36 Brand-New June 2026 Books to Read

Death on the Lanai by Rachel Ekstrom Courage

Another fun addition for cozy mystery fans! In the latest installment of the Golden Girls cozy mystery series, a glamorous island party quickly turns deadly when the host is found murdered after a storm traps everyone on the estate. With Blanche suddenly at the centre of suspicion, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia must piece together the truth before things spiral further—this one is perfect for fans of classic characters and a locked-room mystery.

Land by Maggie O’Farrell

From the author of Hamnet, this sweeping historical novel follows a father and son as they map post-Famine Ireland—a task that becomes far more personal than either expected. When a strange encounter alters Tomás in ways his young son can’t understand, their journey becomes something far deeper than a survey of the land. It promises to be rich, atmospheric and reflective as it explores history, loss and stories that linger.

Missing in Soho by Holly Stars

How fun does this book look? Misty Divine is settling into life at Lady’s Bar when a dying private detective crashes into her world with a chilling warning. What follows is a chaotic, high-stakes investigation filled with shady characters, missing people, and threats to the club she loves. As part of the Misty Divine Mystery series, the stakes are higher than ever—perfect for fans of glamorous, fast-paced mysteries with plenty of personality.

Muñeca by Cynthia Gómez

Set in 1960s Oakland, this haunting debut follows a working-class witch who takes a job caring for a cursed heiress, only to discover the magic at play is darker than she imagined. As the two grow closer, unravelling the truth behind the spell forces her to confront her own past and her powers, which are spiralling out of control. Muñeca blends gothic horror with a queer love story that will definitely linger with you!

The Chateau on Sunset by Natasha Lester

From the author of The Paris Seamstress, this feminist reimagining of Jane Eyre follows a young woman growing up inside the glamorous and shadowy world of the Chateau Marmont. When she becomes a tutor to a mysterious rockstar’s daughter, she’s drawn into a relationship that challenges everything she thought she wanted. Rich in old-Hollywood atmosphere, this one is perfect if you love historical stories with romance and a touch of intrigue.

The Disaster Gay Detective Agency by Lev AC Rosen

When Brandon tries to track down the charming stranger who ghosted him after a one-night connection, he instead stumbles into a murder investigation. Alongside his chaotic group of friends, he’s pulled into a fast-paced mystery filled with danger, secrets, and plenty of humour. If you love messy characters and sharp, funny thrillers, this one sounds like a lot of fun!

The Queen’s Coronation by Jennifer Ryan

If you enjoy character-driven historical fiction with strong female friendships, you’ll want to try The Queen’s Coronation. Set in the lead-up to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, this heartwarming novel follows three women working behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace as they navigate love, ambition, and independence. As their lives intersect, each is forced to confront what she truly wants in a world that isn’t quite ready for change.

The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden

From the author of The Bear and the Nightingale, this historical fantasy reimagines the story of Anne of Brittany as she fights to protect her throne from conquest. A secret marriage, hidden in an enchanted forest, sets off a chain of events that could change everything she’s trying to save. I already know it will be rich in magic, political intrigue and high stakes—something Katherine Arden excels at.

The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin

The Windsor Affair is a historical novel that dives into the scandal of King Edward VIII’s abdication through the eyes of two very different women—Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon and Wallis Simpson. As their rivalry unfolds against a backdrop of power, politics, and public scrutiny, the story reveals the personal cost behind one of history’s most infamous royal dramas. I’m so intrigued by this one!

Valley of the Moms by Hannah Selinger

With Stepford Wives meets Big Little Lies vibes, this twisty thriller pulls back the curtain on wealth, secrets and the dark side of small-town life. In a seemingly perfect suburban town, a heated dispute over school politics spirals into something far more sinister. When Anna is later found dead, her husband becomes determined to uncover what really happened—especially as suspicion turns toward him.

Whistler by Ann Patchett

When a chance encounter at the Metropolitan Museum of Art reunites Daphne with a man from her childhood, long-buried memories and emotions come rushing back. As they reflect on the moments that shaped their lives, their connection proves just as powerful decades later. Quiet and deeply moving, Whistler is a reflective novel about memory, love, and the lasting impact of being truly seen.

Brighter Than Before by Courtney Walsh

If you’re looking for a feel-good second-chance love story that’s warm, uplifting, and full of heart, you’ll want to pick up Brighter Than Before. After her seemingly perfect life falls apart, Claire makes a bold decision to start over in Chicago—with a list of goals to help her rebuild from scratch. As she forms new friendships, rediscovering old passions and stepping back into the dating world, she begins to realize this fresh start might be exactly what she needs.

Harvest Season by Brynne Weaver

The second book in the Seasons of Carnage trilogy, Harvest Season, blends dark romance, suspense, and twisted humour for an addictive read. Secrets are piling up fast in Cape Carnage, and Nolan is finding it harder than ever to tell truth from lies. As Harper’s past comes to light and loyalties fracture, their connection becomes as dangerous as the chaos surrounding them.

Inkpot Gods by Seanan McGuire

Returning to the world of Middlegame, this latest installment in the Alchemical Journeys series explores the lingering consequences of a powerful alchemist’s legacy. As her creations face a reality unravelling into chaos, they must confront the sins of the past before everything collapses. Complex and imaginative, this installment is perfect for readers already invested in the series and its intricate, high-stakes worldbuilding.

Off the Record by Sara Goodman Confino

Set during the Cold War, this witty rom-com follows an aspiring reporter who stumbles into a potential spy scandal that could change everything. As she teams up with a charming colleague and fake boyfriend, their investigation pulls them into a world of secrets, danger, and unexpected romance. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced story with historical intrigue and plenty of banter.

The Missed Connection by Tia Williams

When a missed connection on a flight to Paris leaves Sasha convinced she’s lost her chance at love, an accidental company-wide email launches an international search for the mysterious “Seat F.” But as she chases the fantasy of the perfect stranger, a familiar detective from her past begins to complicate everything. This romantic and glamorous story is filled with chemistry, humour, and plenty of swoony moments.

The Summer Girlfriend by Kristina Forest

Noelle agrees to pose as Jeremiah’s girlfriend for the summer in exchange for tuition money, expecting an easy arrangement with clear boundaries. But between beach days, family gatherings, and undeniable chemistry, their fake relationship starts to feel a little too real. If you love fake-dating romances with lots of heart, this summer story is a fun escape. It truly sounds like the perfect summer read!

White Lights by Lauren Kate

From the author of the Fallen series comes a dark, seductive romantasy set in a mysterious film school where nothing is quite what it seems. As Dez is pulled into a world of power, secrets, and otherworldly danger, she realizes the stakes are far greater than just her future. White Lights blends intrigue, ambition and a seriously addictive edge.

You First by Caroline Kepnes

This chilling prequel explores how Joe Goldberg became the man readers (and viewers) know so well. At seventeen, he’s working in a bookstore, searching for love—and already blurring the line between romance and obsession. For fans of the You series, this dark, addictive story offers a deeper look into Joe’s origins and the choices that shaped him.

You Won’t Forget Me by Mazey Eddings

After a messy breakup sends her band into chaos, Cubby is left to navigate public heartbreak, sudden fame, and mounting tension with her best friend and bandmate, Darcy. What starts as an impulsive hook-up quickly turns into feelings neither can ignore. This sapphic romance is perfect for readers who love messy emotions, music-industry drama, and friends-to-lovers stories.

Murder at the Spirit Lounge by Jess Kidd

Nora Breen is back, and this time she’s investigating a series of eerie deaths tied to a séance gone terribly wrong. As the victims fall one by one, Nora must determine whether something supernatural is at play or if there’s a very real killer behind it all. The second in the Nora Breen Investigates series, this is perfect for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy a spooky twist!

Romantic Hero by Kirsty Greenwood

I can’t wait to pick this up! A romance author, struggling with heartbreak and writer’s block, gets the shock of her life when the villain from her unfinished novel shows up in her living room. As they strike a deal to help each other get what they want, she begins to see him and her story in a whole new light. From the author of The Love of My Afterlife, this playful romance is perfect for fans of magical twists and unexpected love stories.

The Butler by Clare Mackintosh

Set in a glamorous French villa, this twisty mystery follows a seasoned butler who suddenly finds himself at the centre of a deadly scandal. As tensions mount among a carefully curated group of guests, a body in the pool turns a luxurious getaway into a dangerous investigation. Perfect for fans of locked-room mysteries with sharp characters and the right amount of drama.

The Lake Club by Lina Patton

Set in a wealthy lakeside community full of gossip and secrets, this debut follows two women whose obsession with the same charming male nanny sends the summer spiralling out of control. As old scandals resurface and tensions mount at the country club, the town’s polished facade begins to crack. Perfect for fans of messy, drama-filled beach reads with a touch of Big Little Lies energy.

