Love London Love Culture’s Book Picks: August 2026

From the author of  Conclave and Fatherland comes this new book set in Ancient Rome. It follows the story of two teenage boys whose lives are about to be changed forever in the wake of the death Julius Caesar. One is Caesar’s 17-year-old nephew, Octavius, whom he has made his heir. The other is Octavius’s closest friend, Agrippa.

Set to be published on the 27th August, the book asks what happens after power comes and the impact it has on friendship.

Cathryn Kemp’s latest novel due on the 13th August is a feminist retelling of the most famous witch trial in 17th-century Iceland.

Perfect for those who have enjoyed books such as The Witches of Vardo and The Mercies, the story follows that of Þuríður Jónsdóttir who has grown up  watching her father and brother practise rune magic. However danger is in store as a witch-hunting craze is sweeping across the land of ice and fire, fuelled by the Protestant Reformation…

Cecelia Ahern (Ps, I Love You) returns with her latest novel on the 27th August. The story follows that of Melody Who has vowed never to fall in love again and Al who is a hopeless romantic. But when lovers’ padlocks are removed from a Dublin bridge a range of break ups happen and so the pair decide to discover the cause of this while attempting to confront their own heartbreak.

From the author of Trainspotting comes a story about a divided family living in Las Vegas who are forced to confront the past and face a challenging future.

When Molly and George Warburton announce that they are leaving their fortune to their grandson Luke it shocks their daughter Gina who is determined for revenge. However, Luke’s good luck soon comes to an end when a strange newcomer to the neighbourhood insinuates himself into the Warburtons’ world, things take a chilling turn of events.

This new novel from the comedian, broadcaster and author of The Best Things is set to be published on the 27th August. A story of second chances, it follows the story of down-on-her-luck performer Gill who is attempting to put on a show o mark her hometown theatre’s 100th anniversary.