Whether you’re looking to recapture your love of reading or just hoping to pick up more books, there are plenty of exciting releases lined up for 2026.
With highly anticipated releases including The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke – which has gained the approval of authors such as Stephen King – and Booker Prize winner Douglas Stuart’s upcoming novel John of John, this could be the year that you discover your new favourite book.
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Perhaps instead of a new book, you will uncover a new favourite author. There are a number of exciting debuts novels due out this year, including A Bad, Bad Place from Glasgow author Frances Crawford as well as Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash, which has been praised by The Scotsman’s own Stuart Kelly.
READ MORE Stuart Kelly: 'These are the books I'm looking forward to reading (and re-reading) in 2026'
It could even be that you’re eagerly awaiting the latest instalment of your favourite series, with follow ups coming from authors including Ali Smith. There’s also the upcoming release of The Ballad Of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker to look forward to, with the novel marking the highly anticipated sequel to her hugely popular romantasy book When The Moon Hatched.
Regardless of your preferences, there is sure to be something for everyone in this list of 27 of the most exciting books coming out in 2026.
1. The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke
A collaboration between authors VE Schwab and Cat Clarke, The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clark is one of the year's mostly highly anticipated novels. Already having gained the approval of Stephen King, the book is a reimagining of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Set on a Scottish island it follows six struggling authors competing to finish the final book by the recently-deceased world-famous author Arthur Fletch. — Out April 7 | HQ
2. A Bad, Bad Place by Frances Crawford
Described by Val McDermid as "clever, honest, heart-rending", A Bad, Bad Place is the debut novel of Glasgow author Frances Crawford. The mystery is set in 1979 in Crawford's home city, where 12-year-old Janey discovers a dead body while out walking her dog. — Out February 12 | Bantam / Penguin
3. Boyhood by David Keenan
Also with famous fans is David Keenan's Boyhood, which has been praised as a "complete triumph" by Irvine Welsh. Opening in Glasgow, 1979 when a young boy is abducted, the book follows the journey of his brother Aaron Murray, who has been granted messianic powers, which could be real or imagined. — Out April 9 | White Rabbit
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4. Vigil by George Saunders
From Booker Prize winning author George Saunders, Vigil takes place from the bedside of an oil company's CEO as he is ferried from one life into the next. Confronting some of the world's biggest issues with humour and warmth, this novel covers life and death, good and evil and beyond. — Out January 27 | Bloomsbury