Crime and thriller novels have once again proved to be the hottest reads among Staffordshire library members this summer, with bestselling authors dominating the county’s most-borrowed books list.
New figures from Staffordshire County Council’s Libraries service show Richard Osman’s The Impossible Fortune was the most borrowed title during June and July, recording 122 issues and renewals. Fellow thriller writers Lee Child, Robert Galbraith, Ann Cleeves, L.J. Ross, Mark Billingham and John Grisham also secured places in the top ten.
The only titles outside the crime and thriller genre to make the rankings were Veronica Henry’s The Invitation and Florence Knapp’s The Names, showing that gripping page-turners remain the standout choice.
Hayley Coles, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“It’s always fascinating to see which books capture readers’ imaginations each year and it’s clear that thrillers continue to dominate.
"These books offer the perfect escape and keep readers turning the pages whether in the garden at home or on the beach on holiday. With thousands of titles available across our libraries, there's always another great thriller, mystery or page-turner waiting to be discovered.
“I’d encourage anyone looking for their next great read to pop in and discover their next favourite summer read.”
The top 10 most-borrowed books this summer were:
- Richard Osman – The Impossible Fortune
- Lee Child – Exit Strategy
- Robert Galbraith – The Hallmarked Man
- Richard Osman – We Solve Murders
- Ann Cleeves – The Killing Stones
- L.J. Ross – Berwick
- Mark Billingham – What the Night Brings
- Veronica Henry – The Invitation
- Florence Knapp – The Names
- John Grisham – The Widow
Staffordshire’s libraries offer free membership, access to thousands of books and eBooks and regular events and activities for people of all ages.
