It’s a new month, which means it’s time for a fresh batch of new releases! As always, there are far more books I want to read than I will be able to get to. If you’re looking for help prioritizing, here are seven new books out in April that check off 2026 Read Harder Challenge tasks.
We’re starting with a couple of gothic novels, then a queer romantasy book, two graphic memoirs, and some mysteries in translation.
Task #6: Read a gothic novel published in the last ten years
Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker (April 14)In the present day, Lee has fled New York to hide away in his father’s home in Japan. He knows there’s something wrong with him and that he has committed a crime, but he can’t remember the details. In 1877, Sen, a female samurai, hides from imperial soldiers and attempts to protect her family. As the two find themselves communicating with each other through time, they realize they are living in the same home, a house that is built on dark secrets. —Emily Martin |
 May the Dead Keep You by Jill Baguchinsky (April 21)Loosely inspired by Wuthering Heights, this atmospheric gothic YA novel follows Catie East, a loner who finds solace in the redwood forest surrounding her family’s home, The Heights. Then she meets Hunter Solis, who moves into the cabin next door with his scientist father. Hunter fascinates and enthralls Catie. But the closer she gets to him, the more strange things start happening around The Heights. It turns out that the home that Catie has always known and loved is hiding a dark and painful past. —Emily Martin |
All Access members, read on for five more new books out in April that check off 2026 Read Harder Challenge tasks.
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read.For more, check out these March new releases that check off 2026 Read Harder Challenge tasks!
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