The best books of 2026

by Penguin editors

min read

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Whether you’re looking to read more this year, set yourself a fun new reading challenge, explore a new genre, join a book club, or simply find some new books to read on holiday, there are unmissable new books for every kind of reader.

From hotly anticipated new releases by beloved authors, to twisty murder mysteries and thrillers that will have you hooked from the first page, to swoon-worthy romances, to timely memoirs and eye-opening fiction, these are some of the must-read books coming to shelves in 2026.

Fiction

Contemporary fiction

The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout

57-year-old Artie Dam is a quietly affable man who lives a relatively ordinary life as a high school history teacher in Massachusetts, but he is, on the inside, plagued by feelings of loneliness and isolation from even the closest people in his life. He is also living with a secret, and a mystery that weighs heavy on him that threatens to upend his world.

Published 7th May

Why you should read it: Affecting, perceptive, and tender, The Things We Never Say is the latest must-read novel from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout, and made the longlist for this year's Booker Prize.

The First House by Avni Doshi

With her latest novel, Avni Doshi further demonstrates her flair for examining for the small tortures of domestic life. When a woman is blindsided by her husband’s confession that he wants a divorce, the story of her ‘perfect’ marriage unravels under scrutiny, and the excruciating truth – that those closest to us pose our biggest threat – is revealed in this dark, captivating novel.

Published 16th July

Why you should read it: The First House is Avni Doshi's first return to fiction since her debut novel Burnt Sugar was nominated for both the 2020 Booker Prize and 2021 Women’s Prize.

Departure(s) by Julian Barnes

It may be a work of fiction, but Julian Barnes’ last ever novel is grounded in truth. At its centre is the story of two people, close university friends of Barnes’, who fall in love twice over the course of their lives. Throughout its pages, Departure(s) seamlessly weaves a love story with meditations on memory, identity, mortality, loss, and the moments and hazy anecdotes that define a life, resulting in a witty yet deeply affecting read that will stay with you.

Published 22nd January

Why you should read it: Departure(s) is the triumphant final book from the Booker Prize-winning author of The Sense of an Ending

The Renovation by Kenan Orhan

Dilara, who lives in Italy with her husband and deteriorating political exile father, has finished having her bathroom renovated, but the builders have left something something startling: a cell from Istanbul's Silivri Prison where a new bathroom should be. Her initial anger turns to curiosity, as she begins to be drawn to this fragment from her homeland, in this beautifully written story of exile, memory, and what it means to yearn for a place of the past.

Published 26th March

Why you should read it: The Renovation is the first novel by award-winning short story writer Kenan Orhan, and has been longlisted for the 2026 Booker Prize.

Glyph by Ali Smith

When sisters Petra and Patch hear a terrifying story from the past, they invent a ghost-like character that haunts their imaginations. Decades later, the pair are estranged, but when Petra comes home to a phantom horse destroying her furniture, she immediately picks up the phone to call Patch.

Published 29th January

Why you should read it: Glyph complements Ali Smith's dystopian 2024 novel Gliff as a story hidden within its pages. But it also stands alone as a masterful anti-war novel for our times that sees Smith at her most playful, profound, and incisive.

The Shadow of the Object by Chloe Aridjis

While on a visit home to Mexico, Flora is bitten so badly by a dog that she has to be hospitalised. It is there that she meets Wilhelmina, an elderly German woman, who introduces her to her collection of spellbinding cinema toys and instruments. As Flora recovers and returns to her ordinary life in London, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with Wilhelmina's son, and begins to find that the the boundaries between her imagination and reality are subtly blurring.

Published 16th April

Why you should read it: This unique, intriguing, and lyrical novel from the award-winning author of Book of Clouds was longlisted for this year's Booker Prize.

The Barbecue at No.9 by Jennie Godfrey

Jennie Godfrey’s debut novel The List of Suspicious Things transported readers to late 1970s Yorkshire with a true crime-inflected coming-of-age story. With her second book, set in the summer of 1985, we meet the residents of Delmont Close as they prepare for a barbecue to watch Live Aid, along with nearly 2 billion people around the world. But as the neighbours gather at house-proud Lydia Gordon’s family home, tensions mount and a series of shocking secrets begins to emerge...

