Everyone is gearing up for the upcoming year, and so is the publishing world. From new authors debuting to seasoned published ones returning with heart-pounding thrillers and sweet romcoms. Okay, we know you have a huge TBR list, but trust me, these 12 new book releases need to be in it. If your New Year’s resolution is to read more books, then this article has you covered for each month of the upcoming year.
Our new release books of 2026 list has something for every reader. Looking for a story that hooks you instantly? Or a fantasy world with shocking new twists? Or that rare, deep emotional book you will still be thinking about weeks later? This ultimate list has it all, and these titles have been predicted to dominate conversations, book clubs, and bestseller lists the next year.
1. The Last of Earth by Deepa Anappara
Genre: Historical fiction
Release Date: 8th January 2026
Written by Women’s Prize longlisted author, Deepa Anappara, The Last of Earth is a stunning historical fiction set against the backdrop of Tibet. The story takes place in 1869 and revolves around two outsiders who want to explore the Forbidden Kingdom of Tibet.
The book is being cited as a fresh mix of spooky folklore. It has snow leopards, soldiers, frostbites, and every bit of adventure you’re seeking.
2. This is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman
Genre: Family drama
Release Date: 10th February 2026
Allegra Goodman is an American writer known for her novels that talk about dysfunctional family dynamics. This is Not About Us is no exception. When Sylvia and Helen Rubinstein lose their sister, they start drifting apart.
Their kids have their own problems and the sisters spend 10 years without talking to each other. This story of growing up and growing old is well-crafted. It’s a must-read for those who love reading books that bind a family across generations.
3. This is Where the Serpent Lives by Daniyal Mueenuddin
Genre: Literary fiction, biographical fiction
Release Date: 13th January 2026
Pulitzer Prize finalist for his short story collection, Daniyal Mueenuddin writes his debut novel using references from his personal life in This is Where the Serpent Lives. The story is about an orphan named Yazid, who is fending for himself on the streets of Pakistan.
When Yazid starts working at Colonel Atar’s house, he finds himself in a pickle. The book is about greed, misplaced trust, money, power, and loyalty. This is one among the new book releases of 2026 that needs to be on your TBR list.
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4. How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder by Nina McConigley
Genre: Thriller, coming-of-age, crime fiction
Release Date: 22nd January 2026
Set in 1980s Wyoming, How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder by Nina McConigley is a genre-bending magazine quiz-style novel that should be on every murder mystery books lover list.
In the summer of 1986, the Creel sisters welcome their uncle, aunt, and young cousin from India into their house. The book takes a shocking turn when the sisters decide to kill their uncle. Why? We can’t wait to find out either!
5. The Complex: A Novel by Karan Mahajan
Genre: Family epic, political drama
Release Date: 10th March 2026
Karan Mahajan is one of the most lauded voices in contemporary fiction. He is most famous for his book, The Association of Small Bombs. Sachin Chopra and his new bride leave for America in hopes of starting a fresh life.
However, they are confronted with a lot of problems and are forced to take a look at what they left behind. A political uprising in the family. This is a great book to read if you loved Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake.
6. Ghost Eye by Amitav Ghosh
Genre: Historical fiction, magical realism
Release Date: 9th April 2025
Nobel Prize nominee Amitav Ghosh is one of my favorite contemporary authors of all time. I’ve read three of his books, and they are all brilliantly written. Even Ghost Eye is. The plot is about the Guptas, who are staunch vegetarians.
However, when a member of the family claims that they’ve eaten fish in another life, things go haywire. They take Varsha to a psychologist who is an expert in patients who often talk about reincarnation. If you love books with dual timelines, then this novel will definitely have you hooked.
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7. Blood Relay by Devon Mihesuah
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: 24th February 2026
Devon Mihesuah’s debut novel is a richly layered thriller where indigenous people are either missing or murdered. Choctaw detective Perry Antelope, along with her former police officer partner, takes matters into her own hands and starts investigating the case of a missing indigenous person.
This race against time novel is truly stunning. Along with social commentary, Blood Relay is a great twisty thriller that should be on everyone’s 2026 reading list.
8. The Keeper by Tana French
Genre: Atmospheric thriller, mystery
Release Date: 31st March 2026
Who here has read every single Tana French book? Me. Guilty as charged. The author is here again with another crime thriller where a girl goes missing from a remote Irish village. Rachel Holohan is supposed to be engaged to the son of a local big shot but suddenly she is found dead in the river.
You know the drill. Small town. Retired detective. Secrets. Power struggles. Yeah. All of that good stuff. This unputdownable murder mystery book is a must-read for those who love a heart-racing thriller.
9. When We Were Brilliant by Lynn Cullen
Genre: Biographical fiction
Release Date: 20th January 2026
Marilyn Monroe is reimagined in this beautiful story set in 1952. Norma Jeane Baker approaches photographer Eve Arnold with an unexpected proposal. She created Marilyn Monroe to be seen and she wants Eve to capture her truth.
As the two women see themselves in each other, their connection deepens and changes their lives. The novel portrays their complex friendship and the grit behind two women forging their own futures.
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10. Everyday Movement by Gigi L. Leung
Genre: Political fiction
Release Date: 10th February 2026
For YA book lovers who like their books a little bit political, Everyday Movement by Gigi L. Leung is the perfect book. It’s about two college roommates who wake up with different reactions from the night before.
After being chased and tear-gassed at a political rally, one of them is haunted and can barely get up from bed, whereas the other girl wears her sundress and wants to go on a brunch. Soon their world collapses and everything is different.
11. I Love You Don’t Die: A Novel by Jade Song
Genre: Contemporary fiction, coming-of-age
Release Date: 17th March 2026
Jade Song returns with another stunning novel, I Love You Don’t Die. The themes of the book include love, friendship, depression, and death. The central character, Vicky, has always been obsessed with death.
Despite living her dream life, she feels disconnected with the world. Things change when she downloads a dating app and finds herself in a throuple. It’s a fascinating one-of-a-kind story and if you love Sally Rooney, this is the book you need to read in 2026.
12. The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
Genre: YA, coming-of-age
Release Date: 24th March 2026
We are quite sure your upcoming year has travel plans and The Night We Met is a great beach read to bring along. It’s a heartwarming story about love, loyalty, and all the chaos life has to offer. Larissa meets Chris after a concert.
Now she and Chris share books, laugh together, and co-parent a chaotic rescue Yorkie. There’s just one problem: Chris is her boyfriend’s best friend. If you think the premise is promising, you need to read the book. It gets better with every chapter.
Some More Notable New Book Releases Of 2026
- A Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. James
- My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney
- The Astral Library by Kate Quinn
- American Fantasy by Emma Straub
- The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker
Conclusion
New year, new books — this has always been my favorite part about turning the calendar. There’s something refreshing and hopeful about new book releases each year. New stories. New voices. New opinions. I love it.
If you too are a bookworm or if you are just a newbie trying to read more, these are the book releases of 2026 that you can look for. Of course, there are more books out there, and we will cover those too. One book after another, page by page, genre by genre, and season by season. After all, literature is all we have.
