This Week in Humor — Week of May 18, 2026

New Humor Releases

No new Humor releases moved enough this week to make the cut.

Humor Backlist Risers

Murder by Design by Lee Goldberg

Published: June 1, 2026

This fresh take on the whodunit formula follows Edison Bixby, a wealthy investigator with a knack for solving murders in designer contexts. Its impressive growth of 633 ratings this week reflects a strong reception, considering the book is newly released and holds a hefty 46% growth rate.

Stats: 1,363 → 1,996 (+633)

Dear Monica Lewinsky by Julia Langbein

Published: April 14, 2026

This thought-provoking narrative intertwines personal reflections with a significant historical event, allowing for a humorous yet critical examination of desire and societal expectations. Its 26% growth indicates that readers are engaging deeply, reflecting a strong curiosity driven by the author's unique lens on an iconic figure.

Stats: 844 → 1,067 (+223)

Mrs. Shim Is a Killer by Kang Jiyoung, Paige Morris

Published: April 21, 2026

This darkly humorous narrative turns a struggling widow into an assassin, strongly resonating with readers in its debut phases, as indicated by a solid 28% increase in ratings. This suggests that the blend of comedy and crime has found a receptive audience quickly.

Stats: 362 → 463 (+101)

Sweet Obsession by Harmony West

Published: March 24, 2026

A quirky dark rom-com featuring a morally ambiguous lead navigates themes of obsession and identity. Its increase of 124 ratings and a 7.7% growth hints at a fascinatingly niche audience embracing its unconventional story, showcasing that even with a modest rise, there’s a dedicated readership.

Stats: 1,606 → 1,730 (+124)