I may be a little behind on my reading challenge for the year, but if there's one thing I can say about the books I've finished so far, it's that they've been worth the time. Quality over quantity, right?
My reading this year has taken me through thrillers, horror, historical fiction, and literary family sagas, and while I still have some catching up to do, these are the books that have stood out during the first half of 2026.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden — ★★★★★
I'd love to say I saw all the twists coming, but I didn't.
The Housemaid is one of those rare thrillers that manages to keep pulling the rug out from under the reader without feeling gimmicky. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story took another turn. It's fast-paced, addictive, and exactly what I want from a psychological thriller.
Great fun, and great at what it sets out to do.
Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix — ★★★★☆
I don't read a lot of horror, which makes it even more notable when one sticks with me.
The premise alone is fantastic: a haunted IKEA-like furniture store. But beneath the scares and dark humor, there's a surprisingly effective allegory about work, capitalism, and the things people endure in difficult jobs. Hendrix takes what could have been a one-joke concept and turns it into something much smarter and more unsettling.
Your Presence Is Mandatory — ★★★★★
This was an incredible read.
Admittedly, it falls squarely into one of my favorite niche genres, so it already had an advantage with me. But what impressed me most wasn't the research—although that's clearly extensive—it was the writing itself. Historical fiction lives or dies by its ability to make readers care about people from another time and place, and this book accomplishes that beautifully.
It's the kind of novel that reminds me that great historical fiction isn't just about facts. It's about bringing history to life.
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray — ★★★★½
This book and I spent a long time together.
I started The Bee Sting in December and didn't finish it until June—not because I wasn't enjoying it, but because it's huge. At that length, it's difficult for any novel to maintain momentum from beginning to end.
That said, the payoff is substantial. Murray creates a compelling family saga filled with rich characterization, emotional complexity, and layers of symbolism and allegory. The characters stayed with me long after I finished the final page.
The half-star deduction is purely a matter of length. Otherwise, it's an impressive achievement and one of the most ambitious books I've read in recent years.
Looking Ahead
So yes, I'm behind on my reading challenge. But honestly? These books were the real deal, and I'd rather spend extra time with memorable reads than race through a larger number of forgettable ones.
I'm hoping to catch up in the second half of the year, and my TBR pile certainly isn't getting any smaller.
What have you been reading lately? I'd love to hear about the books you've loved so far in 2026.