Books On My 2026 TBR

Hello everyone,

Today I wanted to share some of the books that I am hoping to read in 2026. Some are upcoming releases, but most have been on my TBR for varying lengths of time. One of my bookish New Year resolutions was to read more books by new-to-me authors, and there is a reasonable helping of those on this list too, so there should be much to discover in the months ahead.

Before I start, I must admit that it is unlikely that I will read absolutely all of these before the year is out, but I will certainly do my best to read as many as I can. After all, it is the thought that counts!

So on with the list, grouped by genre.

Mysteries and Thrillers

Nine Liars by Maureen Johnson – This is more a young adult mystery, but this series about teenage sleuth Stephanie Bell is very clever and can be enjoyed by many adult readers in my opinion. I have really enjoyed the previous four, but this one is set mostly in the UK which I am intrigued about!

Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister – I have read all Gillian McAllister’s books so far and she hardly ever disappoints. She is always coming up with original concepts for thrillers and I cannot wait to see what she has done next.

It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell – Another author who you can rarely go wrong with, every Lisa Jewell new release is a must-read for me!

A Flicker In The Dark by Stacy Willingham – I have had my eyes on Stacy Willingham’s books for a long time. This is the one I am hoping to pick up first.

Other People’s Houses by Clare Mackintosh – Another author who I have read everything by, this is the third book in Mackintosh’s DC Ffion Morgan series.

The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett – I am slowly working my way through Hallett’s inventive, detail oriented mysteries. I love playing along and seeing if I could solve them, but they are fiendish and I expect this one to be no exception.

Fantasy

Emily Wilde’s Map Of The Otherlands by Heather Fawcett – It is too long since I read the first Emily Wilde book, so I am hoping this year can take me back to that world.

Holly by Adalyn Grace – I have read all three of the other books in this series which began with Belladonna. I love Grace’s writing and imagination, although the Christmassy vibes mean it might be one for later in the year.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs – This book caught my eye and I have a physical copy, but I still have not read it yet.

Godkiller by Hannah Kaner – I was recommended this one at an independent bookstore last summer, so I decided to buy it. Hopefully I will get to it soon!

A Forgery Of Fate by Elizabeth Lim – After absolutely loving Six Crimson Cranes, I am set on reading anything Elizabeth Lim writes from now on. And just like several others in my fantasy choices, the cover is stunning.

Never Ever After by Sue Lynn Tan – I absolutely adore Sue Lynn Tan’s writing and I have buddy read all four of her books before this one. The next buddy read is down for the summer!

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust – This has been on my TBR for years and I am finally about to read it! I found a copy of it at the library and it will be my next read.

She Who Became The Sun by Shelley Parker Chan – Another book I had my eye on for so long, I bought a copy in October and it might well be another summer 2026 read.

Historical Fiction

Weyward by Emilia Hart – This is the year I finally read Weyward. Everything I have heard about it is glowing, and the story sounds right up my street.

The Mourning Necklace by Kate Foster – My last two summers have included a Kate Foster book, which The King’s Witches coming in my top five books of 2025. I have high expectations for this one!

The Warm Hands Of Ghosts by Katherine Arden – Finally, years after reading the Winternight Trilogy, I will read something by Katherine Arden again. Her prose is stunning, so I am excited to buddy read this one around the end of March.

Gothic Fiction and Horror

The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins – I am buddy reading this one in just a few weeks! I am not fazed by the relatively low Goodreads rating – Bridget Collins goes for uniqueness and abstraction, which is not for everyone, but I am expecting to enjoy this.

The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke – Another book which have had on my TBR for ages and have now signed out from the library.

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow – Harrow is a favourite author of mine, but I am a little behind on her books so I need to put that right.

The Last House On Needless Street by Catriona Ward – Pardon the pun, but this one looks right up my street! I love the premise, and Ward’s short stories have made me really want to pick this one up.

The Twelve Days Of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman – I did not get the time in 2025 to read this new festive collection, but that means my December 2026 is sorted :)

Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid – Another author whose books I am working my way through, Reid is such a versatile talent and I got a copy of this one recently.

Science Fiction and Dystopia

Sunrise On The Reaping by Suzanne Collins – The long and agonising wait for the paperback edition goes on…

Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong – My favourite author, but I am still behind on her books. This perhaps may fall into fantasy, but science is never far away from Gong’s fiction.

Young Adult

Watch Your Back by Sue Wallman – I have read all of Wallman’s young adult titles and find them thrilling and engaging, though the execution can be hit and miss. Hopefully this will be a hit!

Glorious Rivals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes – I have to find out the outcome of The Grandest Game. This series is always great for some fast-paced escapism and cool puzzles.

General and Literary Fiction

Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus – I have the special edition of this book and have wanted to read for so long, but still have not got around to it. That needs to change!

This Is How We Are Human by Louise Beech – You can always guarantee something emotional and thought-provoking with Louise Beech, but it is a while since I last read one of her books.

Almost Life by Kiran Millwood Hargrave – This one comes out in March and has already received rave reviews. It also appears much different to Hargrave’s other work including The Mercies, which I read in 2024.

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Let’s Chat

And that concludes the list! It is interesting to see that fantasy is the most common genre here – it is not what I read most but I guess there are just lots of books and series which I have kept putting off.

Have you read any of these books? Which book are you most looking forward to reading in 2026? Let me know in the comments!

Happy reading :)