Loyal Goodreaders may recall our recent collection of cross-genre book trends, in which we tracked oddly specific story elements popping up across the genre spectrum. (For instance, tarot cards in historical fiction, mystery, dark academia, horror, and coming-of-age stories.)
 
This time around, we’re taking a deep dive into trends within particular genres—contemporary fiction, for instance, or romance or mystery-thrillers. It’s a fascinating thing, really. All of a sudden, multiple authors will lock onto a particular concept around the same time. Some trends clearly speak to issues or anxieties within the culture; others are more about language and how we use it—in book titles, say. Then there are those trends that feel a little spooky. Why all the comets?
 
We’ve focused this collection on upcoming 2026 books, with most of them coming in the first half of the year. Click on the book cover images for more information about each title. As always, feel free to use the Want to Read button to add books to your digital shelf.
 
 

Mystery and Thriller: The Very Long, Super-Specific Title

Historical Fiction: Comets??

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