The 14 best cosy books to curl up with on cold, dark days

When the days turn short, the rain lashes at the windows and the outside world feels more grey than welcoming, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a good book . In the thick of winter , stories become their own kind of refuge — small pockets of light you can slip into when the weather and the headlines feel equally uninviting.

And fortunately, there’s no shortage of reads that deliver that glow. From tales set in snug villages and snowbound landscapes to character-driven stories full of kindness, wit and resilience, these are the books that make a cold night feel almost welcome. So brew something warm, settle into your softest chair and explore our guide to the cosiest, most comforting books to curl up with this winter…

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Sm