Published 12th February

Why you should read it: Perfect for fans of 80s nostalgia, this is the hit second novel from the author of the runaway no. 1 bestseller The List of Suspicious Things.

A Far-flung Life by M L Stedman

In this spellbinding family saga, a fateful drive through the Australian outback one day in the late 1950s sets off a course of events – deaths, sacrifices, regrets and redemptions – that will come to define the MacBride family for generations.

Published 5th March

Why you should read it: Touching on themes of loss, hope, love, duty, and how family defines us, A Far-flung Life is an expansive, enriching epic from the bestselling author of The Light Between Oceans.

Welcome to the Neighbourhood by Jane Fallon

Ashdown Close is the kind of street where everyone knows everything, nosy neighbours are par for the course, and nothing exciting ever really happens – so when glamorous newcomers Sian and Richard move into house number 8, long-time resident Kitty can’t help but be by dazzled by them. When Kitty notices a mysterious stranger leaving their house one day, however, she begins to piece together a not-so-perfect picture of the couple’s life, but her sleuthing could have dangerous consequences.

Published 15th January

Why you should read it: Reviewers on Goodreads love this entertaining, twisty read that perfectly captures the gossip and intrigue of suburban life.

Brawler by Lauren Groff

Eight years on from her last short story collection, the bestselling author of Matrix and Fates and Furies returns with Brawler, a collection of stories about the forces of light and dark stirring inside all of us. Across nine stories ranging from the 1950s to present day, Lauren Groff pulls at the threads of humanity’s goodness to reveal the contradictions at the centre of human nature, delivered with her trademark profound and provocative prose.

Published 5th March

Why you should read it: Brawler features an array of beautifully written, immersive stories, many of which have previously featured in The New Yorker, and counts Claire Fuller and Melissa Harrison among its fans.

Minor Black Figures by Brandon Taylor

Set over the course of an oppressively hot New York summer, Minor Black Figures follows Wyeth, a fledgling Black painter trying to break into Manhattan’s art scene, as he meets Keating, a white former priest contending with his faith. As the pair become closer, the bond between them grows, but so too does the starkness of their differences.

Published 19th March

Why you should read it: Booker Prize-shortlisted author Brandon Taylor returns with a modern love story that explores art and faith with gorgeous prose.

My Year in Paris with Gertrude Stein by Deborah Levy

Deborah Levy’s latest novel is narrated by a woman determined to understand the American poet, editor, literary linchpin, queer icon, and cultural force that was Gertrude Stein. As her quest takes her to Paris, she gets swept up in a new life and a circle of beguiling characters.

Published 16th April

Why you should read it: This fascinating read that is at once a meditation on the competing desires of modern life and a well-researched portrait of Stein herself, who wrestled with many of the same challenges a century prior.

All Grown Up by Daisy Buchanan

Just when she thinks all three of her daughters have flown the nest, Louisa finds herself with a full house again. Meg has cold feet about her marriage, Jo’s career is hanging by a thread, and Amy has unexpectedly dropped out of university. If she has any hopes of recovering her peace (and love life), Louisa will have to teach them to grow up – but maybe she herself has something to learn about adulthood from them...

Published 4th June

Why you should read it: This warm, witty retelling of Little Women counts Marian Keyes and Jennie Godfrey among its fans.

Books in translation

Light and Thread by Han Kang

South Korean writer Han Kang revisits her exploration of the ‘gold thread’ she first wrote about, aged 8, in a poem – one that has connected her to writing and language since. Not quite a memoir, but every bit as illuminating, Light and Thread combines essays, poems, photographs, diary entries, and her Nobel lecture to create an anthology that is both intimate and expansive.

Published 12th March

Why you should read it: Light and Thread is Han Kang's first book since she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2024.

Hot Chocolate on Thursday by Michiko Aoyama

From the bestselling author of What You Are Looking For is in the Library comes a beautifully touching novel set in a quiet Tokyo neighbourhood, beginning and ending with a woman who frequents the mysterious Marble Café. Hot Chocolate on Thursday weaves together the small, everyday moments that quietly define a life and the people who cross paths with us.

Published 19th February

Why you should read it: The first book in Michiko Aoyama's Marble Café series is a global bestseller, ready to be revisited with the follow-up Matcha on Monday.

