With the festive season upon us, there’s nothing quite like gifting or receiving a brand-new book to make Christmas extra special. Whether you’re looking for the best Christmas books of 2024 to curl up with on a wintry evening or a must-have for the book lovers in your life, this Christmas gift guide will help you hand-pick the perfect book for everyone on your list.
Find the Perfect Christmas Gift in 2024
Books are timeless gifts that can be cherished long after the festive season ends. This year’s new releases bring something for everyone, from thrilling adventures to heartfelt stories. Let’s dive into our hand-picked selection of the best Christmas books for 2024.
Festive Reads for Young Adults
Young adult readers might be looking for something cheerful yet gripping.
The Christmas Wish-tastrophe is a heartwarming and magical adventure perfect for the whole family. When a young girl accidentally causes a Christmas wish to go awry, it sparks a series of enchanting and hilarious events. Full of festive cheer, whimsical characters, and holiday spirit, this delightful tale will captivate readers of all ages as they follow the characters on a thrilling journey to save Christmas. A wonderful addition to any holiday reading list!
The Christmas Tree Farm is a heartwarming story that brings the magic of the holiday season to life. Set on a charming family-run farm, the book follows the lives of the dedicated workers who cultivate the perfect Christmas trees each year. Through moments of joy, hard work, and festive traditions, readers are immersed in a cosy, feel-good narrative that celebrates family, community, and the spirit of Christmas. With its gentle storytelling and rich seasonal atmosphere, The Christmas Tree Farm is the perfect read for those seeking warmth and holiday cheer.
Sci-Fi Gems to Captivate Fans
Sci-fi enthusiasts will find plenty to love in 2024’s lineup, starting with The Quantum Grail by J. D. Redvale. A missing wife, a rogue AI, and a desperate alliance form the heart of this electrifying thriller. When former Navy SEAL John Mitcham’s wife vanishes under mysterious circumstances, he uncovers a government project gone awry—the Quantum Grail, a powerful AI weapon now missing. To find his wife and the Grail, John teams up with Nia Banks, a brilliant yet rebellious hacker desperate for freedom.
As they navigate a web of conspiracies, Nia and John uncover shocking truths about the Grail’s capabilities, including its eerie ability to predict the future. With time running out and danger closing in, the two must rely on each other to defy impossible odds.
The Quantum Grail is a gripping debut blending heart-pounding action with emotional depth, perfect for fans of Harlan Coben, Lee Child, and Blake Crouch.
Juice by Tim Winton is a captivating collection of short stories that delves into the intricacies of life, love, and loss. Set in the Australian outback, Winton’s vivid prose brings to life a series of characters grappling with the complexities of human connection and the natural world. With his trademark exploration of the Australian landscape, Juice offers readers poignant reflections on resilience, identity, and the quiet moments that shape our lives. This book showcases Winton’s masterful storytelling and his deep understanding of the human condition.
Three Eight One by Aliya Whiteley, published by Solaris, is a gripping sci-fi novel that blends mystery, psychological tension, and speculative elements. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it follows the story of a group of survivors living in an isolated, high-tech bunker. As they grapple with the complexities of their environment, secrets emerge, and the boundaries between human and machine blur. Whiteley’s narrative explores themes of identity, memory, and the human psyche, creating an atmospheric and thought-provoking read that will captivate fans of dystopian fiction and those who enjoy deep, character-driven stories.
Best Books for Crime Fiction Lovers
For those who adore a thrilling read, there’s no better choice than We Solve Murders by Richard Osman. A captivating crime novel that introduces readers to a group of amateur sleuths in a quiet retirement village. Led by the charming and witty Joyce, the group—self-named the Thursday Murder Club—comes together to investigate cold cases. When a local murder occurs, they’re thrust into a real investigation, using their sharp minds and unconventional methods to uncover the truth. With its blend of humor, mystery, and heart, We Solve Murders is a delightful read for fans of clever whodunnits and quirky characters.
Murder at the Monastery by Reverend Richard Coles is a captivating crime novel set in a remote monastery. The story follows the enigmatic Father Thomas, who must unravel a chilling murder that disrupts the peaceful, cloistered life of the community. As secrets are slowly revealed, the investigation delves into the complexities of faith, loyalty, and human nature. With its atmospheric setting and sharp wit, Coles weaves a tale of suspense that keeps readers on edge until the very end. This intriguing mystery is perfect for fans of thoughtful, character-driven crime fiction.
Ringside Gamble by SJ Clarke is a gripping crime thriller set in the world of professional boxing. The story follows a down-on-his-luck boxer who, after a career-ending injury, gets entangled in a dangerous underworld of gambling, corruption, and betrayal. As he navigates the treacherous fight for survival, he must decide whether to risk everything for redemption or walk away from a life that’s rapidly spiralling out of control. With fast-paced action and compelling characters, Ringside Gamble is a thrilling ride from start to finish.
Heartfelt Non-Fiction to Cherish
In Ready, Set, Life, James Gwinnett delivers a bold, honest, and darkly humorous take on navigating the chaos of modern life. Drawing from his own journey—from overcoming a devastating rugby injury, depression, and alcoholism to completing extreme endurance challenges and featuring on SAS: Who Dares Wins—Gwinnett explores how to build resilience, embrace mental fitness, and unlock your potential.
Packed with captivating interviews with experts ranging from polar explorers to former heroin addicts, and topics spanning Stoicism, identity, and mental health, this book offers a unique blend of inspiration and practical wisdom to help readers not just survive but thrive in an unpredictable world.
In The Chain, Chimene Suleyman delivers a gripping memoir of betrayal, resilience, and sisterhood. What begins as a deeply personal story of her journey to an abortion clinic in Queens evolves into an exposé of one man’s manipulation of multiple women. Suleyman reveals how societal norms enable such betrayals, questioning how even the most self-aware women can be drawn into roles of self-sacrifice and subordination.
Both a raw testimony and a powerful critique of misogyny, this spellbinding book celebrates the strength of female friendships and serves as a rallying cry for any woman who has ever questioned her relationships or found solace in the solidarity of other women.
Three Dads Walking is an extraordinary story of resilience, hope, and the healing power of connection. After losing their daughters—Sophie, Beth, and Emily—to suicide, three fathers, strangers to one another, embarked on a 300-mile journey across the UK to raise awareness and save lives.
Through rugged fells, rolling dales, and the vast open Fens, they faced their pain head-on, step by step, inspiring a nation with their courage and determination. Told in three distinct voices, woven with diary entries and reflections, this heartfelt book is a moving testament to grief, friendship, and the kindness of strangers.
A beacon of hope for anyone struggling, Three Dads Walking reminds us of the strength to be found in speaking out, leaning on one another, and finding light even in the darkest of times.
Where to Shop for These Festive Reads
Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, Waterstones has an exquisite selection of the best Christmas books for 2024. From thrillers and cosy reads to seasonal humour and unforgettable memoirs, you’re sure to find the perfect book for everyone on your list.
Make this festive season one to remember with a hand-picked selection of books that captivate, inspire, and delight. After all, there’s no Christmas gift quite like a book. So, grab a hardback, a paperback, or a special edition, and get ready to spread some joy this Christmas!