The UK's most popular book genres revealed by Amazon

New sales data released by Amazon has revealed the most popular reading genres across the UK. According to the figures from the last 12 months, crime, thrillers and mystery novels take the top spot for the most popular genre. 

On a regional level, influences such as BookTok, the rise of romantasy, and local legends also shape the nation’s reading habits.

In addition to crime and thrillers, the new data revealed Brits also love purchasing cookbooks for culinary inspiration, as well as losing themselves in fantasy and romantasy novels.

Fan favourites in UK cities include Richard Osman, Sarah J Maas and Colleen Hoover. The Last Devil To Die, the fourth instalment in Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series is the number one most sold book in seven of the 10 cities (Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester). Meanwhile, Lauren Roberts’ début romantasy novel Powerless also features prominently in the list in all 10 cities.

Another trend insight shows the nation’s reading tastes are influenced by the podcasts we listen to, with Politics On the Edge by Rory Stewart and The Diary of a CEO by Steven Barlett both featuring in Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London and Manchester’s top 100. Meanwhile, with children’s books, the sales data shows the popularity of children’s classics, with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Gruffalo and The Tiger Who Came To Tea making the top sold lists.

The findings are unveiled as the Kindle Storyteller Award—a literary prize that awards £20,000 to the best self-published story in the UK—is calling for entries from independent authors before submissions close on 31st August 2024.

Whether a longstanding bestselling author or a newcomer, the Kindle Storyteller Award also offers recognition and celebration for both new and established independent writers who publish their story via Kindle Direct Publishing.

Jen Barrett, UK KDP lead at Amazon.co.uk, said: "It’s incredible to see the variety of the most loved books, authors and popular genres throughout the UK. The data highlights the love Brits have for a good story, regardless of whether it’s a BookTok favourite or an up-and-coming writer; traditionally published or self-published; fiction or non-fiction.

"Through the Kindle Storyteller Award we believe everyone has a story to tell, and the data shows whether you’re a crime thriller writer or literary novelist, there’s an audience out there for you. We want to encourage budding authors from all over the country to pick up their pen and get their story out there. It’s never been easier to be an independently published author, and with this award we are able to bring a diverse range of stories to more people than ever before. We’re looking forward to reading this year’s entries and maybe one day seeing them on a top ten bestseller list!"

The Kindle Storyteller Award is open for entries until 31st August 2024 with Sara Cox and Vick Hope joining this year’s judging panel. All titles must be enrolled in Kindle Direct Publishing Select while they are in the competition. For further information, visit www.amazon.co.uk/storyteller.