The Soul-Catchers by Naoko Higashi

In the world of The Soul Catchers, 11 people who recently died are offered the chance to be reunited with their friends and family, returning from the spiritual realm and assuming the form of an object as they watch over their loved ones – but a world filled with restless spirits begins to take unexpected turns.

Published 19th March

Why you should read it: In this unique modern classic, multi-award-winning writer Naoko Higashi offers his own witty yet moving take on the Japanese folk belief that human spirits can inhabit inanimate objects.

Tsubaki Stationery Store by Ito Ogawa

This charming novel follows Hatoko, who reluctantly returns to her hometown when she inherits her late grandmother’s stationery store, and with it, the role of public scribe. As she grows into this newfound responsibility, penning all manner of letters to members of the community, Hatoko also learns about her grandmother and the connective, affirming power of the written word.

Published 9th July

Why you should read it: Available in English for the first time, Tsubaki Stationery Store is already an acclaimed bestseller in Japan, where it has been adapted into a major television series.

Mrs Shim is a Killer by Kang Jiyoung

Mrs Shim is a widowed 51-year-old mother two of in need of a job so she can put food on the table. Sharp, clean, and discreet, she's the perfect fit for a new listing advertised by the Smile Detective Agency. But as she begins her new line of work and enters a strange world of criminals, corrupt police, assassins, and even ghosts, Mrs Shim evolves from passive people-pleaser to bloodthirsty, vengeful killer.

Published 23rd April

Why you should read it: This witty, cleverly ploted thriller has a unique premise, told through multiple points of view that, slowly but surely, reveal their connections.

Crime, mystery and thriller

It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell

Twenty-five years ago, Jane went to a strange man’s house for a nightcap, when a crashing sound and a scream from upstairs sent her fleeing into the night. Now, she finds herself back to the same house, returning a lost dog. And when she catches sight of a terrified-looking woman in the window, she’s drawn in further, compelled to uncover the house’s mysterious, terrifying secrets…

Published 2nd July

Why you should read it: Queen of the domestic thriller Lisa Jewell is back and ready to hook you in with her latest gripping read. The audiobook, narrated by a full cast featuring Lesley Sharp, James Norton and more, also makes for a brilliantly immersive listening experience.

Judge Stone by James Patterson and Viola Davis

In small-town Alabama, upstanding judge Mary Stone is tasked with presiding over the South’s most controversial case to date. In the eyes of the law, it’s open-and-shut – but this case is a matter of life and death.

Published 9th March

Why you should read it: James Patterson, master of the thriller and one of the biggest-selling writers of all time, has teamed up with multi-award-winning actor Viola Davis (as seen in How to Get Away with Murder, Fences, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and more) for a truly explosive read.

Getting Away with Murder by Shari Lapena

Jill and Ted have poured everything into their beloved New York City brownstone: their money, their time, and themselves. So when Ted makes some bad financial decisions, and the couple are faced with destitution, selling the home simply isn’t an option – but murdering the right family member, provided it’s the perfect crime, just might be.

Published 16th July

Why you should read it: This brilliantly layered, fast-paced domestic thriller crackles with tension and will make you wonder how far you would go to preserve everything you love.

The Defence by Rob Rinder

Barrister Adam Green is back and tasked with a new suspicious poisoning case. MP-turned-wellness guru Adrian Wells is launching a bath salt that promises to reverse ageing, but when he gets in the tub to demonstrate his invention, it’s clear someone has poisoned them, and Adrian is dead. When Adam takes on Adrian’s long-suffering assistant, Jules, as a client, he realises there were many more people with a grudge against the former MP…

Published 18th June

Why you should read it: Goodreads reviewers lovedThe Defence for its entertaining, engaging plot, with authentic characters and courtroom scenes informed by Rob Rinder's expertise as a former criminal barrister.

The Family Friend by Claire Douglas

In a bizarre turn of events, Imogen has inherited a country house from the late, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, who she last saw 16 years ago during one traumatic, tragic summer. Moving into the house with her partner Josh presents a much-needed opportunity for a fresh start, but when she finds an old box with her name on it in Dorothea’s study, Imogen begins to think that her inheritance was more than just a generous gift.

Published 12th March

Why you should read it: Twisty, atmospheric, and complex, this dual-timeline thriller is a true page-turner.

