From sweeping historical fiction to gripping thrillers and thought-provoking literary fiction, the second half of 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic few months for readers.
One of my favourite things about looking ahead to a new publishing season is seeing which authors are returning with long-awaited novels and discovering exciting new books that have already started generating plenty of buzz. Whether you’re planning your autumn TBR or deciding which pre-orders are worth placing, there’s certainly no shortage of tempting titles arriving between July and December.
As always, my reading tastes lean towards literary fiction, historical fiction and intelligent thrillers, so that’s exactly what you’ll find here.
Let’s dive into my ten most-anticipated UK releases for the rest of 2026.
The Silent Appeal – Janice Hallett
Janice Hallett has carved out a unique niche in contemporary crime fiction with her inventive, puzzle-like mysteries, and every new release feels like an event. Best known for The Appeal, The Twyford Code and The Examiner, she has a knack for telling stories through emails, text messages and other documents, inviting readers to piece together the mystery themselves.
The Silent Appeal sees Hallett return to the world of The Appeal, revisiting the Fairway Players and promising another cleverly constructed mystery packed with secrets, misdirection and the twists she’s become famous for. If her previous novels are anything to go by, this is one that will have readers frantically turning pages while constantly second-guessing their theories.
Kin – Tayari Jones
Few authors write family relationships with as much emotional intelligence as Tayari Jones. Following the enormous success of An American Marriage, her new novel explores the ties that bind families together—and the secrets that threaten to pull them apart. I expect this to be one of the literary highlights of the autumn.
Farewell to Eden – Sebastian Faulks
Whenever Sebastian Faulks releases a new novel, it immediately earns a place on my wish list. His historical fiction is consistently rich, immersive and beautifully written, and this latest novel looks set to continue that tradition.
The Newer World – Sebastian Barry
Sebastian Barry has an extraordinary gift for creating characters who stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. His lyrical prose and emotionally resonant storytelling make every new release an event, and The Newer World is no exception.
John of John – Douglas Stuart
After the success of Shuggie Bain and Young Mungo, expectations couldn’t be much higher for Douglas Stuart’s latest novel. Set in the Hebrides, it promises another deeply moving exploration of family, identity and belonging. I suspect this could be a serious awards contender.
It Could Have Been Her – Lisa Jewell
Lisa Jewell has become one of the queens of the psychological thriller, and her latest novel sounds deliciously unsettling. A woman returns to the place where she narrowly escaped danger decades earlier, only to find herself drawn into another disappearance. Count me in.
Hollow Bones – Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult has built a career around asking difficult moral questions while telling compelling stories, and Hollow Bones sounds no different. Blending family drama with suspense, it’s sure to spark plenty of discussion among book clubs and readers alike.
Agrippa – Robert Harris
Robert Harris returning to Ancient Rome? That was enough to sell me before I’d even read the synopsis. Focusing on Marcus Agrippa, one of Rome’s greatest military commanders, this promises Harris’s trademark combination of meticulous research and page-turning storytelling.
Historical fiction fans should probably clear a space on their bookshelves now.
Our Noble Selves – Kate Atkinson
This is one book I don’t have to speculate about because I’ve already had the pleasure of reading it—and I absolutely loved it.
Set against the backdrop of the 1951 Festival of Britain, Our Noble Selves follows war correspondent Harry Flynn as he attempts to rebuild his life after the Second World War, only to find himself caught up in a mystery involving a missing woman. As always with Kate Atkinson, the plot is only part of the story. What really shines is her ability to bring post-war Britain to life through unforgettable characters, sharp humour and beautifully observed details.
For me, this was one of those novels that effortlessly combines literary fiction, historical fiction and mystery, and I finished it convinced that it’s among Atkinson’s very best. If you’re a fan of richly atmospheric historical novels with memorable characters, I’d strongly recommend adding this to your autumn reading list.
I’ve written a full review, which you can read here:
Our Noble Selves by Kate Atkinson review – A brilliant novel about the Festival of Britain
Land – Maggie O’Farrell
Topping my list is Maggie O’Farrell’s first novel since The Marriage Portrait. Set in Ireland before and after the Great Famine, Land promises the lyrical writing, emotional depth and unforgettable characters that have made O’Farrell one of the finest novelists writing today.
This is undoubtedly my most anticipated book of the second half of 2026, and I’d be very surprised if it doesn’t feature prominently in next year’s literary prize conversations.
There are plenty of other exciting releases arriving later this year, but these are the ten that have me reaching for my pre-order button. From literary fiction and historical epics to psychological thrillers, there’s something here for almost every reader.
I’d love to hear from you. Which forthcoming 2026 release are you most excited about? Is there a book you’d add to this list?
