Waterstones spotlight: October's Books of the Month and half-price hardbacks

Shopping at Waterstones? See all current Waterstones discount codes and deals, checked regularly.

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 5 Oct 2026. Prices and stock can change.

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