The Parkwood Murders by Chris Chibnall

When a body is found the idyllic woodlands of Parkwood Holiday Village, Detective Nicola Bridge is tasked with investigating a crime scene filled with potential suspects, but no witnesses. She begins to piece together details with the help of Parkwood’s overworked staff, and when the victim’s identity is revealed, it’s clear that the killer could strike again...

Published 16th July

Why you should read it: Following on from his bestselling debut novel Death at the White Hart, Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall is back with a twisty new mystery in an unassuming setting.

The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent

Raised in a close-knit church community in Boston, sisters Erin and Ruby live a picture-perfect life – but Ruby’s involvement in an incident when she’s 16 causes their whole family’s world to shatter. Decades later and miles apart, the two sisters are still living with the fallout of their past, and harbour secrets that can’t stay hidden forever.

Published 12 March

Why you should read it: Gripping, dark, propulsive and readable, The Truth About Ruby Cooper is a complex family drama from the award-winning author of Strange Sally Diamond.

The Pinnacle by Abir Mukherjee

Washed-up American heart-throb George Abercrombie is living on the 68th floor of The Pinnacle, a luxurious skyscraper in Mumbai, with his Bollywood superstar wife. He’s grown to hate life there (everyone’s always hiding something) but even more so when he wakes up from a drinking binge to find his wife murdered, and himself the prime suspect.

Published 18th June 

Why you should read it: The ninth novel from crime master Abir Mukherjee, winner of Thriller of the Year at last year’s British Book Awards, is as dark, cleverly plotted and funny as his readers have come to relish.

Shrink Solves Murder by Philippa Perry

When Patricia Philips’ patient fails to show up for his appointment, she’s convinced that something suspicious has happened. His body has been found near Beachy Head and police assume he has died by suicide, but Patricia isn't so sure. Enlisting the help of her best friend Prichard, she begins digging into the secrets of a community that could be hiding a killer in plain sight.

Published 7th May

Why you should read it: With her fiction debut, beloved therapist and bestselling author Philippa Perry has created a witty, intelligent cosy murder mystery about a psychotherapist turned sleuth.

A Deadly Episode by Anthony Horowitz

In this devilishly self-aware thriller, Daniel Hawthorne, the detective hero of bestselling author Anthony Horowitz’s Hawthorne series, is visiting the movie set for an upcoming adaptation of The Word is Murder, the series' first instalment. Things are already not going awry when, in the middle of shooting, the actor playing Hawthorne is stabbed. Suddenly, Hawthorne is investigating what could have been his own murder. Was the actor playing Hawthorne the murderer’s intended victim, or was it him?

Published 23 April 2026

Why you should read it: A Deadly Episode sees Horowitz at his meta-fictional best, as we see the first book of the Hawthorne series come to life on a (disastrous) movie set.

Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister

For Simone, a mother-daughter road trip across America seemed like the perfect chance to bond before her daughter Lucy leaves for university. But when Simone wakes up in their remote cabin in Texas and finds a mysterious phone in Lucy’s place, she must follow ominous instructions from the other end of the line if she has any chance of being reunited with her daughter…

Published 9 April 2026

Why you should read it:Caller Unknown is an atmospheric thriller that builds suspense alongside a pacy plot with plenty of twists.

Romance

Don't Fall in Love With Me by Paige Toon

Grace has been in love with her childhood best friend Jackson ever since she was 15 – but it was a love always out of reach, as Jackson went on to marry someone else. Fast-forward several years, and Jackson, newly single, has re-entered Grace’s life with the offer of a dream job. In a bid to get Jackson’s attention and make him jealous, she and an old friend hatch a plan that has profound and far-reaching consequences.

Published 9th April

Why you should read it: The ultimate escapist read thanks to its South of France setting, Don't Fall in Love With Me has everything you want from a great romance: a love triangle, a friends-to-lovers plot, and a heartfelt story that's both a tear-jerker and uplifting.

The Project by Annie Lord

For Daisy and Maya, life is all late-night parties and laissez-faire romantic entanglements, but when things go too far one night with Daisy’s irritating friend James, she decides that the dating scene needs a radical shake-up. Cue The Project, a bid to improve the calibre of the city’s romantic prospects, starting with James. But when Daisy starts falling for James, she starts to wonder if The Project is the best way to address her dating woes.

