiet Girl by S.F. Kosa A suspenseful story about secrets, isolation, and the danger of underestimating the quiet ones. When Alex arrives to patch things up with his new wife, he finds an empty wine glass in the sink, her wedding ring on the desk, and a string of questions in her wake. The police don’t see anything suspicious about the matter, but Alex finds evidence of secrets his wife has been carrying for a long time. With the help of the near-silent Layla, Alex tries to find his wife and deal with the consequences it will bring. Kosa masterfully combines domestic tension with psychological insight. The ending sneaks up on you when you least expect it. 10. The Long Weekend by Gilly MacMillan A seemingly perfect getaway turns into a tense psychological thriller full of secrets and betrayal. Three women—Jayne, Ruth, and Emily—arrive at an isolated retreat for a couples getaway, with their husbands expected to join them the next day. Instead of relaxation, they discover a chilling note warning them that one of their husbands will be murdered, with no phones or service to confirm their safety. As fear mounts, old wounds and buried secrets resurface, threatening their friendships as much as the unseen danger outside. 11. In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware A hen party in a secluded cabin turns deadly in this chilling thriller. When reclusive writer Leonora reluctantly accepts an invitation to a weekend in the English countryside, old friends, new faces, and unsettling memories quickly unravel her reserve. As night falls, chilling revelations emerge, and Leonora realises the party is not alone in the woods. It’s twisty, dark, and utterly addictive—remind us never to go to a hen do in the woods! 12. The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen Nellie believes she’s finally found happiness with Richard, but his ex-wife Vanessa still lingers like a shadow over their marriage. What seems like a simple story of jealousy and a failed relationship unravels into a web of secrets, lies, and shifting truths. In this twisting psychological thriller, nothing—and no one—is quite what they seem. Think this is a simple case of a jilted woman obsessing over the shiny new toy? Think again. 13. It's Always the Husband by Michele Campbell A murder mystery centred on marriage, greed, and deadly secrets. Campbell keeps the suspense tight while exploring the dark side of domestic life. College roommates Kate, Aubrey, and Jenny formed an unbreakable bond despite their differences, but 20 years later, that friendship teeters on the edge of tragedy when one is pushed toward a fatal decision. As the story shifts between past and present, secrets, betrayals and toxic loyalties raise the question: is it murder, or will everyone assume it’s always the husband? 14. The Last Word by Taylor Adams Emma Carpenter, living in isolation on the stormy Washington coast with only her dog and a reclusive neighbour for company, posts a scathing one-star review of a violent horror novel. When the furious author, H. G. Kane, engages her directly, unsettling events begin to unfold, making Emma suspect she’s being stalked. As she investigates Kane’s disturbing body of work, she realises his sadistic stories may be more than fiction, and her own life could be the next chapter. 15. Shutter Island by Dennis LeHane We hope that you’ve somehow avoided the excellent movie adaptation of this book so that you can get the whole experience of the twists and turns while reading. In 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels and his partner Chuck Aule travel to Shutter Island to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a dangerous patient from Ashecliffe Hospital for the Criminally Insane. As a hurricane traps them on the island, the case spirals into chilling revelations of secret experiments, psychological manipulation and hidden agendas. Soon, Teddy realises that nothing here is what it seems. 16. The Hand That Feeds You by A.J. Rich Morgan, a graduate student studying victim psychology, is newly engaged to Bennett, a man who seems both protective and passionate. But when she comes home to find him brutally murdered and her dogs covered in blood, her world shatters in an instant. As she searches for answers, Morgan uncovers shocking secrets about Bennett’s true life—and realises she isn’t the only woman caught in his dangerous web. 17. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker In 1975, as America shifts in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, the small town of Monta Clare, Missouri, is haunted by the disappearance of young girls. When Patch, a local boy with one eye, rescues the daughter of a wealthy family, his act of heroism sets off a chain of heartbreak and revelations. What follows is a gripping blend of mystery, thriller, and love story, exploring the fragile line between tragedy and hope. 18. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson Perhaps the most famous thriller novel on the list, which spawned an entire fandom and book series. It all started with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Forty years after Harriet Vanger vanished from her family’s private island, her uncle remains convinced she was murdered by someone within their powerful but fractured clan. He hires disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and brilliant hacker Lisbeth Salander to uncover the truth, leading them to connect her disappearance with a series of brutal murders decades earlier. As they dig deeper, the pair discover the Vangers will go to terrifying lengths to keep their secrets buried. 19. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell Fifteen-year-old Ellie vanished in an instant, and ten years later, her mother Laurel has never stopped searching for her. When she meets the charming Floyd and his nine-year-old daughter Poppy, Laurel is stunned to see the uncanny resemblance to Ellie, reigniting questions and secrets about her daughter’s disappearance. Jewell has a knack for writing thrillers with heart, which explore the after-effects of a traumatic event rather than just the mystery of them. 20. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson Imagine if 50 First Dates was a thriller and terrifying rather than hilarious. Before I Go to Sleep follows a woman with anterograde amnesia who wakes up each day with no memory of herself. Using a journal she’s been keeping, she pieces together fragments of her life, learning she is Christine Lucas, a 47-year-old married mother with a son, and that a doctor is helping her recover her memory. But as her entries accumulate, she begins to question the truth of what she’s been told and becomes determined to uncover her real identity. It’s that delicious cliche of an unreliable narrator, but this time through no fault of her own. 21. Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson Holly Jackson delivers once more with Not Quite Dead Yet, a gripping, fast-moving murder mystery full of unexpected twists and captivating characters. Jet Mason, a 27-year-old from one of Woodstock, Vermont’s wealthiest families, suffers a violent attack on Halloween that leaves her with a catastrophic brain injury and a fatal prognosis: she has just seven days to live. As her condition worsens, she begins to see everyone around her—family, friends, and ex-lovers—in a new, suspicious light. With only her childhood friend Billy by her side, Jet is determined to use her final days to solve her own murder. 22. The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas Tasha and her sister Alice may share a bond and a resemblance, but their lives couldn’t be more different. Alice offers to watch Tasha’s kids so she can enjoy a romantic trip with her husband. But Tasha soon receives a call that a home invasion has left Alice hospitalised and her husband dead. To top it off, Tasha is blindsided by a chilling note warning that she was the intended target. As secrets surface, she realises that even the closest family ties can hide deadly truths. Read more: Holly Jackson: 'I'm surprised I wasn't arrested for research on Good Girl's Guide to Murder' Daisy Jones & The Six star: 'Taylor Jenkins Reid has a great ability to take you on an adventure in the world' For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante.
How to read Louise Penny's Chief Inspector Gamache books in order
We've put together the ultimate guide to Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Gamache series ahead of The Black Wolf.
With nearly 20 novels and counting, Louise Penny shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to her hugely popular Chief Inspector Gamache series. Set mostly in the fictional Quebec village of Three Pines, the books blend the traditional whodunnit structure with a bit more psychological depth than most mysteries. Now, with The Black Wolf, the 20th instalment, set to be released on 28th October 2025, there’s never been a better time to dive into (or revisit) the world of Armand Gamache. Here’s how to read the Chief Inspector Gamache books in order – note that Penny also co-wrote State of Terror (2021) with Hillary Clinton, which is not part of her popular series, but a great read nonetheless. Who is Armand Gamache? Over the course of two decades of books, readers have come to know Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as one of crime fiction’s most beloved detectives. Not like your usual hard-boiled investigator, Gamache is gentle, intellectual and deeply principled, often quoting poetry or reflecting on the human condition. He believes in empathy over vengeance, and his leadership style is guided by “four sayings that lead to wisdom”: “I was wrong. I’m sorry. I don’t know. I need help.” Gamache was portrayed by Alfred Molina in the 2022 Amazon Prime adaptation Three Pines. Though the series was cancelled after one season, Molina’s performance was widely praised by fans of the books. Why do people love the Chief Inspector Gamache series so much? Aka, “How do I know if I’ll enjoy the Chief Inspector Gamache series?” A fair question, especially as it is quite the commitment to undergo. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie, Ann Cleeves or Tana French, this series is likely to be your cup of tea – perhaps literally, as tea features heavily. Louise Penny’s novels are cosy yet complex, while the quaint village of Three Pines itself is so vivid, it feels like a character in its own right – which make the murders and buried traumas that take place in it all the more stark. Expect snowstorms, art, poetry, foul-mouthed ducks and a loyal cast of returning characters. While set in a fictional world, the series tackles very real issues – political corruption, grief, mental illness, addiction to name a few – but always with compassion and nuance. What happens in Still Life by Louise Penny? The series begins with Still Life, where we're introduced to both Armand Gamache and Three Pines. When beloved local artist Jane Neal is found dead in the woods, what appears to be a tragic hunting accident soon reveals deeper secrets. As Gamache investigates, he uncovers the hidden tensions and old wounds lurking beneath the village’s serene surface... How to read Chief Inspector Gamache in order <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Still-Life-Chief-Inspector-Gamache/dp/1529386691/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Still Life (2005) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fatal-Grace-Inspector-Gamache-Mystery/dp/152938818X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">A Fatal Grace (2006) - also published as Dead Cold <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cruellest-Month-Inspector-Gamache-Mystery/dp/152938673X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Cruellest Month (2007) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rule-Against-Murder-Inspector-Gamache/dp/1529388228/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">A Rule Against Murder (2008) - also published as The Murder Stone <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brutal-Telling-Inspector-Gamache-Mystery/dp/1529386772/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Brutal Telling (2009) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bury-Your-Dead-Inspector-Gamache/dp/1529386829/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Bury Your Dead (2010) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hangman-Louise-Penny/dp/1771533838/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Hangman (2010) - a novella, best read after Bury Your Dead <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trick-Light-Inspector-Gamache-Mystery/dp/1529385431/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">A Trick of the Light (2011) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beautiful-Mystery-Chief-Inspector-Gamache/dp/1529386349/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Beautiful Mystery (2012) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Light-Gets-Inspector-Gamache/dp/1529386365/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">How the Light Gets In (2013) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Long-Way-Home-Inspector-Gamache/dp/1529386462/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Long Way Home (2014) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nature-Beast-Inspector-Gamache-Mystery/dp/1529386470/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Nature of the Beast (2015) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Reckoning-Inspector-Gamache-Mystery/dp/1529386551/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">A Great Reckoning (2016) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Glass-Houses-Inspector-Gamache-Mystery/dp/1529386594/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Glass Houses (2017) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kingdom-Blind-Inspector-Gamache-Mystery/dp/1529386624/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Kingdom of the Blind (2018) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Better-Man-Inspector-Gamache-Mystery/dp/1529386667/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">A Better Man (2019) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/All-Devils-Are-Here-Inspector/dp/1529387515/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">All the Devils Are Here (2020) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Madness-Crowds-Chief-Inspector-Gamache/dp/1529379423/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Madness of Crowds (2021) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/World-Curiosities-Inspector-Gamache-Mystery/dp/1399702327/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">A World of Curiosities (2022) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Grey-Wolf-community-unforgettable-Inspector/dp/1399730541/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Grey Wolf (2024) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Wolf-brilliant-Inspector-Gamache/dp/1399730576/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CXpPEAeaO4rhCSVHZjSbbpzaZvfHUs20Kh0XCFzX-_v27MYLaBeAym3feULQ-vIYOl9hZUQ2bBDrA6Oj4TLCw7xLbbJj0UxJk7M7UgAc0yMYhQ2oQg4JV7B1Dt8xSuVZJpKzUOnnefaFSzgMz3555vTjAP5VaUtrtpNxjdiLR1EkFNe2oJ64AXq0Q-w9_4lYOgPq1aSqbyY8ZlNMRf7PPhmBxx7o91B3Taez1B8tlnI.9oxyfMUt8ZqEkirhFNzNO2aaqTVEisy0CfTr5Nsvmtc&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299980" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Black Wolf (2025) When is The Black Wolf coming out? The Black Wolf will be released on 28th October 2025, and continues directly on from the events of The Grey Wolf. In this new instalment, Armand Gamache is still recovering from injuries sustained in the previous case, but the danger is far from over. Confined to Three Pines, Gamache begins a covert investigation into the mysterious figure known only as the Black Wolf, whom he believes may not have been fully captured. As he and his small team uncover corruption in law enforcement, industry and government, the stakes rise. The game of cat and mouse has only just begun… Read more: Holly Jackson: 'I'm surprised I wasn't arrested for research on Good Girl's Guide to Murder' Daisy Jones & The Six star: 'Taylor Jenkins Reid has a great ability to take you on an adventure in the world' For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante.
