Guest post written by Last One Seen author Rebecca Kanner
Rebecca Kanner’s writing has won an Associated Writing Programs Award and a Loft Mentorship Award. Her stories have been published in numerous journals, including The Kenyon Review and The Cincinnati Review. She is a freelance writer and teaches writing at The Loft in Minneapolis.
About Last One Seen: A woman fights her own mind and memory to understand how she got here: the passenger seat of a car speeding away from a murder scene. In this riveting, dual-timeline psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Riley Sager, nothing is as it seems.
Page-turners to add to your TBR—plus one you can grab right now.
Mystery and thriller fans, we’ve got some dark delights ahead. Think secrets, betrayals, and twists that will keep you up past midnight.
But first, some news: my novel, Last One Seen, launches this week (September 23, 2025) from Crooked Lane Books!
“There are three people I suspect of killing her, and I’m one of them.”
In this dual-timeline psychological thriller, a woman fights her own mind and memory to understand how she ended up in the passenger seat of a car speeding away from a murder scene. Last One Seen explores obsession, manipulation, and what happens when you don’t know who to trust—including yourself.
Grab it now if you’re looking for a page-turner to tide you over until next year’s releases.
Now, let’s dig into the five mysteries and horror novels already generating serious buzz for 2026…
Wreck Your Heart by Lori Rader-Day
From award-winning author Lori Rader-Day, Wreck Your Heart stars a country singer out to catch her big break before family―or murder―wrecks everything. Out January 6, 2026, from Minotaur Books.
We Were Never Friends by Kaira Rouda
A reunion weekend turns deadly for a group of sorority sisters as old secrets resurface. Described as twisty and suspenseful, this novel explores the complexities of friendship and betrayal. Out February 3, 2026, from Poisoned Pen Press.
Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer
A chilling horror novel that reimagines the “tradwife” influencer culture. Camille Deming, a traditional wife influencer, becomes pregnant under mysterious and unsettling circumstances after encountering a demonic entity. Out February 10, 2026, from Crooked Lane Books.
The Better Mother by Jennifer van der Kleut
Savannah Mitchell, recovering from heartbreak, becomes unexpectedly pregnant after a casual fling. Complications arise when Max reconciles with his ex, Madison, who appears supportive but may have a darker agenda. A psychological thriller likened to Gone Girl and Fatal Attraction. Out February 10, 2026, from Crooked Lane Books.
The Found Object Society by Michelle Maryk
An atmospheric speculative suspense novel following a mysterious society offering its members the chance to relive the death of another person—and the self-destructive woman determined to uncover its secrets. Out February 10, 2026, from Hyperion Avenue.
Until then, if you need a gripping thriller to keep your shelves warm, don’t miss Last One Seen—out this week wherever books are sold.
