Get ready for the ultimate book lovers gift guide from the independent team at Goldsboro Books.
As the holiday season fast approaches, we know that finding the perfect gift can be an art unto itself. That’s why our team at Goldsboro Books has crafted a must-read list for the book lovers in your life.
From Crime Fiction to Fantasy, Non-Fiction to Historical - there’s truly something for everyone in this ultimate gift list guide.
Goldsboro’s Guide: Best Books To Gift In 2024
Best gift ideas for: Non-Fiction Lovers
1. Inside Mercedes F1 by Matt Whyman
Signed by the author | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
Go behind the scenes of one of F1’s most legendary teams in Inside Mercedes F1. This riveting inside look at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS spans the 2023 and 2024 seasons, giving fans unprecedented access to Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and the crew as they work to reclaim their crown. Filled with exclusive photos and insider insights, this is an exhilarating gift for F1 enthusiasts.
2. The Rabbit Hole Detectives by Richard Coles, Charles Spencer, & Cat Jarman
Signed by the authors | Hardback, UK First Edition | First Printing
Trivia lovers rejoice! The Rabbit Hole Detectives explores everything from the origins of the paperclip to jet lag. Inspired by the hit podcast, this book delves into quirky, fascinating historical facts, presented with humour and insight by a trio of knowledgeable, witty authors. A delightful and addictive read for curious minds.
3. Beyond the Throne by Kristian Nairn
Signed by the author | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
Kristian Nairn, beloved as Game of Thrones' Hodor, shares his journey from a Belfast boy to international stardom. Beyond the Throne is a candid, touching memoir that offers unique behind-the-scenes stories, celebrating resilience, acceptance, and self-discovery. A must-have for any Game of Thrones fan.
Signed by the author | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
Poet, Mystic, Widow, Wife illuminates the lives of mediaeval women who defied the era’s strict limitations to create lasting works. From poet Marie de France to mystic Julian of Norwich, Hetta Howes brings their struggles and achievements to life. This immersive, meticulously researched history is perfect for readers fascinated by women’s hidden stories.
5. The Accidental Artist by Billy Connolly
Digitally printed edge with signature | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
Billy Connolly, beloved comedian, actor, and now artist. His foray into drawing began by accident on a rainy day in Montreal, where he escaped the weather by stepping into an art store. After buying a handful of markers and a sketchbook, Billy was hooked, and he hasn't looked back since. His drawings evoke a fantastical world of creatures, inventions, and serene landscapes, capturing snippets of his life, homeland, and passions. The Accidental Artist combines these whimsical, bold illustrations with his iconic storytelling, offering a fresh and exuberant portrait of Billy’s extraordinary life.
Best gift ideas for: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Fiction Lovers
1. The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart
Signed & Numbered | Limited Edition | Digitally sprayed edges | Hardcover | UK First Edition, First Printing
In a world transformed by a fractured divine realm, The Gods Below introduces a heroine in search of freedom from a god’s dangerous pact. Hakara’s quest to save her sister leads her into a clandestine rebellion, setting her on a perilous journey to challenge a deity and reclaim her fate. Stewart’s first instalment in this epic series is a perfect choice for fantasy lovers drawn to stories of sacrifice and divine intrigue.
2. Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
Signed & Numbered | Limited Edition | Sprayed Edges | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
Ava Reid reimagines the iconic villainess of Shakespeare’s Macbeth in this historical crossover, giving Lady Macbeth a voice and agency of her own. This darkly poetic tale paints Lady Macbeth as a woman shaped by witchcraft, ambition, and a deadly marriage. As she navigates courtly schemes and hidden magic, her story is one of survival and unexpected power -a compelling gift for fans of reimaginings and tales of strong women.
3. Shadowstitch, Cari Thomas
Signed & Numbered | Limited Edition | Digitally Sprayed Edges | Bespoke Dust Jacket | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
When Anna and her coven are plunged into the dangers of a witch hunt, secrets surface, and alliances are tested. With danger lurking in every shadowed corner of London, Anna and her sister Effie must navigate a world where magic is both a gift and a curse. Shadowstith is a magical, suspenseful read - a perfect escape for those who love dark, atmospheric tales of hidden powers and ancient curses.