How to read David Baldacci books in order
We've put together the ultimate guide to David Baldacci's many book series.
Since publishing his debut novel Absolute Power in 1996, David Baldacci has become a household name in crime and thriller fiction, releasing dozens of best-sellers across multiple beloved series. Whether he’s writing about elite assassins, ex-military investigators, or Secret Service agents with troubled pasts, Baldacci knows how to deliver fast-paced plots, high-stakes drama and characters you can’t help but root for. With such a wide-ranging back catalogue, it can be hard to know where to begin. Do you start with fan favourites like The Camel Club or Memory Man, or pick up one of his compelling standalone thrillers? We’re here to break down the reading order of all David Baldacci’s series and standalone books. How to read the Aloysius Archer series in order After serving a prison sentence for a crime he didn’t commit, Aloysius Archer wants to start a new, peaceful life. But when the WWII veteran takes a job as a debt collector for a local business tycoon, he quickly realises he’s in for more than he bargained for. Don’t worry, we haven’t seen the last of this quick-tongued private investigator. A fourth Aloysius Archer novel is planned for release in 2027, promising another trip back to the late 1950s. Here’s a list of the Aloysius Archer books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Good-Deed-David-Baldacci/dp/1529027500/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">One Good Deed (2019) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gambling-Man-Aloysius-Archer/dp/1529061806/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">A Gambling Man (2021) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dream-Town-Private-Investigator-Archer/dp/1529061865/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Dream Town (2022) How to read the Amos Decker series in order A devastating sporting accident left Amos Decker with some unusual abilities, including synaesthesia and a photographic memory. In Memory Man, it has been eighteen months since the former detective came home to find his wife and only daughter murdered. His overwhelming grief cost him his job, his home and his sense of self. But when his former police partner, Mary Lancaster, reveals that someone has confessed to the crime, Decker is drawn back into the case. Meanwhile, tragedy strikes again when thirteen teenagers are gunned down at a local school. The two events appear to be linked, and Decker has no choice but to get involved. Throughout the series, Decker relies on his unique skillset to solve cases that have left even the FBI baffled. There’s no confirmation of an eighth book to come, but also nothing to suggest this is the last we’ve seen of Amos Decker. Here’s a list of the Amos Decker books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Memory-Amos-Decker-David-Baldacci/dp/152900330X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Memory Man (2015) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Mile-Amos-Decker/dp/1447277538/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Last Mile (2016) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fix-Amos-Decker-David-Baldacci/dp/1447277449/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Fix (2017) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fallen-Amos-Decker-David-Baldacci/dp/1509874291/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Fallen (2018) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Redemption-Amos-Decker-David-Baldacci/dp/1509874410/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Redemption (2019) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Walk-Wire-Decker-David-Baldacci/dp/1509874542/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Walk The Wire (2020) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Long-Shadows-Sunday-number-bestselling/dp/152906192X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Long Shadows (2022) How to read the Atlee Pine series in order Don’t worry, David Baldacci has proven he can write complex female lead characters as well. In the Atlee Pine series, we follow an FBI agent with special skills and a dark past, assigned to the remote wilds of the United States. Throughout the books, Atlee is determined to uncover what happened to her twin sister when she disappeared as a child. In Long Road to Mercy, she’s called to investigate a case in the Grand Canyon. Atlee knows killers – and perhaps understands them better than any FBI profiler – but it soon becomes clear that this case will push her skills to their limits. The series is complete, so you’ll discover the truth about Mercy’s disappearance by the final book. However, some readers speculate that El, a character introduced in Mercy, could be the focus of a future series, though this hasn’t been confirmed. Here’s a list of the Atlee Pine books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Long-Road-Mercy-Atlee-Pine/dp/1509874364/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Long Road to Mercy (2018) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Minute-Midnight-Atlee-Pine/dp/1509874488/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">A Minute to Midnight (2019) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daylight-David-Baldacci-Atlee-Pine/dp/1509874607/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Daylight (2020, John Puller crossover) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mercy-Atlee-Pine-David-Baldacci/dp/1529061741/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Mercy (2021) How to read the Camel Club series in order Meet the Camel Club, four unlikely partners on a mission to uncover the truth behind a crime in their hometown of Washington DC. Unearthing corruption often means relying on friends and confronting the demons of their past. These conspiracy theorist misfits frequently find themselves facing far more than they expected. In The Camel Club, the group accidentally witnesses the murder of an intelligence analyst. The authorities call it a suicide, but the Camel Club soon uncovers a conspiracy that reaches deep into Washington’s most secretive corridors of power. They team up with Secret Service Agent Alex Ford, who realises his worst nightmare is about to come true. Here’s a list of the Camel Club books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Camel-Club-David-Baldacci/dp/1509850961/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Camel Club (2005) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Collectors-Camel-Club-David-Baldacci/dp/1509850988/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Collectors (2006) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stone-Cold-Camel-David-Baldacci/dp/1509850996/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Stone Cold (2007) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Divine-Justice-Camel-David-Baldacci/dp/1509851003/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Divine Justice (2008) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hells-Corner-Camel-David-Baldacci/dp/1509851011/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Hell's Corner (2010) How to read the Travis Devine series in order Baldacci’s newest series follows Travis Devine, an ex-army man now navigating the cut-throat world of high finance. He’s traded the battlefield for boardrooms filled with greed, jealousy and ambition… or so he thinks. During his daily 6:20am commute, he passes a house that triggers alarm bells. When a close friend and colleague turns up dead, Devine is pulled into a web of secrets, and as the bodies begin to pile up, he’s forced to question who he can trust and who he may have to fight. There are currently three books in the Travis Devine series, and publishers have hinted that a fourth is on the way for this compelling antihero. Here’s a list of the Travis Devine books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Number-Bestselling-Richard-Travis-Devine/dp/1529061989/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The 6:20 Man (2022) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edge-blockbuster-follow-number-bestseller/dp/152906211X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Edge (2023) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Die-Action-Packed-Travis-Thriller-Bestselling/dp/1035035359/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">To Die For (2024) How to read the John Puller series in order When impossible crimes threaten the nation, the US calls on John Puller, a combat veteran and special agent. Often working alongside intelligence operative Veronica Knox, Puller is tasked with deadly investigations that tend to hit a little too close to home. In Zero Day, Puller is sent to a remote area in West Virginia to investigate the brutal murders of a family. He teams up with local homicide detective Samantha Cole, and together they quickly realise these deaths are just the tip of the iceberg, uncovering a complex web of deceit and danger. The series is complete with four books, but John Puller returns once more in Daylight to assist his old friend Atlee Pine. Here’s a list of the John Puller books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zero-Day-Heart-Racing-Investigator-International/dp/1529003202/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Zero Day (2011) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forgotten-John-Puller-David-Baldacci/dp/1529003210/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Forgotten (2012) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Escape-John-Puller-David-Baldacci/dp/1529003229/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Escape (2014) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-Mans-Land-John-Puller/dp/144727749X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">No Man's Land (2016) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daylight-David-Baldacci-Atlee-Pine/dp/1509874607/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Kj_9_lRqlVY7UtFNd-tCBSdjh4TwWmeK0EnRQZVJhvyh-XWn12nTDEpkMPO3t-roJ8tTHW5W3SV0Uw21sghvTUmRdV6DG3V7o647SPgoa1Y-CSC3F4GkI-fXfMaiTcsJ6xGRhkzbMKorWib69QaAWrBTadfOwZLwYRtVMlPom5bAlcEIHXcq3boF7go8-HeXo6l5vuF2HbY4lZAFggE0xccoD7aTb7hPU6BknB6NJJA.nnoINkmwk_S3djgkZUs5uKQUGveyuFM2RWfIyPbVNMY&qid=1753719299&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Daylight (2020, Atlee Pine crossover) How to read the Sean King & Michelle Maxwell series in order It’s time for Baldacci’s dynamic duo: Sean King and Michelle Maxwell. These two former Secret Service agents join forces as private investigators. Together, they face national threats, dark secrets and dangerous killers, saving the world, and each other, in this completed six-book series. It all begins in Split Second, when Maxwell’s promising career is cut short after presidential candidate John Bruno is abducted from a funeral home while under her protection. The situation feels strangely familiar, as eight years earlier, Secret Agent Sean King was distracted for a split second, and it cost presidential candidate Clyde Ritter his life. Maxwell decides to reopen the case and teams up with the attractive ex-agent King. Here’s a list of the Sean King & Michelle Maxwell books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Split-Second-Maxwell-David-Baldacci/dp/1529003318/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Split Second (2003) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hour-Game-Maxwell-David-Baldacci/dp/1529003326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Hour Game (2004) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Genius-Maxwell-David-Baldacci/dp/1529019176/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Simple Genius (2007) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/First-Family-Maxwell-David-Baldacci/dp/1529019184/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">First Family (2009) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sixth-Man-King-Maxwell/dp/1529019192/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Sixth Man (2011) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/King-Maxwell-David-Baldacci/dp/1529019206/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">King and Maxwell (2013) How to read the A Shaw Books series in order Also known as the Shaw and Katie James series, this two-book series follows a secret government-endorsed band of highly trained and highly motivated agents who must hunt down some of the world’s most notorious criminals. In The Whole Truth, we first meet intelligence agent Shaw, academic Anna Fischer and ambitious journalist Katie James when they must stop Nicolas Creel, a super-rich arms dealer, from starting a new cold war. Here’s a list of the A. Shaw books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whole-Truth-Shaw-Katie-James/dp/1529043328/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Whole Truth (2008) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deliver-Evil-Shaw-Katie-James/dp/1529043352/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Deliver Us From Evil (2010) How to read the Will Robie series in order Meet Will Robie, the US government’s most professional, lethal and disciplined assassin. Charged with protecting national security from global threats, it’s up to him to infiltrate some of the world’s most hostile countries. But in The Innocent, this expert assassin finds himself on the run after an assignment to eliminate a government employee goes wrong. Now a wanted man, he’s on the run with a young teenager whose parents were mysteriously murdered at home. Will the killer find her? Will Robie uncover why that employee was a threat to the US? And can the two survive by helping each other? The five books in the series cover everything we’ll get from Will Robie, the stone-cold hitman who never fails to get the job done. Here’s a list of the Will Robie books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Innocent-Will-Robie-David-Baldacci/dp/1509859675/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Innocent (2012) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hit-Will-Robie-David-Baldacci/dp/1509859683/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Hit (2013) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Target-Will-Robie-David-Baldacci/dp/1509859691/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Target (2014) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guilty-Will-Robie-David-Baldacci/dp/1509859705/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Guilty (2015) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/End-Game-Richard-Judy-Robie/dp/1447277414/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">End Game (2017) How to read David Baldacci's standalone books in order There’s no set order for David Baldacci’s standalone books, so we recommend reading them in order of publication. With plenty to choose from, they’re a great way to stay entertained while waiting for the next instalment of your favourite Baldacci series. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Absolute-Power-iconic-thriller-bestseller/dp/1035007487/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Absolute Power (1996) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Total-Control-Pulse-Pounding-Thriller-Bestseller/dp/1035037106/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Total Control (1997) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winner-Rip-Roaring-Thriller-Number-Bestseller/dp/1509859713/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Winner (1998) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simple-Truth-David-Baldacci/dp/1529003237/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Simple Truth (1998) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Saving-Faith-David-Baldacci/dp/1529019222/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Saving Faith (1999) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wish-You-Well-David-Baldacci/dp/1529043336/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Wish You Well (2001) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Man-Standing-David-Baldacci/dp/1529003253/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Last Man Standing (2001) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Christmas-Train-David-Baldacci/dp/1509821686/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" rel="sponsored" target="_blank">The Christmas Train (2003) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/True-Blue-David-Baldacci/dp/1509859721/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">True Blue (2009) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Summer-David-Baldacci/dp/1529043344/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">One Summer (2011) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Simply-Lies-number-bestselling-author/dp/1529062047/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Simply Lies (2023) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Calamity-Souls-multimillion-Sunday-bestselling/dp/103503560X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">A Calamity of Souls (2024) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Strangers-Time-Instant-Sunday-Times-Bestselling-Gripping/dp/1035015803/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrfOg3OYVZiNGmTPzMs4CiVYEnVnN4mXp51RvYmK4PVaC52fN-9mUQaHGdxrLM3wedWCiakZR2xe1R5tVHaFDnAcWt643w_SLbxbZ4zsiIzNTHWqcLMeF0aY2aYS__eoEkTPvStl2BpcwDw8sOfkGZjAiohKVlu0lBsfNJjwOz76ve-Db3-pRR0Yy_F2FP458Jp1IWLyBAC2jlzjzJqG5VUaPjBjrvzVesrxdNsJ2TM.hHWHdkeKPTorKQdCB6AeN0qMrRSWR0eldzpD-KbjzfI&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2299966" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Strangers in Time (2025) For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante.
