Recs if you like Strange Buildings...

was curious, so did some research and found loads and loads!!! happy reading, folks!

A genre-inclusive and diverse list of horror releases coming in 2026. If I missed any or you have suggestions, please let me know. I will update periodically as new books are announced and release dates are solidified.

Source for a lot of the data for this list came from readjumpscares.com, which is a website you should absolutely check out. I’m sure data will come from other places along the way, as well.

my favourite genre, these books are so much fun and more and more are being added all the time If anyone has any questions about any book I will try to help. I have read most of them and have reference books on the history of Japanese crime fiction.

I’ve seen lists, but not one strictly about Ergodic/odd formatting where it’s vital to read the e/physical because of the formatting and/or text —non inclusive of illustrated versions, and just adding non-vital images, etc.

These are the books where if you don’t read the physical (maybe the ebook) you’re MISSING something VITAL to the experience.

I often read audiobooks and don’t know I’m missing out 🫠

PLS recommend W/ explanation (& avoid spoilers) & feel free to argue cases!!

Examples & notes in comments!!!

While my first list is great ( Japanese crime novels.)!! It’s very long and I want to highlight the weird and unconventional murder mysteries that Japan produces. With weird settings, formats and or supernatural elements. Plus looking at future releases there is a few more coming out at the end of the year which I will add closer to the date.
I found zombie apocalypse murder mystery!

This includes book that have either mystery or thrillers as a primary or secondary genre. If you have recommendations to add please comment and I'll happily add them 💕

sorry, i spilled.

always accepting suggestions for books with ooey-gooey, drippy drops on the cover.

A book list celebrating novels with bold flat illustrated covers. I'm talking colourful, graphic, design-forward books that look beautiful on your shelf and would inspire any designer. All genres welcome but let's stick with YA to adult books.

Mystery Thriller titles that were originally in Japanese but have been translated into English.

a collection of books im interested in which are releasing this year (2026). no particular order

Audiobooks that are less than 10 hours long and are safe for work AKA not aiming to get you (too) horned up at your desk (no guarantees that you won't cry or get the creeps though). Recommendations welcome!

the house is haunted… or maybe not? but there are voices coming from the walls and bodies in the floorboards… or aren’t there? who knows!

Books that were/are Barnes & Noble Monthly Picks, Books of the year, Hot Coffee Hot Books, or Book Club picks.

"ergodic literature is a mode of textual organization in which nontrivial effort is required for the reader to traverse the text, beyond ordinary eye movement or turning pages." - espen j. aarseth

books with unique formatting, books you can play like a game, books you need to take apart and put back together again, stories-within-stories, books containing found documents and ephemera, etc.

Not all of these books will have cannibalism... but there is a non-zero chance at least 1% will.

Books that include the theme of maze-like houses, interiors, and some actual mazes. Usually horror, not always.

these horror books are safe for tenderhearted cat lovers— they either feature no cats to worry about, cats that remain safe throughout the entirety of the story, or cats who even though endangered (and possibly even hurt), are confirmed to survive and make it to the end of the book with at least one of their nine lives in tact! 😸

this list is cat-specific! there is no guaranteed safety of any other animals in these books. recommendations 100% welcome!

Books by authors who also have some followings on Youtube, Instagram, TikTok etc

I know i cant be alone in this. I LOVE books with a little art in them. Im always pleasantly surprised when I turn the page and I see a little drawing that perfectly illustrates the moment/character/mood. Hence, this list🥰 Not to be confused with graphic novels

Pls comment if theres anymore adult novels that I havent included