Wales


<p>In the centre of Penarth, <a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Griffin Books</a> is very much part of the community&#8217;s beating heart — the kind of place you pop into for “just one book” and emerge half an hour later with three and a new reading list. Independent, welcoming, and brimming with character, it&#8217;s as much a meeting place as it is a bookshop, with a steady stream of events and a genuinely warm welcome for readers of all ages. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Griffin-Books.png" alt="Griffin Books" class="wp-image-5518" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Griffin-Books.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Griffin-Books-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Griffin-Books-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Griffin-Books-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>From a free weekly storytime for little ones to seven book clubs covering every possible interest (plus three more they&#8217;ve inspired into existence — no big deal), there’s always something happening, both on the shelves and beyond. Proudly Welsh, the shop champions the language too, with two bilingual staff members and three more currently learning — so you&#8217;re in good hands. Its stock reflects a thoughtful mix: upcoming titles from national and local publishers, buzzy books you&#8217;ve seen everywhere (and meant to read), and plenty of customer-led finds. </p>



<p>When it comes to holiday reading, Griffin Books finds most visitors gravitate towards fiction – think gripping crime, page-turning thrillers, or the latest literary releases offering a perfect escape. Non-fiction lovers aren&#8217;t left out either, with travel writing and history inspired by the places you&#8217;re heading to, and there&#8217;s plenty for little readers, too. Just in time for the Easter hols, we found out the top picks from Mel Griffin, owner of Griffin Books.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fiction">Fiction</h2>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-Correspondent-1.png" alt="The Correspondent" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">The Correspondent by Virginia Evans</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>Told entirely through letters, this quietly addictive novel pieces together one woman’s life — her passions, her people and all the thoughts she can’t quite keep to herself.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9780241721254?_pos=1&amp;_sid=6b024885c&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Penitence-2.png" alt="Penitence" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Penitence by Kristin Koval</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>The powerful story of a teenage girl who shoots her beloved brother dead, and the court case that ensues. It reveals the true horrors of the US justice system, while exploring relationships across decades, with many of the characters holding on to long-buried secrets.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781250342997?_pos=1&amp;_sid=713ee90a9&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy </a><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781398548831?_pos=2&amp;_sid=48e1d59f0&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Bala-Lake-Killings-1.png" alt="Bala Lake Killings" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">The Bala Lake Killings by Simon McCleave</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>The latest in a compelling series of detective novels featuring the very relatable DI Ruth Hunter, which began with <em>The Snowdonia Killings</em>, with most of the series across different parts of Wales.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781835982839?_pos=1&amp;_sid=113e6d421&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Talking-at-Night.png" alt="Talking at Night" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Talking at Night by Claire Daverley</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>A beautifully written love story about a couple who seem made for each other, but are torn apart by tragedy. Is there any way back for them? A compelling read you won&#8217;t want to put down.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781405953849?_pos=1&amp;_sid=493769871&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Hooked.png" alt="Hooked" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Hooked by Asako Yuzuki</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>From the author of the surprise bestseller<em> Butter</em>, this is a dark and gripping tale of loneliness and obsession, set against the rich backdrop of the Japanese food scene.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9780008753832?_pos=1&amp;_sid=aed0386cd&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Pagans.png" alt="Pagans" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Pagans by James Alistair Henry</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>A dystopian crime novel set in near-future London, where Celtic tribes, political unrest and social media gone mad collide, as two mismatched cops take on dark forces in their quest for the truth.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781916678064?_pos=1&amp;_sid=d0e23cb5a&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-non-fiction">Non-fiction</h2>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Spring-is-the-only-season.png" alt="Spring is the only season" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Spring is the Only Season by Simon Barnes</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>If you&#8217;ve ever wondered what makes dormant bulbs spring back to life, blossom appear on the trees or how birds know it&#8217;s time to find a mate and build a nest, this book — described as a love letter to the season — is the one for you.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781526667359?_pos=2&amp;_sid=1a37b0aec&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Golden-age-of-childrens-tv.png" alt="Golden age of children's tv" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">The Golden Age of Children&#8217;s TV by Tim Worthington</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>A wonderful nostalgia trip through much-loved children&#8217;s TV programmes that have shaped our culture across the decades, with behind-the-scenes stories, how they were made and plenty of juicy gossip.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781785308437?_pos=1&amp;_sid=9869d7f7e&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Slow-trains-to-Istanbul.png" alt="Slow trains to Istanbul" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Slow Trains to Istanbul by Tom Chesshyre</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>For anyone who loves train travel, this fascinating and entertaining account follows two middle-aged guys interrailing from London to the far corners of Eastern Europe and the edges of Asia  — a must-read.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781837995646?_pos=1&amp;_sid=7f1d78408&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-cia-book-club.png" alt="The cia book club" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">The CIA Book Club by Charlie English</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>This true story of a decades-long mission to smuggle literature into the Communist Eastern Bloc — to counter propaganda and win hearts and minds — is gripping enough to read like a spy thriller.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9780008495169?_pos=2&amp;_sid=5b3ca5bb1&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-kids">For kids</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-under-5s">For under 5s</h3>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Doctor-fairytale-1.png" alt="Doctor fairytale" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Doctor Fairytale by Catherine Jacob and Hoang Giang</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>In this fun rhyming story, a doctor visits a succession of sick fairytale characters who need her help! A big hit at storytime, little ones will love spotting their favourite familiar characters.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781529523188?_pos=1&amp;_sid=88d9ddc72&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-younger-readers">For younger readers</h3>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Tiny-Hercules.png" alt="Tiny Hercules" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Tiny Hercules by Jon Lock and Nich Angell</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>In a hilarious new twist on the classic comic strip superhero format, meet a tiny god kicked out of Tiny Olympus and tasked with completing twelve quests to earn his way back home. A brilliant introduction to Greek mythology, made fun and accessible.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781035059645?_pos=1&amp;_sid=95ff439ba&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-9-12s">For 9-12s</h3>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Quill-and-the-last-generation.png" alt="Quill and the last generation" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Quill and the Last Generation by C.M. Lewis</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>This gripping new fantasy from Welsh favourite Caryl Lewis follows Quill, a shy twelve-year-old who must face his fears — in the form of magical creatures and ruthless enemies — to help secure the future of humankind.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781035060610?_pos=1&amp;_sid=8ecdd2a3e&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/The-girl-who-raced-the-world.png" alt="The girl who raced the world" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">The Girl who Raced the World by Nat Harrison</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>In a fresh take on <em>Around the World in 80 Days</em>, young Maggie Appleton is swept into a race against time to circumnavigate the globe with Phileas Fogg and Passepartout. Perfect for youngsters travelling over the Easter break!</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781835871386?_pos=1&amp;_sid=3c7ccf02f&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-for-teens">For teens</h3>