The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston

I’m so excited to read this one! When Sophie takes a summer job restoring the gardens of a charming coastal estate, she expects a fresh start—not a mysterious door that leads to a hidden garden where a man is trapped. As strange events unfold around the property, she’s drawn deeper into the magic and the people who call Lilymoor home. Like The Seven Year Slip, this enchanting story is perfect for readers who love whimsical romance with a touch of mystery.

Wildflower by Becky Jenkinson

Wildflower is a cozy fantasy debut for readers looking for a magical, slow-burn romance with a touch of intrigue. Cursed to always tell the truth, a careful florist is drawn into danger when a mysterious request sends her deep into the kingdom’s wild woods. As she teams up with a brooding outcast sorcerer, what begins as a simple quest quickly becomes something much bigger—and far more dangerous.

A Pair of Aces by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murphy

Set in 1930s New York, A Pair of Aces follows a determined prosecutor and a powerful madam as they form an unlikely alliance to take down a notorious mob boss. As they risk everything to build their case, their partnership challenges the boundaries of class, power, and justice. From the authors of The Personal Librarian, this is perfect for readers who love bold, character-driven stories rooted in real events.

In Every Possible Way by Alicia Thompson

After visiting Ireland last year, I’m always excited to pick up books set there! After a disastrous date takes an even worse turn, Jess wakes up in Ireland with no explanation—and no way home. With the help of a gruff but kind mechanic, she’s swept into a whirlwind forty-eight hours filled with connection, vulnerability, and a touch of magic. I think this is going to be such a whimsical romance!

It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell

Lisa Jewell’s latest thriller is perfect for fans of slow-burn suspense and dark twists. When a missing girl’s dog leads Jane to a crumbling London house tied to her past, she’s forced to confront secrets she thought were long buried. As memories resurface and the mystery deepens, it becomes clear that this house holds more than answers—it holds danger.

Nine Lives by Catherine Steadman

After a fresh start in a glamorous London neighbourhood, Frankie’s quiet new life is shaken when her cat returns home with a chilling message. What begins as curiosity about her neighbours quickly turns dangerous as she uncovers secrets someone is desperate to keep hidden. This twisty psychological thriller is perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train and The Woman in the Window.

Reasons to be Loved by You by Hannah Brown

I’m so excited for Hannah Brown’s next romance! Heading home for a quiet summer, Nikki instead finds herself face-to-face with her past when her brother announces he’s marrying the woman tied to her very public heartbreak. Teaming up with the bride’s brother, she sets out to stop the wedding—but their plan quickly gets complicated. If you enjoyed Funny Story and One Golden Summer, I think you’ll love this lakeside romance, filled with banter, messy family drama, and unexpected romance.

Retro by Jessica M. Goldstein

Desperate for a fresh start, Ash lands a job guiding wealthy clients on time-travel vacations—escaping into the past as her real life falls apart. But as her assignments grow stranger and her memories begin to shift, she realizes these trips may be changing more than her perspective. Retro is a speculative story with romance and a touch of chaos, perfect for a fun and thought-provoking read.

When You Loved Me by Beatriz Williams

If you’re looking for a dual-timeline story with romance, mystery and a touch of historical intrigue, pick up When You Loved Me. Returning to her family’s crumbling New England estate, Lucy is forced to confront her past and the secrets her late father left behind. As she uncovers a centuries-old pirate legend tied to the property, her search for answers becomes far more dangerous and deeply personal.

The Au Pair by Teddy Wayne

When a struggling novelist becomes entangled with his family’s young au pair, what begins as admiration quickly spirals into obsession and scandal. As the fallout unfolds in the public eye, the truth about their relationship grows harder to untangle. The Au Pair is a literary thriller perfect for readers who love stories about ambition, desire, and unravelled lives.

The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson

From the author of Pineapple Street, you won’t want to miss this juicy novel about messy friendships, complicated love lives, and coastal drama. When an ambitious newcomer joins a tight-knit seaside friend group, long-buried tensions, messy relationships, and old loyalties begin to crack. What starts as a summer romance soon spirals into heartbreak, scandal, and secrets that threaten to upend the entire town.

Witch Season by Julia Bianco

If you’re looking for a little witchy fix this summer, don’t miss this contemporary fantasy featuring an enemies-to-lovers romance and high-stakes magic! Katherine is used to enforcing her coven’s rules—until a rival heir arrives and challenges everything she stands for. As tensions rise and a dangerous new threat emerges, she’s forced into an uneasy alliance that sparks more than conflict.