Your 2026 top book picks
Everyone’s craving thrillers again. Coincidence? I don’t think so. We’re fully leaning into stories packed with suspicious friendships, locked-room chaos, buried secrets, and detectives who desperately need a holiday. Meanwhile, romantasy continues its unstoppable reign.
What makes this year’s picks so fun is the variety. One minute you’re trapped on a luxury island with billionaires turning on each other, the next you’re solving murders with a book club or spiralling through conspiracies. There’s cosy crime, dark suspense, emotional fantasy drama, and enough twists to keep everyone entertained.
Borrow these titles and more on the Libby app.
The Pledge
by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett
This feels like the kind of thriller you’ll gladly cancel plans for. Private island. Billionaires. Someone dead before breakfast. Thea has no idea why she was invited, and honestly, neither does anyone else.
What Happened that Night
by Nicci French
The tension? Deliciously uncomfortable. A convicted killer reunites with old university friends and then another body appears. Nicci French really knows how to make everyone feel suspicious.
The Dark Heart
by Neil Lancaster
An explosion in York uncovers something far darker than terrorism. There are conspiracies, brutal murders, and a shadowy figure called "The Cashier" lurking in the background.
The Wings That Bind
by Briar Boleyn
Romantasy readers… you already know the drill. Dragons are awake, Bloodwing Academy is in chaos, and betrayal is basically a school subject. This series thrives on emotional damage and dramatic reveals.
Sacrifice
by Lynda La Plante
Art fraud and murder is such a wildly entertaining combination. No? Detective Jack Warr heads to Sicily chasing a suspected forgery and things spiral fast.
Watch Them Fall
by Marion Todd
A body pulled from St Andrews harbour kicks off a gripping investigation. Behind the postcard-perfect setting are dodgy business deals and plenty of resentment.
It's Not What You Think
by Clare Mackintosh
You think it’s about catching a cheating husband. Then suddenly there’s a crime scene. It's the kind of read that pulls the rug from under you.
Murderous billionaires, dragons with attitude, suspicious ex-friends, and enough secrets to fuel several group chats. These picks really do have a bit of everything. After you've read them, share them with a friend!
*Title availability may vary.
Published May 07, 2026
Last Updated May 08, 2026
Kiki Faison
Kiki Faison has dreamed of being a writer for as long as she can remember, and today she’s living that dream. When she's not working or volunteering locally, she enjoys exploring nature with her daughter and pup, getting lost in suspense novels, and hunting for treasures while thrifting.