It’s only January and we’ve already been led on a wild ride with thrillers, drama and wonderful friendships in some exceptional debut book releases. You might not have heard of these authors before, but you’ll certainly remember them after reading these incredible stories.
Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho / Image credit: Viking Press
Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho (4 January)
The term “emotional rollercoaster” is one of the most cliched descriptions for a book ever, but Jean Chen Ho’s debut novel about two Taiwanese-American friends whose lives continually collide and drift apart will tax anyone not to laugh, cry and feel fiercely for these women who are continually tested by grief, love and familial ties. It’s very much a character-driven story from a talented new writer.
Brown Girls by Daphne Palasi Andreades (4 January)
Another debut novel exploring the lives of non-white women is Daphne Palasi Andreades’ Brown Girls. Again, it’s not so much a plot-driven narrative as a piece of elegantly written poetry. It’s a coming-of-age free verse set in Queens, New York and for readers who are women of colour, it’s an all too familiar tale of living in a Western society where they’re always seen as different or other. For white women and girls, they’ll discover a kinship amongst those who may have different backgrounds, but ultimately live in the same world. Brown Girls will be published in the UK via HarperCollins on 3rd February.
The Maid by Nita Prose (4 January)
This completely unique murder mystery thriller is surprisingly heart-warming given the subject matter, and features possibly one of the most memorable female protagonists you’ll meet all year. Molly Gray is a neurodivergent hotel maid who finds herself in the middle of a mysterious death and thus a police investigation. Thankfully for her, there are fierce friends behind her.
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan (4 January)
If you’ve ever felt far from the perfect mother that society seems to expect of you, this is the book for you. It explores an intense world where the slightest mistakes in parenting can land you in real trouble, and more serious lapses in judgement immediately see you shipped off to an institution to learn how to be the perfect parent. What happens when it turns out that perfect parenting doesn’t exist remains to be seen.
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A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham (11 January)
A unique horror told through the eyes of a serial killer’s daughter, whose past catches up with her when it appears a copy-cat killer is on the loose. Chloe’s happiness is hanging in the balance when her bloody past threatens her love life and her successful career. A great book for anyone who needs reminding that their life could always be worse…
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