Best books released in 2026: including anticipated next novel from global bestseller

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The past year offered a wonderful selection of books, and 2026 promises to be just as good for readers.

Bookshops can be full of choices, and while it’s enjoyable to look around, it helps to have an idea of what books are actually worth reading.

We’ll keep this list fresh with all the latest great book releases, so be sure to save it for future reference!

Read on for our picks of the best books in 2026.

19 best books of 2026 so far

  1. Meet the Newmans – Jennifer Niven
  2. Half His Age – Jennette McCurdy
  3. The Old Fire – Elisa Shua Dusapin (translated by Aneesa Abbas Higgins)
  4. Helen of Nowhere – Makenna Goodman
  5. Glyph – Ali Smith
  6. Greedy – Callie Kazumi
  7. Lost Lambs – Madeline Cash
  8. Orange – Curtis Garner
  9. Suckerfish – Ashani Lewis
  10. Cleopatra – Saara El Arifi
  11. Gloria Don’t Speak – Lucy Apps
  12. Strange Buildings – Uketsu
  13. Hooked – Asako Yuzuki (translated by Polly Barton)
  14. Minor Black Figures – Brandon Taylor
  15. Tangerinn – Emanuela Anechoum (translated by Lucy Rand)
  16. The Ending Writes Itself – Evelyn Clarke
  17. My Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein: A Fiction – Deborah Levy
  18. Land – Maggie O’Farrell
  19. Agrippa – Robert Harris

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1. Meet the Newmans – Jennifer Niven

Released: 15/01/26

Niven’s new book reimagines America’s most beloved television family, revealing hidden secrets and shocking truths as their perfect image begins to crumble. Readers who enjoyed Lessons in Chemistry and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo will love this story.

2. Half His Age – Jennette McCurdy

Released: 20/01/26

Jennette McCurdy, the author of the popular memoir I’m Glad My Mom Died, returns with a new novel that’s both heartbreaking and humorous. It explores themes of sex, social class, longing, and control. The story follows Waldo, a young woman consumed by her desire for her creative writing teacher, Mr. Korgy. At seventeen, she’s determined to get what she wants, no matter the cost – even if it means destroying relationships with those closest to her.

3. The Old Fire – Elisa Shua Dusapin (translated by Aneesa Abbas Higgins)

Released: 29/01/2026

After her father dies, Agathe returns to her childhood home in the French countryside, leaving New York after fifteen years. She hasn’t seen her sister, Véra, in a long time, and the two must now sort through their belongings before the house is demolished. As they clear out the house, old memories – both happy and painful – resurface for both of them.

4. Helen of Nowhere – Makenna Goodman

Released: 29/01/26

A former professor, seeking a fresh start in the quiet countryside, is touring a beautiful, private house. As the realtor describes the property, she also shares stories about its previous owner, a mysterious woman named Helen. The professor realizes his own story is far from over and that a simpler life might be the key to finding inner peace.

5. Glyph – Ali Smith

Released: 29/01/26

Glyph is the sequel to Ali Smith’s 2024 novel, Gliff, and continues a story that’s subtly woven into the first book. It’s best to go in knowing as little as possible, allowing yourself to be fully drawn into Smith’s unique world.

6. Greedy – Callie Kazumi

Released: 05/02/2026

A wealthy, private woman is searching for a personal chef and hires Ed, a chef struggling to make ends meet. But her eccentric culinary preferences pull him into a bizarre and overwhelming situation he can’t escape.

7. Lost Lambs – Madeline Cash

Bud and Catherine decided to explore an open marriage, but it’s caused problems, especially with their daughters who are also struggling. When a powerful and cutthroat billionaire starts making moves in their town, the family unexpectedly finds a way to reconnect.

8. Orange – Curtis Garner

Released: 19/02/26

Orange tells the story of two teenagers who form a mysterious connection in the charming Cornish village of Portscatho. Years later, their paths cross again in London, but they’ve both changed. The novel explores whether the bond they once shared can survive the challenges of time and distance. If you enjoy the delicate and complex relationships portrayed in Sally Rooney’s novels, you’ll likely love this book.

9. Suckerfish – Ashani Lewis

Released: 26/02/2026

Kolia distanced herself from her mother in her twenties, but circumstances in the story, Suckerfish, force her back into that relationship. This creates a nuanced and complicated portrayal of motherhood and the bond between a mother and daughter.

