The 2024 Cosmopolitan book awards

‘With an opening line like, “I didn’t plan to fall in love with an accused serial killer,” you know it’s going to be good. At face value, the plot is simple. But the mix of unlikeable yet intriguing characters and unexpected plot twists keep you hooked. It’s fast-paced and a bit silly, forcing you to see this generation’s obsession with true crime in a new light.’ - Jess Bantleman

‘A rich coming-of-age story full of punchy and astute observations about everyday relationships. Muskan moved to New York from India as a child and has been trying to make a living as a writer. Plagued with insecurity and doubt, she starts to crumble under familial pressure, and is forced to confront home truths she had buried down deep.’ - Dusty Baxter-Wright

‘It’s been all over your FYP. Blue Sisters tells the story of three sisters coping – or not – with grief following the death of their fourth sister. Told from each sibling’s perspective, Mellors articulates the elusive bond known only to women granted a best friend at birth. An iconic cover makes this the equivalent of carrying around a physical copy of the girl code.’ - Alexandria Dale

‘Teddy has always, all her life, felt “bad”. She likes sex, men and indulging. But it’s 1969, and she’s absolutely everything a woman shouldn’t be. When she lands in Rome, all the way from Texas, she hopes to make a fresh start, but her past is hard to escape. A pacy, sexy read with feminist themes, it’ll give you a lot to talk about.’ - Catriona Innes

‘“He stared at me like I was a beautiful, exotic flower that had the power to kill him with a pollen drop.” Ever wondered what it’d be like to have “hate sex”? Well, this enemies-to-lovers plot reveals just that – without any compromises. In equal parts, Hazelwood brings the spice and the story, and I couldn’t put this one down.’ - Lia Mappoura

‘Everyone deserves good-quality food they can get excited about, and Sophie’s debut is the definition of comfort food. From party nibbles to an entire chapter dedicated to carbs, it’s fast become our go-to cookbook. And even the most novice of cooks will be able to whip up a MasterChef-worthy dinner thanks to Wyburd’s foolproof instructions.’- Lydia Venn

‘An ambitious experiment in form and language, alphabetising sentences from decades of Heti’s journals. What she presents is a powerful, unsentimental and exquisite work that can’t be contained by genre. A stream of sentences can be so immersive, and one letter change can knock the reader right out. You’ll be left to reflect on the linearity of your life.’ - Anna Cafolla

‘Brathwaite wants you to unlock the life you deserve with her no-nonsense and inclusive guide to manifesting. Full of actually useful tips, Manifesto is all about harnessing the power you have within you to achieve what you desire – particularly if you don’t always feel like you’re reflected in the media and current world around you.’ - Dusty Baxter-Wright

‘A will-they, won’t-they romance for the ages. Shiloh and Cary were best friends in school. When they reunite 15 years later at a wedding, will their egos, families and timing finally allow them to be the couple they were always meant to be? Written over alternating timelines, Slow Dance captures the beauty of a friendship blossoming into romance.’ - Lydia Venn

‘Has social media f*cked up our self-esteem? Why do beauty trends change so rapidly? When we’re flooded with beauty ideals from the moment we wake up, how does that impact how we view ourselves? By delving into history and sharing a range of personal stories, Atlanta captures the pressure women face today. Enlightening and heartbreaking all at once.’ - Catriona Innes

'In just 144 pages Anthony manages to convey the stifling atmosphere for women in the 1950s through the simple story of a housewife who chooses not to go to church that day and instead spends all her time in an unloved swimming pool, which she refuses to leave.' - Lydia Venn

'I couldn’t put down this moving, hilarious and poignant collection of interwoven stories about a young group of Black British friends navigating young adult life in London. In fact I read it one night, totally absorbed in the rich and warm world of Shani Akilah.' - Lydia Venn

'Dr Leeming succinctly explains what gut health is, why it's important and crucially how to improve yours without buying a million supplements, changing your whole diet or making you feel bad about yourself. Instead her 10 hacks are easy, approachable and have honestly changed the way I look at eating.' - Lydia Venn

'Blood Over Bright Haven follows the first woman ever admitted to a prestigious order of mages as she unravels a secret conspiracy that could change the practice of magic forever. The book expertly tackles heavy themes like colonialism, racism, gender inequality and morality while also weaving a thrilling plot into a richly imagined world. Prepare for a roller coaster of emotions – anger, jaw-dropping shock and, without a doubt, tears.' - Kiera Egan

'This book promises dragons, romance, adventure and a magical world – and it definitely delivers. When the Moon Hatched teams an imprisoned assassin and a vengeful dragon rider in a quest to unravel secrets that could shatter their world. The star-crossed lovers trope is beautifully done and will pull at your heart-strings, but romance aside, this book takes you on a page-turning journey of grief, anger, vengeance and self-discovery.' - Kiera Egan