Could a Taylor Swift book be on the way? Fans connect her Colbert interview hints about Gothic influences & family secrets to a new project

Taylor Swift’s recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on December 10, 2025 has triggered a wave of speculation about whether she might be preparing to write a book. The discussion centered on her audiobook habits, but the level of detail she shared about her preferred narrative styles has pushed fans to revisit parallels within her own music.

During the interview, Swift said she listens to audiobooks “constantly.” She explained that she gravitates toward dark, atmospheric mysteries, particularly those built around complex family secrets and layered twists.

She described the type of storytelling that appeals to her: old British mansions covered in ivy, past murders that still influence the present, and relatives who hide more than they reveal. Swift also mentioned that she enjoys narratives with unreliable narrators, adding that a story becomes more engaging when a narrator unexpectedly becomes the “psycho” behind the twist.

Swift cited Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, a 1938 Gothic novel, as a standout influence. She mentioned that the book inspired her track “Tolerate It,” connecting her musical storytelling to the themes she admires in literature.

Because her descriptions mirror styles found in Evermore and the narrative-driven “No Body, No Crime,” fans have begun comparing her literary tastes with the plots she already explores in her songwriting. These similarities have fueled theories that she may be preparing to expand her storytelling into written fiction.

The alignment between the story elements she enjoys and the themes present in her music has sparked considerable online discussion. Many fans believe Swift may be considering an original mystery novel, especially given how precisely she described the settings, characters and plot mechanics she favors.

However, Swift did not confirm any plans. Her comments only reflected her reading and listening preferences, yet they were detailed enough to raise expectations among followers eager to see whether she will take on a new creative medium.

Swift’s remarks come at a time when audiobooks are seeing notable growth. Spotify Wrapped data showed that half of all Spotify Premium users listened to an audiobook this year. The Audio Publishers Association also reported a 13% increase in audiobook sales, reaching $2.2 million last year.

Her interest in the format fits within this broader shift, giving fans more reason to speculate about a potential project that blends her storytelling style with a format she consumes so frequently.

While there is no confirmation of a book, Swift’s comments have created anticipation across her fanbase. The combination of her existing music themes, her enthusiasm for intricate mysteries and the timing of her remarks has opened the door for discussion about whether she may eventually write a thriller.