Christine Falls by John Banville is the One Dublin One Book choice for 2026, following on from Dublin Written in Our Hearts, an anthology, chosen for 2025.

One Dublin One Book aims to encourage everyone in Dublin to read a designated book connected with the capital city during the month of April every year. This annual project is a Dublin City Council initiative, led by Dublin City Libraries and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature, which encourages reading for pleasure.

The author introduces us to the maverick pathologist Quirke whose only passion is finding truth in science. While readers may think the world of the 1950s is elusive now, the forces of authority are eerily present in Christine Falls bringing the reader across Dublin into the morgue, the laundries and the homes of the rich and powerful. It’s a mystery rendered with all the delicacy of a master craftsman and when finished, the reader can look forward to more from Quirke.

The book’s author John Banville is excited about the One Dublin One Book programme, remarking:

“It is particularly gratifying that Christine Falls, my first, faltering venture into ‘crime fiction’, should be chosen as Dublin’s One Book. When I wrote it, I had grave doubts, but those doubts have now been definitively dispelled.”

Announcing the choice, Dublin City Librarian, Mairead Owens, said “Christine Falls is celebrating its 20th anniversary publication in 2026 setting the tone of an immersive crime series from one of Ireland’s finest novelists, John Banville. We are honoured to work with John on this very special occasion. We hope that many more readers across the city and beyond will join Quirke on his various journeys across Dublin as he explores the death of Christine Falls.”

The One Dublin One Book initiative is also funded by The Department of Culture, Communications and Sports.