How to read Michael Connelly books in order
We've put together the ultimate guide to Michael Connelly's many book series.
Since publishing his debut novel, The Black Echo, in 1992, Michael Connelly has become one of the most respected names in crime fiction – earning fans around the world, including former US president Bill Clinton. Whether he's writing about relentless detectives like Harry Bosch, sharp defence attorneys like Mickey Haller or investigative reporters like Jack McEvoy, Connelly crafts intricate, character-driven stories that bring the gritty streets of Los Angeles to life. With such a vast and interconnected universe, like a literary version of the Avengers, it can be tough to know where to start. Do you dive into the Bosch series, begin with The Lincoln Lawyer, or explore one of his riveting standalone thrillers? We’re here to break down the reading order of all Michael Connelly’s series and standalone books. How to read the Bosch Universe books in order The Black Echo is the first novel in Michael Connelly’s long-running Bosch series, introducing LAPD detective Harry Bosch. When a body is found in a drainpipe off Mulholland Dam, Bosch is shocked to discover it's a fellow Vietnam "tunnel rat". As he digs into the case, Bosch uncovers a web of corruption, war trauma and a high-stakes bank heist that runs deeper than expected. The Bosch Universe spans multiple interconnected series and characters, including The Lincoln Lawyer’s Mickey Haller and The Poet’s Jack McEvoy. Across these books, Connelly crafts a gritty, character-driven portrait of Los Angeles crime, where justice is rarely straightforward. It’s a serious reading commitment, but the good news is that you’ll have your next year or two of reading sorted. Bosch is ageing and semi-retired, but he still plays key roles in recent novels, usually as a mentor or secondary protagonist alongside Renée Ballard or Mickey Haller. Here’s a list of the Bosch Universe books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Echo-Harry-Bosch/dp/1409172783/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Black Echo (1992) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Ice-Harry-Bosch/dp/1409116867/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Black Ice (1993) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Concrete-Blonde-Harry-Bosch/dp/1409156168/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Concrete Blonde (1994) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Coyote-Harry-Bosch/dp/1409116891/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Last Coyote (1995) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trunk-Music-Harry-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409165914/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Trunk Music (1997) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Angels-Flight-Harry-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409156966/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Angels Flight (1999) A Darkness More Than Night (2001) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bones-Harry-Bosch-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409155730/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">City Of Bones (2002) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Light-Harry-Bosch-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409156958/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Lost Light (2003) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Narrows-Harry-Bosch-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409157334/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Narrows (2004) (sequel to The Poet) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Closers-Harry-Bosch-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409157296/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Closers (2005) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Echo-Harry-Bosch-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409156184/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Echo Park (2006) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Overlook-Harry-Bosch-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409157326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Overlook (2007) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragons-Harry-Bosch-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409155749/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Nine Dragons (2009) (also featuring Mickey Haller) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Drop-Harry-Bosch-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409156931/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Drop (2011) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Box-Harry-Bosch/dp/140910382X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Black Box (2012) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Burning-Room-Harry-Bosch/dp/1409145662/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Burning Room (2014) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crossing-Harry-Bosch-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409145875/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Crossing (2015) (also featuring Mickey Haller) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wrong-Side-Goodbye-Harry-Bosch/dp/1409147517/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Wrong Side Of Goodbye (2016) (also featuring Mickey Haller) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Two-Kinds-Truth-Harry-Thriller/dp/1409147592/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Two Kinds Of Truth (2017) (also featuring Mickey Haller) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Sacred-Night-Ballard-Thriller/dp/1409182746/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Z8zYAva8gXw3DjfDDq6owL2kiXgMmZRFyJxplbZOfVZ5VSblcHFNxvINqSltDlc2Qv5l4y_yugVVpKxiGng82OxkJyCmJJ1Yi_XsBsLQuIO0J5HvLWf5Ux_acTIofjUczR3AQ20UUsb80DnTUxfnfRvWvv6VqejhH5X50PjyW150JAe93ctOAbRfLmXmEdsFIcFpDgltY9b8ZF_2hHvyxHpIvHZv3RC0QgBLt5ANW-8.jKDr2V55UxrIXfOr2MruXZ3Oqn9hx8WtGXwyAU1kpjU&qid=1753718249&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Dark Sacred Night (2018) (also featuring Renée Ballard) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Night-Fire-Brand-Ballard-Thriller/dp/1409186067/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eLm-xnzW4_BlQZHTvrrhILBmWFupGdfRAo5nn96K3QtnJD9wBqJWIRJrxIe9GaAsEu2h6GO6U6ppAQ6whULs__N8dVBvQjNT3NZHQPOzvFI1hFEpHqrpt46uW2hMCcBZbzKIHCCQpm1fjcCDCQE9yIK4iI9BDjFb9Rx7aKRQMEuW0lJmjQ-o-BuYq8uTxKUdO8ZJpDX0rmpvB-b1baY4h3_AGY4dMTH680LVHBANF-Y.l5yTLiLc5VJg1IUc-jOFxC8ePXHjaJHRCySVAPQtuZ4&qid=1753718269&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Night Fire (2019) (also featuring Renée Ballard and Mickey Haller) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Hours-Blockbuster-Ballard-Thriller/dp/1409186180/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gEc-m3i8UWyADk-9Btq66KtoEB3_izGpaWcJ5TSEnvnfB-5fwh0fdLNI_pUXV4sQMkU-yiNiZI4LwS4hz6FHgqRf985gmUWinQyaAtrfiAYtPn6pNPTv1GCbN2zjP-aMx3iIm0BwVyT4S9tBWy0VMZXK7f26J5IAB6TptgiGt_Y-URDf9T39in1QD5QvWECsNkRIz9kMba-HyyeTFKsPO5PyxCCfIgA8YC5H6qJkzC8.PmiFVtuH0nwHxF5mgEnv45B__hC5NWjM1G4RuqUI28c&qid=1753718286&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Dark Hours (2021) (also featuring Renée Ballard) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desert-Star-Blockbuster-Ballard-Thriller/dp/1409186245/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.bwv01MT8n6HzPeBvniyAjoWcJjKu1NueqV3UNyifyo_H9Ix8vju_0f-YF5M81GMZ0B8QKcqVMAEiW4xKPYYAW14gpvDgwrUZvVc5zMDvyNEi3pNoa5Pua1eHfe78doD6GVv0eeQQt6plVUya2zr6uo3SJusY7yn2RVa2VDsDRUPDNG9xioHC2yf9DMpyp16koZZH9d6z27dC11nIzwxbgByAFUEu2tZJVApwRDOCOq0.bho7vhmGRkrsxZHP3rUkna5qEamUUUDdr85jI_Z7-qY&qid=1753718301&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Desert Star (2022) (also featuring Renée Ballard) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waiting-Brand-Ballard-Bosch-Thriller/dp/139871903X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Waiting (2024) (also featuring Renée Ballard) How to read the Lincoln Lawyer books in order The Lincoln Lawyer introduces Mickey Haller, a slick Los Angeles defence attorney who works out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car. When he lands the high-profile case of a wealthy Beverly Hills playboy accused of assault, Mickey thinks it’ll be easy money... until the evidence starts to hit too close to home. What follows is a fast-paced legal thriller that forces Mickey to question his instincts, his morals and his entire career. The Lincoln Lawyer books follow Haller as he navigates the murky world of criminal defence, often walking a fine line between right and wrong. With guest appearances from Harry Bosch (his half-brother), the series adds a legal twist to the gritty crime world of the wider Bosch Universe. The series continues to evolve and remains very much active, especially with the success of Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer adaptation, which is filming its fourth season. Here’s a list of the Lincoln Lawyer books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lincoln-Lawyer-Mickey-Haller/dp/1409156052/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Lincoln Lawyer (2005) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brass-Verdict-Mickey-Haller/dp/1409155765/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Brass Verdict (2008) (also featuring Harry Bosch) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reversal-Mickey-Haller-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409157407/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Reversal (2010) (also featuring Harry Bosch) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fifth-Witness-Mickey-Haller/dp/140915727X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Fifth Witness (2011) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gods-Guilt-Mickey-Haller/dp/1409128733/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Gods of Guilt (2013) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Law-Innocence-Lincoln-Lawyer-Thriller/dp/1409186121/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Law Of Innocence (2020) (also featuring Harry Bosch) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Resurrection-Walk-Blockbuster-Lincoln-Thriller/dp/139871898X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Resurrection Walk (2023) (also featuring Harry Bosch) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Proving-Ground-Mickey-Haller/dp/1398719064/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Proving Ground (October 21, 2025) How to read the Renée Ballard books in order It’s time for a strong female protagonist, wouldn’t you agree? The Late Show introduces Renée Ballard, an LAPD detective relegated to the night shift after filing a sexual harassment complaint against her superior. Working the "late show" means she hands off most cases by morning – until two cases hit too close and she decides to secretly pursue them on her own. Determined, resourceful and fiercely independent, Ballard becomes a force in a department that often tries to silence her. The Renée Ballard series explores one woman’s relentless fight for justice within a broken system, often clashing with department politics and protocol. As the series progresses, Ballard