Every year, millions of books are released worldwide — far too many to keep track of. Look out for these five books from New York Times bestselling authors hitting bookstores in the first half of next year.

“My Husband’s Wife” by Alice Feeney

Release date: Jan. 20, 2026

The psychological thriller “My Husband’s Wife,” tells the disturbing story of Eden, a rising artist who recently moved to the idyllic village of Hope Falls. Eden comes home only to find that her key doesn’t fit, and her husband is insisting that a mysterious woman, who uncannily resembles Eden, is his wife. The book unfolds a second storyline of a woman named Birdy, who inherited the same home Eden lives in from her long-lost grandmother six months earlier. Birdy, who received a devastating medical diagnosis, comes across an eerie clinic that can predict a person’s exact date of death. After learning hers, Birdy makes choices that set off a chain of events that collide with Eden’s present-day reality, causing a petrifying hunt for the truth. 

“The Astral Library” by Kate Quinn

Release date: Feb. 17, 2026

This fantasy premise is every reader’s dream: A hidden library where readers can be transported into their favorite books. Protagonist Alexandria finds solace from her struggles in the foster care system and her three part-time jobs in a library’s reading room, where she flips through fantasy novels. One day, she stumbles through a door and meets the guardian of the magical, hidden library — but the joy of its secrets are threatened when a shadowy figure seeks to destroy either Alexandria, the guardian or the library itself.    

“And Now, Back to You” by B.K. Borison

Release date: Feb. 24, 2026

B.K Borison returns with another romance, this time inspired by the classic film “When Harry Met Sally.” It centers around competing meteorologists Jackson, who is organized and conscientious, and Delilah, a spontaneous extrovert. Their opposite personalities make them steer clear of each other until they’re forced to partner up to cover the biggest snowstorm of the century. So they strike a deal: Jackson will help Delilah, an aspiring journalist, do well on her assignment if she can help him uncover his adventurous side. Their chemistry-ridden partnership soon blooms into a friendship, but it isn’t long before feelings come into play.

“Last Night in Brooklyn: A Novel” by Xochitl Gonzalez

Release date: April 21, 2026

In spring 2007, 26-year-old Alicia is living at home with her mother and saving up for her future wedding while trapped by her long-distance relationship. She quickly fills that void one night when she visits the neighborhood of Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Alicia quickly becomes captivated — and consumed — by the wealthy lifestyles of its residents, including her cousin and the fashion designer and party animal La Garza.

“Caller Unknown” by Gillian McAllister

Release date: May 5, 2026

McAllister is slated to publish a chilling thriller, “Caller Unknown,” following the release of “Famous Last Words” in February. Simone and her daughter, Lucy, are vacationing in Texas when Simone wakes up to find Lucy missing from their cabin. The kidnapper left behind only two things: Lucy’s phone and a ransom demand. But when Simone arrives at an isolated meeting spot to pay up, she’s shocked to learn that the kidnapper doesn’t want money, they want Simone to do the unthinkable instead.

Contact Leena Ahmed at [email protected].