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.
WHAIAO presents: Books of Mana - Panel Discussion
Aug 8th | 11:00am - 12:30pm
Panel discussion with Jacinta Ruru, Angela Wanhalla, and Jeanette Wikaira on ‘Books of Mana: 180 Māori Authored Books of Significance’.
The Booker Prize 2026
The 2026 Booker Prize longlist has been announced. Read the longlisted titles, and check out our list of winners and shortlisted titles.
Papanui Book Club Recommendations July 2026
What the Papanui Book Club members are enjoying this month.
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.
WHAIAO presents: Books of Mana - Panel Discussion
Aug 8th | 11:00am - 12:30pm
Panel discussion with Jacinta Ruru, Angela Wanhalla, and Jeanette Wikaira on ‘Books of Mana: 180 Māori Authored Books of Significance’.
The Booker Prize 2026
The 2026 Booker Prize longlist has been announced. Read the longlisted titles, and check out our list of winners and shortlisted titles.
Papanui Book Club Recommendations July 2026
What the Papanui Book Club members are enjoying this month.
New 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
Return to Reading
Has it been a while since you spent time reading? Get back into it with our lists of the most readable and enjoyable books.
Genre reading guides
Whatever kind of fiction you're into find lists, new authors to try, and staff picks.
New Zealand fiction reading guide
Explore adult fiction by New Zealand writers. Stories in a range of genres revealing something of our national character.
Fiction reading guides
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 Romantasy.
Romance reading guide
Like your Romance fiction modern or historical, rural or fantastical, restrained or raunchy? Our guide can help you find 'The One'.
Horror fiction reading guide
Recommended reading lists for a range of horror fiction sub-genres, horror authors to try, and other horrific resources.
General fiction reading guide
Whether you prefer books that are lighthearted or serious, literary or more down to earth our guide can help you find your next read.
Science fiction reading guide
If you like stories set on alien worlds, inter-species politics, or 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.
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.
Historical fiction reading guide
Recommended titles for readers who love royal intrigue, fans of sagas, or those gripped by the action in historical adventure.
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
CWA Dagger Awards
Want to read award-winning crime and mystery fiction? Try the winners of the British Crime Writers' Association Dagger Awards.
CWA Historical Dagger
The Crime Writers' Association Historical Dagger is a British award for the best historical crime novel by an author of any nationality.
The Booker Prize 2026
The 2026 Booker Prize longlist has been announced. Read the longlisted titles, and check out our list of winners and shortlisted titles.
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!
Library Newsletters
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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 - July 2026
New For You is a monthly selection of new books, topical titles, and hidden gems — chosen especially for you by our book buyers!