crosses paths with Harry Bosch, bridging generations in Connelly’s ever-evolving Bosch Universe. Here’s a list of the Renée Ballard books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Late-Show-Michael-Connelly/dp/140914755X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Late Show (2017) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Sacred-Night-Ballard-Thriller/dp/1409182746/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Dark Sacred Night (2018) (also featuring Harry Bosch) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Night-Fire-Brand-Ballard-Thriller/dp/1409186067/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Night Fire (2019) (also featuring Harry Bosch) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Hours-Blockbuster-Ballard-Thriller/dp/1409186180/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Dark Hours (2021) (also featuring Harry Bosch) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Desert-Star-Blockbuster-Ballard-Thriller/dp/1409186245/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Desert Star (2022) (also featuring Harry Bosch) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waiting-Brand-Ballard-Bosch-Thriller/dp/139871903X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CknoJv26hZ8YXC7mE0IZI-TQCYOREc9BBpinVvol2yUGopDsnYFx4gkggQIDvsCY8CoP5vfPD8iLyRG8tNMlASbTj9kNpNWbyuAMEJIK_bg62UyiYCzHO2iuy9sjoaOE_bbJEbFV9iP10s6nGT8BhZs9Tk3NdOvd03M5sJyzafo1V1Q_n18BkB1_uT0022B45pbu1NJGH67YspYy806QySFOtMP9SCQlGfwaU_JsL-0.fMBf0BYMDqg9t_HDFDZv3OLH7zgxnyOLVsK2OhHOQ8A&qid=1753718319&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Waiting (2024) (also featuring Harry Bosch) How to read the Catalina Series books in order Nightshade kicks off a new chapter in the Bosch Universe, introducing LAPD Detective Renée Ballard as the head of the newly formed Open-Unsolved Unit. With Harry Bosch consulting unofficially, Ballard reopens a series of cold cases, including one involving a serial killer who may still be active. Balancing mounting pressure from the department and her own doubts, Ballard must prove she can lead while staying true to her instincts. The Catalina series is an ongoing spin-off that continues Renée Ballard’s story in her new role, combining fresh investigations with legacy characters, such as Bosch. The next instalment, Twelve Sins, is due in November 2025, and promises another high-stakes case from deep within Los Angeles’s darkest corners. Renée is widely seen as the future of the Bosch Universe, and we're definitely on board with that! Here’s a list of the Catalina Series books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nightshade-Blockbuster-Thriller-Number-Bestseller/dp/1398726710/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Nightshade (2025) Twelve Sins (November, 2025) How to read the Jack McEvoy books in order The Poet follows Jack McEvoy, a crime reporter who becomes personally involved in a chilling FBI investigation after his twin brother – an apparent suicide – may actually be the victim of a serial killer. As Jack digs deeper, he uncovers a trail of dead cops and cryptic clues pointing to a ruthless predator hiding in plain sight. Part thriller, part investigative procedural, The Poet is one of Connelly’s most haunting and twist-filled novels. The Jack McEvoy books dive into the world of crime journalism, where the pursuit of truth often comes at a steep personal cost. Though the series is shorter, McEvoy reappears across Connelly’s universe, and his stories remain some of the most psychologically tense in the Bosch canon. The last book, Fair Warning (2020), wrapped up Jack’s latest arc. Connelly hasn’t confirmed more McEvoy books, so this series may be done or on pause. Here’s a list of the Jack McEvoy books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Poet-Jack-Mcevoy-1/dp/1409157318/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Poet (1996) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarecrow-Jack-Mcevoy-2/dp/1409157288/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Scarecrow (2009) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fair-Warning-Instant-Bestselling-Thriller/dp/1409199096/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Fair Warning (2020) How to read the Terry McCaleb books in order Blood Work introduces retired FBI profiler Terry McCaleb, recovering from a heart transplant on his boat in Los Angeles when a stranger asks him to investigate her sister’s murder. The case takes a personal turn when McCaleb learns his new heart once belonged to the victim, and solving the murder becomes more than just a favour; it’s a life debt. What follows is a meticulous, emotional thriller that blends medical mystery with psychological suspense. The Terry McCaleb books explore redemption and the cost of justice through the eyes of a man pulled back into the world he left behind. Though McCaleb only headlines two novels, his character leaves a lasting imprint on the Bosch Universe, especially in his connections with Harry Bosch. By the end of the second book, McCaleb’s storyline is complete, and his character arc concludes in the Bosch Universe. Here’s a list of the Terry McCaleb books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blood-Work-Terry-Mccaleb-1/dp/140915730X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Blood Work (1998) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Darkness-More-Night-Harry-Bosch-ebook/dp/B0037472L6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2YZGL4MKP57T7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ih2b62pprCqsemhTqOf-9Xva2uKDcj5wl-Sfu6PhYAZty-qdBB6puDQGu9ScVm2Ls0gY3YNCQItyfcb88hjaojaQyM4bVxlorzAaLtILJmnUhw05M3mPyHzYtrNn8SA6WND3ERZroOj6DKgqAFL67b9HdzlqUErWj6PrehmKkmDjYIMXhFKaPDoZbK35XFuUF2Kw-yXpAGWtoME_6nJNEKBlbSECFzdbpuWunPt6PZY.Y3ioOKx4cNobPUDfGJiJjxSKPu3t4o-4wJOKRcsvjJc&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+darkness+more+than+night+michael+connelly&qid=1753718355&sprefix=A+Darkness+More+Than+Nigh%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">A Darkness More Than Night (2000) How to read Michael Connelly’s standalone books in order Michael Connelly has also released two standalone novels. Since there is no set order for these, we recommend reading them in the order of publication. There's no indication Connelly plans to revisit these characters, but they’re a great way to fill the time until your favourite series continues. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Void-Moon-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409116956/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Void Moon (1999) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chasing-Dime-Michael-Connelly/dp/1409116816/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LMWHM_lCh8ZlQNcZi83EnOn5b6yLVeXdfeRRzgiILRo8E3qCZ3BSMq5FxHonV4blKKpagSGUONz9eoY2AuBII4jdoifiCju2EGbCQ5TyiS0b8cNaIPuMvIczt3lNTNYTKzdP_M8fKt7Mn3KywO98kyskXSM8u0pEWACU5mZwF5_NGcNmmKJER4shxVPHMG_WAZBO70q9xFbau6i2UwQTHKewU1I9bAXW66ng5YjgpSI.Ekk_Ii2Smhk6AmBTXd7yQksXitCtm4RMhA9IejoH1VQ&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2297826" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Chasing the Dime (2002) For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante.
After all, it's crucial to start with a bang.
There’s something uniquely thrilling about a great opening line. Whether it drops you straight into the action, confuses you in the best possible way, or teases a twist you’ll be chasing for the next 400 pages, the best first sentences set the tone for everything that follows. Some are poetic, some are punchy, and others are just downright weird, but they all make you want to keep reading. Below, we’ve rounded up 25 of our favourite opening lines in literature. Some are iconic. Some are criminally underrated. All of them are unforgettable. 1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis (1950) “Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. This story is about something that happened to them when they were sent away from London during the war because of the air-raids.” If we weren’t ready to take a trip to Narnia before this opening line, we certainly are now. With two simple sentences, CS Lewis not only introduces us to the four main characters but also piques our curiosity. If being evacuated from London during World War II isn’t the most interesting thing that happens to these children, then what on Earth is? Buy The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe 2. Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson (1992) “Mars was empty before we came. That's not to say that nothing had ever happened.” Long before the era of billionaire space races, Kim Stanley Robinson took us to Mars in this daring sci-fi trilogy. These two opening lines are quiet but deeply unsettling, raising more questions than they answer. It sets the tone for the epic, philosophical and political narrative that unfolds. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Mars-Kim-Stanley-Robinson/dp/0007310161/ref=sr_1_1?crid=325G092RWW74K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.r2Mq428g7H-fgXuJ-EdAZJ7dbCvxtgLZsBkjR2mtdRTZ2AZ6WzVJB084tOkXxZkG_imtvjcMMUOT3cLcKCHOeu6VxBYlRHwZmq488ldEJXY17m8Zf_mW1w3YisyJ1nSJpCYns2O1HITO_aOPhGQQgRHHcCxrY5e4En9zCZaNWRwVrxN8I43HdZB7p9FKw4hMjSaxdP2V9IRGnU3pmqz4l4cObSIJ185XDVPrgVGpC9c.H6q4PkblGZSNJCUv9M4RDbmYIxymND75npzRqAYfHOg&dib_tag=se&keywords=red+mars+book&qid=1753788925&sprefix=red+mars+book%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Red Mars 3. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953) “It was a pleasure to burn.” An unforgettable opening that is as concise as it is provocative. The words "pleasure" and "burn" side by side create an instant sense of unease. What is being burned? Who takes pleasure in it? Bradbury throws us straight into his dystopia without warning. Buy Fahrenheit 451 4. Moby Dick by Herman Melville (1851) “Call me Ishmael.” Possibly the most famous opening line in literary history. With just three words, Melville creates intrigue. Is Ishmael our narrator’s real name? Why the ambiguity? It sets a confiding, mysterious tone for this sprawling seafaring novel. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Moby-Dick-Flame-Collectable-Classics/dp/1787557901/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3D527GV36IQK3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VzWZ8EJvJU-W60QkB3a7MYAKgVF_-BVaf2nrEB6iUrFoxGWO3TrBVvJWPtfPzhcHppaHqZnAWp26iNbtKu8ciNo5QZ1XBmqhqsNszpepQTAOYIsO2Y00WBPXUVJzONTTElXg_EpTxRe3jcymKzkDSw.hEUQEgx5cIsIj39bVZLtvclkY2rquOVTuD9L-PMjy2M&dib_tag=se&keywords=Buy+Moby+Dick.&qid=1753788889&sprefix=buy+moby+dick.%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Moby Dick 5. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut (1969) “All this happened, more or less.” It’s rare for a novel to begin by calling its own accuracy into question. But that’s exactly what Vonnegut does here, in a story that blends wartime trauma with time travel and alien abductions. From the jump, we’re warned: truth and fiction will blur, and that’s kind of the point. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Slaughterhouse-Childrens-Crusade-Duty-Dance-Death-ebook/dp/B087TPHLG3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QH84M75EXLGC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5U4U2A4tfpTeB1L_H7YG3jbyHOpK1g0Ym4qr6OfMc61DAWnaoXcv0FK_UCNW-BTl_7tgrl8VBYEhpycAXWApj7ihWPl44UETwWTW2xfySL2-TZcWRikoWa06_Th5QapUUZaf3MfLKGZppz6SDrOWrZ0TTN6w768ajrEuugz7ThzIe0oKK5M1Zlg-E4Y-aHD-RP8_Zv2mIVxUXb1MT9qRjFYQo2IuSA67im8UVDEQxuc.5A7geEKnivXd5IftVAKvGuMh_hazrX9_JAGnbiyFsGU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Slaughterhouse-Five.&qid=1753788874&sprefix=slaughterhouse-five.%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Slaughterhouse-Five 6. The Outsider by Albert Camus (1942) “Mother died today. Or maybe, yesterday; I can't be sure.” An emotionally distant narrator delivers news that should be devastating with disturbing detachment. Does he not care? Is something clouding his memory? Camus uses these lines to thrust us into the existential fog that defines The Outsider. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Outsider-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141198060/ref=sr_1_2?crid=14D91OHOZ7U5N&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SWsNOUExcyskoPsNIj2lpnAdi2aL7cBnzTo1e3ogNBCdKkjW6kRbwSKFimw8AUHllyj_yamq7d1EWyWZ-bwgjue65z8eWOl62QRND7b3S7jOvDwrdFB0rLBAxH1K2xhMDnNpoEIbsrvSjUCK05I-PFvBgwzTgxWMrL5M0zmTZ2ymIjBqqcvAHx6mvlIJZA3Tghi0fb9UKQyIG2X1DrIjkUVXEESWMU24rTf5Oqt9hhY.6jKzQawmyrtFwilljVZfso4S0n8OUpYUiUX16TQbeYQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Outsider.&qid=1753788855&sprefix=the+outsider.%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-2&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy The Outsider 7. Holes by Louis Sachar (1998) “There is no lake at Camp Green Lake.” A simple contradiction that instantly captures our attention. If there’s no lake, why is it called Camp Green Lake? The dry humour of this line sets the tone for a novel that’s rich with mystery, mythology, and poignancy. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Holes-Louis-Sachar/dp/1408865238/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3NVXGTDN3YK1F&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.6Ceh8Rs90RstsGXWIE2WnKOWIvZ6S5nCskIfyhmHEpQFY6RQ_xRbLHyUx6Yg8lPpjF-V2nFDi5l68u_cJxYr9hTalccAGFIsXpjSWLL2_wkdXxBQZIloEt4zNRh4ctLDPa5RMgH2cKLQQSwsLcFkKgnKO5NZ60dVqesfSnZk5dAOkAftkuqtVqX7Cf7cnDXrBLBOuCNZSgFkFWHV_2gKTm2uJwSVnbrHPIm6g6LkryI.KBm2p3IAGNrXJHRHTkq0Ibd-OwJjKJrtBSrF4GHKueg&dib_tag=se&keywords=Holes+book&qid=1753788838&sprefix=holes+book%2Caps%2C97&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Holes 8. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S Thompson (1971) “We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold.” Right away, we know this is going to be a wild ride. The calm geographic reference, followed immediately by the chaos of drug use, throws us headfirst into Thompson’s iconic gonzo narrative. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fear-Loathing-Las-Vegas-Perennial/dp/0007204493/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3D2EZBNAAKWF2&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rVYV1xwc5OVKT07XIQQtFeA4lGxRe1sNSZfqTRbOvmv-mmD22bDnAP_rbZTBbn8l_qI7CcwDgcsUgtrToZp3m96Xzp2GSWY3CcZxE8idkyUIt62FwFAmrWbpepcuvrIGLquEP_F11bRZ8zUWx-J3gVsvHB8Fn8_BRiZg-XYNd0JylZZIlBE98sB6lJRUaO72QukLFC11zcagNYx4fMZw4YampRxSiDQU0m_240724l8.If14Eq9UPrB2Kj_hvdY3aHS9VUUSziKwYmC9NxHS0JQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Fear+and+Loathing+in+Las+Vegas.&qid=1753788816&sprefix=fear+and+loathing+in+las+vegas.%2Caps%2C98&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas 9. Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018) “Marianne answers the door when Connell rings the bell.” Let’s have some more recent examples on this list. There’s a unique brand of opening line where it makes far more sense and has a greater impact upon returning. At first glance, it’s an ordinary moment. But rereading this line after finishing the book reveals just how much it says about the characters. Connell holds the power to knock; Marianne is always the one who opens. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Normal-People-Sally-Rooney/dp/0571334652/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VXpvAK0_3LjcQx2MNAwVYcuSCRa5Afh3ApPbCb5vBcAsBlECtYdnz2m48x5TlGFgofibIVKCEWpgVgzT-HXIifgU71RJTC9SX0EibyqBIPJI2mOulN2qIBrODaQsraKa4RlxeBdynUWfAXqcsMFciN0Clz_xP0sp89Tw15LJma9u21Se0LanBFf2xjlh0LOwXXVQhQZFk-CXcRxOlblsUHVzunygtz4Enqd7M9WzeMM.HfsfN2_qj_czGWSl7zyoKaXV54XeypInXLHL26pkgwc&qid=1753788801&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Normal People 10. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (1967) “Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.” It’s rare for a protagonist to face near-certain death in the very first line. But here, that grim fate is woven together with something so innocent — like going to get ice with a parent. How does someone who once seemed like a blameless child, thrilled by such a simple joy, end up facing a firing squad? We’re immediately hooked, desperate to know more about his past, his choices, and, of course, does he actually die? <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hundred-Solitude-Gabriel-Garcia-Marquez/dp/0241968585/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8__SGqlt39_lmkQC8t9yA4blsbQmcfmwizB-IZbbeBxOCoQPhPjGIRFFmIKN_MG42-gL7JjSqg7S-fMsCuc5wIBMIRAk8NFKE6vBaP0lkIFaM_hPgGMlrBBn0psXI5IunyXM3xiQO-vKohz-fKvMSJ8NT1UCHaMnZShtkHrZZvLjMCHQN67nlMw51ZFSJlW8tghjopcf4GD_6WUfGTGOGAIZoH_cUMQBUhdlLqubP0E.BsMEOJp4epYGXRe48zoVCdxEvICyZ9eY7rqKkeK2SyU&qid=1753788780&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy One Hundred Years of Solitude 11. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell (1949) “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.” Wait a second… there’s no 13 on a clock, right? Instantly, the reader is dropped into a world that doesn’t quite make sense. In Orwell’s dystopian future, nothing is certain or fixed — not even time itself, which can be manipulated when the government has toppled God. What follows is a novel that eerily predicted the future with unsettling accuracy. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nineteen-Eighty-Four-Novel-George-Orwell/dp/1840228024/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DU32OA0L4L7L&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AoGXJDAhF2J514sqzCbcQEMimUs5J4BeGyKubTACh-ZlfFkOlLSCv1EUt06gf2lYV8IwOavhYJKR3wAesyXBQUbo0WcNv-P5Hyqj60IFNAR9cCz_NyOf3nnxdSyfsSH6EZrDpGOPg7CksUZYMzC-CtGZFeDC1JpKaw6bsSt9hXKrD88DZDp4vERYEhn37GTgyDjwQhDvUriJizK8tmeMOFKp5toNvSP4h70lixfxjaA.iGa4JfVvYc6e4WDnpT47qiBmk7VUb-wtCgfsOG5uOVA&dib_tag=se&keywords=Nineteen+Eighty-Four.&qid=1753788757&sprefix=nineteen+eighty-four.%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Nineteen Eighty-Four 12. A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket (1999) “If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book. In this book, not only is there no happy ending, there is no happy beginning and very few happy things in the middle.” It’s almost as if the author — or narrator — is trying to convince you not to read this novel, and the reverse psychology is incredibly effective. They’re neither wrong nor exaggerating, since what follows is a series of increasingly unfortunate events. Yet you keep reading, desperate for these orphans to finally catch a break. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bad-Beginning-Unfortunate-Events/dp/1405266066/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pD4xjrerakWwE1mAQP_s_xYNN6KnMw8_x1GMCRrlFtDMf8RYXrxHIemrobxw8yAXEmnaRQEUAI19CnA9RjcnPC1WABl5-Nn-iJXK5qvYcIA57jcHtp43SeGXi87ERWnXCIhMn4p166r7bvthBRvXlsSNGHxKFt9P8InojALn0eXuu6mhTET0FOKnuTw-MhbwrJkzc-Ioprk1g7H9mR1Rnh8kbkRuiqTXESoxVU-Sygg.ik5cNIZVGtpEChxWXu64Rxbf_g4SvnOyfaZe6lUeqOk&qid=1753788738&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning 13. The Martian by Andy Weir (2011) “I'm pretty much f**ked.” Before it became synonymous with Matt Damon’s face, this novel grabbed our attention with a simple, powerful statement. The story follows an American astronaut, Mark Watney, who becomes stranded alone on Mars in 2035 and must improvise to survive. Right from the start, we fear for our protagonist. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Martian-international-bestseller-Oscar-winning-blockbuster/dp/1785031139/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qfrcyV0297ByHtsqhIoIoyKUTeG5As0Oc6W9nRuMksNssRoWMoFBzit_8KDqjrkvvyZJdD05ZQfY5M9wNNLUG5j9tHOoszrp9mS8OKqiuF5Lpzr3JsGtlQlmhfjYX8jpWv9hSl6qDlA1faqvXQDpg_9rtFZrdxJ-OOdQJRq_P5A-JJ9VmSWLyp3mD3JhpjKTmRkinJofSHvri3gHRZdL6ftWSTQ9UYZEqMcWufnjwMA.3rdPcUh7MPw0IUBaMxlvcTB1vgRrSNb2Yrnnmqup35A&qid=1753788708&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy The Martian 14. The Crow Road by Iain Banks (1992) “It was the day my grandmother exploded.” Sorry, what? Yep, Iain Banks’s brilliant novel opens with that statement, so casually thrown at the reader. The narrator isn’t even directly describing the mind-boggling event, but uses it as a point of reference. Right away, you know you’re in for a humorous and wild adventure. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crow-Road-Iain-Banks/dp/0349142831/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JiJnsCsM-4maCtnD4mzWw-ISoOlHRK26yJVCaDl50cmX46wpNps9KIOAs7hbU1GiUM37knMhXRzzQrxmc3Ov5DfIIbitz1gK7_oexwC1eK28NDQ6hH1WNTYQA2vcjL7nxSYm3PPIiSi2Ii8fdmIlVSpfTefNa7qfZvFkzUU5GBVH5On9EPmUecP7Bj5_otprvPrg-osBITH13hoNzP_uiZ2DGL-Xrrs7j32N19NQ2bI.YxbM3QzkhV0-qzCrfAi345n1DmO7H_Ca2Kib_bVury8&qid=1753788691&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy The Crow Road 15. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813) “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Jane Austen is one of those literary masters who sets the tone and theme with precision right from the very first line, only to cleverly subvert it as the story unfolds. Does this apply to Mr Darcy? What follows this so-called ‘truth’ is a richly layered tale of romance, societal expectations, and the surprising power found in the absence of love. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pride-Prejudice-Penguin-Classics-Austen/dp/0141439513/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=14THLPDB74MF0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LG-c7FNcMRKSydTDsGKTT17-WdYaRnZNf6GmAN-P5jITI_Kkn2R1cTfNI36kJaWCIpoZlluenEo5LviK_v6MB6574_q-PacPUy9jh_IQv5mOdewY3PeGMACBjt2wUhgy1ebZfnOT56Y_5MBF5BrAjVi3V_uL1bRViYzYTfHgGKy0DcINQ7FPRnefs0ZvXMHW5G748uSvQvpsHtsS_F9aQTgSBg8-OjVAiD8cFIFpzao.2bVjwodFiE2rq_5rZwBjMai9FDCol_bT8DN2bHcuNOE&dib_tag=se&keywords=pride+and+prejudice&qid=1753788672&sprefix=pride+and+pre%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Pride and Prejudice 16. The Magicians by Lev Grossman (2009) “Quentin did a magic trick. Nobody noticed.” An often overlooked line, yet one that captures a deep well of sentiment. To have our protagonist’s name as the very first word of the entire novel is powerful, as it firmly centres Quentin’s role in the story that’s about to unfold. And, of course, since this is a novel about a secret college of magic, the idea of a magical “trick” going unnoticed immediately stirs curiosity and wonder within the reader. