Even if your usual taste in books is thrillers or literary fiction, may I suggest that this time of the year is the perfect one to pick up a funny book. Whether you're after a gentle chortle or want a side-splitting laugh, there's something here for everyone...
What A Way To Go by Bella Mackie
The author of How To Kill Your Family has done it again with this darkly funny and ferociously entertaining murder mystery. It’s the 60th birthday of Anthony Wistern, CEO of Wismere Holdings, and the party thrown by his wife is an extravaganza to end all – until he’s found dead in the lake…
You Are Here by David Nicholls
In my opinion Nicholls is under-rated as a comic writer. Alongside the more poignant ones, there are some absoutely hilarious scenes in this novel - anyone who has had an awkward first encounter with a new partner will relate. It's the story of Michael and Marnie, two lonely people who meet on a coast-to-coast hike. Both come with a lot of baggage, but as they walk, they begin to open up to each other and develop a tentative friendship.
The Ministry Of Time by Kaliane Bradley
I absolutely adored this time-travelling love story – it’s the perfect mix of witty, sexy and moving. In the near future, a Victorian explorer expatriated from the past is assigned to a young female civil servant to help him assimilate. When their relationship develops into romance, they’re forced to face the sinister reality of the project that brought them together.
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
Lauren is shocked to wake up one day and find she has a husband she has no memory of marrying. Stranger still, after he pops up into the attic, a different man returns. So begins this clever and hilarious read that makes you seriously rethink the idea of a soulmate!
Over My Dead Body by Maz Evans
The hero of this very funny murder mystery is feisty surgeon Dr Miriam Price, who turns detective in the afterlife to try to work out who killed her. The only person who can see her – and therefore help her – is her neighbour Winnie, who she has been in a feud with for years. A really entertaining read that will appeal to fans of Richard Osman.
On The Edge by Sarah Turner
From the author of The Unmumsy Mum comes a family drama that mixes humour and poignancy. In order to honour her beloved grandmother’s last wish, Joni finds herself forced into a week of bonding activities with her estranged family – and learns a lot about herself in the process.
The Echo Chamber by John Boyne
This sharp, funny take-down of social media is hugely enjoyable. From the outside, chat show host George Cleverley, his wife Beverley (a novelist who doesn’t write her own books) and their three children look like the perfect family, but they’re about to learn how easily your reputation can be ruined in 280 characters.
Lucky Day by Beth Morrey
This is a must-read for all people-pleasers! After receiving a bump to the head on the way to work, fortysomething Clover has somewhat of a personality change and, rather than saying yes to everything as she usually does to keep the peace, starts to speak her mind – with explosive results. I loved this funny, thought-provoking read.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Feeling low in the aftermath of her divorce, Phoebe checks into a hotel with the aim of ending her life. But, unbeknown to her, a wedding party has taken over the hotel and an encounter with the bride changes everything for both women. A novel that’s by turn sad, wise and mordantly funny – I loved it.
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
The funny novel follows heartbroken comedian Andy as he navigates life without ex-girlfriend Jen – before we get to hear Jen’s side.
Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny
Easily one of my favourite books of the last 10 years, this novel about a New York couple whose young son has Asperger's is funny, moving, uplifting and incredibly well written.
Swimming For Beginners by Nicola Gill
Loretta has her life all planned out – challenging job, nice but dull fiancé – and it definitely doesn’t include children. Then an unexpected tragedy at an airport throws six-year-old Phoebe – complete with glittery fairy wings – into Loretta’s life and upends it completely. This was the perfect mix of funny, poignant and heartwarming.
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
There are very few writers who can make me cry with laughter like David Sedaris. Inspired by his move to Paris and the french lessons he takes, this collection of essays is pure joy. There's lots of scope for hilarity in his mispronunciations and cultural differences - and he does squeeze them for all he can - but its his razor-sharp eye for the absurdity of modern life that is so good.
The Proof Of My Innocence by Jonathan Coe
Coe is so skilled at delivering big, state-of-the-nation novels while also being wickedly funny. When a political blogger is murdered at a Tory conference just as Liz Truss becomes PM, the blogger’s daughter and her friend set out to find the killer.
Went To London, Took The Dog by Nina Stibbe
I’ve been a fan of Stibbe ever since her debut, Love, Nina. This book is a diary of her 60th year, in which she leaves Cornwall to move back to London (with her dog). It’s very funny, but with a relatable edge of vulnerability.
