15 of the most anticipated books you should read this summer

Corrections & clarifications: A previous version of this story misstated a plot element of "Crash Into Me" by Robinne Lee. The characters met 20 years ago, not 2.  

This summer’s forecast is in: clear skies and good books from here on out.

As you pack those travel bags, don’t forget a captivating new read with your sunscreen and snacks. And USA TODAY has ideas for all your warm-weather reading needs, whether you’re craving a thrilling narrative nonfiction or a swoony summer romance. 

If you’re looking to explore a new genre, check out our deep dive on LitRPG (thanks “Dungeon Crawler Carl”) or see why readers are obsessed with cowboy romances. If a joyful read is what you seek, check out our recommendation list of fun-filled titles.

Most anticipated books of summer 2026

From poolside family dramas to atmospheric thrillers, steamy romances and true crime investigations, here are the books we’re most excited for this summer. Titles are listed in order of anticipated publication date.

‘Whistler’ by Ann Patchett (out now)

In acclaimed author Patchett's latest, 53-year-old Daphne has a chance run-in with her former stepfather, who was in her life only for a brief, impactful year when she was 9. She hasn’t seen him since a fateful event that changed both their lives, and she has no plans to let him go again.

‘Puck’ by Samantha Allen (out now)

In this “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”-inspired novel, a nonbinary reality dating TV show producer brings their talent for orchestrating plot twists into their personal life. During a week of wedding festivities, can Puck meddle and interfere with two couples they believe are totally wrong for each other?

‘Sublimation’ by Isabel J. Kim (out now)

In the vein of “Severance,” this thriller imagines a world where immigration creates duplicate bodies, called “instances,” where one copy lives in a new country and one is remains in the old. Though many opt to stay in touch with their other self, some, like Soyoung Rose, want to move on. But when she returns to Korea for a funeral, she realizes her "instance" has plans to steal her body and life. 

‘Land’ by Maggie O’Farrell (out now)

This historical novel from the author of “Hamnet” follows a man and his son as they attempt to map the entirety of Ireland in 1865, just after the Great Hunger. But after an unsettling encounter, Tomás’ life – and work – will never be the same.

‘The Open Era’ by Edward Schmit (out now)

If you loved “Challengers” or “Heated Rivalry,” check out this debut queer sports romance novel. “The Open Era” is about tennis player Austin Hardy, the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam. And as if managing the spotlight and headlines weren’t enough, Austin trips and falls right in front of Diego Cruz, his attractive, flirty rival.

‘Pool House’ by Mary H.K. Choi (June 9)

“Pool House” is a story of mothers and daughters, specifically a Hollywood star named Moon and her daughter, Stevie, who can’t wait to get out of her shadow. The pair is forced to live in their pool house while renting out their house, and the tension only increases when Moon’s lover and TV husband dies and her TV son (Stevie’s crush) arrives for the funeral.

‘The Yahoo Boys’ by Carlos Barragán (June 9)

A New York Times reporter investigates romance scammers in Nigeria in “The Yahoo Boys.” Barragán originally set out to find the man who scammed his mother by posing as a handsome American soldier, but now interrogates four of these young men, illuminating their psychological tactics, economic hardships and moral dilemmas.

‘The Missed Connection’ by Tia Williams (June 9)

The romance author behind “Seven Days in June” returns with a summer love story about a casting agent who can find a perfect fit for every role except for her romantic partner. But after a missed connection on a flight to Paris, she’ll embark on an unexpected journey to find her attractive seatmate.

‘It Could Have Been Her’ by Lisa Jewell (June 23)

Ain’t no twist like a Lisa Jewell twist, and last year the thriller writer told USA TODAY her next book haunted her unlike any project before (“It’s affected my psyche,” she said). In “It Could Have Been Her,” a woman finds a dog belonging to a missing teenager. But upon returning the dog, she realizes the address is for a house that played a dark role in her past.

‘The Shampoo Effect’ by Jenny Jackson (June 30)

In “The Shampoo Effect,” a newcomer arrives in a coastal Massachusetts town and falls into an established group who have been haunting local joints since they were kids. A budding romance, an unexpected pregnancy, and exposed secrets shake up the small-town status quo.

‘Crash Into Me’ by Robinne Lee (July 7)

This is Lee’s first novel since her bestselling “The Idea of You” in 2017. “Crash Into Me” follows Cecilia, a wife, mother and artist grappling with her identity in glitzy, toxic Los Angeles. But when she has a chance reunion with the model she first met 20 years ago, their new and intense entanglement might finally give her some clarity.

‘Famous Men’ by Julie Buntin (July 14)

In “Famous Men,” a young woman flees her small Michigan town to follow the famous writer in New York she believes might be her father. There, she’s swept into an all-consuming relationship that comes with a dizzying social scene among writers, financial security and a potential career of her own – at a cost.

‘Cool Machine’ by Colson Whitehead (July 21)

The third and final book of Whitehead’s Harlem Trilogy follows furniture salesman Ray Carney and his partner in crime, Pepper, entangled with criminal masterminds and scheming to save loved ones in the streets of 1980s New York. 

 ‘Under the Falls’ by Richard Russo (Aug. 11)

In “Under the Falls,” the frontman of a famous band returns to Stone Mountain, the hometown he left 18 years ago without looking back. Back in the place he endured an abusive childhood, he's faced with a former lover, an old friend and a tragedy that’ll upend all their lives.

'Big Little Truths' by Liane Moriarty (Aug. 25)

Learn what the women of “Big Little Lies” are up to 10 years down the line in this sequel. “Big Little Truths” follows the now high school-age children of Madeline, Celeste, Jane, Renata and Bonnie after the principal receives a severed finger in the mail.

Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you’re reading at [email protected].