2022 is speeding to a close, with the hectic lead up to Christmas and New Year in full swing. Take a look at this month's ficiton and non-ficiton recommendations all in one place below. Explore the recommendations, see a snippet of our thoughts and click to browse and pick up a new book for any holiday downtime. 

Fiction Books of the Month

Our Fiction Books of the Month include reading inspiration for everyone, from YA books for conscious fashionistas to addictive crime fiction and atmospheric page-turners. Read on to discover more.

The Second Chance Holiday Club by Kate Galley - "Three women form a magical bond in this gorgeously festive tale that sparkles with friendship, secrets and a seasonal dash of snowfall."

One Last Secret by Adele Parks - "An idyllic French chateau plays host to a thrilling revenge drama that sizzles with danger, debauchery and destructive secrets."

City of Last Chances by Adrian Tchaikovsky - "A darkly inventive portrait of a city under occupation and on the verge of revolution." 

The Botanist by M. W. Craven - "An addictively perfect example of a locked room mystery (or two) awaits in this latest addition to one of the best crime series around."

Red Mist by Ant Middleton - "Hiding out in a small village in France, ex-Special Forces veteran turned vigilante Mallory is trying to keep out of trouble but unable to resist the lure of action, and the opportunity to help a family in need, he is drawn into a turf war it will take all his skills to survive."

Echo of the Dead by Alex Gray - "Atmospheric page-turner set in and around Glencoe"

Bedside Companion for Book Lovers by Jane McMorland Hunter - "This would be a much-loved and treasured gift for bookworms! From fact and fiction, to letters and diaries, be greeted by the beauty of the written word."

The Watkins Book of English Folktales by Neil Philip - "A foreword by Neil Gaiman leads a veritable treasure trove of over one hundred English folktales gathered and commented on by Neil Philip."

The Fashion Fix by Lexi Rees - "An inspiring fashion activity book packed with facts and tips that’ll change the way you shop, dress, and style"

Non-Fiction Books of the Month

From festive traditions to perfect gifts for lovers of art, history and urban geography and a celebration of the wonder of Terry Pratchett in our Non-Fiction Books of the Month. Keep reading to find out more about our selection. 

A Ukrainian Christmas by Yaroslav Hrytsak, Nadiyka Gerbish - "Fully celebrating the traditions of Christmas and imbued in hope for love and peace to prevail, this richly illustrated, heartfelt, and thought-provoking book champions Ukraine."

Colours of London : A History by Peter Ackroyd - "A truly invaluable book for lovers of art, history, photography or urban geography, this beautifully illustrated title tells a rich and fascinating story of the history of this great and ever-changing city."

Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes by Rob Wilkins - "The wonder of Terry Pratchett is celebrated, just as it should be, in this fascinating and beautifully astute biography."

Debuts of the Month

We're heading towards a new year, but if you're looking to get that "new" feeling early, why not discover a debut author? Twelve Secrets is a cracking psychological thriller debut, click to see why.

Twelve Secrets

Twelve Secrets by Robert Gold - "An absolute belter, read-in-one-sitting, can't put it down, most thrilling of thrillers with jaw-dropping moments galore. A dozen to be exact. And each time my chin hit the floor."

Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month

Liz Robinson has delivered a selection box of recommendations in her picks for this month. With festive reads, non-fiction, folktale collections and thrilling reads, choose your flavour below.

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss - "Bookshops, country house weddings, friendships, and the possibility of a new relationship all come together in this fabulously readable Christmas romance."

A Ukrainian Christmas by Yaroslav Hrytsak, Nadiyka Gerbish - "A Ukrainian Christmas ensures that you never lose sight of the true meaning of these festivities and how important they are in the lives of so many people."

Bedside Companion for Book Lovers by Jane McMorland Hunter - "Discover a message of joy on every night of the year in this simply stunning collection celebrating the literary world." 

The Watkins Book of English Folktales by Neil Philip - "This treasury would make a perfect gift for anyone who loves the written word, there are tales of wonder and humour, villains and heroines, betrayal and absurdity, birth and death, all of life can be found in these pages, and the commentary adds depth and flavour."

Sundial by Catriona Ward - "A unique blend of a twisted reality and chilling beauty form to create the most thrilling and disturbing read."

Terry Pratchett: A Life With Footnotes by Rob Wilkins - "Just perfect. Just how I imagined it would be. Just how I needed it to be. "

The Modern Bestiary by Joanna Bagniewska - "Animals can be gross, gory, and obscene, explore the glorious world of animals from a new and fascinating perspective."

Star Books

Our final few additions to our Star Books selection ties off our Books of the Year collection in a neat bow. Pick from these books or explore our wider collection, they are all shining stars and come with our hearty recommendation.