Comedy novels have always been a fine form of entertainment. They have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, blending laugh-out-loud humor with other genres like fantasy, romance, and even horror. Whether they’re making fun of everyday modern life or placing lovable characters in wild situations, these books are a joy to read. Here are eight of the funniest novels published within the last decade.
1. Starter Villain by John Scalzi (2023)
Charlie’s life has no direction until he comes into an unexpected and very strange inheritance: his estranged uncle’s supervillain empire. Instead of receiving money or taking ownership of the family home, he is gifted volcanic lairs, secret organizations, and global conspiracies. Scalzi tells a crazy story (the novel features talking cats) but does so through a realistic lens. This book is nonstop witty dialogue and ridiculous situations. It’s one of the funniest science fiction novels in years.
2. Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke (2021)
An office worker’s consciousness somehow ends up trapped inside his company’s Slack workspace. When he tries to get help, his coworkers don’t know if he’s joking or actually in trouble. The novel is told entirely through workplace messages, which the modern-day reader is all-too familiar with. The specific form of communication makes every misunderstanding even funnier. It brilliantly makes fun of modern remote work culture, and despite its absurd premise, it’s surprisingly heartfelt.
3. Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson (2019)
Lillian is hired by a wealthy family to take care of two children, an ordinary enough job, except for one specific aspect: the kids burst into flames whenever they become emotional or upset. Wilson somehow takes this bizarre premise and turns it into one of the funniest and most touching novels of recent years. The humor comes from the characters’ genuine relationships and responses instead of the kids’ bizarre condition. It’s imaginative and very human.
4. The Guncle by Steven Rowley (2021)
Former sitcom star Patrick reluctantly agrees to care for his young niece and nephew after a family tragedy. His over-the-top personality and lack of parenting experience make for hilarious situations. Behind the comedy is a touching story about grief, family, and healing after trauma. It has become a favorite of the genre.
5. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman (2020)
Four retirees living in a quiet retirement village enjoy solving cold cases for fun. When a real murder happens within arm’s reach, they grow excited and immediately begin investigating. Their clever back and forth, dry British humor, and surprising intelligence make this book a page turner. It’s both a cozy mystery and a comedy.
6. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman (2020)
A failed bank robber accidentally takes a group of strangers hostage during an apartment open house. The chaotic story that follows is filled with awkward conversations, misunderstandings, and several eccentric characters. Backman makes some truly funny observations about everyday life. The hilarious story is unexpectedly touching.
7. Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano (2021)
A struggling mystery writer is accidentally mistaken for a contract killer when she is overheard talking about her most recent novel. Before long, she’s caught up in a world of crime involving bad guys, mistaken identities, and hilarious attempts to stay out of trouble. The fast pace and nonstop humor make this novel hard to put down. It’s definitely one of the funniest mystery novels of the past ten years.
8. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson (2022)
Ernest Cunningham begins his story by confirming the title. He admits that everyone in his family has killed someone, including himself. He mixes murder mystery tropes with self-aware humor. Stevenson’s style involves constantly breaking the fourth wall, making for a clever narrative. His story gives readers multiple genuine surprises through unforeseen plot twists. The dark comedy aspect makes it stand out from typical mysteries. It’s a whodunit at its best.