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Magicians-Book-1-Lev-Grossman/dp/1804943207/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fw7vWXZ6HKsLEo96gWiX0GxZoqVgslFIckp4ftURd5tXFNYHEjcv38vUQaKsRmpTRpVUO5-7BtdD7E_3tQY6FvNCzzAZHzyLXqsipttGVXoJtTj8cmvNOX9B3tZLqbtf4aOct7MQg6Xxk0CPR5290UB4P4UMgdYDs7_WGAvCi6lV9BQtmgWTYysOMp7WwUYnHetbJLcA9vTf10_vaHx5QJ55NBRsuHoauKeX8vBI8lM.aivGAAVsd7VGm7t0fgvsHx0P0MKvgjxcoforDO0weiI&qid=1753788653&sr=8-2&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy The Magician 17. Paradise by Toni Morrison (1998) “They shoot the white girl first.” Nobel laureate Toni Morrison’s 1987 novel opens with a subtle spoiler, and that’s precisely how you know you’re in for something extraordinary. Right from the first words, we’re gripped with curiosity, desperate to uncover more about the story’s secrets. Yet Morrison masterfully draws us in at a slow, deliberate pace, teasing out the narrative with a haunting rhythm that lingers long after the opening line. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paradise-Toni-Morrison/dp/0099768216/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sIHO9ERFusRX2jjomxCMvFwc556XBHy8SzDHpVThnVZYqysT2czjjyvYpKTwjcBpvyMOboY-VvwE0OaVX_PoWmfTBLExt8ERm0wQlygvFiHZaDiAJOtWztd0N58KJFNA24HUjoDOennDsmJ-L5o8Jh8ZXX6D8X1N9bOXPFqDYVSn404_fU157zO5H-B-Xn4XtEPdkCL9icSNrSAzLnvpoaKQo-AKxPSOuftch9F56lE.ePdCgsAX67rH8nyElgn69nI7Wy1ql96b82PQ_pfcMMA&qid=1753788608&sr=8-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Paradise 18. Circe by Madeline Miller (2018) “When I was born, the name for what I was did not exist.” This line instantly establishes a sense of otherness, foreshadowing Circe’s unique journey and complex identity. It emphasises that she doesn’t fit neatly into the traditional mythological world of gods and nymphs. Since much of the novel revolves around her profound isolation, it’s the perfect way to prepare the reader for her solitary, transformative path. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Circe-Sunday-Bestseller-Madeline-Miller/dp/1408890046/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pEIxVh8K3rEuVc3mCs3JzTJXLJA_CItv-0gw8mpQ4jHdLyQ-MWUV-WMLtP-sjqd0tEAiL7_QCMckIUYnGkncYiINYsuUjCiSOQnwDN2VOJP3D6JU8v-pDLTcAdalJnLjb9p0ZNnaPUDnkL3WbA36p4URACBG6cQ0gp9NSoOnW3sPmEdnDg_8h_oHl-22E5m2hFchRA_qfu87fz0lho_uXiQq-DDUPlMEoxojGtdCkDw.-o5c_01P83SEauJGjSOLRx9p93R70q4Ke4AGAQ8makQ&qid=1753788587&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Circe 19. The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) “The snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of our situation.” Scene, character, and plot — the essential ingredients of a novel — are all captured in a single opening line. From the very first sentence, Tartt sets the tone for her dark comedy. We know death is inevitable, and we know who has died, but we have no idea how or why it took so long for them to grasp the true “gravity of [their] situation.” <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-History-Donna-Tartt/dp/0140167773/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2F9FUFH7K7XIQ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aBrJbO7ucqhEir-kTv1yYAdPGkB5u3CTid-KR5Q_1keY0Dk7vhnQW7XYyp8V5sK5vBVsHuY8-dGPv_slh2xfphlBc0ObmPbF1sCaETouVNkStCP7KUyxI-wkv3kez_LowiylgLcOx5hF7maQDo3fSrO5XDiy0kbIZ5GGsQ52ZA7XYLdR8n-f490LLU5vTRhDN7o7or5lupEzkOi7aO_EWwfQDSCJ4Sp2B6iz6NtDLvw.ey7TgHV1H20XJlEQBdlUVXAsDy-cRq6JbDriDyHoCFw&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Secret+History&qid=1753788570&s=books&sprefix=the+secret+history%2Cstripbooks%2C81&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy The Secret History 20. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2005) “Here is a small fact: You are going to die.” Meet your narrator: Death. Yes, that’s who will be telling this story. This stark opening immediately establishes the themes of mortality and the inevitability of death that run throughout the novel. Set in Nazi Germany, the story naturally carries darker tones, even as it follows an adolescent girl. By acknowledging death upfront, the narrative makes the grim reality almost more bearable to face. Death becomes not something to fear, but an inevitability woven into every moment of the story. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Thief-Definitions-Young-Adult/dp/1909531618/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3N5VHAKQKALIG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.C9ceo80vJ38fyeQ30tQ5TnbnmTh9y6ZRhJs_0IhjVKh_t-RDUdPr6jGe6pC8BUVW51Bi8TCboLIqUumufa7OTdE64ys1S7Vxl5orqaOm1NeJqmL07ohqUYQMN6vVkcCCBjKsW_x-zUTo2jtWFn-q-2JjTbwRSWquFEu4stYhflJsEMsYVl3nIGJvQVnaXv8N2S0MSrN6-rWYql8jLtcET8_DFpOneWXIEfvLRnOQFZA.a40jyg0Ply2WR8EdgoTYyIFNDdcHmN25dN_ToLViXVQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Book+Thief&qid=1753788550&s=books&sprefix=the+book+thief%2Cstripbooks%2C82&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy The Book Thief 21. Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (1915) “As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.” Kafka’s most famous short story plunges us straight into the middle of the action. Our protagonist is a cockroach — an enormous one at that — and from here, things are only going to spiral further downhill. This surreal and unsettling opening immediately sets the tone for a tale of alienation and absurdity that lingers long after the last page. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Metamorphosis-Franz-Kafka/dp/1519224273/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HAGW6P9V7YWK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.g_CEyMJPuO9dY2NQwBy0JKwiKHRNXGd2Wt6LAFChaFPEmA8Vlx0RYQhoKBQtJe3PEHdxq5Ot5Wn0D9Mz34IJDrrmtDiN4LLtHwAdaX5Z0JbfSdqil5TJ7VbAQUAcXSNZ-8dD99tfWN85yvBhEoOGUfKPw8vw41fX-_E_d1QFN8Pz74-eaev9dcoE2YD3piuVQdTeATfyhdQL5kIS2vobQC9Fkv6qZIUqJKFToKrdrWM.W1TcWRda-Dxj5FOOIUQUwQjuCL4ZGU-mt2n4EJp9RdY&dib_tag=se&keywords=metamorphosis+kafka&qid=1753788532&s=books&sprefix=met%2Cstripbooks%2C81&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Metamorphosis 22. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell “Scarlett O'Hara was not beautiful, but men seldom realized it when caught by her charm as the Tarleton twins were.” First things first, it’s unnerving to have the lead female — the love interest to come — described as “not beautiful”. Yet this line also highlights a key aspect of her character: a captivating charm that often outshines her physical appearance. It introduces the Tarleton twins, two of the first to be charmed by Scarlett, and sets the tone for the novel by hinting at her self-centred nature and remarkable ability to manipulate those around her. From the very start, we sense that Scarlett is a complex character whose allure goes far beyond looks. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gone-Vintage-Classics-Margaret-Mitchell/dp/1784876119/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3ITEJ7F4FQWFV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.v93baBibVPhb-_j2SLVxfttek5P2a32HTjU7hR7DixjzCGc_0AuFbKT9dKHv23ik1LHmt1Lso0yQG4helsyvPQujXh04QTNfaWIfB1sX4nV_gCz002t90QESVeApsQmvX4i5NcOzVs72tzdnKsJPnStIT4tqDPC8DVPDbBMcRq4_Vcocb0hy4qz0O6TSOQnRkupdIMDTpwFv9LCoI6w-CP_KhfSoeEN-qBKfu0w6_7Y.LVZKrscjfF3neMmxr315ZNgVd5Cz0SeMsOAT1jE_8Lo&dib_tag=se&keywords=Gone+With+the+Wind.&qid=1753788514&s=books&sprefix=gone+with+the+wind.%2Cstripbooks%2C69&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Gone With the Wind 23. Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score (2022) “I wasn’t sure what to expect when I walked into Café Rev, but it sure as hell wasn’t a picture of myself behind the register under the cheery headline ‘Do Not Serve.’” The moment we meet the narrator, Lucy Score throws us straight into a moment of shock and intrigue. Walking into Café Rev, she’s blindsided by a photo of herself behind the register with a glaring “Do Not Serve” warning. It’s a clever way to hook the reader immediately; who put up the sign, and why? From this surprising and tense start, we know we’re in for a story full of secrets, humour and emotional twists. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Things-Never-Got-Over-bestseller/dp/1399713744/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uJjjvU58qkJ98_z8kY1RhIQFmZ2EmQnO5RY4L4wAdJIZjdlFCe0DoOBOGxZAj3GOME4sIZIfUK1tyn48DwdUNq0wG6zNFOFEVT0cSrPNk2cnaWwpRxcPezF4B_L_7xfGn4UcVS-u_d_61VtW8bd-Xl0vt7C5PAPpyAnyG4ltBtOKpni36K1gxHz4H5hOLUGpbXRdvRswgAMclHEl6oq5eBpCQlAME6ORKoVY8Cxuuik.V_JGJUidIQfcnSAkMru7DZw2nGsGMj2eK1GoDl-TnuA&qid=1753788494&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Things we Never Got Over 24. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (2012) “When I think of my wife, I always think of the back of her head.” From the very first sentence, Gillian Flynn lets us know this isn’t your typical love story. “When I think of my wife, I always think of the back of her head” is a line that feels romantic… until it doesn’t. It’s intimate, but also distant, even a little sinister. Why the back of her head? Why not her smile, her laugh, her eyes? That subtle unease is the perfect entry point to a story about manipulation, perception, and the terrifying complexities of modern marriage. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gone-Girl-Gillian-Flynn-ebook/dp/B007ZXK08C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=22O18PULTEMDJ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8g3B6-FTbN2RWQrCru5dxCiwJFrCdWD5N5kcq6mNue-p0u8d-feO5U3EvYsHMDKV3q5KcX19S-msT-o-eGdAkPWYQkE9c5Nd0nbIRnJrwkQ_gFLLbm15I9U0R1F05GdbVJCOtr45V_Rah3H1hT1N4nl847eoycKw1zk3CrWkIVrVVvR2Pqlz-z7vDI_Jty11a_pLylpSA7GC7z8Y1w6U7n8DGKnpLJ3K7nI5TXVG12g.FDu07JlB_V75RQf1j2ermMGYK1yS0rI8-fupbxDxvNs&dib_tag=se&keywords=gone+girl&qid=1753788476&s=books&sprefix=gone+girl%2Cstripbooks%2C80&sr=1-1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy Gone Girl 25. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859) “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Life, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way-in short, the period was so far the like present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.” Let’s round off this list of the best opening lines with a long one, and one of the most iconic. While it may be lengthy, the power of Dickens’s opening is undeniable. Not only does it set the tone for the novel — urging readers to pay attention to duality and contradiction — but it also strikes a deeply poetic chord. In just one paragraph, Dickens captures the paradoxes of human experience: joy and sorrow, wisdom and foolishness, light and darkness. It’s both a time capsule of a turbulent era and a timeless reflection on the nature of life itself. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tale-Cities-Penguin-Clothbound-Classics/dp/0141196904/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2A1WND4JYXTLG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xgCCPbwXYwUYA2NSBEwuQc_G5kGl24_DYMScNwtrU-2k4HfUpRuKTNGWpLVYKeQMVDK7QfpvmQRvVQLWGgYIqJDQBML3-hy_wvgpQNQgIm6sTKh_rTKhUqcPVcV-uMGSsTEiMtlS707Ka2e6K1EjBDLO8NxdwY0dDS1IYTHxAYoU0eRXvVlSNYJzmaselr4bs4_OGZvCFMy0tYPmJsZEVYmfzYu4hHvbtundd4U2nVU.Sba9jzh48W1WIQi-4ImQ7R8flwvtg8Bq018gILclcgU&dib_tag=se&keywords=A+Tale+of+Two+Cities&qid=1753788457&s=books&sprefix=a+tale+of+two+cities%2Cstripbooks%2C152&sr=1-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298319" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Buy A Tale of Two Cities For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante.
How to read Freida McFadden books in order
We've put together the ultimate guide to Freida McFadden's many book series.
