Reading recommendations - Fiction
Science fiction, mystery, adventure and more - find your next favourite read at the library.
Explore our section devoted to fiction. You'll find staff picks and recommended reading in a range of genres, award-winners, local book events and more.
Can't find what you're looking for? Request a custom reading list.
Looking for something more factual? Try our Non-fiction Reading Recommendations.
NoveList Plus
Find new authors & reading options using your favourite writer, book or genre as a starting point. Your next great read is just clicks away.
There’s part of a sentence in this novel that perfectly sums up what it is: “my summer imbued with a cosmic sheen of queer magic.” For this story is summery,…
Read more of this comment about If You Still Recognise MeNew fiction
New, on order, and recent fiction that library borrowers have given 5-star ratings.
New, just ordered and top-rated fiction titles in the catalogue
Genre reading guides
Whatever kind of fiction you're into find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.
Featured fiction
General fiction reading guide
Whether you prefer books that are lighthearted or serious, literary or more down to earth our reading guide can help you find your next read
Fiction reading guides
General fiction reading guide
Whether you prefer books that are lighthearted or serious, literary or more down to earth our reading guide can help you find your next read
Science fiction reading guide
Gazing toward the stars? If you like stories set on alien worlds, inter-species politics, and space travel try our science fiction guide.
Mystery fiction reading guide
From historical whodunnits and cosy crime to psychological thrillers and Scandi noir - our guide will help you find your next mystery read.
Short stories reading guide
Looking for something you can read easily in a lunch break? Find short stories in a range of genres, hand-picked by librarians.
Adventure fiction reading guide
Go on a mission full of suspense and action, loaded with obstacles and dangers - our guide will help you find your next adventure read.
New Zealand fiction reading guide
Explore adult fiction by New Zealand writers. Stories in a range of genres revealing something of our national character.
Saga fiction reading guide
Stories of dynasties spanning generations and sometimes continents - our Saga fiction guide recommends epic tales to lose yourself in.
Western fiction reading guide
Gunfights, outlaws, and the pioneering life. If you like novels set in the American west have we got some reading lists for you, pardner.
Romance fiction reading guide
Like your Romance fiction modern or historical, rural or fantastical, restrained or raunchy? Our guide can help you find 'The One'.
Historical fiction reading guide
Recommended titles and authors for readers who love royal intrigue, fans of sagas, or those gripped by the action in historical adventure.
Fantasy fiction reading guide
Find Fantasy authors you might like to try and reading lists for a range of Fantasy sub-genres including Epic, Grimdark, and Urban Fantasy.
Horror fiction reading guide
Recommended reading lists for a range of horror fiction sub-genres, horror authors to try, and other horrific resources.
Graphic novels and comics reading guide
LGBTQIA+ reading guide
Teen fiction reading guide
Award winners
For books that are a cut above - find shortlisted and award-winning titles of international and New Zealand literary prizes.
Award winners
Booker Prize 2023
The 2023 Booker Prize shortlist has been announced.
Anthony Awards
Find out the finalists and winner in the best novel category of the Anthony Awards, announced each year at the World Mystery Convention.
Awards of the Children’s Book Council of Australia
Winners in the categories: picture books, early childhood, younger readers, older readers, and Eve Pownall Award for information books.
Request reading recommendations
Not sure what to try next? Try our reading guides, or tell us your preferences and we'll make a custom reading list just for you!
Email newsletters
Get recommendations of the latest fiction and best picks direct to your in-box with our monthly email newsletters.
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Fantasy and Science Fiction newsletter
Recommended titles from the fantasy and science fiction genres. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter - delivered direct to your inbox.
Fiction A to Z newsletter
Take a walk through the aisles of our general fiction section with our Fiction A to Z newsletter & discover reads to engage and enlighten.
Thrillers and Suspense newsletter
Footsteps behind you. Conspiracy theories. Explore the latest Thriller and Suspense books - titles to give you goosebumps.
Historical Fiction Newsletter
Browse our latest selection of stories set in times past.
More books, reading and literature
- New titles - Fiction
- Graphic novels and comics
- Printable author lists in a range of genres
- Tamariki - Kids
- Rangatahi - Teens
- Book clubs and reading groups
- Interviews and short biographies of authors, poets and journalists
- Best of the year
- Poetry
- Writing
- WORD Christchurch Festival and events
- Literary events
New For You
New For You
New For You is a monthly selection of new books, topical titles, and hidden gems - chosen especially for you by our book buyers!
The Awakenings
Atmospheric read based in the late 19th century where a woman suffering from the loss of her brothers and father is further haunted by dreams of a woman…
Read more of this comment about The Awakenings