Graham Norton Books in Order (Holding, Home Stretch, Forever Home)

Like Richard Osman, Graham Norton–the stage name of Graham William Walker–is a well-known TV presenter who’s writing fiction. Of course, Norton who is an Irish actor, author, comedian, and commentator, is mostly known for his award-winning comedy chat show The Graham Norton Show.

Graham Norton started by publishing an autobiography, So Me, in 2004. His first fiction novel, Holding, about a murder in an Irish rural community was published in 2016–and was adapted for television in 2022 by ITV.

How to read Graham Norton’s Books in Order?

Reading Graham Norton’s Fiction Novels

1. Holding (2016) – The remote Irish village of Duneen has known little drama, and yet its inhabitants are troubled: Sergeant P.J. Collins hasn’t always been this overweight; Brid Riordan, a mother of two, hasn’t always been an alcoholic; and elegant Evelyn Ross hasn’t always felt that her life was a total waste. So when human remains-suspected to be those of Tommy Burke, a former lover of both Brid and Evelyn-are discovered on an old farm, the village’s dark past begins to unravel. As a frustrated P.J. struggles to solve a genuine case for the first time in his professional life, he unearths a community’s worth of anger and resentments, secrets and regrets.
2. A Keeper (2018) – Elizabeth Keane returns to Ireland after her mother’s death, intent only on wrapping up that dismal part of her life. There is nothing here for her; she wonders if there ever was. The house of her childhood is stuffed full of useless things, her mother’s presence already fading. And perhaps, had she not found the small stash of letters, the truth would never have come to light. 40 years earlier, a young woman stumbles from a remote stone house, the night quiet but for the tireless wind that circles her as she hurries further into the darkness away from the cliffs and the sea. She has no sense of where she is going, only that she must keep on.
3. Home Stretch (2020) – It is 1987 and a small Irish community is preparing for a wedding. The day before the ceremony a group of young friends, including bride and groom, drive out to the beach. There is an accident. Three survive, but three are killed. The lives of the families are shattered and the rifts between them are felt throughout the small town. Connor is one of the survivors. But staying among the angry and the mourning is almost as hard as living with the shame of having been the driver. He leaves the only place he knows for another life, taking his secrets with him. And before long, Connor will have to confront his past.

4. The Swimmer (Quick Reads, 2022) – Helen is a retired teacher living on the Irish coast. She enjoys the peace and quiet – despite the burden of Margaret, her unpleasant sister. Margaret arrived three years ago for a short holiday, but somehow managed to stay and worm her way into Helen’s life. One day, Helen sees a man struggling in the sea and decides to investigate. She doesn’t quite know what it is, but something about it feels very strange…
5. Forever Home (2022) – Carol is a divorced teacher living in a small town in Ireland, her only son now grown. A second chance at love brings her unexpected connection and belonging. The new relationship sparks local speculation: what does a woman like her see in a man like that? What happened to his wife who abandoned them all those years ago? But the gossip only serves to bring the couple closer. When Declan becomes ill, things start to fall apart. His children are untrusting and cruel, and Carol is forced to leave their beloved home with its worn oak floors and elegant features and move back in with her parents.

Reading Graham Norton’s Non-Fiction Novels

• So Me (2004) – From a not-so miserable Irish childhood to dropping out of Cork University and joining a commune of hippies in San Francisco, from his disastrous attempts at becoming a serious actor to the rise of his comedy career in London, this is a hilarious, insightful and moving account of a colourful life.
• Ask Graham: He’s Been Everywhere, He’s Seen Everything. Now Graham Norton’s Here to Solve Your Problems! (2010) – Graham’s drily hilarious Daily Telegraph advice columns. He is not only a hilarious and fearless television host, but a weekly agony uncle, advising readers of the Telegraph on a weekly basis. Here, his witty, entertaining, helpful responses are collected for everyone to benefit from his words of wisdom. This book of inimitable advice covers a range of subjects, including ungrateful spouses, errant partners, failing relationships, problems in the workplace, and social etiquette.
• The Life and Loves of a He Devil (2014) – Who wouldn’t want a friend like Graham Norton? A little bit naughty, full of frank advice, bursting with gossip about the world’s biggest stars – but most of all with an emphatic love of life and all its joys, big and small. Join him – glass of wine in hand, faithful doggy friend by your side – and delve in as he shares the loves of his life.

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