10 books guaranteed to get you out of a reading slump

Craving a mystery with a classic feel? The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller will transport fans of Agatha Christie back to the golden age of whodunnits, reminding you of your love for a good old-fashioned mystery. When Freya returns to her hometown to investigate the suspicious death of her antiques dealer mentor, she finds herself swept up in a captivating adventure. Joining forces with her eccentric Aunt Carole, they must unearth the killer before they strike again! 

It can be easy to fall into a reading slump when you feel that you already know what’s coming, plots are starting to feel all too familiar, and you need something totally fresh to enliven your mind. Let us introduce . . . The Cat Who Caught a Killer. When a retired police detective finds her quiet life interrupted by a mysterious death, she teams up with a most unusual partner: a cat named Conrad. This charming, cosy crime novel delivers a fun, light-hearted mystery with an eccentric duo at its heart. This one-of-a-kind, quirky read is sure to have you hooked and deliver a whodunnit like no other.

If you're looking for a book to completely immerse you and sweep away your reading slump, this is it. Based on the courageous women who served as nurses during the Vietnam War, this powerful and emotional story follows Frankie as she heads to the front lines. It's an epic tale of friendship and devastating loss that will pull you in from the first page and remind you how it feels to get lost in a brilliant story.

Set in the gritty underbelly of 1749 London, this story follows Hannah Cole, a woman whose life is upended by her husband's murder. As she navigates a world of secret fortunes and dangerous enemies, she must use her wits to outsmart a suspicious magistrate and a shadowy criminal underworld. It’s a compelling, twisty thriller that blends a rich historical setting with a propulsive plot, making it a brilliant choice for anyone looking to get back into reading.

When you’re trying to fall back in love with reading, why not pick up a book that’s all about falling in love? With First Time Caller, B.K. Borison delivers a story brimming with wit and heart, following the jaded radio host of a romance hotline and a single mum who is reluctantly thrust into the spotlight when their on-air interview goes viral. A story full of sharp banter, emotional depth, and a hopeful journey toward a new beginning, this is a brilliant love story perfect for fans of classic 90s rom-coms like Sleepless in Seattle. 

This brilliant and suspenseful read is a TikTok sensation for a reason, blending romance and mystery in a way that will leave you on tenterhooks. Set in a secluded Scottish university for the elite, it follows Ophelia as she attempts to solve her parents' murder. She finds an unlikely ally – and a compelling romance – in Alex, the son of her prime suspect. If all you need from a book is a good enemies-to-lovers romance, then this is the book to get you out of the dreaded reading slump.

Sometimes, to get out of a reading slump, it just takes a little magic. This cosy, witchy fantasy follows Andromeda, a witch who runs a London bakery, whose seemingly charmed life is disrupted when she's tasked with mentoring a troubled teenage witch. A heartwarming and comforting read about found family and the joy of letting go of perfectionism, this novel will transport you to a world of charming magic and remind you that the truest power comes from being yourself. And if you adore this novel, make sure to pick up Rewitched, Lucy Jane Wood’s first sensational megahit. 

This epic fantasy features an exhilarating story set in a richly detailed world that will pull you out of any reading rut. Journey into the city of Castellane, where an orphan, Kel, training to be a prince's body double, and Lin, a skilled physician with magical abilities, are thrust together by an assassination attempt. The first novel in The Chronicles of Castellane series, Sword Catcher, offers a thrilling and consuming read that will have you glued to the pages, eagerly anticipating the next chapter. 

‘Miraculous' The New York Times. ‘Sensational’ Daily Mail. ‘Kaleidoscopic’ The Guardian. Intrigued yet? It can take an utterly electrifying novel to pull you out of a reading slump, and with Martyr! you need look no further. It follows Cyrus Shams, a man on a quest to solve the mysteries of his family's past and the death of his mother. As he navigates his personal journey toward sobriety and a new relationship, he's forced to confront the secrets that have defined his life. With prose that is both funny and deeply moving, this is a brilliant story about finding yourself that will completely engross you.

An emotionally resonant and richly layered novel, this story is a deep dive into the lives of two men, former schoolmates, whose careers and relationships diverge dramatically over six decades. From their time in school to their later years, the book beautifully explores themes of love, sexuality, and the unexpected twists of fate. For readers who appreciate a more literary approach to romance and human connection, this touching novel is a brilliant way to fall in love with reading again.