We’ve all got 24 hours in a day, but somehow Freida McFadden seems to have found a few extra. She’s not only a practising doctor but also a best-selling author who manages to release several gripping psychological thrillers each year. Many of her books draw on her medical background, blending real-world experience with sharp twists, tense pacing and genuinely gasp-worthy moments. With such a varied back catalogue, it can be tricky to know where to begin. Do you start with the best-selling Housemaid series, or dive into one of her earlier standalone novels? We’re here to break down the reading order of all Freida McFadden’s series and standalone books. How to read The Housemaid series in order You’d be hard-pressed to stroll through an airport bookshop without spotting The Housemaid nestled among the best-sellers, and with good reason. This psychological thriller by Freida McFadden has become her most iconic work, thanks to its sharp writing, tightly woven plot and deliciously sinister twists. The series centres on Millie, a former convict trying to start over. She’s hired by the wealthy Winchester family to clean and care for their immaculate home. But it quickly becomes clear that the Winchesters aren’t quite what they seem – and neither, perhaps, is Millie. The first book’s gripping cat-and-mouse dynamic has proved irresistible, with Millie returning for two more instalments that delve even deeper into secrets, lies and survival. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Housemaid-absolutely-addictive-psychological-jaw-dropping/dp/1408728516/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Housemaid (2022) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Housemaids-Secret-Freida-McFadden/dp/0349132607/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Housemaid’s Secret (2023) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Housemaids-Wedding-Short-Story/dp/B0DLHLBK74/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Housemaid’s Wedding (2024) - a companion novella to be read after The Housemaid’s Secret <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Housemaid-Watching-Sunday-Bestselling-Author/dp/1464223319/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Housemaid Is Watching (2024) How to read the Dr Jane McGill series in order Now for something very different, but just as good: the Dr Jane McGill series. If you’ve spent years following the romantic turmoils of Meredith Grey on Grey’s Anatomy, then this needs to jump to the top of your TBR. Loosely based on McFadden’s own experience as a physician, the series is a witty, light-hearted look at the highs and lows of medical residency. It blends sharp humour and real emotion as we follow the trials of Dr Jane McGill, a newly minted doctor trying to survive both her career and her personal life. In The Devil Wears Scrubs (yes, the title’s a playful nod to The Devil Wears Prada), 25-year-old Jane is fresh out of med school and thrown into the brutal world of hospital residency. Forget the glossy drama of TV, Jane’s reality is sleepless nights, back-to-back shifts and a supervisor so ruthless she’s nicknamed The Devil: Dr Alyssa Morgan. As Jane battles impossible expectations, quirky patients, maddening coworkers and the inconvenient crush she’s developing on a fellow resident, her sanity (and social life) hangs in the balance. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Devil-Wears-Scrubs-Freida-McFadden/dp/1492177164/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Devil Wears Scrubs (2013) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Devil-You-Know-Freida-McFadden/dp/1546859888/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Devil You Know (2017) How to read the Prescription: Murder books in order McFadden’s Prescription: Murder series consists of two standalone medical thrillers that share a common tone and playfully subvert the classic whodunnit formula. The first, Dead Med (originally published as Suicide Med), is set at Southside Medical School – nicknamed "Dead Med" for its alarming number of student overdoses. Heather McKinley always dreamed of becoming a doctor, but now she’s drowning in sleepless nights, endless labs, brutal exams, and a recent breakup. On the eve of her final anatomy exam, a gunshot shatters the night. Someone is dead, but that’s only the beginning. In the second book, Brain Damage, McFadden flips the traditional murder mystery on its head. Charly, a successful dermatologist, survives a bullet to the skull but loses her memory in the process. She senses that something about her so-called accident doesn’t add up, and as readers, we piece together the truth alongside her, one fragmented memory at a time. While the two books can be read independently, we recommend following the publication order to fully appreciate McFadden’s clever twists on the genre. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Med-Freida-McFadden/dp/B0D7Z1CB5B/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Dead Med (2014) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Brain-Damage-Freida-McFadden/dp/1532902948/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Brain Damage (2016) How to read Freida McFadden's standalone books in order Freida McFadden has also released a wide range of standalone thrillers. These can be read in any order, but if you're looking for a starting point, following the publication timeline is a great way to watch her storytelling evolve, with each twist sharper than the last. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baby-City-Inside-Labor-Delivery/dp/151191047X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Baby City (2015) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Surrogate-Mother-Freida-McFadden/dp/1464228604/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Surrogate Mother (2018) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-unputdownable-psychological-thriller-heartstopping/dp/B0875XG26Q/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Ex (2019) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Perfect-Son-Sunday-Bestselling-Housemaid/dp/1464228590/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Perfect Son (2019) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wife-Upstairs-psychological-thriller-guessing/dp/B088JC7LWY/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Wife Upstairs (2020) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Sunday-Bestselling-Author-Housemaid/dp/1464221391/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">One by One (2020) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Want-Know-Secret-gripping-psychological/dp/B08T5HDFPJ/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Want to Know a Secret? (2021) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Locked-Door-Sunday-Bestselling-Housemaid/dp/1464221359/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Locked Door (2021) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Not-Disturb-Addictive-Psychological-Housemaid/dp/1464228582/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Do Not Disturb (2021) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Do-You-Remember-gripping-psychological/dp/B09Q681Y13/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Do You Remember? (2022) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inmate-Sunday-Bestselling-Author-Housemaid/dp/1464221383/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Inmate (2022) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Never-Lie-Sunday-Bestselling-Housemaid/dp/1464221367/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Never Lie (2022) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ward-D-Freida-McFadden/dp/1464228574/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Ward D (2023) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Coworker-Sunday-Bestselling-Author-Housemaid/dp/1464221340/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Co-Worker (2023) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Teacher-Sunday-Bestselling-Author-Housemaid/dp/1464221375/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Teacher (2024) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boyfriend-Twisting-Psychological-Thriller-Housemaid/dp/1464221405/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Boyfriend (2024) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crash-Pulse-Pounding-Psychological-Thriller-Housemaid/dp/1464228639/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Crash (2025) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tenant-Bestseller-Twist-Laden-Psychological-Housemaid/dp/1464228620/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Tenant (2025) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intruder-Freida-McFadden/dp/1464228612/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Intruder (2025) What is the Alibis Collection? Freida McFadden has written three novellas: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gift-Christmas-Thriller-Novelette/dp/B0BP4L925X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Gift (2022), <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Widows-Husbands-Secret-Lie-Satirical/dp/B0D9PLJ5KZ/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Widow’s Husband’s Secret Lie: A Satire (2024) and <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Death-Alibis-collection-Freida-McFadden-ebook/dp/B0DRLJNHZJ?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kTl86r44yOteGkM9cLxXmxzQ3RtfyYdU31D_IFhI3VJOV6YIvr7i9J18liwVs49p9caqy2y_Cht_J5MJZSYV-YIAK3lY3FoyGzqt2Rp8z0Ku2mwZetf9q8HRXgU9rQhliB8Yk-BwhjBxDeaIPqFWLa_4MzrMzK39tdhnHaae6th_veU6jmE6TEbBRqdv50_aqBdgFUApuDT0YlGZEWHs19cU9mYEZZSG6CCrJz_hsz0.25M0iKMGXtyhsEiaPnWdTBJFi_mOFVXxMxYWjrWyME0&dib_tag=AUTHOR&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2300063" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Death Row (2025). The most recent of these, Death Row, is part of The Alibis Collection, a themed anthology described as "a collection of stories about lies, truth, and deception". "It’s just a matter of what you can get away with," the synopsis continues. Designed to be read or listened to in a single sitting, the collection also features contributions from best-selling authors Sally Hepworth and Chris Bohjalian. In Death Row, we follow Talia Kemper, a woman sentenced to die for her husband’s murder, despite a strong alibi and no apparent motive. As the clock ticks down to her execution, no one will believe her claims of innocence… and time is running out. For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante.
How to read the bite-sized tales in order.
Abby Jimenez has quickly become a go-to author for romantic comedies that balance laugh-out-loud banter with serious emotional depth. Whether she’s tackling infertility, anxiety, grief or family pressure, her books are full of heart and a healthy dose of swoon. With multiple series, recurring Easter eggs, and even a few novellas sprinkled in, it’s worth knowing the best order to read them. Here’s your guide to reading all of Abby Jimenez’s books, series by series. How to read The Friend Zone series in order The series that started it all! Kristen isn’t looking for romance when she meets Josh while planning her best friend’s wedding, but in typical romcom fashion, sparks fly. There’s just one problem… Kristen is preparing for a medical procedure that will leave her infertile, and Josh’s biggest dream is to have a big family. Can they overcome such a major hurdle? Each book follows a new couple, but it’s worth reading them in order to catch the sweet (and often hilarious) cameos and callbacks Jimenez sprinkles in. Here’s a list of The Friend Zone books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Friend-Zone-hilarious-heartbreaking-romantic-ebook/dp/B07L32PC7Q/ref=sr_1_11?crid=FK1KAR1XJ5V5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VPd5kOsHJ9tlKJ7NoeRCT3F0_9UuX_ReoNdGSsBA95Dq3SwWKlySnEM9Eu2Bb0a-jktY9Q89bcBsuzXY0yFVlnvnEYMbxGUtv2StFW6dI_daTFr9UqKXo7mdGljfJbxKXP4kpEr65S_MJZ1aj5E2rOw1fPgMbzPOK5Z6ycWc0dV6j1G3aaY6sqM9RKLlasss4m3XTVPXik6IXRFbgW2iZe4mwc3i0Pu0HfMahRb68k8.BB8WTLGmtXJT7GBSRtloc2Pz_oHmJ0cI0prqDJpeMvw&dib_tag=se&keywords=abby+jimenez&qid=1753714608&s=books&sprefix=abby+%2Cstripbooks%2C114&sr=1-11&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298418" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Friend Zone (2019) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happily-Ever-After-Playlist/dp/0349423423/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VPd5kOsHJ9tlKJ7NoeRCT3F0_9UuX_ReoNdGSsBA95Dq3SwWKlySnEM9Eu2Bb0a-jktY9Q89bcBsuzXY0yFVlnvnEYMbxGUtv2StFW6dI_daTFr9UqKXo7mdGljfJbxKXP4kpEr65S_MJZ1aj5E2rOw1fPgMbzPOK5Z6ycWc0dV6j1G3aaY6sqM9RKLlasss4m3XTVPXik6IXRFbgW2iZe4mwc3i0Pu0HfMahRb68k8.BB8WTLGmtXJT7GBSRtloc2Pz_oHmJ0cI0prqDJpeMvw&qid=1753714608&sr=1-13&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298418" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">The Happily Ever After Playlist (2020) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lifes-Too-Short-hilarious-heartbreaking/dp/034942344X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VPd5kOsHJ9tlKJ7NoeRCT3F0_9UuX_ReoNdGSsBA95Dq3SwWKlySnEM9Eu2Bb0a-jktY9Q89bcBsuzXY0yFVlnvnEYMbxGUtv2StFW6dI_daTFr9UqKXo7mdGljfJbxKXP4kpEr65S_MJZ1aj5E2rOw1fPgMbzPOK5Z6ycWc0dV6j1G3aaY6sqM9RKLlasss4m3XTVPXik6IXRFbgW2iZe4mwc3i0Pu0HfMahRb68k8.BB8WTLGmtXJT7GBSRtloc2Pz_oHmJ0cI0prqDJpeMvw&qid=1753714608&sr=1-16&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298418" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Life’s Too Short (2021) How to read the Part of Your World series in order One series down, another begins! Alexis Montgomery has spent her life following the path her prestigious family laid out for her, such as becoming a world-class surgeon and dating all the "right" men. Then she meets Daniel Grant, a