The image of curling up with a captivating book offers solace during the chill of winter, evolving into sun-drenched relaxation on a summer lounger. The allure of immersive reading remains timeless, regardless of the season.
As we approach 2026, join us in exploring an eclectic selection of literary offerings poised to captivate readers in the coming year.
Prepare for an emotional finale. Alice Oseman’s acclaimed graphic novel series, chronicling the evolving relationship between teenage boys Nick and Charlie, reaches its culmination. The series has resonated with audiences for its portrayal of first love alongside challenging themes such as family dynamics, homophobia, and mental health.
Following the success of the Netflix adaptation, anticipation is high for the concluding chapter. Volume 6 sees Nick embarking on his university journey, prompting questions about the resilience of his long-distance relationship with Charlie.
Beyond the excitement surrounding the upcoming film adaptation of “Hamnet,” Maggie O’Farrell enthusiasts can anticipate the release of her latest novel next summer.
O’Farrell, a bestselling author, returns with “Land,” an ambitious and compelling narrative inspired by her personal family history.
Set in Ireland in 1865, amidst the aftermath of the Great Hunger, O’Farrell explores profound themes of loss, survival, and migration within a multi-generational context.
Despite expressing some trepidation about the reception of her new work, O’Farrell’s track record suggests she has little to worry about.
Additional notable novels scheduled for release next year include Son of Nobody: A Novel by Yann Martel (Canongate), Julian Barnes’s Departure(s) (Vintage), The News from Dublin by Colm Toibin (Pan Macmillan), Vigil by George Saunders (Bloomsbury), Glyph by Ali Smith (Hamish Hamilton), The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout (Viking), John of John by Douglas Stuart (Picador), Three Days in June by Anne Tyler (Vintage) and the final novel from the late Mario Vargas Losa, I Give You My Silence (Faber & Faber).
Following the success of her debut novel, “Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line,” which garnered acclaim from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Time, Keralan-born author Deepa Anappara returns with a new epic historical tale.
Anappara’s latest work shifts the setting from India to Tibet, chronicling the perilous journey of an Indian teacher spying for the British Empire and an English female explorer, marginalized by the Royal Geographical Society. Together, they confront treacherous conditions including storms, frostbite, and bandits.
Set in 1869, this narrative explores themes of personal ambition against the backdrop of colonial expansion, promising a thrilling and profound reading experience.
Dean Atta, known for his success in YA fiction, makes his foray into adult fiction with “Fruit Fly.”
The novel explores the intersection of wealthy author Mallory and Leo, an addict and sex worker, after Mallory seeks inspiration for her next bestseller through a gay hook-up app.
Described as sharp, dark, and humorous, “Fruit Fly” promises to be a gripping read.
Russell T Davies, screenwriter for “Doctor Who” and “It’s A Sin,” praises the book as “tough and raw and merciless but funny and kind at the same time,” signaling its potential impact.
Mitsuyo Yuzuki, celebrated for her novel “Butter,” which garnered global recognition last year, revisits the theme of food in her new novel, “Hooked.”
“Hooked” introduces Eriko, a protagonist working in the seafood industry and aiming to reintroduce a controversial fish into the Japanese market.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn as Eriko befriends a blogger on social media, leading to an escalating obsession that threatens to unravel her life.
This debut novel depicts a memorable night out along Manchester’s Curry Mile (Wilmslow Road) through the eyes of three friends.
Winner of the New Writing Prize from Stormzy’s publishing imprint in 2024, “Wimmy Road” introduces an exciting and original voice. Nuzhat Salam transforms a stretch of tarmac, restaurants and bars into a dizzying fairground with neon thrills and a seedy, menacing underbelly.
The legendary Liza Minnelli initially resisted the idea of writing a memoir, as she confided to People earlier this year.
However, Minnelli changed her mind after witnessing others’ portrayals of her life, prompting her to take control of her narrative, “all made by people who didn’t know my family, and don’t really know me.”
Readers can expect insights into her upbringing in the shadow of Judy Garland, her ascent to fame, struggles with addiction, and personal relationships. The memoir promises to be a candid and compelling account of her life.
