Late summer and early autumn 2026 are shaping up to be a spectacular season for book lovers, bringing everything from high-stakes domestic drama to heart-pounding international intrigue. Here is your chronological guide to the most anticipated releases and reviews of the season, culminating in a stellar local literary event.
The excitement kicks off on Aug. 25 with Liane Moriarty’s “Big Little Truths.” Returning to the pristine, secrets-ridden shores of Pirriwee Public, this sequel to “Big Little Lies” is a sharp, witty, and masterfully tense look at the messy realities of suburban perfection.
September begins with a double feature on Sept. 1. Chloe Benjamin’s “Under Story” is a breathtaking, speculative time-travel romance exploring love and memory. On the same day, Madeline Martin’s “A Time of Witches” weaves a gripping dual-timeline narrative connecting the 17th-century English witch trials to modern-day Savannah.
On Sept. 8, Ariel Lawhon’s “The Pirate Queen” sets sail, offering a fierce, transportive biographical epic of the legendary Irish chieftain Grace O’Malley. This is followed on Sept. 15 by two major releases: Jodi Picoult’s emotionally heavy, crisis-centered family drama “Hollow Bones” and Elin Hilderbrand’s bittersweet prep-school sequel, “The Thoroughbreds.” Finally, on Sept. 29, John Grisham delivers international suspense with “The French Illusion,” a fast-paced thriller about a Parisian honeymoon turned legal nightmare.
NY Times Author Event
North Florida readers have a unique chance to bring these reviews to attend one of the biggest book tours of the year! On Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m., San Marco Books and More is hosting “An Evening with Jodi Picoult” at Aspire Church to celebrate the launch of “Hollow Bones.” Tickets will include a signed copy of the book and a photo opportunity with the bestselling author. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate her 30th book! Happy reading.
