A brand-new reading year is here, and 2026 is poised to be brilliant for book lovers. From blockbuster thrillers to sweeping historical fiction, genre-bending fantasy to deeply moving literary works, this year’s releases offer something for every kind of reader.
Here are 15 standout releases ORL staff can’t stop talking about. They’re ideal for sharing with fellow readers, adding to your book club’s 2026 reading list, or lining up your own can’t-wait-to-read picks.
Please note: Some titles are not yet available in the ORL catalogue. Check back often to see when they become available, and click on the author’s name below to see previously published titles.
- Vigil – George Saunders
A major new novel from the Booker Prize–winning author of Lincoln in the Bardo, blending wit, imagination, and big questions about life’s final moments. A must-read for literary fiction fans. Publication date: January 2026.
- The Midnight Train – Matt Haig
A companion to The Midnight Library, this reflective time-travel story explores memory, regret, and what we’d do differently if we could revisit the past. Publication date: May 2026.
A gripping, emotionally charged story of two teens who take refuge in the raw world of rock climbing. Sharp, intense, and quietly hopeful.
- Nine Goblins – T. Kingfisher
A delightfully chaotic low-fantasy adventure brimming with humour, warmth, and mischief. A great pick for readers who enjoy magical escapism without the angst. Publication date: January 2026.
- Kokun: The Girl from the West – Nahoko Uehashi
This sweeping YA fantasy mixes environmental magic, political tension, and vivid worldbuilding. Ideal for teens and crossover readers alike. Publication date: January 2026.
- Keeper of Lost Children – Sadeqa Johnson
From the bestselling author of The House of Eve comes a historical novel weaving together three unforgettable stories across WWII-era Germany and the United States. Publication date: 26 February 2026.
- Dandelion Is Dead – Rosie Storey
A tender, introspective novel about grief, love, and rebuilding a life in the wake of loss. Storey brings quiet emotional nuance to every page.
- Leave Your Mess at Home – Tolani Akinola
A lively, heartfelt family drama following the Longe siblings as they confront secrets, love, and identity during an unforgettable holiday gathering. Publication date: April 2026.
- Crash Into Me – Robinne Lee
The highly anticipated follow-up to The Idea of You, exploring marriage, desire, and the realization that even perfect lives can crack open unexpectedly. Publication date: July 2026.
Set in nineteenth-century Tibet, this atmospheric historical novel follows two outsiders navigating political intrigue and spiritual mystery. Publication date: January 2026.
- The First Time I Saw Him – Laura Dave
A return to the world of The Last Thing He Told Me, this sequel places Hannah and Bailey back in danger when Owen resurfaces with new secrets. Publication date: January 2026.
- Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel – Lucy Foley
A fresh Miss Marple mystery from a beloved contemporary thriller author—complete with glamour, sharp clues, and a very satisfying locked-room setting. Publication date: September 2026.
- Once and Again – Rebecca Serle
Serle blends romance and magical realism in this story about family, choice, and the possibility of re-shaping the past. Publication date: March 2026.
- Graceless Heart – Isabel Ibañez
A sumptuous romantasy debut for adult readers, filled with courtly intrigue, epic stakes, and lush romantic tension. Publication date: January 2026.
- Twelve Months (Dresden Files #18) – Jim Butcher
Urban fantasy fans will be thrilled to see Harry Dresden return in a fast-paced, emotional new instalment of this long-running, much-loved series. Publication date: January 2026.
Whether you love page-turning suspense, thoughtful character-driven stories, or fantastical worlds, 2026 will be a remarkable reading season. Place your holds early…the year’s most exciting books won’t stay on the shelves for long.
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