Cool, calm, and closed-off, Girlie is the perfect daughter and the best content moderator at Reeden. When the company acquires virtual reality theme park Playground, she is given a promotion moderating users in real time, and with it, the chance to pay off her family’s debts. As Girlie opens up to the possibility of a life beyond duty, and her attractive new boss, she discovers something dark lurking beneath Playground’s shiny surface. Romantic, wry, and eerily prescient, it’s a must-read!

Recommended by Alison, Dubray Liffey Valley

Elly Parker is publicly humiliated when her fiancée cheats on her with her best friend. Days later, both fiancée and friend are found murdered and Elly is the obvious suspect. Desperate to clear her name, Elly turns to Eddie Flynn, a conman turned resourceful lawyer, to prove that she has been set up. However, the killer is close at hand and soon turns his eye on Eddie’s family. With hugely compelling characters and engaging dialogue, this thriller is a fast-paced, enjoyable page-turner.

Recommended by Donal, Dubray Stillorgan

The God of the Woods will transport you to a 1970s summer camp where a counsellor has discovered that one of her young charges has gone missing. Weaving between the cases of two missing children set decades apart, you will pick through the troubles and the deceit to try to discover what really happened. Populated with flawed and complex characters, Moore explores the classist and sexist issues plaguing society then as much as today.

Recommended by Conor, Dubray Mary St

27-year-old Jet Mason thinks time is on her side until one fateful Halloween when she is violently attacked by an unseen intruder. Jet survives the initial attack but is left with a head injury and a ticking clock. With seven days to solve her own murder, all of her relationships are under a microscope and only her childhood friend Billy is there to lend a helping hand as her condition deteriorates. Jackson’s foray into the adult crime space is tense, heartbreaking, and binge-worthy.

Recommended by Jessica, Dubray Waterford

Cynthie is an actress, fresh out of a disastrous affair with her director; Jack stars in a cult TV series but his contract is up for negotiation. Thirteen years earlier, they made a Regency film where their on-screen chemistry was so hot, fans thought they were an item. Now, needing good PR, they both agree to fake-date – again. Their chemistry is just as sizzling as before, but really getting involved would make everything complicated – right? Funny, feel good romcom – a fabulous read.

Recommended by Karina, Dubray Rathmines

The Samuelsons are devastated when their beloved Ellis drowns just before starting college. The lives of his uptight mother and relaxed father, along with his precocious younger sister and her rebellious older sister are further rocked when his pregnant girlfriend shows up at their house. Seeking solace where they can, they splinter and reform with empathic resolve. This expansive yet intimate multigenerational family saga is a wonderous and profound honeycombed narrative told from many perspectives. The best thing I’ve read this year.

Recommended by Donal, Dubray Stillorgan

1942. Welcome to The Avallon Hotel and Spa – an opulent resort nestled in remote West Virginia known for being the last word in luxury and elegance. Managed with precision by the enigmatic June ‘Hoss’ Hudson the staff are put to the test when they are tasked with the care of the enemy - interned Nazi diplomats under the watchful eye of the FBI. What follows is a story of bravery, loyalty and romance told with technicolor flare. I loved every word.

Recommended by Susan, Dubray Support Office

Phoebe arrives at The Cornwall Inn all dressed up and immediately gets confused for one of the wedding guests that have taken every other room at the hotel. But she is actually there as a last hurray to herself, after losing her husband, her enthusiasm and quite literally her will to live. While navigating a dark topic, the story is full of ridiculous fun and heart-warming interactions and realizations. A wonderful bit of romance, self-growth and a lot of humour.

Recommended by Maria, Dubray Galway

Step into a cosy world in the style of Brambly Hedge and Beatrix Potter. Full of warmth and high adventure, the novel also features world-class illustrations. Too charming to miss!

Reading Age: 9+

Recommended by Oisín, Dubray Grafton St.

In a vast world filled with animals, nature, and incredible inventions, one truth always stands out: there is only one you. This charming and lyrical picture book makes the perfect bedtime read—a gentle reminder for little ones that they are truly unique and wonderfully one of a kind.

Reading Age: 3+

Recommended by Sarah, Dubray Swords

Pablo & Splash, penguins who take time-travel holidays, now waddle into ancient Rome. These books are beloved by our young readers, and this may be the best one yet!

Reading Age: 6+

Recommended by Oisín, Dubray Grafton St.

When aspiring writer, Chloe meets Clara—a glamorous influencer with wealth and charisma, she is drawn into her world of curated perfection. But the line between admiration and obsession soon blurs, and when a girl vanishes after a party the true darkness beneath Clara’s world begins to surface. A haunting, atmospheric thriller.

Reading Age: Teenage / Young Adult

Recommended by Sarah, Dubray Swords