Published 16th July

Why you should read it: The Project is a unique, heartfelt rom-com for the modern age and the fiction debut of Vogue dating columnist Annie Lord.

People in Love by Claire Daverley

When her partner of ten years Robin proposes, Nora is taken by surprise, but nonetheless says yes. But when childhood friend Bren turns up at their engagement party, Nora begins to feel an undeniable spark reignite between them. Before she knows it, she is torn between two people and faced with an impossible choice.

Published 4th June

Why you should read it: From the bestselling author of Talking at Night, this novel is a tender story about a love triangle, unspoken feelings, and the “what if?” moments that shape our fates.

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

Frankie and George are the lifelong friends who are so similar they’re prone to frequent, fiery clashes – including on the eve of Frankie’s wedding. When Frankie is unceremoniously dumped by her fiancé the following morning, George encourages her to still go on her honeymoon – only with him. Over the course of one week in paradise, the pair will see if they can mend or end their friendship for good, ultimately sharing secrets neither of them knows how to handle.

Published 7th May

Why you should read it: This slice of summer escapism, set on the Canadian coast, is the perfect slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance full of yearning.

Fantasy, romantasy, and sci-fi

Rites of the Starling by Devney Perry

Devney Perry dazzled readers in 2025 with her romantasy debut Shield of Sparrows, an enemies-to-lovers story in which a princess and a monster hunter must traverse a cursed land where dangerous monsters roam and rival kingdoms conspire against each other. Rites of the Starling is the highly anticipated second instalment of the series that sees Princess Odessa forge a new identity as a warrior, as she encounters new challenges that could threaten everything.

Published 9th April

Why you should read it: Fans of Devney Perry loved this Shield of Sparrows sequel, according to Goodreads reviews, thanks to its rich world-building, dual-perspective narration, emotional resonance, and impactful reveals as the book progressed.

Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen

After inheriting the crown, and with it a brutal war, Meryn Cooper must bring the divided Kingdom of Nocturna back together with the help of her allies and her bonded direwolf Anassa. Navigating deadly politics, distrustful subjects, and the imminent threat of enemies closing in, Meryn risks losing everything. If she has any hopes of navigating these testing times, she must trust the loathsome Alpha Stark Therion for his guidance and unwavering loyalty.

Published 5th May

Why you should read it: Fury Bound is the hotly anticipated sequel to Dire Bound, and the second book in the Wolves of Ruin series dubbed "Fourth Wing meets The Hunger Games".

Operation Bounce House by Matt Dinniman

On New Sonora, colonist rancher Oliver finds himself fighting for his life when travel and communication channels reopen between his planet and Earth. Meanwhile, the behemoth Apex Corporation is hired for an “eviction action” to exterminate all life on New Sonora. Earthers can pay to design and remotely pilot their own war machines in aid of the operation, plunging Oliver and his friends into a cat-and-mouse game to stay alive.

Published 12th February

Why you should read it: From the bestselling author of LitRPG series Dungeon Crawler Carl series, Operation Bounce House is a standalone sci-fi novel set in a disturbing and original dystopian world with sharp social commentary about AI and capitalism to boot.

Historical fiction

Agrippa by Robert Harris

Following the death of his uncle Julius Caesar, Octavius and his closest friend Agrippa unite in a power struggle at the heart of the Roman Empire. Together they defy the odds, and Octavius becomes the Emperor Augustus with Agrippa as his powerful deputy. Decades later, Agrippa’s memoirs see him reflecting on a life of epic conflicts, endless wars, and the enduring influence of Octavius, who defined his life’s story.

Published 27th August

Why you should read it: Robert Harris, master of the historical thriller and author of Conclave, returns with a gripping new story set in Ancient Rome.

The Calamity Club by Kathryn Stockett

Let the pages of this book transport you to 1930s small-town Mississippi, home to fiercely independent 11-year-old Meg Lefleur. Meg has learned to fend for herself ever since her mother disappeared on Christmas Eve, but begins to find unexpected connection and belonging among a disreputable group of defiant women in this story of resilience in the face of the most difficult circumstances.

Published 21st May

Why you should read it: In her first novel since her blockbuster 2009 debut The Help, Kathryn Stockett has written a beautifully compelling testament to female friendship and strength.

