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.
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13. Jean by Madeleine Dunnigan
It is shaping up to be an exciting year for debut novels, with Jean by Madeleine Dunnigan among those drumming up support. Having received praise from the likes of Booker nominee Katie Kitamura, who describes the book as "exquisite", its story begins in 1976 with teenagers Jean and Tom. Set in a boarding school for boys, their connection deepens - as does the risk to the pair. — Out February 12 | Daunt Books
14. Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
A book you are sure to see everywhere in 2026 is Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, which already has a film adaptation starring Anne Hathaway on the horizon. This thriller taps into the online subculture of "trad wives"; women who promote traditional gender roles and essentially embrace life as a stay-at-home wife. The book follows protagonist Natalie Heller Mills as her perfect life - which she carefully curates by excluding the nannies and producers hard at work behind the scenes - begins to unravel. — Out April 9 | Fourth Estate
15. What Am I, a Deer? by Polly Barton
As promised, author and translator Polly Barton is set to release her debut novel in April. Titled What Am I, a Deer?, the book is well worth adding to your list of books to read this year. Exploring themes of romance, authenticity and fantasy, it follows a young woman who takes a role at a games company in Frankfurt - despite her overall lake of interest in gaming. After meeting an attractive stranger and beginning a year-long whirlwind of infatuation, covering the many paradoxes of modern life. — Out April 9 | Fitzcarraldo
16. Agrippa by Robert Harris
The bestselling author behind books such as Conclave, Munich and Fatherland, Robert Harris is set to release a new novel towards the latter half of 2026. Titled Agrippa, and still without a cover, this historical thriller will follow the life of Emperor Augustus' closest friend as he begins to write his own memoirs about 20 years of ruling at the side of Octavius. — Out August 27 | The Scotsman