The Last Word with Matt Cooper The Best Fiction Books Of 2025
Dec 15, 2025
Edel Coffey, an Irish novelist and columnist, teams up with Kevin Power, an author and assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin, to discuss the standout fiction of 2025. They dive into Andrea Mara's captivating thriller and Dan Brown's science-infused adventure. Kevin highlights Gráinne O'Hare's refreshing portrayal of women in Belfast, while Edel reviews Leila Lalami's thought-provoking near-future tale. They also explore the emotional depths of novels by Claire-Louise Bennett and John Banville's comedic Venice thriller, ensuring a rich literary journey.
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Domestic Missteps Drive Big Thrillers
- Andrea Mara's thrillers hinge on plausible domestic mistakes that escalate into violent consequences.
- Edel Coffey praises Mara's unpredictable twists and how they engross readers for holiday binges.
Turning Thirty As A Literary Theme
- Gráinne O'Hare's Thirst Trap captures the messy emotional landscape of women approaching 30 in contemporary Belfast.
- Kevin Power highlights its sympathetic, funny, and deeply observed character work that elevates the debut.
Research Lifts Popular Thrillers
- Dan Brown returns with meticulously plotted, research-driven thrillers that mix science and conspiracy.
- Edel Coffey found his new Robert Langdon novel immersive and grounded in real science about consciousness.