Amazon Charts: Kay and Ross ‘most-read‚Äô since Christmas Day

Adam Kay’s Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas (Picador) and Ryan’s Christmas by self-published author L J Ross were the most read books since Christmas Day, according to Amazon.

Kay’s festive-themed tale of life as a junior doctor was the most read title in non-fiction between Christmas Day and 29th December, the online retailer said.

It was followed by The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson (Doubleday), Me by Elton John (Macmillan) and Gotta Get Theroux This by Louis Theroux (Macmillan).

Ross’ latest, the 15th book in her DCI Ryan mystery series, was the most read fiction title published over the same period. Amazon said it was also the "most unputdownable book" of the festive period, meaning it was the title read by customers the quickest from cover to cover.

Her thriller Hysteria ranked number two in the most-read list, followed by The Christmas Invitation by Trisha Ashley (Bantam), Blue Moon by Lee Child (Bantam) and Found by Erin Kinsley (Headline).

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell (Allen Lane) was the most listened to on Audible and also the fifth most read non-fiction title.

Simon Johnson, country manager for Amazon UK Books, said: "Christmas is a time when people enjoy giving and receiving books, and the season creates many bestsellers. Today, for the first time, we know which of those books get read the most in the immediate post-Christmas period, meaning they are not only bestsellers but also appreciated by readers. Our data shows in both fiction and non-fiction, readers love good storytelling and a Christmas theme."