Best Dark Humor Books of 2025

Anxious People: A Novel is a heartwarming and humorous story that follows a group of strangers taken hostage during a real estate open house gone wrong. As the hostages reveal their secrets, the reader is taken on an emotional journey that captures the essence of human nature. Fredrik Backman's skillful writing and character development make for an engaging and unforgettable read. This book is a testament to the power of forgiveness, friendship, and hope, and is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming story about the messiness of being human.

The Charles Portis: Collected Works (LOA #369) is a comprehensive collection of the author's complete fiction and collected nonfiction, including the iconic True Grit. Portis's master storytelling and wit are comparable to Mark Twain, and his ability to capture the spoken idioms of the South is unparalleled. The book includes Norwood, The Dog of the South, Masters of Atlantis, Gringos, and Stories & Other Writings. The Library of America's edition is a must-have for Western literature enthusiasts and those who appreciate well-crafted storytelling.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh is a darkly hilarious novel about a young woman's desire to escape from the world by taking a mad combination of drugs. The protagonist is a recent Columbia graduate with a well-paying job and an apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Despite her seemingly perfect life, she is deeply unhappy and decides to embark on a year-long hibernation with the help of a terrible psychiatrist and a battery of medicines. Moshfegh's writing is both tender and blackly funny, making this book a showcase for her unique voice and style.

Big Swiss by a talented contemporary fiction writer is a quirky love story that explores themes of infidelity, mental health, and sexual stereotypes. The novel follows Greta, a transcriptionist for a self-proclaimed sex therapist who becomes infatuated with one of his clients, Big Swiss. As their romantic relationship flourishes, secrets threaten to unravel Greta's life. Set in a hipster-filled Hudson Valley town, this book is hilarious and captivating, with a unique storyline that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.

Bunny by Mona Awad is a darkly funny and seductively strange novel that follows Samantha Heather Mackey, a scholarship student who feels like an outsider in her MFA program. She finds herself drawn to the clique of rich girls known as the "Bunnies" and their off-campus "Workshop" where they conjure up their monstrous creations. As Samantha becomes more involved with the Bunnies, the lines between reality and fantasy begin to blur. Awad's writing crackles with wit and humor, making for an unforgettable read. Bunny is a must-read for fans of satire and dark humor.

Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes is a devilishly entertaining thriller that follows the story of a secret college dedicated to teaching the art of murder. The McMasters Conservatory for the Applied Arts is where students learn how to execute the perfect murder of someone who deserves to be erased. The book is a delightful mix of witty wordplay, breathtaking twists, and genuine intrigue that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Overall, Murder Your Employer is a unique and highly entertaining read that mystery and adventure book lovers won't want to miss.

The 50th-anniversary edition of Joseph Heller's Catch-22 is a must-read for those who love classic literature and fiction books. The story is set in Italy during World War II and follows the life of Yossarian, a bombardier who is furious with his own army. The book is a satirical masterpiece that humorously portrays the bureaucratic madness of war. The new edition is complete with a new introduction by Christopher Buckley, critical essays and reviews by renowned authors, rare papers and photos, and much more. Overall, Catch-22 is a brilliant and subversive work that remains a cornerstone of American literature.

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone: A Novel is a fiendishly clever blend of classic and modern murder mystery. The author, Benjamin Stevenson, plays the mystery game very well, leaving readers guessing until the very end. With unexpected twists and a witty twist on classic whodunits, this book is not to be missed by fans of the mystery genre. The unique premise of a family where everyone has killed someone adds an intriguing layer to the story. Overall, this book is an exceptional, fresh, and entertaining read.

A Confederacy of Dunces is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that follows the story of Ignatius J. Reilly, a 30-year-old medievalist living in New Orleans with his mother. The novel is filled with original characters, true-to-life dialogue, and high and low comic adventures. Ignatius's life takes an unexpected turn when he is almost arrested and involved in a car accident with his mother. He then goes on a job hunt that leads him to one misadventure after another. This classic literature and fiction book by Grove Press is a must-read for those who enjoy a good tragicomic tale.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dave Barry's new novel, Swamp Story, takes readers on a wild ride through the Everglades, full of oddball characters and unexpected twists. The story follows Jesse Braddock, who stumbles upon a long-lost treasure that could solve all her problems, but also puts her in danger from some very bad men. Meanwhile, a scheme to lure tourists to a failing store with viral videos and a presidential campaign gone wrong add to the chaos. This book is a hilarious and entertaining read, showcasing Barry's signature humor and wit.