In 2025, the UK’s bestsellers list is buzzing with excitement in the realms of fantasy, mystery, and psychological thrillers. Topping the charts is Richard Osman’s The Impossible Fortune, part of his popular Thursday Murder Club series, which racked up an impressive 391,429 hardback sales.
Coming in second is Freida McFadden’s gripping The Housemaid, which sold 342,899 copies. McFadden isn’t just a flash in the pan; her follow-up, The Housemaid’s Secret, is also making waves in the bestseller list. In third, we have Suzanne Collins with Sunrise on the Reaping, a prequel to The Hunger Games, contributing to her iconic status in contemporary literature.
The list also features David Nicholls’ You Are Here, which follows two divorcees finding love on a hiking trip. Nicholls’ editor, Federico Andornino, points out that readers are actively seeking stories that invite connection and escapism, something Nicholls excels at.
Coloring books are seeing a comeback! Titles like Cozy Corner and Cozy Cuties by Coco Wyo have found their way into the top 20. They sold near 500,000 copies, showing that many people are turning to these creative outlets as a way to reduce stress and enjoy some screen-free time. Fenella Bates from Penguin Random House notes that these books provide a therapeutic escape from the rush of modern life.
Interestingly, the trend for adult coloring books grew popular back in 2015. Johanna Basford’s illustrations soared to the top of the Amazon bestsellers list in the US that year. Looks like they’re back in style!
As for the broader landscape, the rise of authors like Rebecca Yarros has also been significant. Her books, including Onyx Storm, celebrated with launch events across the country, have built a strong fan base. The romantic fantasy genre has never been more vibrant, with Fourth Wing and Iron Flame also appearing on bestseller lists.
Let’s take a look at the top 20 bestsellers of 2025:
- The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman – 391,429 copies
- The Housemaid by Freida McFadden – 342,899 copies
- Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins – 333,340 copies
- We Solve Murders by Richard Osman – 323,293 copies
- Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros – 304,728 copies
- Always Remember by Charlie Mackesy – 286,090 copies
- Cozy Corner by Coco Wyo – 255,682 copies
- The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown – 245,318 copies
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – 241,532 copies
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas – 224,535 copies
- The Women by Kristin Hannah – 220,629 copies
- The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins – 218,919 copies
- Eat Yourself Healthy by Jamie Oliver – 217,520 copies
- The Hotel Avocado by Bob Mortimer – 210,116 copies
- Cozy Cuties by Coco Wyo – 205,619 copies
- In Too Deep by Lee Child and Andrew Child – 204,538 copies
- Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros – 201,474 copies
- There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak – 193,640 copies
- The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden – 191,804 copies
- You Are Here by David Nicholls – 187,010 copies
Each of these books tells a unique story and connects with readers in diverse ways, illustrating a landscape rich with creativity and innovation in literature today.
