Coming in January 2026: New Titles Arriving at the Bethel Library

A new year means new books—and we’re excited to kick off 2026 with a fresh batch of buzzy releases hitting the Bethel Library shelves this January. From gripping thrillers to thought-provoking literary fiction, here’s a preview of three standout titles we can’t wait to share with you.

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave

Laura Dave returns with a long-awaited sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me. Five years after Owen’s disappearance, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter Bailey have finally built a quiet life together. But everything changes when Owen suddenly appears at one of Hannah’s art exhibits. His reemergence brings danger with it, forcing Hannah and Bailey back into a world of secrets, threats, and hard choices. As they flee the fallout of Owen’s past, Hannah realizes that the only way out may demand more from all three of them than she ever expected. Suspenseful and emotional, this is one of January’s most anticipated releases.

Vigil by George Saunders

The ever-inventive George Saunders—author of Lincoln in the Bardo—returns with a deeply imaginative and philosophical novella. Vigil follows the final hours of oil baron K.J. Boone, who faces death with all the swagger and conviction with which he lived. Assigned to guide him into the afterlife is Jill “Doll” Blaine, but Boone proves unlike any soul she’s escorted before. Through their strange and poignant encounter, Saunders examines capitalism, greed, environmental ruin, and the eternal tangle of good versus evil. Expect wit, compassion, and sharp social critique in equal measure.

Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily Austin

Emily Austin, beloved for her darkly quirky and deeply human characters, offers a powerful new novel centered on a librarian rebuilding her life. After returning to work following a mental health crisis, she finds herself facing a wave of book-banning activists. What follows is a moving, funny, and heartfelt story about grief, resilience, community, and the profound importance of libraries—told with Austin’s signature warmth and insight. A must-read for anyone who loves stories about books and the people who care for them.

These titles will be added to the Bethel Library’s collection as soon as they are released in January 2026. Keep an eye on our catalog, place your holds early, and get ready for a strong start to your reading year!