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...
The Replacement by Nicola Gill
I’ve been a fan of Gill’s since Swimming For Beginners and her new novel is full of warmth. Down-on-her-luck Jane ends up teaching at a writing course, where the woman her husband left her for is a student. Jane’s life has fallen apart, while Lucy’s seems to be on the up – but can the two women find a way to help each other?
Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash
This hilarious debut is a refreshingly different take on the family drama. Bud and Catherine have decided to open up their marriage, throwing chaos into the lives of their three teenage daughters. The mix of drama, humour and an undercurrent of mystery makes this a compelling read.
Everyone In This Bank Is A Thief by Benjamin Stevenson
Stevenson's tongue-in-cheek mysteries are as entertaining as they are compelling. The fourth instalment in the Ernest Cunningham mystery series sees the detective on the scene of a bank heist - the doors are chained shut and no one’s coming in or out. Which means that when someone in the bank is murdered, hostages become suspects.
Penguin Everyone In This Bank Is A Thief by Benjamin Stevenson
Michael by Bob Mortimer
I can't help but hear every word Mortimer writes in his deadpan delivery which makes it twice as funny. This new novel, about a man given the chance to return to life from the dead, is a wise and witty read.
Wreck by Catherine Newman
Fiftysomething Rocky is the hero of Catherine Newman’s hilarious third novel, which panel members found relatable and insightful.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
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.
Went to London, Took the Dog: The Diary of a 60-Year-Old Runaway by Nina Stibbe
