Six books to curl up with this winter — from haunting thrillers to heartwarming romance

Read This Next with Emily Darlow

When the weather cools down and the evenings grow longer, there is something deeply comforting about curling up with a good book and disappearing into somebody else’s world for a few hours. Whether you are after romance, mystery, family secrets or pure escapism, this month’s picks are all about getting cosy and letting a story carry you far away from grey skies and chilly mornings.

Later, Only Love Remains by Leah Swann
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Leah Swann’s latest novel explores grief, family and the complicated ways people rebuild themselves after loss. At its heart is a deeply emotional story about relationships and the quiet moments that shape a life, written with warmth and sensitivity. Swann has a talent for creating characters who feel believable from the very first page, flaws and all. What makes this novel particularly compelling is its emotional honesty. Rather than rushing towards neat resolutions, the story allows its characters to sit in uncertainty and navigate the messy reality of love and heartbreak. Readers who enjoy thoughtful contemporary fiction with emotional depth will likely find themselves completely absorbed.

Verdict: A moving and beautifully written novel that lingers long after the final page.

Silvia by Maya Caruso
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Dark, atmospheric and layered with tension, Silvia pulls readers into a story filled with secrets, identity and family dynamics. Maya Caruso creates an unsettling sense that something is just slightly off from the beginning, which makes it impossible not to keep reading to uncover the truth beneath the surface. The novel balances psychological intrigue with emotional complexity, giving readers more than just a straightforward thriller. Caruso’s writing has a cinematic quality that makes every scene feel vivid and immersive. Perfect for readers who enjoy books that keep them guessing while still delivering rich character development.

Verdict: A haunting, suspenseful read ideal for stormy winter nights.

The Last Resort by Amanda Hewitt
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Every great winter reading list needs a gripping thriller, and The Last Resort delivers exactly that. Set against the backdrop of an exclusive resort, the novel slowly unravels a web of secrets, betrayal and simmering tension between its characters. The glamorous setting contrasts beautifully with the unease building underneath it all. Amanda Hewitt knows how to pace a story, revealing just enough information to keep readers hooked without giving too much away too early. There are twists, shifting loyalties and plenty of moments that make you immediately want to read “just one more chapter” before bed.

Verdict: A slick and addictive thriller perfect for fans of holiday-gone-wrong stories.

The Bookshop of Buried Pasts by Sarah Clutton
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Bookshops and winter go hand in hand, and Sarah Clutton’s latest novel leans fully into that cosy appeal. Combining family secrets, history and a love of literature, the story follows characters uncovering hidden truths connected to a mysterious bookshop and the stories buried within it. There is a gentle, comforting quality to this novel despite the emotional themes running through it. Readers who love stories about found family, second chances and the magic of books themselves will likely fall hard for this one. It feels tailor-made for rainy afternoons with a cup of tea nearby.

Verdict: A heartfelt and atmospheric read for anyone who believes bookshops hold a little magic.

King of Gluttony by Ana Huang
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If your ideal winter escape involves glamorous romance and high emotional stakes, Ana Huang’s latest delivers plenty of both. Packed with chemistry, tension and larger-than-life personalities, King of Gluttony is exactly the sort of addictive romance readers end up devouring in a single weekend. Huang has built a loyal following thanks to her ability to combine emotionally vulnerable characters with fast-paced storytelling, and this book continues that trend. There is drama, passion and enough sizzling banter to make it impossible not to get swept up in the chaos of it all.

Verdict: A dramatic and escapist romance that is impossible to read slowly.

The Name Game by Beth O’Leary
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Beth O’Leary has become known for writing charming romantic comedies with genuine emotional substance, and The Name Game is no exception. Funny, clever and full of awkward situations, the novel follows two people thrown together in increasingly chaotic circumstances with predictably delightful results. Beneath the humour, O’Leary also explores loneliness, identity and the ways people connect with one another. Her books always strike a lovely balance between warmth and wit, making them especially satisfying comfort reads during winter.

Verdict: A funny, uplifting romance guaranteed to brighten gloomy days.