ruggedly charming carpenter who’s 10 years her junior and everything her family disapproves of. Cue an identity crisis... and a major romance. Again, each book centres on a different couple, but the interconnected universe makes it extra rewarding to read them in order. Here’s a list of the Part of Your World books in order: <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Part-Your-World-irresistibly-heartbreaking/dp/0349433801/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VPd5kOsHJ9tlKJ7NoeRCT3F0_9UuX_ReoNdGSsBA95Dq3SwWKlySnEM9Eu2Bb0a-jktY9Q89bcBsuzXY0yFVlnvnEYMbxGUtv2StFW6dI_daTFr9UqKXo7mdGljfJbxKXP4kpEr65S_MJZ1aj5E2rOw1fPgMbzPOK5Z6ycWc0dV6j1G3aaY6sqM9RKLlasss4m3XTVPXik6IXRFbgW2iZe4mwc3i0Pu0HfMahRb68k8.BB8WTLGmtXJT7GBSRtloc2Pz_oHmJ0cI0prqDJpeMvw&qid=1753714608&sr=1-6&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298418" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Part of Your World (2022) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yours-Truly-charming-hilarious-second-chance/dp/0349433828/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VPd5kOsHJ9tlKJ7NoeRCT3F0_9UuX_ReoNdGSsBA95Dq3SwWKlySnEM9Eu2Bb0a-jktY9Q89bcBsuzXY0yFVlnvnEYMbxGUtv2StFW6dI_daTFr9UqKXo7mdGljfJbxKXP4kpEr65S_MJZ1aj5E2rOw1fPgMbzPOK5Z6ycWc0dV6j1G3aaY6sqM9RKLlasss4m3XTVPXik6IXRFbgW2iZe4mwc3i0Pu0HfMahRb68k8.BB8WTLGmtXJT7GBSRtloc2Pz_oHmJ0cI0prqDJpeMvw&qid=1753714608&sr=1-7&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298418" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Yours Truly (2023) <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Summer-Abby-Jimenez/dp/0349433844/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VPd5kOsHJ9tlKJ7NoeRCT3F0_9UuX_ReoNdGSsBA95Dq3SwWKlySnEM9Eu2Bb0a-jktY9Q89bcBsuzXY0yFVlnvnEYMbxGUtv2StFW6dI_daTFr9UqKXo7mdGljfJbxKXP4kpEr65S_MJZ1aj5E2rOw1fPgMbzPOK5Z6ycWc0dV6j1G3aaY6sqM9RKLlasss4m3XTVPXik6IXRFbgW2iZe4mwc3i0Pu0HfMahRb68k8.BB8WTLGmtXJT7GBSRtloc2Pz_oHmJ0cI0prqDJpeMvw&qid=1753714608&sr=1-4&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298418" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Just for the Summer (2024) How to read the Say You'll Remember Me series in order Abby Jimenez’s newest series is just getting started, but it’s already made an impression. Samantha isn’t thrilled when she meets Xavier, the handsome vet with a talent for saying the wrong thing. But after an unforgettable date, Samantha walks away to focus on a family crisis. Trouble is, forgetting Xavier turns out to be harder than expected… <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Say-Youll-Remember-Abby-Jimenez/dp/0349442835/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VPd5kOsHJ9tlKJ7NoeRCT3F0_9UuX_ReoNdGSsBA95Dq3SwWKlySnEM9Eu2Bb0a-jktY9Q89bcBsuzXY0yFVlnvnEYMbxGUtv2StFW6dI_daTFr9UqKXo7mdGljfJbxKXP4kpEr65S_MJZ1aj5E2rOw1fPgMbzPOK5Z6ycWc0dV6j1G3aaY6sqM9RKLlasss4m3XTVPXik6IXRFbgW2iZe4mwc3i0Pu0HfMahRb68k8.BB8WTLGmtXJT7GBSRtloc2Pz_oHmJ0cI0prqDJpeMvw&qid=1753714608&sr=1-5&tag=radtim0b-21&ascsubtag=radiotimes-2298418" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Say You’ll Remember Me (2025) When should you read Abby Jimenez's novellas? Jimenez’s novellas are like bonus content for longtime fans and ideal bite-sized reads for romance lovers. Some are connected to her full-length novels, while others can be enjoyed entirely on their own. The Situationship (2024) This novella follows two characters introduced in Just for the Summer, so it’s best read straight after. Life as a travelling nurse doesn’t leave much time for relationships, but Doug might as well be Prince Charming – and Maddy is struggling to resist. They agree on a no-feelings "situationship"… What could possibly go wrong? Worst Wingman Ever (2024) Holly doesn’t believe in Valentine’s Day – or romance, really – until a handwritten note left on her car windshield catches her attention. Soon, she’s trading messages with a mysterious admirer. Can their chemistry make the leap from notes to real life? This novella is a standalone, so no prior reading is required! The Fall Risk (2025) Two neighbours, one terrible Valentine’s Day, and a funny, feel-good short story. Charlotte and Seth are total opposites – but forced proximity has a way of breaking down walls. Before they know it, defences are falling, and something real might just take root. For all the latest RT Book Club news, interviews, Q&As with the authors, reviews of previous books and more, visit The Radio Times Book Club sponsored by Dr. Oetker Ristorante.
Onyx Storm ending explained: What happened to Xaden and Violet?
The highly anticipated novel has left us with more questions than answers.
*Warning: This article contains full spoilers for the end of Onyx Storm.* Continuing from the first two books in Rebecca Yarros’s The Empyrean series, Onyx Storm follows a trainee scribe turned dragon rider, Violet Sorrengail. She was born with a condition that makes her physically weaker than most, and prone to broken bones, but has trained and managed to bond two dragons, Tairn and Andarna. She’s a student at Basgiath War College, but war is looming as evil venin seek to take over everything Violet holds precious, including the sexy enemy-turned-lover Xaden Riorson. Onyx Storm further explores the world, including the mysterious islands the group must visit to find Andarna’s kind, who may be the answer to the powerful venin. But in typical third-instalment style, Onyx Storm focused heavily on expanding the setting, and posing more questions than answers, so let’s dig into exactly what happened in this novel of over 500 pages. Buy Onyx Storm for £25 £12.50 View Affiliate Playlist on the source website Onyx Storm ending explained Violet and her pals have found themselves in an intense and devastating battle to save Draithus and its inhabitants. Violet has gone to save her older sister, Mira, from the clutches of evil venin Theophanie, who is using her to lure Violet over to the dark side. During the battle of Draithus, Theophanie is revealed to be a storm wielder like Violet’s deceased mother, General Lilith Sorrengail. Previously, she had been believed to be a lightning wielder like Violet. Theophanie promises Violet that she can be with Xaden if she just channels from the earth. Theophanie has Tairn pinned under a net, and hope appears to be lost. But a massive shadow surge by Xaden (more on that to come...) knocks Theophanie to the ground, which gives Violet a chance to stab her with a marble dagger. She had received this dagger from Aaric, whose signet of precognition caused him to go get it from a priestess of Dunne. With it came a note warning that only someone touched by the gods could wield it, so Violet’s ability to use it confirms she has definitely been in touch with the gods. The book ends with Violet awakening in the courtyard of Riorson House, with a wedding ring featuring a Riorson family heirloom on her finger, and no memories of how she got there. She finds a legal marriage document in her pocket, and on the back, a note from Xaden simply saying, “Don’t look for me. It’s yours now.” Violet turns to look at Imogen beside her, who has the ability to erase short-term memories and asks: “What did you do?” Imogen simply responds: “What you asked me to.” Basically, Violet apparently asked Imogen to erase the last 12 hours of memories, although we’re not sure why or what was erased. Her wedding to Xaden? His whereabouts now? Other secrets that could put her loved ones at risk? It seems like the yet-to-be-named sequel will focus on Violet regaining these memories. We can’t help but wonder if Dain, whose signet is to see recent memories, might be able to help. But knowing Rebecca Yarros, that would be too easy a fix for the issue. What happened to Xaden, and who is his new “brother”? Last we saw Xaden, he was battling the venin during the battle of Draithus. Xaden’s venin sage, Berwyn, summons him to a canyon outside the city, where Sgaeyl is wounded and trapped under a net. In order to protect her and everyone he loves, Xaden channels power from the earth. This is just like the end of Iron Flame, only now it is the final step, and he has fully embraced the venin transformation. In a final act of resistance, Xaden uses this power to unleash a massive shadow surge that annihilates wyvern, kills several venin, and incapacitates Berwyn and his venin “brother.” Xaden then leaves with a freed Sgaeyl, convincing her to help him enact an unknown plan, which turns out to be the marriage. Let’s talk about this venin “brother”. Keep in mind, that the term “brother” was previously applied to Jack Barlowe, suggesting it relates to having the same venin sage/maker. The identity of the brother is not yet known but theories are running rampant. One primary clue is that Xaden mentions this person knew about Xaden’s struggles with not turning full venin over the last five months. “How could he do this? Choose this after watching me stumble and fall over the last five months,” Xaden thinks. The term “brother” makes readers immediately think of Bodhi or Garrick, who are both like brothers to Xaden. Bodhi was last seen with Xaden, knew about his venin issue, and was reluctant to ever replace him as the Duke of Tyrrendor. But “Berwyn now has another sibling he can use against me”. What if the first sibling was Violet who has been used against him, so the other sibling is Brennan? Also, Brennan has been helping Xaden with his issue and trying to heal him, although he is present at Aretia at the end. The last clue is that in Imogen’s point of view, she notices “what’s likely a fatal wound on a severed tail on a large brown”. Keep in mind that if a dragon dies, a rider quickly follows. We know that Garrick has a brown dragon, but he rescues Imogen using his signet, so it’s unlikely to be him. Ridoc also has a brown dragon, so perhaps he turned venin before it succumbed to this fatal wound. We later see him freeze an entire wyvern, which could suggest he is extremely powerful, as expressed earlier in the novel, or that he found an extra source of power. Ridoc only learned of Xaden’s venin issues recently, which discounts him. Who is still missing at the end of Onyx Storm? Once Violet is found in the courtyard, Brennan reveals that four riders and their dragons have been killed, as well as three elders. They were all murdered in the valley, and five riders are still missing — now four with the mysterious return of Violet. Xaden is likely one of these riders, and it’s unclear if people know he has turned fully over to the dark side, although Brennan knew about his recent struggle. Weilsen says, “I bet the other three are already dead.” Is this the other riders, except for Xaden? Is this the three elders? We also know from Imogen asking that Garrick is still missing. View oEmbed on the source website There are also six missing dragon eggs. Where have the dragon eggs gone? One possibility is that the eggs were taken to Umbriel, as their queen claimed she wanted dragon eggs (two of each breed) in exchange for her army. The second option is that some or all of these eggs belong to Sgaeyl and Tairn, and were thus “saved” from the valley before the mess unfolded. Violet checks in with Tairn and finds the bond present but foggy as he is currently sleeping. Andarna (yep, she’s back!) explains that the big black dragon needed rest to recover. To recover from what? As we’ve seen him experience far worse. A theory posed by one intuitive reader is that Tairn had to sever his bond with his mate, Sgaeyl, so that Violet would no longer be connected to Xaden. Given the strength of mating bonds and dragon bonds, this would definitely require some rest. Who died in Onyx Storm? Each novel in the series includes at least one painful death, and Onyx Storm is no different. Several minor characters died, including Trager, who was a flyer and Cat’s new love interest. In Imogen’s POV, we discovered that Quinn was killed, and had a heart-wrenching flashback to when they first met. Theophanie was thankfully killed by Violet, and Mira narrowly avoided death thanks to Brennan’s healing. Who was the traitor? Throughout Onyx Storm, there were veiled references to a spy who had been feeding the other side information. In Xaden’s final chapter, this is revealed to be Panchek, who has been giving the venin information about Jack and the war plans in exchange for power. Given Panchek’s high rank, this is bad news for the good guys and causes us to wonder who else might have turned. What is Violet’s second signet? At the end of Iron Flame, we discovered that Xaden had a second signet. We believed this was due to the fact that Sgaeyl was previously bonded to a close relation of Xaden, his grandfather. In Onyx Storm, we discover that almost all the marked riders have a second signet, so it’s more likely this is the cause. We also learn that Violet will have a second signet, and the author let slip that it was already there in the books. Theories ran absolutely wild, and in the end, Violet’s second signet turned out to be… dream walking. A signet is related to a rider and their needs, and Violet really needed to know what was going on with Andarna when she was sleeping for so long. We discover this as Violet realises her recurring dream about the sage isn’t really hers, it is Xaden’s. Xaden is very impressed with her new signet and suggests with practice she could choose to enter specific dreams and manipulate them. Violet’s power was not lost when her bond with Andarna was severed. As for all our unanswered questions, we’ll have to wait for the fourth book in The Empyrean series. No title or release date has been confirmed, but all signs point to 2027. The Empyrean series and other novels by Rebecca Yarros are available now If you're keen to watch the new Amazon adaptation of the Empyrean series when it's released, why not take a look at our what is Amazon Prime explainer, as well as the best Amazon Prime deals?