J K Rowling's new novel hits the shelves
Pre-release sales of 'The Casual Vacancy' were the highest of any book this year
Celebrated writer J K Rowling's first novel for adults went on sale today with many people queuing up for the book that has already broken records.
Pre-release sales of the book titled 'The Casual Vacancy' were the highest of any book this year, as Rowling gave interviews in a carefully choreographed launch.
People started queuing up for the book outside stores since 8 am (local time).
Rowling described the book as "tragic comedy".
Some extracts of the book were released in the US yesterday.
Early reviews were mixed, with some reviewers declaring that Rowling has retained her magic while others insist that the novel is "dull".
Rowling is scheduled to read from her book at an event at the South Bank centre here later today.