Inferno by Conn Iggulden

The year is AD 60, and Nero Claudius Caesar is Emperor of Rome. While he rules with an iron fist and a hot temper, the threat of traitors is never far away. With Queen Boudicca leading the British revolt, the Gauls rebelling in the north, and Rome a glittering tinderbox, the whole Empire could soon go up in flames – and not even the Emperor may be spared its destructive touch.

Published 21st May

Why you should read it: The final instalment in Conn Iggulden’s epic Nero Trilogy is a breathtaking, unmissable read from a master of historical fiction.

Non-fiction

The Book of Birds by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris

Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris, the author and illustrator duo behind spellbinding nature books including The Lost Words and The Lost Spells, return with another gorgeous book that celebrates the beauty of the natural world, but also its precarious future. From the Avocet to the Yellowhammer, The Book of Birds comprises 49 different species whose populations are currently declining or endangered in Britain.

Published 7th May

Why you should read it: Each entry in The Books of Birds is brought to life through Macfarlane’s lyrical, playful writing, and Morris’ vivid illustrations in watercolours and gold.

Learn more about Robert Macfarlane with our essential guide to his books.

Take Me To Your Leader by Neil deGrasse Tyson

It’s been a lifelong dream for astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson to be abducted by aliens; a fascination that has occupied his thoughts since childhood. Blending science with speculation and a healthy dose of practical advice, this entertaining read imagines what an extraterrestrial encounter could look like, how we could communicate in the event of a language barrier, and why we have yet to be contacted by aliens.

Published 14th May

Why you should read it: If you’ve ever wondered about the science beyond science fiction, Take Me To Your Leader is the book for you.

A World Appears by Michael Pollan

Award-winning author, activist and journalist Michael Pollan has written bestselling books about food, health, cooking, and even psychedelics. But with his latest book, Pollan turns his attention to the strange, fascinating, and elusive world of consciousness. This exploration sees him draw from a number of fascinating disciplines and breakthroughs, from neurobiologists studying the hidden complexity of plants’ intelligence, to experts attempting to engineer feeling in AI.

Published 24th February

Why you should read it: A World Appears offers an astonishing, timely exploration of a phenomenon at the heart of the human experience and world around us.

How to Talk to AI by Jamie Bartlett

Artificial intelligence has dominated headlines, transformed society, and, for many of us, entered our lives, our workplaces, and even our relationships. But most of us are still far from understanding exactly how AI works and how to harness these powerful new tools. Here to help is leading technology writer Jamie Bartlett, whose clear-eyed, accessible writing offers an essential guide to the potential, the pitfalls, and possible dangers of this transformative new technology.

Published 9th April

Why you should read it: This indispensable guide will help you cut through the noise and understand what you really need to know about AI.

How Lucky Am I by Christian Watson

In the gorgeously illustrated, quietly uplifting How Lucky Am I, well-mannered skeleton and philosophical Instagram sensation Mr. Skelly explores what it means to exist as he embarks on a journey to find his family and home. Not quite a self-help guide, but not fiction either, How Lucky Am I pulls together snippets of inspiration and wisdom that Skelly has found on his journeys, having learned to live in the present and find meaning without changing where he is or what he has.

Published 30th July

Why you should read it: This beautifully illustrated book is a soothing, uplifting, and comforting balm that you can turn to again and again.

Pope Leo XIV by Elise Ann Allen

Pope Leo XIV, also known as Robert Prevost, shares his own story in his own words, as told to Italy-based Vatican correspondent Elise Ann Allen. From his Chicago upbringing, to the early years of his vocation and missionary work, this fascinating book builds an intimate and intricate portrait of the experiences, convictions, priorities, and hopes of the Catholic Church’s new spiritual leader.

Published 30 April 2026

Why you should read it: This illuminating biography marked Pope Leo XIV's first official interview since becoming pontiff,

Memoirs

A Hymn to Life by Gisèle Pelicot

In 2024, the name Gisèle Pelicot reverberated around the world. She courageously gave up her right to anonymity when her husband was put on trial for secretly drugging and raping her and inviting dozens of other men to abuse her without her knowledge. With A Hymn to Life, her powerful memoir, Pelicot shares her message of resilience and defiance, reiterating her rallying cry to change the narrative of shame that surrounds victims and survivors of sexual abuse.