Other memoirs to anticipate next year include Starchild: My Life Under the Night Sky by space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock (Ebury), My Truth, My Story: Part 2 from Cher (HarperCollins), Gisele Pelicot – A Hymn to Life: Shame has to Change Sides (Vintage), Lena Dunham’s Fame Sick (Fourth Estate) and James Bailey’s biography, Like a Cat Loves a Bird: The Nine Lives of Muriel Spark (Sceptre).
For Wham! and George Michael enthusiasts, Sathnam Sanghera’s Tonight the Music Seems So Loud: The Meaning of George Michael (Picador) is a must-read, exploring his musical journey against a backdrop of political and social change.
Stephen King has hailed “Everybody Lied” as a contender for the best mystery of 2026, drawing comparisons to Agatha Christie. Val McDermid has also lauded the book as a “cracking read.”
This crime thriller follows six authors on a private island with 72 hours to write the ending of a book by the late bestselling writer, Arthur Fletch. It offers a satirical take on the publishing industry reminiscent of R.F. Kuang’s “YellowFace.”
Adding to the intrigue, the authors behind the pen name Evelyn Clarke revealed themselves at the Bloody Scotland Crime Festival in September.
Cassandra Clare returns with “The Wicked Powers,” the final trilogy of The Shadowhunter Chronicles, continuing the Shadowhunters saga.
The series follows Kit Herondale, Ty Blackthorn, and Drusilla Blackthorn as they navigate the ultimate conflict between demons and angels.
The dystopian romance genre is also gaining traction, with Rebecca Wright’s Songbird (self-published) and Ariel Sullivan’s Beneath (Tor Bramble/Pan Macmillan), the prequel to 2025 hit Conform, anticipated by readers.
For fans of contemporary fiction, Abbey Jimenez will release two more books next year – The Night We Met, a sequel to Say You’ll Remember Me, and a novella, Marry Little Christmas (Piatkus/Hachette UK).
This moving family drama, set against the backdrop of the Horizon Post Office scandal, marks the debut novel from the playwright Gurpreet Brar, known for his play “Punjabi Boy.”
Inspired by his father’s experience running a sub-Post Office, Brar’s novel explores themes of love, loss, and community.
Set in 2007, the story follows Mr. Sidhu, a sub-postmaster in Richmond, London, as he navigates grief and finds unexpected romance. The book also explores the consequences of mysterious losses reported in his accounts, threatening his community’s faith in him.
Other debut novels include Liz Allan’s In Bloom, a raw coming-of-age mystery tale based on her own personal experience (Sceptre), Jeanette McCurdy’s Half His Age about a 17-year-old’s affair with her teacher and Caro Claire Burke’s Yesteryear (4th Estate) about a trad wife influencer (4th Estate).
Jordan Harper returns to the seedy underbelly of LA in his latest crime noir thriller, “Everybody Knows.”
The novel dives into a world of fame, power, sex parties, and serial killers, offering a gritty journey for those with the stomach for it.
Harper, also a TV writer for shows such as “Gotham” and “The Mentalist,” recently saw his novel “She Rides Shotgun” adapted into a film starring Taron Egerton.
Other crime novels to watch for include Peter Hanington’s The Darkest Tide, a gangland revenge tale spanning more than 50 years and set in Brighton.
Adding an unexpected twist, James Patterson and Viola Davis have collaborated on a tense legal thriller titled Judge Stone (Century/Penguin).
The novel explores the case of a doctor arrested for performing an abortion on a 13-year-old girl in Alabama, where abortions are largely outlawed.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the world at an unprecedented pace.
In “The Coming Wave”, Jamie Bartlett examines how we can take control of it while keeping up with its rapid developments?
The author behind “The Dark Net” and “The People vs Tech” discusses the opportunities and risks associated with AI chatbots like Chat GPT and Copilot in both professional and personal contexts.
Drawing upon comprehensive research, the book delves into the human impact and democratic implications of this “second industrial revolution,” while acknowledging the limitations of large language models.
This is a sometimes chilling but essential read.
With additional reporting and research by Ian Youngs and Freddy Tennyson.
Moyes has credited Kinsella with inspiring her when she nearly gave up after writing 20,000 words.
Librarians take Humphrey books off shelves after a link inside them lead to phishing websites.
Author has strongly denied allegations of inappropriate behaviour which emerged last week.
Walliams is one of the UK’s most successful children’s authors, having sold more than 60 million books.
Staffordshire County Council reveals which books were the most borrowed from its libraries in 2025.