4. The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song
Signed & Numbered | Limited Edition | Digitally sprayed edges | Hidden foiling | Hardcover |UK First Edition, First Printing
Described as The Poppy War meets Six Crimson Cranes, and inspired by Mulan, this sweeping epic follows Meilin, who defies her fate by enlisting as a soldier. With war on the horizon and betrayal in the air, Meilin finds herself torn between loyalty, love, and power.
Perfect for readers enchanted by Asian-inspired fantasy and fiercely independent heroines, The Night Ends with Fire delivers both an intimate character journey and an action-packed storyline.
5. Le Fay by Sophie Keetch
Signed by the author | Numbered | Sprayed Edges | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
Sophie Keetch continues her feminist retelling of the legend of Morgan le Fay, where Camelot’s power and Arthur’s love are no longer enough for the formidable enchantress. With rich, atmospheric prose, Keetch reveals the ambitions, rivalries, and sorcery that shape Morgan’s journey. For those who revel in tales of mythic heroes reimagined, Le Fay makes an unforgettable gift, blending the mystique of Arthurian legend with a fresh, modern twist.
6. Days of Shattered Faith by Adrian Tchaikovsky (early Dec pub day)
Signed & Numbered | Limited Edition | Hidden Foil Design | Digital Edge | Hardcover |UK First Edition, First Printing
In the heart of the imperial city of Alkhalend, where necromancy and politics collide, Days of Shattered Faith introduces us to Loret, aide to a powerful figure on the verge of war. With duels, pirate kings, and lizard armies lurking around every corner, Tchaikovsky’s latest is a masterclass in epic fantasy. Described as ‘endlessly creative’, this one’s for readers drawn to intricate worlds, daring heroes, and imaginative realms.
7. For She Is Wrath by Emily Varga
Signed by the author | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
Inspired by The Count of Monte Cristo, Varga’s debut introduces us to Dania, a young woman wronged and ready to fight for justice. With dangerous magic and a thirst for vengeance, Dania’s journey is as thrilling as it is heart-wrenching, blending romance, mystery, and a relentless pursuit of retribution. This gender-flipped tale of betrayal and redemption is perfect for those who crave complex characters and high-stakes drama.
Best gift ideas for: Historical Fiction Lovers
1. The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins
Signed & Numbered | Limited Edition | Digitally Sprayed Edges | Exclusive Hardback Foiled Edition |UK First Edition, First Printing
For the historical fiction lover who’s entranced by dark secrets and mystical intrigue, The Silence Factory will captivate from the first page. Set against the eerie backdrop of a Victorian-era factory where magic and science entwine, this haunting novel follows Henry as he uncovers the truth behind Sir Edward’s darkly enchanting inventions. Perfect for readers who devoured The Binding or The Miniaturist, this story promises a journey into the hidden shadows of history, where silence may be far more powerful—and dangerous—than sound
2. Heir of Venus by Laura Shepperson
Signed & Numbered | Limited Edition | Stencilled Edges | Hidden Foiling
Behind every legend lies a hidden story. Heir of Venus reimagines the origins of Rome through the eyes of three women - Creusa, Dido, and Lavinia - whose lives are intertwined by fate with Aeneas, the son of Venus. Each woman defies destiny, challenging the very path history has laid out for them. For fans of myth retellings, this is a beautifully crafted, evocative tale of love, ambition, and resilience.
3. The Map of Bones by Kate Mosse
Signed by the author | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
Spanning centuries and continents, The Map of Bones is a sweeping epic following the Joubert family’s generations. In 1688, Suzanne Joubert, a Huguenot refugee, arrives at the Cape of Good Hope to solve the mystery surrounding her cousin, a legendary pirate captain. Centuries later, her descendant, journalist Isabelle Lepard, continues the search. With its vivid historical detail and daring heroines, this book will captivate fans of adventure and rich family sagas.
Signed & Numbered | Limited Edition | Digital Edges | Illustrated Endpapers | Hardcover | UK First Edition, First Printing
Set in Georgian London, The Betrayal of Thomas True explores the dark, hidden world of molly houses, where secrets can be deadly. Gabriel, a guard concealing a double life, must protect Thomas, a young man with dangerous knowledge, from a treacherous betrayal. A brutal, intense thriller that pulses with tension, this novel is perfect for historical fiction readers who crave intrigue and suspense.
