A shortlist has been released for the 2026 Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award, "recognizing novels that combine compelling storytelling, unforgettable characters and a truly distinctive voice, regardless of genre." The winner, who receives both £2,000 (about $2,730) and an engraved glass bell, will be named on October 1. This year's shortlisted titles are:
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The Names by Florence Knapp
The Rush by Beth Lewis
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
Goldsboro Books managing director David Headley said: "As is the case every year, narrowing this year's long list down to just six books was no easy task. Every novel on the long list deserved its place, but these six continued to stand out each time we returned to them. They are wonderfully different in style, scope and subject, yet all share the qualities that the Glass Bell Award was created to celebrate: unforgettable characters, confident storytelling and voices that linger long after the book is finished. We're incredibly proud to champion such an outstanding shortlist and look forward to revealing this year's winner."