The Best Books of January 2026

George Saunders returns with a vast and imaginative new story about the pivotal moment between life and death. Jill “Doll” Blaine accompanies the dying as they transition to the afterlife—but her latest assignment forces her to reckon with the fragility of humanity.

Tom has dropped off his daughter at college, but his journey is far from over. He sets off on a road trip down memory lane — across America, visiting friends from the past while facing life’s twists and detours.

In this deadly spin on a classic tale, the March sisters investigate Beth’s death and begin to turn on each other in this fresh rendition of Little Women.

With lush world-building and fairytale influences, this tale of power and survival blossoms into a gorgeous love story between a prince and an unlikely maiden.

Two unlikely allies, one house full of secrets — in a world teetering on the brink of a suspected apocalypse, a resident of a well-protected mansion is found dead. Thrills, humor and suspense unfold in this locked-room mystery.

When a mother’s love overshadows a son’s need for connection, a formerly homeschooled kid reflects on the complicated lessons he learned — lessons any parent can learn from.

NBC News correspondent Jacob Soboroff shares his first-hand account of the 2025 LA fires that engulfed his hometown, analyzes what led to the devastating wildfires and shares the measures that need to be taken to prevent a similar disaster.

This dark twist on Christopher Marlowe’s classic play Doctor Faustus is a cautionary tale about the price of success and the moral dilemma that follows.

Sarah Crouch captures the eerie chill of the Pacific Northwest in this emotionally charged thriller about a small town with dark secrets tucked away in its lush landscape.

This informative guide to getting pregnant offers helpful and compassionate tips for those navigating their pregnancy journey or anyone looking to understand every stage of fertility.

Val McDermid invites readers on a radiant journey through the quiet, frosty nights of winter in this dazzling collection of essays.

The author of Water Moon returns with a fantastical story of self-discovery. All aboard the Elsewhere Express, a glimmering train that scoops up passengers who have lost their way and sends them on a dream-like journey of purpose and hope.