Most Anticipated Books Releasing In the First Half of 2026

2026 is shaping up to be a great year for readers, with many exciting books coming out in the first half of the year. Whether you enjoy fantasy, horror, literary drama, or historical fiction, these ten upcoming releases have something for everyone. Get ready to add them to your reading list!

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10 Most Anticipated Books

1 – We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune (release April 28, 2026)

We Burned So Bright tells the story of a diverse group of friends who come together after a life-changing event. As they help each other through tough times and moments of hope, TJ Klune shares a heartfelt story about building family, healing from loss, and finding hope even when things are hard.

2 – The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer (release April 21, 2026)

The Caretaker is a psychological thriller set in a remote mountain lodge. When a new caretaker starts the job, strange events and hidden secrets begin to surface, blurring the line between reality and paranoia. Marcus Kliewer builds suspense and atmosphere, making this a gripping and unpredictable read.

3 – Wolf Worm by T. Kingfisher (release March 24, 2026)

Wolf Worm takes readers to a rural town haunted by the legend of the Wolf Worm. As an old evil returns, a few locals must uncover the truth behind the curse before it’s too late. T. Kingfisher mixes folk horror and suspense, creating a spooky story full of twists that stays with you after you finish.

4 – Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker (release April 21, 2026)

Japanese Gothic blends centuries-old folklore with modern ghost story elements. Japanese Gothic combines old folklore with modern ghost story themes. After years away, a young woman returns to her remote village and must face ancestral spirits and family secrets. Kylie Lee Baker creates a chilling, atmospheric story about grief, heritage, and the line between the living and the dead.

5 –Neptune’s Fortune: The Billion-Dollar Shipwreck and the Ghosts of the Spanish Empire by Julian Sancton (release date January 27, 2026)

Roger Dooley came across the story of the San José, an eighteenth-century treasure galleon lost off Cartagena after a savage battle with British warships. Intended for Spain, the ship and its New World riches sank below the waves, its location forgotten. Dooley’s tireless quest for the San José spanned four decades. Competing with renowned treasure hunters, he focused on a stretch of sea that might hold the lost ship—or nothing at all.

6 – The Midnight Train by Matt Haig (release May 26, 2026)

The Midnight Train follows a man who, at a low point in his life, finds himself on a mysterious train in which every passenger carries their personal burdens and hopes. Matt Haig brings his signature sympathy and optimism to a story about second chances, self-discovery, and the healing power of unlikely connections. This is a moving novel about finding hope in unforeseen locations.

7 – Ghost Town by Tom Perrotta (release April 28, 2026)

Ghost Town offers a biting look at suburbia as a once-peaceful neighborhood is rocked by a scandal. Tom Perrotta unravels the tangled lives of the community’s residents, exposing hidden fears, ambitions, and prejudices. With biting wit and acute social commentary, Perrotta depicts a striking portrait of modern American life and its difficulties.

8 – Whistler by Ann Patchett (release June 2, 2026)

Whistler is a heartfelt examination of friendship and forgiveness, set in a scenic mountain town. When childhood friends reunite after years apart, unresolved conflicts and long-held secrets boil to the surface. Ann Patchett brings her trademark insight and warmth to a story about memory, belonging, and the ties that mold our lives.

9 – Vigil by George Saunders (release January 27, 2026)

Vigil is a sharply observed novel set in a small town on the brink of upheaval. As the community braces for a major event, George Saunders creates a story full of wit and humanity, exploring how ordinary people navigate hope, uncertainty, and the need for connection. It’s a thoughtful meditation on compassion and strength amid change.

10 – Kin by Tayri Jones (release date February 24, 2026)

Kin is a sweeping family story from Tayri Jones, following the connected lives of relatives over many years. Through different points of view, the novel explores the pain and bonds that arise from love, betrayal, and forgiveness. Jones’s detailed and sensitive writing makes this a powerful story about the strength and complexity of family ties.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2026?