
The Night Bus
Tessa Bickers(Author)
Quercus Publishing
Published on 19. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-1-5294-5218-1 (ISBN)
Description
TWO TROUBLED HEARTS. ONE LIFE-CHANGING JOURNEY.
'A gorgeous, moving love story about coming to terms with your past and deciding what you want for your future' Emily Stone, author of A Winter Wish
'A delight. I came for the literary intrigue and stayed for the sizzling chemistry' Laura Pearson, author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont
'What a delightful and heartfelt read!' Allison Raskin, author of Save the Date
Daisy Douglas has spent her life behind the scenes: at work, in her relationships, and now, in planning a wedding she isn't sure she even wants. As an entertainment journalist, she can spot the start of a story a mile away. So when her routine 4 a.m. bus ride to the newsroom takes a surprising turn, she notices.
For months, the same man has boarded at the same stop, reading the same tattered copy of Virginia Woolf's Orlando over and over as if his life depends on it. When a broken-down bus and a shared walk through the quiet early-morning London streets finally throws them together, Tom reveals the heartbreaking truth as to why he can't be without his novel.
Determined to help him find the answer to the riddle hidden in its pages, Daisy joins Tom on his strange literary quest-one that leads them to places neither of them ever expected. But as their friendship deepens, she starts to wonder if what they're both looking for might not be in the book after all.
'A gorgeous, moving love story about coming to terms with your past and deciding what you want for your future' Emily Stone, author of A Winter Wish
'A delight. I came for the literary intrigue and stayed for the sizzling chemistry' Laura Pearson, author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont
'What a delightful and heartfelt read!' Allison Raskin, author of Save the Date
Daisy Douglas has spent her life behind the scenes: at work, in her relationships, and now, in planning a wedding she isn't sure she even wants. As an entertainment journalist, she can spot the start of a story a mile away. So when her routine 4 a.m. bus ride to the newsroom takes a surprising turn, she notices.
For months, the same man has boarded at the same stop, reading the same tattered copy of Virginia Woolf's Orlando over and over as if his life depends on it. When a broken-down bus and a shared walk through the quiet early-morning London streets finally throws them together, Tom reveals the heartbreaking truth as to why he can't be without his novel.
Determined to help him find the answer to the riddle hidden in its pages, Daisy joins Tom on his strange literary quest-one that leads them to places neither of them ever expected. But as their friendship deepens, she starts to wonder if what they're both looking for might not be in the book after all.
Reviews / Votes
A beautiful, unforgettable story filled with hope, humour and the kind of chemistry that leaps off the page. I devoured it in one sitting and finished with a smile (and a few tears) I couldn't shake. Bravo Tessa! -- Meg Anderson, author of THE MEMORY OF BORROWED BOOKS A joyous romantic tale that tackles some big issues, sensitively explored with a light touch while still delivering an emotional punch - a rare talent. Tessa is an exceptional writer and this book has it all: wisdom, humour, and heart. A five-star read. -- Christina Pishiris, author of LOVE SONGS FOR SCEPTICS Tender, funny, and so hopeful, this is bound to be one of your new favorites! Daisy and Tom have my whole heart. -- Sally Blakely, author of FRIENDS TO LOVERS Tessa Bickers' writing is like sinking into a warm bubble bath. The Night Bus is a ray of sunshine. I loved it -- Freya Berry, author of THE BIRDCAGE LIBRARY Utterly charming and delightful -- Julie Cohen, author of EAT, SLAY, LOVE Tessa Bickers' writing is such a joy to read. Vivid, warm and unputdownable. -- Lia Louis, author of BETTER LEFT UNSENTMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Illustrations
N/A
Dimensions
Height: 195 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
224 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5294-5218-1 (9781529452181)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Person
Tessa Bickers studied journalism at Bournemouth university, and went on to co-present a breakfast radio show in the South West. Moving into celebrity news, she's interviewed some of the biggest names in show business, including Leonardo DiCaprio and the cast of Sex and the City. Tess started her creative career as a singer-songwriter and after a few failed X Factor auditions she went on to perform at Glastonbury Festival, and Secret Garden Party with her band Tess and the Tellers. These days she's replaced her guitar with a keyboard, and songs for books. THE BOOK SWAP is her debut novel, publishing in 2024.