The best books of 2026

This list is part of the best books of 2026.

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My favorite read in 2026

Guilty by Definition

By Susie Dent ,

Book cover of Guilty by Definition

Kerry Schafer ❤️ loved this book because...

I adored everything about this book. The mystery centers around a group of people responsible for tracking the origins and usage of words. So right off the top, for a word lover, we've got these fabulous old words, with all of their nuances and origins. The characters themselves are quirky and fun. The mystery is twisty and literary, and includes secret coded messages. For a mystery loving word nerd like me, it was heaven. Read it on ebook and bought a copy for the shelf.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Immersion 🥈 Originality

  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it

  • Pace

    🐇 I couldn't put it down
Guilty by Definition

By Susie Dent ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Guilty by Definition as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER!'KEPT ME READING EAGERLY'Philip Pullman. 'HUGE FUN AND, AS YOU'D EXPECT, ALSO BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN'Gyles Brandreth. 'QUITE SIMPLY ONE OF THE FINEST MYSTERIES I HAVE EVER READ'Rob Rinder . 'A TANTALISING MYSTERY FOR WORD SLEUTHS AND CRIME FANS ALIKE'Janice Hallett, Sunday Times bestselling author of The AppealGuilty by Definition is a love letter not only to language but to the city of Oxford, wrapped within an intriguing mystery of a missing woman and considering the emotional aftershocks of her disappearance on those left behind.. She'd known there would be ghosts in Oxford. Martha wasn't afraid of any…

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My 2nd favorite read in 2026

Murder Your Darlings

By Jenna Blum ,

Book cover of Murder Your Darlings

Kerry Schafer ❤️ loved this book because...

This book, this book, this book! Blum has oh-so-cleverly and audaciously subverted tropes from mystery, romcom, thriller and literary genres all in one plot—and it absolutely works! The instant I began reading I fell down a rabbit hole of suspense and delight, alternately laughing very literally out loud, shedding tears, and internally shouting warnings and other running commentary at the characters. “NO, SAM NO! DON’T DO IT. DON’T GO THERE...” to the background sound effect of shrieking violins. Or, “Oh, Rabbit, what are you UP to?” There are some special moments especially resonant for writers—no matter where you are in your publishing life you’re bound to recognize yourself in there somewhere. The ending was eminently satisfying and left me with a serious book hangover and the wish that I could read the book for the first time all over again. All the stars! Loved it.

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Originality 🥈 Character(s)

  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it

  • Pace

    🐇 I couldn't put it down
Murder Your Darlings

By Jenna Blum ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Murder Your Darlings as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“Bestseller Blum’s diabolically clever first thriller is literally fireworks on the page. . . . Catnip for readers and essential for anyone who’s ever gleefully fantasized about revenge. To say I adored this would be an understatement.”—Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of Pictures of You and Days of Wonder

Known for such brilliant historical novels as Those Who Save Us and The Lost Family, A Mighty Blaze cofounder and New York Times bestselling author Jenna Blum now offers a contemporary, suspenseful novel about love, loss, and revenge in the world of books.

Simone “Sam” Vetiver is a mid-career…

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My 3rd favorite read in 2026

Killer Vibes

By Jack Friday ,

Book cover of Killer Vibes

Kerry Schafer ❤️ loved this book because...

One of my favorite reads this year, and Peter Key is my new favorite reluctant hero. Funny, irreverent and fun -- with a complex mystery to solve and enough danger and risk for our hero to keep the pages rapidly turning. Can't wait for all of my mystery loving friends to read it. Book Two will be an auto buy for me! (Not for you if you object to weed smoking and a MC with a "flexible libido".)

  • Loved Most

    🥇 Character(s) 🥈 Originality

  • Writing style

    ❤️ Loved it

  • Pace

    🐇 I couldn't put it down
Killer Vibes

By Jack Friday ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Killer Vibes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A wild and wickedly funny series debut, introducing readers to the irresistible and irrepressible private investigator, Peter Key.

One of 2026's Best-Reviewed Mysteries

"Everything you want in a great mystery."―Steven Rowley

"Peter Key is my new favorite amateur sleuth."―Elle Cosimano

"Jack Friday is sharp, inventive, and funny as hell."―Robert Crais

Meet Peter Key: self-proclaimed “laziest private investigator in Texas” (it’s harder than it looks), unapologetic bisexual, dedicated stoner, and the surprised recipient of a windfall inheritance from an uncle he barely knew. Peter’s life was a mess before, but now― as the owner of a dilapidated house in one…

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Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Party Planning Can Be Murder

By Kerry Anne King , Kerry Schafer ,

Book cover of Party Planning Can Be Murder

What is my book about?

Murder, media, mayhem—and maybe love—await in this witty small-town mystery, perfect for fans of Stephanie Plum and Finlay Donovan.

Despite a few harrowing incidents with nervy Bridezillas, Addy Winters’ small town party planning business has been 100% murder free—until now. Everything changes when her former classmate, now a legendary rockstar, comes home to Fox Valley to die.

Leno Masterson's dying wish is a star-studded 'after-I'm-dead' extravaganza in place of a funeral, and who better to plan it than his old friend Addy? But when he turns up dead four days earlier than the date-with-death he's circled on his calendar, Addy suspects that somebody helped him along. Sure, he left a melodramatic goodbye letter and his right-to-die paperwork is all in order, but something feels wrong.

With a flair for events and a knack for nosing into trouble, Addy’s on the case, dragging her family, friends, and Leno’s older brother along with her. She’s woefully unprepared for the inevitable media onslaught and the secrets her nearest and dearest are hiding, but nothing is going to stop her from getting justice for Leno— and throwing a killer party while she’s at it.

Book cover of Guilty by Definition
Book cover of Murder Your Darlings
Book cover of Killer Vibes

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