Treadwell's Favourite Books 2025

Us booksellers have rounded up our 7 favourite books of the year – all are new releases and available to buy (in store only).

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Stone Lands by Fiona Robertson

MEMOIR/EARTH MYSTERIES

We picked this book up as soon as it came out. Interest in standing stones and megaliths has been on our radar for some time, so we naturally jumped on the opportunity to read a book that describes a contemporary journey through these sites. Robertson’s relationship with Britain’s stones – written from the perspective of a Londoner seeking moments of escape – particularly resonated with us, as our booksellers frequently make similar trips. The historic and spiritual landscape frames a story which is by turns heartbreaking and hopeful, resulting in an immersive read that holds the reader’s attention throughout.

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The Lost Folk by Lally Macbeth

HISTORY/ANTHROPOLOGY (POPULAR)

A glorious introduction to British folklore, including its history and the study of it, this book offers an engaging starting point for the curious reader. Folklore has historically been, and continues to be, a very popular source of inspiration for fiction, and folk customs are currently enjoying renewed attention across the British Isles. This book stands apart by focusing not just on stories and customs, but on the key figures, moments and objects that reveal the ephemeral nature of “folk” itself. The result is a thoughtful, accessible guide that broadens one’s sense of what folklore can be. Energetic and inviting, it is a genuine pleasure to read.

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Wild Service edited by Nick Hayes and Jon Moses

ESSAYS/NATURE

Conceived by members of the Right to Roam campaign, this collection of essays explores how ordinary people can respond to climate change and ecosystem loss while deepening their connection with the natural world. The core message of this book is that increasing our connection with the landscape will result in motivation to protect it, and in many areas replenish what has been lost to human extraction. It also offers numerous examples of how time spend in nature benefits wellbeing and fosters a sense of belonging. We loved this book as a reminder to seek the spiritual in nature, and to maintain a sense of hope and purpose in challenging times.

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Magic Maker by Pam Grossman

PRACTICAL/PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Author, podcaster, and witch Pam Grossman offers a fascinating exploration of creativity in this engaging and comprehensive guide. Written in her characteristically welcoming voice, the book allows readers to take what they need and adapt the methods for a fully personal experience. Structured like a magical practitioner’s handbook, it provides step-by-step processes for creative work inspired by forms of magic. It also draws on the experiences and stories of various magical and creative figures through history to place the reader within a rich lineage of inspiration. The result is a truly excellent guide for anyone seeking to ignite their creative practice.

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Bog People edited by Hollie Starling

SHORT STORIES

This collection of short stories by contemporary authors brings folk horror into sharp focus, blending past, present and future in a compelling new phase of the genre. Editor Hollie Starling frames the anthology with an introduction on how inequality has shaped British history and continues to underpin the insular communities so often central to folk horror. The landscape, frequently a character itself in these tales, is currently under attack by the same systems at the root of the inequality addressed by Starling, making the collection both timely and compelling. We found its creeping sense of unease both spine-chilling and evocative – the perfect combination for a winter read.

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Hekate by Nikita Gill

FICTION/VERSE

This enchanting epic poem is the first in a trilogy exploring the life of Hekate, the Greek goddess of witchcraft and magic. Nikita Gill’s poetic skill shines throughout, enhancing the effectiveness of the storytelling. Reading Hekate is a completely different experience from other modern Greek myth retellings. It is marked out by its careful attention to the experiences of women of the past, whilst still resonating with the present. We had chills reading this book, and truly felt we could not put it down once we started it.

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The Extraordinary History of Witches by Hazel Atkinson, illustrated by Camelia Pham

CHILDREN’S

Written by recent Treadwell’s guest speaker Hazel Atkinson, we had to include this book on our favourites list as it provides such a fresh, exciting entry into the history of witchcraft for young readers. Taking a trip across time and around the globe, it provides a fun and informative overview of magic, from historical witch trials to modern witchcraft, Wicca and divination. The illustrations by Camelia Pham are stunning, and give this book an immersive feel (as well as a clear picture of complex topics)! A thoughtful, immersive read, highly recommended for curious minds aged 8–12.

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To see our full range of books, visit the Treadwell's Bookstore at 33 Store Street, London, WC1E 7BS.