Introduction
From the film adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet to Louise Kennedy's Trespasses on television, 2026 is shaping up to be a significant year for authors from Northern Ireland. Even those who do not usually read may have noticed the growing prominence of Northern Irish literature in various media.
If you are eager to explore some of the best new releases for 2026, several authors from Northern Ireland offer a diverse range of books to suit different tastes. Whether you prefer gripping thrillers, humorous comedies, or poignant romantic novels, there is something available for every reader.
Earlier in the year, notable releases included works by thriller writers Brian McGilloway and Niamh Hargan, as well as Garrett Carr's The Boy from the Sea, which was Waterstone's book of the month for February.
For those deciding what to read next, NI presents a guide to upcoming books by Northern Irish authors scheduled for release in 2026.
Few and Far Between by Jan Carson (9 April 2026, Doubleday)
Jan Carson, acclaimed for her previous novels The Raptures and Fire Starters, presents Few and Far Between, the first novel to feature the blue-green algae outbreak at Lough Neagh.
Set in 2017, the story imagines an alternative recent past for Northern Ireland. The last inhabitants of the islands in Lough Neagh face eviction due to a planned flood intended to combat the algae problem.
Anthropologist Alex moves in with siblings Robert-John and Marion on Small Flat island to document its history. However, the siblings may be reluctant to reveal their secrets.
One Of Us Is Guilty by Steve Cavanagh (30 July 2026, Bloomsbury Circus)
For readers interested in intense legal thrillers, Steve Cavanagh offers One Of Us Is Guilty, the tenth book in his popular Eddie Flynn series. Cavanagh, based in Belfast, is among Northern Ireland's best-selling authors, having sold over one million copies.
In this installment, conman-turned-lawyer Eddie Flynn investigates a murder involving a wealthy power couple: Patrick Vanderpool, son of a billionaire media mogul, and his ambitious wife Vanessa Vanderpool.
When the woman with whom Patrick is having an affair is found brutally murdered, only two suspects remain. The question is: which one is guilty?
Into The Wreck by Susannah Dickey (9 April 2026, Bloomsbury Circus)
Described by the Sunday Times as "a rare talent and certainly one to watch," Susannah Dickey, a writer and poet from Londonderry, releases her third novel, Into The Wreck. Her previous works include Tennis Lessons (2020) and Common Decency (2023), the latter being Waterstone's Ireland book of the month.
Into The Wreck follows three siblings—Anna, Gemma, and Matthew—who return to their family home ahead of their distant father's funeral. The novel explores how they mourn someone they never truly knew.
The narrative is presented from multiple character perspectives, appealing to readers who enjoy this style.
The Lightning by Jamie Guiney (28 May 2026, Bluemoose)
Jamie Guiney from Lurgan, County Armagh, publishes his debut novel The Lightning following the success of his short story collection The Wooden Hill, which was shortlisted for Best Short Story Collection at the 2019 Saboteur Awards. His stories have been published internationally and broadcast on BBC Radio 4.
The Lightning is set in 1957 and tells the story of a grandfather and his grandson from Northern Ireland who travel to care for a lighthouse in the North Atlantic. The novel explores unexpected visitors, personal histories, and the challenges of navigating natural surroundings while confronting the sea's elemental fury.
Everything's Grand by Freya Kennedy (26 April 2026, Boldwood)
Freya Kennedy is the pen name of Claire Allan, a Derry crime writer known for thrillers such as Her Name Was Rose and Forget Me Not, which follows a murderer seeking revenge on a group of friends in the Maiden City.
Under the Freya Kennedy pseudonym, Allan writes romance novels. Everything's Grand is the third book in her Fabulous Forties series, featuring Becca and Laura as they navigate commitment issues, grandchildren, and returning to university. The story questions whether they can maintain balance or if chaos will ensue.
Stations by Louise Kennedy (24 September 2026, Bloomsbury)
Louise Kennedy's Stations is among the most anticipated Northern Irish novels of 2026, following the success of her debut Trespasses. The latter depicted the complex relationship between Catholic schoolteacher Cushla and Protestant barrister Michael during the Troubles.
Trespasses was shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction in 2023, and its adaptation on , starring Lola Petticrew and Gillian Anderson, has expanded Kennedy's audience.
Set in 1982, Stations follows teenagers Róisín and Red in their hometown in Ireland. As their lives diverge, they reunite in London, where Róisín becomes entangled once more in Red's turbulent world.
Land by Maggie O'Farrell (2 June 2026, Hachette)
Maggie O'Farrell, born in Coleraine, Northern Ireland, returns to her Irish roots with Land, a historical fiction novel set in 1865. The story follows a family coping with the aftermath of the Great Hunger.
O'Farrell's previous novel Hamnet has gained international acclaim, including a film adaptation directed by Chloe Zhao and starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. It has won BAFTAs and received eight Oscar nominations, including one for O'Farrell herself.
In Land, Tomás, a mapmaker working for the Ordnance Survey, hopes his son Liam will follow in his footsteps. However, a chance encounter with a corpse disrupts their lives. The novel is atmospheric and immersive, featuring a loyal Irish wolfhound named Bran.
Prestige Drama by Séamas O'Reilly (23 April 2026, Little Brown)
Séamas O'Reilly is known for his memoir Did Ye Hear Mammy Died, which recounts his upbringing with ten siblings raised by their father after their mother's death. He gained additional attention through rugby player Tommy Bowe's viral reaction to learning about O'Reilly's large family.
Prestige Drama is O'Reilly's first novel. It follows American actor Monica Logue, who arrives in Derry to film a new series set during the Troubles. When Monica goes missing, suspicion falls on Diarmuid, a scriptwriter who was the last person to see her alive.
All the books listed above will be available at local libraries.
