Adult book highlights

This TV tie-in edition is being released to coincide with ITV's current 5-part adaptation of Elizabeth Day's 2017 novel. 

Years of secrets, lies and things left unspoken come to a head at the 40th birthday celebration of politician Ben Fitzmaurice. Will his best friend Martin Gilmour continue to toe the line? A great read which convincingly portrays the behind the scenes machinations of the ruling classes. Point readers also in the direction of the recent follow-up One of Us.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 4th November 2026

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Winner of the Bailie Gifford Prize 2026.

Alexander the Great is considered to be one of the greatest commanders in the Classical world; but who was the man behind the legend?

Edmund Richardson draws on recent discoveries and translations of material from 12 ancient languages to tell the story of Alexander, his opponents, and the civilisation he inhabited. The narrative tone is accessible, the drama cinematic, and the emotional heft palpable. While the book may look sizeable, be assured that there is a good chunk that is further reading suggestions, references and indexes, the story itself is sub 400 pages. A great companion to Stephen Fry's Greek Myths series.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 28th October 2026

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Cal travels back to the French Revolution not expecting to fall in love, but now he will do anything to keep Olivier from dying. As time starts to fracture, Cal will journey for millennia to bring him back and rescue existence itself.

There are more locations than a Bond movie: Seoul 2018, Colorado 1980, Berlin 1949, the end of the world 23. A historical romance that transforms into a time travelling eco-disaster with a side of sci-fi. Thrilling, epic and beautifully intimate.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 14th October 2026

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From catwalks to art exhibitions, tarot is in fashion. This dystopian 'trial to the death' with a romance subplot and acknowledged Hunger Games influence draws on this trend.  Tarot knowledge isn't necessary, but does enhance.

Protagonist Kestrel/Moon is from a two-tier society's lower dregs, where the belief system revolves around tension between tarot and the elements. She's a healthy mix of gritty determination and self-doubting naivety. Supporting characters enhance her story well, and you genuinely don’t know who will survive. The world building and pace of action all create an involved, entertaining read.  

Reviewed by Peters team on 7th October 2026

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Winner of the 2026 Booker Prize.

Something has happened. Europe has disappeared, institutions have collapsed, memories are hazy. No one knows why (invasion? technology? a split in reality?) and it's no clearer by the end, so avoid if you prefer loose ends tied up. Phillip and his aunt Marnie navigate this confusing world in the company of an uncanny artifact that grows increasingly human-like.
At 196 pages and with short chapters, it's an easy introduction to literary fiction for those who might find it intimidating.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 30th September 2026

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Nikita Hand recounts her experience trying to bring MMA fighter Conor McGregor to justice for a sexual assault.

From the attack itself, to the failed criminal prosecution and subsequent success in civil court, Not the Perfect Victim charts her journey through trauma, resilience and the pursuit of justice. It challenges harmful myths around victimhood, and insists the stigma attached to the idea of the 'perfect victim' must change.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 23rd September 2026

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A collection of fathers' personal, heartfelt letters to their sons, compiled by Adolescence actor and writer Stephen Graham with psychologist Orly Klein.

This dyslexia-friendly edition is being released simultaneously with the wider trade launch, in a publishing first that could set a new accessibility precedent for the future. Check out the full list of dyslexia-friendly editions being released by Bloomsbury this month. 

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 16th September 2026

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Meet Stan. A ruby Cavelier who loves chasing moths, wolfing down parmesan cheese, and investigating bare legs.
Tony Parsons’ latest memoir celebrates the unconditional love of a dog, and the many joys of living with a canine – exercise, community, wondering at nature, companionship. Harder moments are shared with sensitivity, navigating worry and grief. From puppyhood to old age and beyond, Parsons’ memories of life with Stan will resonate with fellow dog lovers (and maybe some cat lovers too).

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 9th September 2026

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Charles Spencer is publishing the story of his sister Diana, Princess of Wales, this month. Announcing publication he said 'The aim of this book is to tell the truth about Diana from her brother's perspective... As with my eulogy, I want to speak on Diana's behalf and to do so openly in a positive way'.

It promises to be an intimate, honest portrayal of Diana by one the people who knew her best, sure to interest readers.

Publication due 22nd September

Reviewed by Peters team on 2nd September 2026

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Sophie loves books, and freelances in the world of literary events. When her marriage breaks down she fills the gap with an obsession over her favourite author, who becomes last-minute keynote speaker at a festival she is working on.

Meg Mason's first novel in four years is hugely anticipated, after her last outing Sorrow and Bliss became a much beloved smash hit. The much slower pace and literary setting of this book make it better for the more dedicated reader, but Mason's sympathetic portrayal of a woman struggling in her personal life will still hold appeal. 

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 26th August 2026

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Ex-boxer Ning runs a nail salon, where customers know her and her staff by the one name on their badges - Susan. Over a single day Ning bobs and weaves to keep local competition on the ropes, make sure staff are fit for the fight, and get as many customers ‘in and out’ before the bell, while knocking back all attempts from colleagues and customers to get close to her.

Readers will enjoy imagining behind the scenes of businesses familiar to any city-dweller, in this decent read with an intriguing main character and entertaining, sparring dialogue. Out now in paperback.

Reviewed by Helen Rosser on 19th August 2026

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At 8:15am on 6 August 1945 an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Methodist minister Kiyoshi Tanimoto’s eyewitness account tells the story of a community’s pain, survival and reconstruction. Not dwelling on the horror or gore, he centres the people he encounters from the injured strangers he ferries across the river to his church members, who he searches for in the month's following the attack before turning his attention to the rebuilding of his church and community. The foreword written by Koko Kondo adds another perspective as she reflects on how her father's commitment to his city and advocacy for peace impacted her own upbringing. 

A book for those interested in the human face of war and the civilian perspective.

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 12th August 2026

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Carol killed seven (or more) people, served her time, and now lives in a luxury retirement community. She’s happily making friends and baking cakes. When a fellow resident drops dead, she becomes a witness in a murder investigation. But is she in fact guilty?

With short chapters, comedic characters, and bumbling sleuthing this is textbook cosy crime. The serial killer turned investigator is an interesting twist on the genre – combining Richard Osman with Bella Mackie – sure to appeal to crime fans. There are plenty of chucklesome moments to entertain. I couldn’t put it down.

Publishing in paperback 27^th August

Reviewed by Sarah Lawrence on 5th August 2026

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ICYMI: this epic dystopian sci-fi romance by the well-known author has the grandeur and tension of Divergent and is the first in a duology.

In a far future, Earth society has split in two: those infected by a deadly virus but whose survivors develop special abilities; and a break away Fever-free group mostly based on a space station.

Characters interact intelligently and engage immediately - the romance starts slowly but then jumps into full ardour. Well layered world-building, and politics with strong religious overtones. A prophesy-led plot with a good blend of action and thoughtful exchange. Fans of the author will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Peters team on 29th July 2026

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