August 2026 Most Anticipated

August is bringing the heat in more ways than one and my TBR is looking absolutely unhinged this month. I feel like every time I think the year can’t get any better for new releases, another month proves me wrong. August has a really strong mix of thrillers, mysteries, horror, and a few books that are just completely uncategorizable in the best way. I’ve already read and reviewed two of these which means I’m ahead for once, and a few others I’m going in completely blind on because the premise alone sold me. There are also a ton of my favorite authors with books coming out so narrowing down my most anticipated was crazy hard. But here are my twelve most anticipated reads for August 2026.

I’ve rounded up the new releases I’m most excited about and trust me, your TBR is about to get dangerously tall. Let’s dive into the books I’ll be obsessing over, preordering, and not-so-patiently waiting to binge the second they hit shelves.

I’ve done something new this month! I’ve added my Most Anticipated to my Amazon Storefront. You’ll now be able to easily check out my lists directly within Amazon. I’m going to attempt to do the same in my Bookshop Storefront – so if you prefer to support local bookshops that is also available.

Amazon Storefront | Bookshop

Top 12

My top twelve this month is thriller and mystery heavy and I’m not mad about it. The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian is one of my most anticipated of the entire year: a golf prodigy accidentally kills a caddy with a stray ball at an elite country club and the investigation unravels a dark web of secret affairs, predatory men, and class divides. It’s being called a masterpiece and his first courtroom drama since Midwives. They Say a Girl Died Here by Sarah Pinborough has been on my radar for months because Pinborough always delivers something twisted and unsettling. The Silent Appeal by Janice Hallett is another one I’m excited about. Hallett’s format-driven mysteries are so unique and I love how she structures her books. The Secrets We Hide by Karin Slaughter is an automatic yes because Slaughter never misses.

I’ve already read and reviewed The Women in White by Sarah Pekkanen and Brimstone Hollow by Archer Sullivan (both reviews are up on the blog so check those out if they’re on your radar). I’ve also read Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier and loved it, review coming soon. Stay Buried by Jennifer McMahon sounds perfectly creepy and atmospheric which is exactly what I want heading into late summer, and The Whitechapel Full Moon Society by Elizabeth DeLozier has me so curious and that title alone has me hooked.

Rounding out the list, When Lemons Give You Life by Anna Johnston sounds like a fun and uplifting read I’ll need to balance out all the dark stuff this month. Mostly Human Resources by Grace Viall is one of my blind picks that I’m going in knowing almost nothing about, and The Calamities by Chuck Wendig closes out the month as another genre-bending wildcard I can’t wait to get into. August is absolutely stacked.

The Silent Appeal: A Novel (The Appeal Series)

The Secrets We Hide (A North Falls Thriller Book 2)

The Whitechapel Full Moon Society: A Novel

I’ve been super lucky to receive lots of advanced copies and have reviews up already for The Women in White, Brimstone Hollow, and Heart of Glass. The other’s I’ll be making my way through soon so be sure to check back for full reviews!

Women in White review

Brimstone Hollow Review

Heart of Glass Review

The Unknown reivew

Lost and Found reivew

Stay Buried reivew

The Secrets We Hide reivew

They Say a girl died here reivew

As always, I’ve provided links for each of the books below. If something catches your attention be sure to click the image for more information and the synopsis. These are just some of the upcoming July releases that I’m excited for. If you keep scrolling, there are so many other amazing books coming out soon. Be sure to subscribe to get weekly updates from SPEAKING OF…, and make sure to follow on Instagram @speakingof_books and TikTok @speakingof.books for reviews of all books I’m reading and other recommendation lists!

If you’re looking for something in particular to read, feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram @speakingof.books , and I’d be happy to help out!