Published 17th February

Why you should read it: A Hymn to Life saw Pelicot share, for the first time and in her own words, the story of her life and message of hope.

Leaving Home by Mark Haddon

Many readers will know Mark Haddon for his multi-award-winning novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, or his family sagas ranging from the funny-yet-poignant (A Spot of Bother) to the sweeping and spectacular (The Porpoise). But with his latest book, Haddon turns to the lesser-known subject of his own family and upbringing.

Why you should read it: Interspersed with photos, illustrations and ephemera are reflections on a personal past tinged with complicated nostalgia, delivered with Haddon's trademark flare and wry, unsparing humour.

Published 5th February

The Make-Believe by Hannah Murray

Hannah Murray is widely known for her on-screen roles as Cassie in Skins, and Gilly in Game of Thrones. But as the pressures of her acting career, from degrading auditions to filming violent scenes, took their toll, Murray went in search of healing. After meeting a reiki healer, she fell into the thrall of a cult-like organisation promising magic, health, and happiness. In The Make-Believe, she details how this seductive world of magical thinking caused her sanity to fall apart, and led to her being detained in hospital.

Published 28th May

Why you should read it:The Make-Believe is a memoir that is astonishing, honest, harrowing, and ultimately inspiring in its message of resilience, acclaimed by authors including Dolly Alderton, Sophie Mackintosh, and Naoise Dolan.

Young Man in a Hurry by Gavin Newsom

Gavin Newsom has been the governor of California since 2019, but it’s 2028 he’s got his eyes on. In his first memoir, the Democratic presidential nomination hopeful tells the story of a life lived in – lived in awe of, and in service of – his home state, where his family moved six generations ago and where Newsom grew up inspired and ambitious. The journey is far from over, but Young Man in a Hurry is worth catching up with.

Published 5th March

Why you should read it: This memoir tells the engaging, informative personal story of a presidential hopeful.

Transcendent by Laverne Cox 

Laverne Cox made her name at 40, when she played Sophia Burset in the hit Netflix series Orange is the New Black. She was nominated for four Emmys and became a trailblazer for transgender representation and advocacy. She is the first trans person to appear on the cover of TIME magazine and British Vogue, and the first to have a waxwork in Madame Tussauds. In this engaging and reflective memoir, Cox offers a personal glimpse into her life spanning childhood, stardom, navigating loneliness, and finding her voice in a hostile world.

Published 25th June

Why you should read it: Transcendent tells the story of a trailblazing icon for transgender representation, but it is also a deeply human reflection on the tolls of life in the public eye.

Starchild by Maggie Aderin

Space scientist, author, and broadcaster Maggie Aderin dreamed of going to space from the age of three. From then on, she developed a love for science and the secrets of the universe that has never faltered, even amid a chaotic upbringing, challenging home life, and an education system that tried to steer her away from her dream career. Starchild tells the story of a woman whose career has broken barriers and helped bring the wonder of science to new generations of children.

Published 19th February

Why you should read it: This story of a trailblazer, told in her own worlds, is the ultimate testament to pursuing your dreams – even in the face of discouragement and barriers.

Making the Cut by Max Olesker

When Max, a comedian, writer, and uncircumcised liberal Jewish man, and Eliana, an Orthodox Jewish woman, cross paths, their connection is instant and profound. But standing in the way of their relationship is a significant barrier: in the eyes of the Orthodox community, Max is not really Jewish. So begins his rigorous, trying journey towards conversion, recounted in this book with incredible humour and heart.

Published 5th February

Why you should read it: Making the Cut is a true story of boy meets girl – with a unique, irreverently funny, and, well, unorthodox twist.

Looking for more reading inspiration? Find all our new book releases here.

The best books of 2026

Fiction

Contemporary fiction

Best books of 2025: A look back at the year’s most exciting reads

The best dystopian books of all time

The best books out this month

Books in translation

The best Japanese fiction in translation

The best Korean fiction in translation

Must-read classics in translation

Crime, mystery and thriller

Where to start reading James Patterson

Where to start reading Lisa Jewell

Romance

Best romance books for ultimate escapism

New romance books to read in 2026

Fantasy, romantasy, and sci-fi

Historical fiction

New historical fiction books to read in 2025

30 must-read romantasy books and series

A guide to speculative fiction

Non-fiction

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