December 2026 Most Anticipated

How is it possible that we’re already looking at the final book releases of 2026? I swear we were just talking about our most anticipated reads for January, and somehow we’re already heading into December. Between holiday shopping, wrapping up my reading goals, and trying to squeeze in a few more books before the year ends, my TBR should probably be the last thing I’m adding to. But here we are.

December is typically a quieter month in publishing, especially compared to the packed release schedules we’ve seen throughout the year, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some exciting books still heading our way. From twisty mysteries and dark thrillers to contemporary romance, family dramas, and a few unexpected releases, there’s still plenty to look forward to before we officially close the book on 2026.

This month, I’ve narrowed things down to 11 of my most anticipated December releases. Some are from authors I’ve been looking forward to reading again, while others caught my attention with intriguing premises, beautiful covers, or stories that sound just a little different from my usual picks.

And while I’m already looking ahead to all the incredible books coming in 2027, I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to this year’s releases just yet.

So, before we dive headfirst into a brand-new reading year, here are the 10 books I’m most excited about for December 2026!

Rabbit Rabbit: A Novel (Thousand Voices)

Mystery, thriller, and horror readers still have plenty to look forward to this December. The Parkwood Murders by Chris Chibnall immediately caught my attention and is the second in the Detective Nicola Bridge series. Wolf Point by Lisa Howells and Ravenous by Mark D. Freeman are also bringing some darker energy to the lineup. And then there’s Exhumation by Nicholas Binge, which I’m actually reading right now! I’m always up for something a little unsettling, and I’m especially curious to see how this one plays out. Because apparently even during the holidays, I can’t resist a little murder, mystery, and mayhem.

On the romance side, we’ve got a few releases that sound like the perfect way to balance out all that suspense. Just in Time by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka, The Soul Mate by Lana Ferguson, and Lina & June by Genevieve Wheeler are all on my radar. I’m always looking for a romance with great chemistry, complicated relationships, and characters worth getting emotionally invested in. Whether these deliver something fun and lighthearted or leave me questioning all my life choices remains to be seen.

Contemporary and literary fiction are also well represented this month, with Rabbit Rabbit by Jennifer E. Smith, The Three Daughters of Annam by Phong Nguyen, and Between You a River by Kimberly Garza. These are the kinds of stories I’m hoping will bring a little more emotional depth to my December reading, exploring relationships, family dynamics, and the complicated things that make us human. Sometimes it’s the quieter, character-driven books that end up being the most memorable.

And rounding out my list is Chosen Son by Adrienne Young, the second in the Fallen City Duology. I’m especially curious to see what she has in store with this one, and it’s easily among the books I’m most excited to pick up before the year ends.

December might not have the longest list of new releases, but there’s still a great mix of genres and stories to choose from. And with Exhumation already underway, I’m hoping to get a head start on a few more before the year is over. Who knows? Maybe one of these will sneak onto my list of favorite reads of 2026 just before the clock runs out.

In the coming weeks I will have lots of reviews for more of these December releases, so be sure to subscribe to get weekly updates from SPEAKING OF…, and make sure to follow us on Instagram @speakingof.books. And if you need something to read now, make sure to check out my some of my other Most Anticipated Lists below: