9 Must-Read New Mystery Books For Fall 2026!

Melissa D'AgneseSat, September 5, 2026 at 9:00 PM UTC

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As the days grow shorter and the nights (finally!) start to feel cooler, there’s no better time to settle in with a mystery that keeps you turning pages all night long. And here at Woman’s World we’re always debating which season is the absolute best one for reading. The jury is still out on that but we can all agree that fall provides the prettiest view outside our windows as we curl up inside with a good book.

In the literary world, autumn is a big one for book releases of all kinds, but mysteries are especially buzzy this fall, with a range of new titles from bestselling authors Karin Slaughter, Chris Bohjalian, John Grisham, Alice Hoffman, Richard Osman and more. So if you’re looking to add new mystery books to your TBR list, you’re in the right place.

Here, we combed through hundreds of new and upcoming releases and handpicked our favorites—from searing thrillers to cozy mysteries, high-stakes whodunits and dark academia. Keep reading for all of our top new mystery books for fall 2026!

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‘The Oxford Guide to Scandal & Lies’ by Kate Westbury

Minotaur Books

Witty banter, espionage and romantic tension meld in The Oxford Guide to Scandal & Lies by Kate Westbury. Set in the academic world of 1951, Ginevra Bishop is studying at Oxford, like her mom did, and she’s looking to prove she’s more than a debutante. Sidney Braithwaite is hoping Oxford can free him from a war-torn past. Soon, the pair is asked to track down a Soviet spy at the university. Can these opposites work together as sparks fly?

What readers are saying: “The setting itself is practically a character. Oxford feels alive in this book—old libraries, secret corridors, academic societies and that wonderful sense that history is hiding behind every door. And the mystery kept me guessing. I had theories—and I was suspicious of absolutely everyone!”

‘The Witches of Cambridge’ by Alice Hoffman

Scribner

Alice Hoffman is beloved for her 1995 novel Practical Magic, and her newest book delivers all her signature witchy charm. In 1950s Massachusetts, the world feels very far from the infamous Salem witch trials. When Ava arrives for her first year of college, she meets Lauren—her opposite in almost every way. Then, they’re recruited by the Lilith Society. As they learn their legacies, new dangers are uncovered.

What readers are saying: “Alice Hoffman is back with another tale about witches, and I was not going to miss it. I will read every book she puts out on the subject of witches. She is the master of the subject. The story is very atmospheric and moody—4 fantastic stars!”

‘Dead Beat’ by Leigh Bardugo

Flatiron Books

Mystery, fantasy and dark academia meld in Leigh Bardugo’s Dead Beat, the atmospheric final installment of the Ninth House trilogy. Alex Stern has gone to the underworld and back—but now, there are entities haunting New Haven. While she struggles to make sense of her future at Yale, she and her crew of allies hunt down dark forces. Together, they dive deep into secret societies, and then Alex enlists the help of a vampire. (Out September 15)

What future readers are saying: “This is on my TBR! I’m clearing my schedule, my brain and possibly my moral compass for this one. At this point I’m experiencing full-body withdrawals for the Yale weirdness, the occult academia, and the “we survived hell together but still can’t have a normal conversation” tension that only Alex and Darlington can deliver.”

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‘It’s Not What You Think’ by Clare Mackintosh

Sourcebooks Landmark

Secrets, lies, and shocking twists take center stage in this page-turning mystery. Nadeeka is seeing all the telltale signs, and she’s convinced her boyfriend, Jamie, is having an affair. She would know—she’s been in this exact position before with her ex-husband. One night, Jamie tells her he’s working late, so she plans to catch him in the act. But when she arrives at the house, it looks like a crime scene, and Jamie is dead.

What readers are saying:“I’m used to my thrillers coming with their inevitable twists, but this one came with some cracking ones! Don’t think for one minute you know what’s going to happen because, like me, you probably won’t have a clue where it’s going! This book held me spellbound. It is superbly paced, it has believable, credible characters, and is, in short, a brilliant story, told by a writer who is at the very top of her game.”

‘Let the Murderer Say Amen’ by Carolyn Marie Wilkins

Kensington Books

Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1920s Jazz Age, Carolyn Marie Wilkins’ new book is an atmospheric whodunit—and the second installment in her Psychics and Soul Food Mystery series. The people of Agate, Illinois, happily welcome faith healer Bishop Ra to their town. But then, one of Ra’s church singers is found dead. Enter Nola Ann Jackson, a sleuth with psychic abilities who vows to unveil the killer.

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What readers are saying: “I thought all of the characters were well-developed, complex and realistic. I thought the author did an excellent job in portraying a small town in the Jazz Age. Let the Murderer Say Amen is an engrossing and entertaining read for mystery fans!”

‘The French Illusion’ by John Grisham

Doubleday

Known for his propulsive page-turners, John Grisham has sold more than 300 million books—and his latest novel is another must-read! After their picture-perfect wedding, Paul and Chelsea jet to Paris for a dream honeymoon. But their idyllic plan takes a dark turn when they’re kidnapped in the French countryside. Next, the CIA, FBI, and French intelligence recruit a young lawyer to lure in the culprits. But will it work?

What readers are saying: “When reading The French Illusion by John Grisham, make sure to allow enough time to read the entire thing because you will NOT be able to put it down. This is a cautionary tale at the least—and it is another jaw-dropping, suspenseful story by the master storyteller. You won’t be able to relax until you know what happens to Chelsea and Paul.”

‘The Secrets We Hide’ by Karin Slaughter

William Morrow

Bestselling author Karin Slaughter, often referred to as the Queen of Suspense, has a knack for writing eerie, spine-tingling stories—and her latest book follows suit. The second installment in her North Falls series reunites readers with Sheriff Emily Clifton. In their tight-knit town, rumors run rampant about the Vickery family. When there’s a murder in their house, Emily and her sister vow to crack the case.

What readers are saying: “Is this now becoming my new favorite series? Yes, I do believe it is. The second book in the North Fall series does not disappoint in the least! The ending was set up nicely for a follow up book, and I can’t wait! Do I recommend this novel? Absolutely!”

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‘The Amateur’ by Chris Bohjalian

Doubleday

Long-buried pasts, complex characters and simmering suspense…New York Times bestselling author Chris Bohjalian’s new novel, The Amateur, has all this and more. Set in the summer of 1978, the tale centers on 18-year-old golf prodigy Mira Winston, whose bright future changes in an instant when she accidentally kills a caddy with a stray ball. As the incident spirals into a legal nightmare, Mira’s web of secrets comes to light.

What readers are saying: “Never in my life did I think I would love a book about an unlikable teenage golfer but I was completely wrong. This book is fantastic! The author has created a story about a spoiled girl from a wealthy family and the reader actually cares deeply about her. This is an outstanding, well written, thought provoking novel.”

‘We Chase Shadows’ by Richard Osman

Pamela Dorman Books

Thrilling adventures, dangerous crimes, laugh-out-loud moments, heartwarming charm…Richard Osman mysteries have all this and more. His new novel, the second book in his We Solve Murders series, reunites amateur sleuths Amy, Rose and Steve. When a body is discovered outside a secluded Italian villa, the crew vows to hunt down the culprit. (Out September 15)

What readers are saying: “Oh this was fun! I do love reading Richard Osman's books, be it the Thursday Murder Club or this follow up to We Solve Murders. I feel quite attached to all of his characters now. I do read a lot of crime fiction and I love how Richard Osman makes a dark subject somehow feel like a cozy mystery, full of loveable characters and humour. I laughed out loud so many times!”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”