Signed & Numbered | Limited Edition | Digital Edges | Bespoke Endpapers | Hardcover | UK First Edition, First Printing
Meet Tibb Ingleby, a feisty orphan navigating mediaeval England with wit, charm, and audacious tricks. A Little Trickerie is a brilliantly original, darkly funny tale of kinship and superstition as Tibb and her friends hatch a scheme that spirals far beyond their control. With unforgettable characters and a mischievous heroine, this is a historical novel full of spirit, humour, and heart.
Best gift ideas for: Crime & Thriller Fiction lovers
1. Five By Five by Claire Wilson
Signed & Numbered | Limited Edition | Sprayed Edges | Bespoke Endpapers | Ribbon | Hardcover | UK First Edition, First Printing
In a high-security prison, Kennedy Allardyce monitors dangerous criminals and suspects a corrupt guard with lethal intentions. But as she gets closer to uncovering the truth, her only solace comes from a budding romance with a new guard - who may just be the killer she’s hunting. This suspenseful debut from a rising star in Scottish crime fiction promises page-turning twists.
Signed & Numbered | Sprayed Edges | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
At a remote sanatorium in Northern Iceland, a brutal murder echoes through its haunting corridors, leaving five employees as suspects. When criminologist Helgi Reykdal reopens the decades-old case, he discovers the sanatorium’s dark secrets won’t stay buried. A chilling, atmospheric thriller, Death at the Sanatorium is ideal for fans of classic whodunits with a modern twist.
3. A Violent Heart by David Fennell
Signed & Numbered | Limited Edition | Digitally Sprayed Edges
Detective Grace Archer finds herself on the trail of a serial killer with personal connections in A Violent Heart. Her investigation spans thirty years, leading her through a web of corruption, prejudice, and deceit. A riveting, gritty thriller that will grip readers from start to finish, this is a must-read for fans of high-stakes, heart-pounding crime stories.
4. A Reluctant Spy by David Goodman
Signed by the author | Exclusive Crime Collective Endpapers | Red Ribbon | Hardback | UK First Edition | First Printing
Jamie Tulloch’s double life as a covert spy takes a dangerous turn when he’s thrown into a high-stakes mission in France. Navigating a deadly game with rogue generals, tech moguls, and hidden agendas, Jamie must prove he can be the spy the world needs. Packed with espionage, high-thrill action, and thrilling twists, this is an ideal choice for lovers of spy fiction.
This first edition, first print is from our exclusive Crime Collective book club - another excellent gift choice for crime fiction fans.
Signed & Numbered | Ombre Sprayed Edges | Hidden Foiling | Hardback | UK First Edition | First Printing
Fearless investigator Ben Koenig returns in Nobody’s Hero, a thriller filled with brutal action and impossible choices. When a deadly secret threatens the West, Koenig’s search for a missing woman becomes a race against time. Fans of intense thrillers with relentless pace and fierce protagonists will find themselves glued to the pages.
Best gift ideas for: General Fiction lovers
1. And So I Roar by Abi Dare Signed by the author | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
From the author of The Girl with the Louding Voice, this powerful novel follows fourteen-year-old Adunni, a spirited girl who escapes her rural Nigerian village to find education and hope in the bustling city of Lagos. But on the eve of her new school life, Adunni is drawn back to her home village, where she must confront her past and fight for the future of the young women of Ikati. A heartfelt tale of resilience, And So I Roar celebrates our inner strength and the enduring power of hope.
2. 25 - Celebrating 25 Years Of Goldsboro Books by various
Signed by authors | Hardback | UK First Edition, First Printing
In honour of Goldsboro Books' 25th anniversary, this unique anthology presents short stories from an array of celebrated authors, reflecting the diverse voices and captivating narratives that Goldsboro has championed over the years. Featuring contributions from authors like Abir Mukherjee, Olivie Blake, S.A. Cosby, and Ragnar Jónasson. With an introduction by John Connolly, 25 is a testament to a quarter-century of literary love and Goldsboro’s commitment to the art of storytelling.
3. Goldsboro PREM1ER Book Club Subscription
Never be without your next favourite read with the Goldsboro PREM1ER Book Club, offering a truly unique reading experience for fiction fans. As a member, you’ll receive an exclusive, carefully selected title each month, handpicked by Goldsboro's expert team. These signed, first edition books are genuine page turners.
With four opt outs a year and each book choice limited to just 1500 copies, this is an ideal gift choice for any book lover looking to add rare gems to their collection, discover new authors, and experience the joy of owning beautiful, collectible books.
