Books to read if you love these 6 television shows 2023
Only Murders In The Building
Following three unlikely friends, Only Murders In The Building is a comedic drama that critiques True Crime culture in a tongue-in-cheek manner.
Following the mysterious death of a building resident; Oliver, Charles and Mabel unite to track down the killer, and perhaps create some notoriety of their own as they do so.
If you can't get enough of the kitschy humour behind this classic murder mystery then you're after something that delves into the world of true crime.
Watch now on Disney+
I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai, $26.95 (usually $32.99), Booktopia
A brand new novel from Rebecca Makkai, this book delves into a decades-old mystery at a prestigious private school. Ex-student Bodie Kane returns to her alma mater to guest lecture when she is thrown back to the mysterious death of her classmate.
Complete with a true crime podcast, discussions of race and the biases of the justice system mixed in with a classic mystery novel, this is the perfect read for lovers of Only Murders In The Building.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, $12 (usually $22.99), Amazon
Much like the main characters of Only Murders In The Building, this best-selling novel follows unlikely friends of the ageing variety as they investigate the brutal murder of someone in their community.
Full of quirky characters, funny one-liners and plenty of twists and turns, this is an unmissable novel by television presenter Richard Osman.
The Bear
The Bear is a dark comedy-drama series about a young chef who returns to Chicago to manage his family's sandwich shop following a family death.
The show is praised for its realistic portrayal of the restaurant industry, complex characters, and dark humour.
Watch now on Disney+
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler, $36.74, Amazon
As Tess lands a job in a celebrated New York City restaurant, she gets lost in the world of sex, drugs and fine dining. Delve into the darker side of the luxury hospitality industry and follow Tess on her journey. It's even been developed into a series of its own!
Notes From A Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwuachi with Joshua David Stein, $37.25, Booktopia
If you tend to lean towards non-fiction, then this memoir by award-winning chef Kwame Onwuachi is as inspiring as they come. From opening and closing a buzz-worthy restaurant to overcoming racial and culinary obstacles, the book chronicles his culinary rise. It's an awe-inspiring story and a must-read for the gastronome.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Follow a true coming-of-age story much like the one so many of us grew up watching. Belly spends her summers at the beach with her family and is entangled in a love triangle whilst also coming to terms with her own identity and past.
This cult series actually began as a novel by Jenny Han (and is a must-read to add to your beach bag), but we've found some other books that give off that summer-romance vibe.
Watch now on Prime Video
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune, $20.35 (usually $22.99), Booktopia
If what draws you in about The Summer I Turned Pretty is the sunny summer vibes, then you'll love this romance story centred around writer Persephone Fraser as she goes back to the lake she spent her childhoods at.
Back there she confronts the mistakes she made that prevented her chance at love and strives to overcome them in the perfect beach read.
Some Other Now by Sarah Everett, $33.75, Amazon
However, if it is the love triangle that draws you in - try out this YA novel that follows a complicated relationship as a girl feels torn between two brothers.
An uplifting story about family both born and chosen as well as a sweet love story between childhood friends.
The Last of Us
The Last Of Us is a post-apocalyptic zombie drama - based on a cult video game of the same name - that follows a dangerous journey across the United States.
Joel is hired to smuggle Ellie, a teenage girl who may be humanity's last hope, across the country in search of a cure. The pair soon learn to lean on each other as they face many challenges both dead and alive.
Both a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of survival in the worst conditions, The Last of Us will have you on the edge of your seat.
Watch now on Binge
Tender Is The Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica, $33.90, Booktopia
If you loved episode eight of The Last Of Us then this will be right up your alley. Content warning: if you're not a fan of the gory and gruesome this is likely not the book for you.
It follows a similar epidemic that sweeps through livestock, causing the government to create the Transition, a process that allows human meat to become legal. Disturbing and dreary, this is a stomach-churning take on society.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy, $16.91 (usually $18.10) , Amazon
Similar to how Joel and Ellie take to the road in The Last Of Us, The Road follows a father and son as they travel across America in search of the coast and what - if anything - awaits them there.
Extremely moving, this Pulitzer Prize winning novel takes a look at what we as a society are capable of and what the future could possibly have in store.
Black Mirror
In case you haven't delved into the twisted world of Black Mirror, it's an anthology series that turns a mirror (wink wink) to society and particularly our relationship with technology. It has six series to explore, with each episode following a new storyline to immerse yourself in.
From the all too real future of being ranked by our personal interactions to darker stories of horror and political satire - this is not to be missed.
Watch now on Netflix
Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson, $22.40 (usually $22.99), Booktopia
If you like the anthology style of Black Mirror that allows you to dip in and out of stories then this collection of frightening tales by Shirley Jackson is a great pick.
This classic collection is a must read for all horror fans and touches on everything from serial killers to the occult.
The Ferryman by Justin Cronin, $26.95 (usually $32.99), Booktopia
In what feels like an extra-long Black Mirror episode, The Ferryman is a mysterious story of a utopian island called Prospera that is separated from the rest of society.
On the main island, residents live picture-perfect lives with the support of staff. When citizens of Prospera find life not to satisfaction they are ushered away to The Nursery to be rebooted before starting life anew.
Proctor Bennett is a Ferryman who helps residents on this journey, and whose entire world view is flipped when he is told: "the world is not the world."
The White Lotus
If you have not yet indulged in The White Lotus this is officially your sign. Both seasons follow the guests of the exclusive White Lotus resorts across their various locations as they interact and mingle.
With a hint of mystery and murder on the cards this cult tv show is an unmissable watch for lovers of any genre.
Watch now on Binge
Her Dark Lies by J.T Ellison, $27.84, Booktopia
Set on the picturesque Italian coast, Her Dark Lies follows Claire Hunter as she prepares to marry the charming Jack Compton.
Yet everything is disrupted when skeletal remains are found and more mysteries emerge from the shadows. Gripping, engaging and thrilling, it's a must-read.
The Club by Ellery Lloyd, $26.95 (usually $34.99), Amazon
One of the best parts of The White Lotus is watching the elite run into troubles that even their privilege can't prevent. In a similar vein, The Club follows an ultra-exclusive private club and it's latest endeavour Island Home.
As the rich and famous guests arrive things turn sour... and deadly.