Best Booksellers & Bookselling Books of 2026

The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis is a captivating novel that tells the story of Ashlyn Greer, a rare-book dealer whose gift allows her to feel the emotional fingerprint of the books’ previous owners. Ashlyn's obsession with a pair of beautifully bound volumes, authored by Hemi and Belle, leads her to a decades-old literary mystery. The novel is packed with twists and turns, making it a good read for fans of Kate Atkinson and Taylor Jenkins Reid. The Echo of Old Books is a beautifully written story that celebrates the transformative power of love and the redemptive nature of rewriting our stories.

No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister is a heartwarming novel that explores the power of books to change lives. The story follows Alice, a writer who creates a debut novel that touches the lives of nine different readers in unique ways. From a homeless teenager to a grieving widower, each character is drawn into Alice's book and finds a new path forward. This novel-within-a-novel is a celebration of the beauty of fiction and its ability to connect us all. Bauermeister's lyrical writing and the unexpected twists make No Two Persons a delightful gem of a novel.

The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry: A Novel is a heartwarming story of a man's journey towards redemption and transformation. A. J. Fikry's life takes an unexpected turn when his rare collection of Poe poems gets stolen, and he finds himself alone, running a bookstore with dwindling sales. However, a mysterious package that appears at his store gives him a chance to start anew and see the world in a different light. This book is a must-read for book lovers as it captures the joy of connecting people and books in a unique and irresistible way.

The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin is a World War II historical fiction novel that tells the story of Grace Bennett, who moves to London just as the city is preparing for war. She finds work at Primrose Hill, a dusty old bookshop, and discovers the power of storytelling to unite her community during the dark times of the war. This gorgeously written novel is a love letter to books and bookshops, reminding readers of the hope and sanctuary they offer during times of unrest. Overall, The Last Bookshop in London is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and book lovers alike.

Once Upon a Tome: The Misadventures of a Rare Bookseller is a national bestseller and highly anticipated book of 2023. The book takes readers on a journey through the oldest bookshop in the world, Sotheran's, with its eccentric staff and strange happenings. The author, Oliver Darkshire, shares his experiences working in this ancient, potentially haunted establishment and provides trivia about ancient editions that will fascinate book lovers. The book is a love letter to the benign, unruly world of antiquarian bookselling, where the uncommon and strange are highly valued. With its self-effacing charm and witty anecdotes, this book is a must-read for book lovers and anyone who appreciates the unique and eccentric.

The Secret, Book, and Scone Society is back with another cozy mystery, Paper Cuts. Nora Pennington, the bookstore owner and bibliotherapist, finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation after her ex-husband's new partner is killed. As Nora and her friends from The Secret, Book, and Scone Society try to clear her name, they stumble upon more secrets and a long-forgotten past that threatens to unravel their town. Kirkus Reviews praises the book for its "red herrings" and tips on choosing books. The mix of magical realism and mystery makes Paper Cuts a delightful read for fans of the genre.

Death of a Bookseller is a suspenseful and darkly funny debut novel by Anna North that explores the dangerous obsession of a true crime-obsessed bookseller with her colleague. Despite their shared interest in true crime, Laura keeps her distance from Roach, the protagonist, who eventually uncovers her colleague's traumatic family history. The book raises ethical questions about the fervor for true crime and how we handle stories that don't belong to us. The novel is expertly plotted, emotionally charged, and entertaining, making it a unique addition to the psychological thrillers genre.

The Beach Reads Bookshop: A Small Town Romance (Hometown Brothers, 3) is a heartwarming story by Lee Tobin McClain about a billionaire businessman who reopens a rundown bookshop on a Chesapeake Bay island with the help of the woman caring for his child. As they bond over books and the little girl, they find themselves opening up their hearts to each other. McClain's charming characters and realistic portrayal of everyday life make this a deeply emotional yet never soapy read. The Beach Reads Bookshop is a wonderful addition to the Hometown Brothers series and a must-read for fans of small-town romance.

The Sinister Booksellers of Bath by Garth Nix is a thrilling sequel to The Left-Handed Booksellers of London. This book follows the booksellers as they try to keep dangerous magic under control to save the world. When a sorcerous map is discovered, the booksellers must embark on a dangerous journey to investigate centuries of disappearances and deaths. The author's worldbuilding is exquisite and the characters are vibrant and entertaining, making it a treat to rejoin Susan and company on their adventures. This book is a must-read for fans of fantasy action and adventure books for teens and young adults.

Invent and Wander: The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos is a comprehensive collection of Jeff Bezos's writings, including his annual shareholder letters, speeches, and interviews. The book provides insights into Bezos's philosophy and principles that have guided him in creating and leading Amazon and Blue Origin. Readers will gain a master class in business values, strategy, and execution, covering topics like innovation, customer obsession, and climate change. This book is a must-read for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone interested in the success of one of the most important innovators of our time.