Crime writers Leye Adenle and Louise Jensen are
2026 Quick Reads authors.
The Reading Agency is gifting thousands of Quick Reads books on World Book Night (23 April) during the National Year of Reading.
Six new Quick Reads titles, spanning crime, romance and contemporary fiction, are published especially for the national charity’s celebration of reading, World Book Night.
Two of the six are the crime authors Leye Adenle and Louise Jensen.
On World Book Night, the UK is encouraged to host book themed parties, book swaps, as well as dedicate time to read in a national #ReadingHour from 7-8pm.
The Reading Agency is gifting over 35,000 Quick Reads distributed free of charge, supported by publishers, to libraries, charities, and in community settings. The Quick Reads books will also be available in supermarkets and retailers for just £1, and available to borrow in public libraries.
With a growing reputation as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary crime fiction, Adenle's work has been praised for its sharp prose, memorable characters, and unflinching portrayal of the darker side of human nature.
Adenle is a frequent speaker on issues related to African literature and culture, and has given talks at universities and literary festivals around the world. He is also an advocate for gender equality, and his writing often explores the experiences of women in Nigerian society.
Leye Adenle said: “Everything about Quick Reads is the reason I write. Books have the magical power to create empathy, deepen understanding, broaden horizons, and even shape worldviews. They have changed the world, one mind at a time. What an immense honour to be part of this year’s Quick Reads campaign and to create art for such an important cause.”
His Quick Reads, Cell One follows the story of rookie cop, Bobby Fatokun, who has left his life
Louise Jensen’s Quick Reads is the psychological thriller, The Woman Next Door.
Louise has sold over a million copies of her international bestselling psychological thrillers, and they have been translated into twenty-five languages. Louise has been nominated for multiple awards including Goodreads Debut Author of the Year, The Guardian's 'Not The Booker Prize', and she has also been shortlisted for two CWA Dagger awards. Louise lived in Northamptonshire.
As short, affordable, and carefully crafted books, Quick Reads help to give readers confidence and rediscover a joy of reading.
“Tim read, and loved, the very first draft and it was such a joy to hear his views on the characters and plot. Since then, we’ve bought other Quick Reads books for him to enjoy and because of these, he’s developed a real love of reading. It really is such a wonderful campaign and one that I’m proud to be part of. “
The Woman Next Door tells the story of two neighbours, two secrets, and one chance at
Quick Reads helps adults overcome barriers to reading by providing short, accessible books by leading authors. Unlike other short-form fiction, Quick Reads go through a rigorous review process to ensure accessibility – including testing for readability, concentration, and suitability for those rebuilding reading confidence.
Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency, said: “Quick Reads are more than short books – they’re stepping stones back into reading that are designed to fit modern life. Literally turning a page can change your life – improving wellbeing, focus, and even life satisfaction. The National Year of Reading is the perfect moment to make reading part of everyday life again.”
The full list of 2026’s Quick Reads:
Rachel Hore – The Girl in the Picture (Simon & Schuster)
Leye Adenle – Cell One (Simon & Schuster)
Rosie Goodwin – Sweet Charity (Bonnier Books UK)
Louise Jensen – The Woman Next Door (HQ, HarperCollins)
Derek Owusu – Hunger Pains (Merky Books, Penguin Random House)
Carmel Harrington – The Last Bench (Headline, Hachette)
Findings from The Reading Agency’s State of the Nation’s Adult Reading 2025 report show:
Only half of UK adults (53%) describe themselves as regular readers – down from 58% in 2015.
Nearly half (46%) struggle to focus on reading due to distractions, rising to 55% among 16–24-year-olds.
Almost half of under-44s now read “on the go” while commuting, exercising or doing chores.
Three in five adults (nearly 33 million) say the cost-of-living crisis leaves them with less time and money for leisure.
2026 marks 20 years of the life-changing Quick Reads initiative.
Throughout 2026, to mark its 20th anniversary, The Reading Agency aims to gift up to one million Quick Reads to communities across the UK.
Since the programme launched in 2006, Quick Reads has collaborated with over 30 publishers to create and distribute 5.4 million copies with over 6.2 million library loans.
The books can be ordered online from The Reading Agency.
