5 amazing books to read before they become TV shows in 2018

Some of the most critically acclaimed shows of the last 12 months were based on our favourite novels.

From Big Little Lies and The Handmaid's Tale, it seemed like there was a brilliant new literary adaptation hitting the small screen every couple of weeks. But now that the new year is here, there's a host of new book-based TV shows arriving - and we couldn't be more excited. Here are five amazing books to check out before they become TV series this year.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

The eight-episode HBO mini-series follows a crime reporter, Camille Preaker (Amy Adams), who returns to her hometown after being released from a psychiatric hospital. But while she should be resting, Camille describes to return to her childhood hometown of Wind Gap, Missouri, to investigate the murder of two little girls. The series (and original book) was written by Gillian Flynn, the author of 2014's Gone Girl. The series is expected to air on HBO in the US in 2018.

You by Caroline Kepnes

It's Gossip Girl's Dan Humphrey like you've never seen him before. Penn Badgley stars as Joe, a 20-something bookstore manager, who becomes obsessed with one of the customers that comes into his shop. He uses the hyper-connected digital age to try and make the woman, Beck, fall in love with him - using he social media channels to get close to her and take out anyone who may be in his way. The 10-part series will premiere on Lifetime in 2018.

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danger

The six episode series - based on the 2016 book of the same name - follows 22-year-old Tess as she arrives in New York City, landing a job at an acclaimed downtown restaurant. During her time as a backwaiter, Tess has her career expectations, palate, and love life expanded - both on duty and off. Ella Purnell will star as Tess, with Tom Sturridge, Caitlin Fitzgerald and Paul Sparks rounding out the rest of the cast. It is due to premiere on Starz in October.

Murder Games by James Patterson

Instinct follows the life of former CIA agent Professor Dylan Reinhart that gets lured back into his old life when the NYPD need his help to stop a serial killer. Detective Lizzie Needham urges Reinhart to come back to the force and help her catch the murderer, who appears to be using his first book as a tutorial. But his return doesn't come without some complications, both professional and personal. He faces personality clashes with Detective Needham when it comes to catching killers - and Reinhart's husband is less than please about his return to his old life. The series is due to premiere on CBS in March.

Dietland by Sarai Walker

The book follows a magazine writer named Plum Kettle who plans to undergo a weight loss surgery - until she gets recruited into an underground feminist organisation called Calliope House. Around the same time, a militant, anonymous group of vigilantes named Jennifer who end up wreaking havoc on bad men - and inspiring regular women to do the same. As Plum's surgery date grows closer, and Jennifer's acts go to more drastic lengths, she finds herself in the middle of a huge conspiracy. Julianna Margulies will play Kitty Montgomery and Joy Nash will star as Plum Kettle, with the series set for a 2018 premiere on AMC.

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A good book can do just about anything; from taking you on a wild and fantastical adventure to making you feel like an all-knowing super sleuth (if you figure out the killer twist). Every week at #Bookmarked, we will be taking you through some of our all-time favourite books - as well as the newest novels hitting shelves in Ireland.