New Zealanders are voracious readers. Surveys have shown that relaxing with a good book is one of our favourite pastimes.

Our stories shape our culture and identity as New Zealanders, so next time you are thinking “What should I read next”, here is a selection of New Zealand books published in 2015:

Never to return home: John and Mary White’s Otago story. Fraser Boyd
Mary Neylon and John White, both from Southern Ireland, travel independently to New Zealand in the 1860s to seek a new life. This is based on a true story of the great-grandparents of the author’s wife. Fraser Boyd is from Upper Hutt.

The Fixer. John Daniell
Mark Stevens is a former All Black now playing professional rugby in France. Mark is moving towards the end of his rugby career but has no future plans. Through his association with a female journalist he is drawn into the world of match-fixing, and after becoming embroiled in this world Mark starts to question his morality and the essence of being a man.

Chappy. Patricia Grace
Daniel, a young man of mixed European and Maori ancestry has returned to New Zealand to learn about his family history. His great uncle, Aki, tells a story of going to sea as a merchant seaman and returning with a Japanese man nicknamed Chappy. Daniel’s grandmother, Orowia, marries Chappy, and the book is the story of their marriage. 

Starlight Peninsula. Charlotte Grimshaw
Eloise Hay returns to work after a marriage break-up and the death of her long-term work colleague. She decides to continue her colleague’s work, uncovering the truth behind the lifestyles of Auckland’s rich and famous. Along the way we meet some colourful characters, some of whom may seem somewhat familiar...

The Writers’ Festival. Stephanie Johnson
Rae McKay is the new director of the Oceania Writers’ Festival. She feels overwhelmed as the festival is also hosting the prestigious Opus Awards. There is further pressure from international writers and a controversy over a dissident Chinese author, with the resulting diplomatic fallout.

The Legend of Winstone Blackhat. Tanya Moir
Winstone Haskett is a twelve-year-old runaway living rough in Central Otago. He is trying to escape from a violent, abusive father, and seeks refuge imagining himself in Wild West times as a cowboy with his trusty partner. Winstone’s reality is quite different, though.  How will this resilient boy survive? 

Blood, Wine and Chocolate. Julie Thomas
The lives of two men who were childhood friends have taken completely opposite paths. Set in both Waiheke Island and the East End of London, the story mainly focuses on Vinnie, who witnesses a murder committed by Marcus. After testifying at Marcus’ trial, Vinnie enters the witness protection programme. A story told with humour and lots of detail about wine and chocolate.