Top borrowed books in Staffordshire libraries revealed

Crime and thriller writers continue to be a huge hit amongst Staffordshire readers with nine out of the top ten most popular titles fitting these genres.

Established writers like Lee Child, Ann Cleeves and Val McDermid were joined by Richard Osman and his gentle and humorous Thursday Murder Club series.

Sarah Winman’s, Still Life, also made the top ten and is something quite different. The Sunday Times bestseller was profiled on the BBC series ‘Between the Covers’ and tells the tale of two people who meet in Florence towards the end of the Second World War and follows their developing friendship in the capital of culture.

Lisa Jewell’s ‘The Night she Disappeared’ was also a popular read and was one of the book club titles selected by Richard and Judy. Full of twists and turns it keeps readers guessing until the very end.

Funny stories continued to be the most popular reads for children. Jeff Kinney’s Wimpey Kid series dominated the children’s issues over the last 12 months but Harry Potter continued to be enjoyed by lots of children. Roald Dahl’s eternal appeal continued too with both Matilda and George’s Marvellous Medicine making the top 10 most popular titles again.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council said: “Compiling our list of top ten fiction books is always an interesting time for our libraries and staff. Over the years crime and thrillers have been a big hit and it seems they are as popular as ever.

“As in previous years we’ve seen well established authors like Lee Child but it’s also great to see new names like Richard Osman with his Thursday Night Murder Club and Sarah Winman join the list.

“Libraries will usually have multiple copies of the most popular books, so they are a good way of getting your hands on the latest titles. Audio versions of most popular books are also available to download using the libraries Apps. Why not pop along to your local library and see what’s available. Or even join one of the reading groups and get some ideas for your next read.”

Top 10 adult fiction titles issued by Staffordshire Library Service in 2022:

1. The Thursday Murder Club – Richard Osman

2. Still Life – Sarah Winman

3. The Night she Disappeared – Lisa Jewell

4. The Darkest Evening – Ann Cleeves

5. Better off Dead – Lee Child

6. 1979 – Val McDermid

7. The Sentinel – Lee Child

8. The Heron’s Cry – Ann Cleeves

9. The Long Call - Ann Cleeves

10. Blue Moon – Lee Child

Top 10 children’s fiction titles issued by Staffordshire Library Service

1. The Ugly Truth – Jeff Kinney

2. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling

3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal – Jeff Kinney

4. Rodrick Rules – Jeff Kinney

5. Dog Days – Jeff Kinney

6. The Third Wheel – Jeff Kinney

7. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – J.K. Rowling

8. Matilda – Roald Dahl

9. Brilliant World of Tom Gates – Liz Pichon

10. George’s Marvellous Medicine – Roald Dahl

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