10. Cleopatra – Saara El Arifi

Released: 26/02/2026

Cleopatra is a well-known historical figure, but what was she really like as a person? Was her reputation as a seductress and a ruthless leader accurate? And were the rumors about her practicing witchcraft true? In her captivating new historical novel, Saara El Arifi explores these questions and delves into the mind of the famous queen.

11. Gloria Don’t Speak – Lucy Apps

Released: 26/02/2026

Gloria has a learning disability that makes it hard for her to get around and often keeps her close to home, visiting local parks and spending time with her friend, Jack. Jack relies on Gloria’s company, but his behavior is often erratic. When an act of violence separates them, Gloria is left to manage on her own. She now faces the challenge of figuring out how to live her life when Jack is released from prison.

12. Strange Buildings – Uketsu

Released: 26/02/26

Uketsu is back with another intriguing murder mystery! This book features a series of unsettling stories, each taking place in a different building. These stories are all connected, so pay close attention to the details – can you solve the puzzle and figure out how they all link together?

13. Hooked – Asako Yuzuki (translated by Polly Barton)

Released: 12/03/26

Eriko appears to have it all, but she’s secretly very lonely. She becomes fascinated by a blog written by Shoko, a housewife whose life is unconventional. Eriko’s obsession with Shoko leads her to seek a friendship, but her behavior soon becomes strange. This gripping new thriller, from the author of Butter, is a real page-turner.

14. Minor Black Figures – Brandon Taylor

Released: 19/03/26

I recently discovered this amazing film about a young artist named Wyeth who moves to New York City, hoping to make a splash in the art world. It’s tough for him at first – he’s sharing a studio, trying to get his foot in the door at a gallery, but he’s really blocked when it comes to his own work. Then he meets Keating, this really intriguing former priest who’s questioning everything he believes. Their connection is instant, and as the summer heats up, you see them both grappling with how far they’re willing to go, both for their art and for each other. It’s a beautiful and intense story!

15. Tangerinn – Emanuela Anechoum (translated by Lucy Rand)

Released: 26/03/26

Mina, now in her thirties and living a rather predictable life in London, receives devastating news: her father has passed away. She returns to her childhood seaside town, and unexpectedly stays. There, she reconnects with her family and cherished memories at the local pub her father used to manage – a place known for welcoming everyone, especially those who felt like outsiders. As Mina grieves, she begins to rebuild her life and find peace in this familiar place.

16. The Ending Writes Itself – Evelyn Clarke

Released: 07/04/26

Beloved author Arthur Fletch has passed away, leaving his last novel incomplete. Six writers, all hoping for a breakthrough, receive a once-in-a-lifetime invitation: to complete the book on Fletch’s secluded Scottish island. The reward? A publishing contract and a significant cash prize. But how much will they risk to achieve their dreams?

17. My Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein: A Fiction – Deborah Levy

Released: 16/04/2026

Levy’s novel follows a narrator journeying to Paris to learn about Gertrude Stein and understand her significance. Through her exploration, the narrator discovers parallels between Stein’s struggles in the 20th century and her own life in the 21st, while also learning how to navigate the bustling city of Paris.

18. Land – Maggie O’Farrell

Released: 02/06/26

In 1865, Tomás and his son, Liam, were given a huge job by the Ordnance Survey: to map all of Ireland. It wasn’t a simple task, as the country was still recovering from the devastating effects of the Great Hunger. Despite the challenges, Tomás was determined to create maps that truthfully showed what had happened, no matter the cost.

19. Agrippa – Robert Harris

Released: 27/08/26

Julius Caesar is gone, and his nephew Octavian has inherited everything. Octavian, with the help of his close friend Agrippa, eventually seizes control of the Roman Empire. They rule together for two decades. Now, at age 50, Agrippa has retired to Naples and begun writing his life story, unaware that revisiting the past could bring trouble.

Stay up-to-date with the RT Book Club by visiting The TopMob Book Club, where you’ll find news, author interviews, Q&As, and reviews of past selections.

Authors

Helen DalyDeputy Digital Editor

Helen Daly is TopMob’s Deputy Digital Editor, where she leads new projects and manages commercial work. Before joining TopMob, she was Deputy TV Editor for a national magazine. She holds a BA in English Literature and a Master’s degree in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.

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2026-01-02 10:37