Voucher MagpieWaterstones spotlight: October's Books of the Month and half-price hardbacks
Waterstones' October picks, from Books of the Month and half-price autumn hardbacks to children's paperback offers, plus how Plus stamps and free delivery work.
Ad: affiliate links. If you buy through links in this article we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Waterstones didn't pay for this article or check it before we published it. How we make money.
Waterstones is a UK high-street bookseller, with shops across the country and a website selling books, stationery, games and gifts. It suits keen readers, parents stocking up on children's books, and anyone shopping for gifts who wants staff picks rather than an algorithm. Each month it chooses a set of Books of the Month across genres, and its Plus loyalty scheme rewards regular buying.
What's worth a look
- The Wax Child by Olga Ravn (paperback) is October's Fiction Book of the Month, currently £7.99 (RRP £9.99). It's a short, eerie novel based on a 17th-century Danish witch trial, ideal for readers who like literary horror in the run-up to Halloween.
- Craftland: A Journey Through Britain's Living Past by James Fox (paperback) is currently £10.99 (RRP £12.99). It's a non-fiction pick about Britain's traditional crafts, a good gift for history and making enthusiasts.
- Dungeon Crawler Carl: Exclusive Edition (paperback) is currently £9.49 (RRP £10.99). It's the science fiction and fantasy pick for gamers and fans of comic sci-fi.
- Great Book Deals currently has new hardbacks at half price, such as The Heights by Ian Rankin at £12.50 (RRP £25) and Jamie Oliver's 20 Minute Meals at £15 (RRP £30). Big autumn releases make early Christmas presents.
- Children's Paperback Offers are up to 20% off, with titles like The Last Wolf by Rob Biddulph at £6.49 (RRP £7.99).
Prices can change, and offer prices on campaign pages are refreshed regularly.
Beyond books, Waterstones has a Game of the Month, a Clearance section and 2027 annuals for children, plus stationery and gift cards. If you're buying for a young reader, the Children's Paperback Offers page currently includes Halloween titles like Supertato: Trick or Treat! at £6.49, so it's worth a browse before the half-term holidays. October's Books of the Month also include picks for thriller readers, young adults and younger children, such as The Last Wolf.
Current offers
- Free UK delivery on orders over £25 (otherwise £3.99).
- Free returns within 30 days.
- £10 credit for every 10 Plus stamps.
- An extra 5% off with Plus Student.
- Click and collect, paying in your local shop.
- Up to 10% off for Blue Light Card members.
How to save more
- Join Waterstones Plus (it's free) and use your card in shops, cafés and online, so every purchase builds towards the £10 credit.
- Combine a couple of discounted paperbacks or a half-price hardback to pass £25 and get free delivery, or use click and collect if you're near a shop.
- Students should sign up for Plus Student to get the extra 5% off.
Products, prices and offers checked on the store's own website on 3 Oct 2026. Prices and stock can change.
Waterstones codes & deals today
Up to 10% off for Blue Light Card members
Eligible Blue Light Card members can get a discount on online orders at Waterstones.
Click and collect, pay in your local shop
Reserve online and pay on collection; if your local shop is cheaper than online, you pay the lower price.
Extra 5% off with Plus Student
Join Plus Student and verify your student ID in a shop to get an extra 5% off in shops, cafés and online.
Keep reading
Boogie Bounce: the rebounder bundles worth a look this autumn
Boogie Bounce has cut the price of both its home rebounder bundles. Here's what each one includes, which extras are worth adding and how to keep the cost down.
Elliott
Theatre Tickets Direct: West End deals worth booking this autumn
The London ticket seller has discounts on Avenue Q, The Devil Wears Prada, Wicked and Matilda, plus no booking fee on Singin' in the Rain. Here's what's on and how to make the most of it.
Amy
Optimum Nutrition: the bundles and creatine deals worth a look
Optimum Nutrition's UK shop has discounted bundles, cheaper creatine and sachet packs. Here's what's worth buying and how to get free next-day delivery.
Elliott