Politics, murder mysteries, and thrillers - these are some of the most popular books among readers in north Cumbria this year, so far.

A Freedom of Information request submitted to Cumberland Council by the News & Star has revealed the top three books of 2024, so far, according to the number of checkouts from libraries in the Carlisle area as well as the longest length of time a book has currently been checked out for.

Richard Osman is by far the most popular writer in north Cumbria, with two of his books taking the number one spot for the most checked out books in both 2023 and 2024. 

The Bullet That Missed was read 252 times in 2023 and in 2024, to date, The Last Devil to Die has been picked up 255 times. 

Lee Child also popped up in both the top three of 2023 and 2024. 

In 2023, his book No Plan B snagged the spot of second most checked out book with 200 checkouts. The Secret is sitting at number three for 2024 to date with 152 checkouts. 

Former Penrith and the Borders MP Rory Stewart's latest book, Politics on the Edge, is proving to be popular this year as the second most checked out book with 168 checkouts. 

And, in 2023 The Rising Tide by popular mystery author Ann Cleeves was checked out 175 times.

There is one book that has been checked out by one person for 1,222 days. Big Bear, Little Bear by Carl Novac has been checked out in the Carlisle area for the longest amount of time. It was initially checked out on May 14, 2021, with the latest due date being May 29, 2024.