The Radio 2 Book Club Award 2026 shortlist in full as Sara Cox names the eight finalists

The Radio 2 Book Club Award 2026 shortlist in full as Sara Cox names the eight finalistsSara Cox has named the eight finalists for the new Radio 2 Book Club Award 2026. Discover which books made the shortlist before the winner is crowned at The British Book Awards this MayNewsAimée Walsh Columnist and U35 Deputy Editor11:07, 16 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesSara Cox revealed the inaugural Radio 2 Book Club Award shortlist(Image: WireImage)Broadcaster Sara Cox has officially revealed the shortlist for the inaugural Radio 2 Book Club Award, a brand-new literary prize launched in partnership with The British Book Awards.‌The announcement marks the first time the station’s long-standing book club has teamed up with the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony, often referred to as ‘The Nibbies’.‌The eight-book shortlist represents the very best of the titles featured on the Radio 2 Book Club throughout 2025. Curated with the help of librarians from across the United Kingdom, the list spans a diverse range of genres, from gripping historical mysteries and high-concept thrillers to poignant contemporary fiction.‌View 2 ImagesRoisin O'Donnell's Nesting is one of the shortlisted titles(Image: Waterstones)READ MORE: Why hundreds of local bookshops are celebrating a major win against online giantsREAD MORE: Dua Lipa celebrates the soul of storytelling for a decade of the International Booker PrizeAmong the titles vying for the trophy is The White Octopus Hotel by Alexandra Bell, alongside Taylor Jenkins Reid’s latest work, Atmosphere. Also making the cut is the widely acclaimed Katabasis by RF Kuang and Asia Mackay’s A Serial Killer’s Guide to Marriage.The selection is rounded out by Ross Montgomery’s The Murder at World’s End , Roisin O’Donnell’s Nesting, Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s The Art of a Lie, and Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis.‌Speaking about the launch with The Bookseller, Cox shared her enthusiasm for the new initiative. Cox said: “I’m chuffed to bits to be la...