The Book Briefing 21/10/2026

Welcome back to another edition of 'The Book Briefing', your weekly round-up of all the latest news from the world of books! This week, we've got some exciting announcements from Kiwi authors, including new releases from Chloe Gong, Tami Neilson and Nix Adams. Plus, a major literary award, an important message from Sarah J. Maas, a resurgence in true crime and some fascinating developments in the publishing world. There's plenty to catch up on, so let's get into it!

France has launched a new literary award, the 'Prix Pascal', recognising manuscripts created with the help of artificial intelligence. Entrants must be transparent about the AI tools and methods used in their writing, bringing a new approach to literary competitions as the publishing industry continues to grapple with the role of technology in storytelling.

Patrick Radden Keefe's 'London Falling' has helped revive the true crime genre, with almost 125,000 copies sold across two editions in the UK this year. The book's success has driven a 49% increase in true crime sales compared with 2025, putting the category on track for its strongest year in a decade. His earlier bestseller 'Say Nothing' has also benefited, with sales jumping 61%, proving readers still have a huge appetite for real-life mysteries and investigations.

A growing crackdown on booksellers has seen independent stores raided, staff arrested and businesses forced to close. The city's 'yellow' bookshops, known for supporting pro-democracy movements and stocking politically sensitive titles, have faced increasing pressure from authorities. At least three rounds of arrests have taken place in 2026, with some stores shutting their doors permanently. Despite the challenges, readers continue to rally around these bookshops, showing their support for freedom of expression and the right to read.

Book Aid International is sending 35,000 books to Ukraine following Russian attacks on publishing houses, printing presses and libraries. The donation comes as the country's literary infrastructure continues to suffer damage from the war, highlighting the importance of protecting access to books and reading during times of conflict. 

Nix Adams has announced her new book, 'Nothing to Lose', arriving 3 November. With almost three million people following her honest and often humorous videos online, she has spent nine years sharing her journey through grief, addiction and recovery. Now, she's telling her full story, from the devastating loss of her youngest child to five years of addiction, time in maximum security prison and ultimately finding her way back from rock bottom. 'Nothing to Lose' is available to pre-order now at Book Hero.

Bestselling author Brit Bennett, the writer behind 'The Vanishing Half', has unveiled the cover of her highly anticipated new novel. Spanning the 1960s to the present day, the story follows two singers whose friendship turns into a fierce rivalry as they navigate fame, ambition and betrayal. Set against a backdrop of R&B, soul, gospel and disco, the novel explores the price of stardom and the complicated bonds that last a lifetime. Set for release on 8 June 2027, it's available to pre-order now!

With just days to go until the release of 'A Court of Splintered Harmony' on 27 October, the bestselling author has taken to Instagram to ask readers not to share leaked content from the highly anticipated sixth 'ACOTAR' book. After alleged spoilers began circulating online, she described the situation as "beyond disheartening", particularly given the years of work that have gone into the release. She's urging fans to be patient for just a little longer so everyone can experience the story as it was intended, without having the surprises ruined ahead of time.

Catherine Chidgey has been named a 2026 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate, receiving the Laureate Award gifted by the Burr/Tatham Trust. The internationally acclaimed New Zealand writer has published ten novels, including 'In a Fishbone Church', 'The Wish Child' and 'The Axeman’s Carnival'. She is also the only author to have won the Jann Medlicott Acorn Prize for Fiction twice, cementing her place as one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated literary voices.

Beloved Kiwi author David Hill will take the stage at the National Library of New Zealand in Wellington on Tuesday 3 November at 6pm for the 2026 Read NZ Te Pou Muramura Pānui. In this one-off event, he'll explore how reading can inspire compassion, self-reflection and happiness, bringing his signature warmth and humour to the conversation. Introduced by Claire Mabey, the event is free to attend, but spaces are limited and bookings are essential.

The award-winning country and soul singer is sharing her extraordinary life story in 'Vocal', arriving April 2027. From growing up on the road with her family band to breakfast with Roy Orbison, opening for Johnny Cash and even accidentally joining a cult, her unconventional childhood was anything but ordinary. The book promises an entertaining and heartfelt look at the highs and heartbreaks of the music industry, and the songs that shaped her along the way. Available to pre-order now!

The bestselling Kiwi author behind the 'These Violent Delights' duology has revealed her next book, 'How Does It End?', arriving 6 July 2027. Taking a new direction from her previous novels, this standalone story is described as an apocalyptic tale with a romantic subplot. Published by Delacorte Press, the upcoming release promises a fresh adventure from one of New Zealand's most successful young authors.

That's a wrap on this week's 'The Book Briefing'! From exciting new books to inspiring literary initiatives, it's been another busy week in the book world. Which upcoming release are you most excited about? We'd love to hear what's caught your eye this week. Until next time, happy reading!