<div class="wp-block-muddy-blocks-giftguide gift"><div class="gift-img"><img decoding="async" class="card__image" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2026/03/Gone-for-good.png" alt="Gone for good" /></div><div class="gift-text"><div class="gift-price"><h2 class="giftguide-title">Gone for Good by Sarah Crossan</h2><div class="giftguide-body"><p>This exciting new thriller from the award-winning author uses an innovative verse style to follow Connie Ryder&#8217;s daring escape from a remote high-security facility for &#8216;troubled&#8217; teenagers — uncovering secrets and lies along the way.</p><p><a href="https://www.griffinbooksonline.co.uk/products/9781398549029?_pos=1&amp;_sid=f964a758a&amp;_ss=r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy now</a></p></div></div></div></div>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fancy-another-one">FANCY ANOTHER ONE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://wales.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/best-spring-bloom-blossom-walks-wales/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">14 stunning spots for spring bloom walks across Wales</a></li>



<li><a href="https://wales.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/cardiff-florist-nina-isobel-florals-bouquet-tips/">Cardiff’s chicest florist – and 5 tips you can learn from her</a></li>



<li><a href="https://wales.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/bridgerton-wales-grand-hotels-manor-houses/">Bridgerton in Wales: the grand hotels and manor houses that make you feel like royalty</a></li>
</ul>


Egg-cellent reads for the Easter holidays

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