2026 Reading Plans Revised

I am looking at my list of the 40 books I was planning to read in 2026 and though I had fun designing the list, I don’t see myself following through.

To be honest, I am having trouble getting this new blog “Reading Matters Part II” started. Book reviewing is difficult—even short reviews are not easy. And so maybe this journal should include book reviews but also thoughts about books and movies for that matter.

When it comes to books one of my favorite genres is gothic romantic suspense. And this year I am going to focus on reading novels by the grand masters: Mary Stewart, Phyllis Whitney, Victoria Holt, Daphne du Maurier. They really set the bar for this genre.

But I also want to read more from contemporary authors following in their footsteps: Susanna Kearsley, C.S. Harris, Darcy Coates, Nora Roberts, Riley Sager, Simone St. James, C.J. Tudor, Ruth Ware etc. 

What I like about all of these authors is that they write atmospheric novels filled with haunted houses, ghosts, romance, suspense—but they don’t overdo the horror, the gratuitous cruelty, and the endless twists the way many of today’s domestic and psychological thrillers do (or at least the ones I’ve read). 

I plan to also read other books this year in other genres. I feel better about my reading plans now, and first up is Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates.

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4 responses to “2026 Reading Plans Revised”

  1. Susan Avatar
    Susan

    Hi Kathy, sorry I’m late to finding out about your new blog. Apparently the full link to it wasn’t coming over. But I wish you much success with it and I’m glad to see what you’ll be reading! Wishing you a good 2026.

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    1. kathyvullis1 Avatar
      kathyvullis1

      Thanks for coming over Susan. I feel better now about the news blog because I have decided on a 2026 reading plan that works for me. Reviewing is tough so I figure this year I will review but also if I see a good movie on Netflix or have thoughts about books and authors I will post about that too. I also look forward to reading and commenting on your reviews. I follow such a great group of book bloggers.

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  2. Lark@LarkWrites Avatar
    Lark@LarkWrites

    My mom introduced me to Phyllis Whitney and Mary Stewart when I hit my teens and I fell in love with their books. And Susanna Kearsley is another fav of mine, though I haven’t kept up with her newest books. This sounds like a very fun reading plan. Good luck! 😀

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    1. kathyvullis1 Avatar
      kathyvullis1

      Thanks Lark and this year I want to read many books from the genres I love which are romantic suspense, mysteries, Victorian novels. I do miss the classics challenge so maybe I will use the prompts to come up with about 12 classics I want to read this year. Hope you have a great reading year too!

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