Out with the Old, Inspire with Debuts

As the start of a new year unfolds, it calls us to pause and reflect – a natural time for reflection that extends to my reading achievements and reading journey.

Over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern with my reading. I’ve realised that I exchange popular bestseller and established author titles as Christmas presents. This means that on autopilot, I reach for these gems every January. As glorious as these are, I think there is a pressure there that pushes me to read these - particularly at this time of year. Perhaps it’s all the ‘bestsellers of the year’ articles that make their way into my inbox. It makes me feel the need to hurry and catch up. This year I’ve decided to stray from the well-trodden path and do something different. 

For the start of this year, I’ve decided to take a slower approach to my reading – swapping that Zadie Smith (which I will get back to), for debut authors.

By reading debut authors we can:

- ignite reading excitement – especially useful if you're feeling stuck in a ‘reading rut’

- embrace variety and fresh perspectives 

- support emerging talent

- nurture literacy talent in the UK 

- embark on a journey - experience the growth of these authors from the outset

- spot the next big thing

- enjoy books unencumbered by the expectations and established styles associated with established authors

Take a calmer approach to reading this January with me. Join me in this deliberate detour – a start to the new year dedicated to navigating the unchartered waters of debut writing. There’s the promise of, fresh perspectives, new voices, and unexplored narratives.

If you’re seeking a new author to get stuck into, here are some recommendations. I hope this feature tempts you to try some of these titles. Some are published already and are available through Inspire Libraries, others won’t be published for a short while (reservations can still be made on the catalogue). Some are already making waves in the literary press. But all offer that anticipation of something original.

The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder - C. L. Miller

Publication date: 29/02/2024

If you enjoy cosy crime novels, follow Freya Lockwood as she unravels the mysteries hidden in an ordinary pine chest, confronting a past she thought she left behind. Trust no one, for your life depends on it.

The Storm we Made – Vanessa Chan

Published: 04/01/2024

In 1945 Japanese-occupied Malaya, Cecily Alcantara's family is in terrible danger. Join her heart-pounding journey as she navigates the treacherous landscape, facing danger and secrets at every turn to protect her family during a turbulent period in history.

How to Solve Your Own Murder – Kirsten Perrin

Publication date: 26/03/2024

In 1965, Frances Adams was told by a fortune teller that she'd be murdered. Frances spent the next 60 years trying to prevent her predicted murder. Now, her great-niece Annie must unravel the mystery using an eccentric library.  A thrilling quest for justice.

This will appear on our online catalogue in March 2024.

Piglet – Lottie Hazell

Publication date: 25/01/2024

Everything is coming together for Piglet - tied as tightly and perfectly as her apron strings. But, if a life looks too good to be true, it probably is! Prepare for a wedding turned upside down as Piglet's seemingly perfect life takes a dark and unexpected turn. 

The Painter’s Daughters – Emily Howes

Publication date: 29/02/2024

1759, Ipswich. Sisters Peggy and Molly Gainsborough are the best of friends and do everything together. When the family move to Bath, the sisters are thrown into the whirl of polite society, where the merits of marriage and codes of behaviour are crystal clear, and secrets much harder to keep.

Hard by a Great Forest – Leo Vardiashvili

Publication date: 01/02/2024

Saba is just a child when he flees his home in Georgia with his older brother, Sandro, and father, Irakli, for asylum in the UK after Russia's occupation of South Ossetia. Two decades later, all three men are struggling to make peace with the past, haunted by the places and people they left behind. 

The Island Swimmer – Lorraine Kelly

Publication date: 15/02/2024

When Evie's father falls desperately ill, she finally returns to the family home in Orkney. As Evie clears out her father's neglected house to prepare it for sale, lonely Evie finds herself drawn to a group of cold-water swimmers led by her old friend Freya, who find calmness beneath the waves. Together they help Evie face up to the mistakes in her past, unlocking a treasure of truths that will reverberate through the community, and shake her family to its core.

The Beholders – Hester Musson

Publication date: 18/01/2024

June, 1878. The body of a boy is pulled from the depths of the River Thames, suspected to be the missing child of the widely admired Liberal MP Ralph Gethin. Four months earlier. Harriet is a young maid newly employed at Finton Hall. Mistress of the house, Clara is captivating but erratic. The master of the house is a much-lauded politician, but he is strangely absent. Unable to ignore her growing unease, Harriet sets out to discover their secrets. 

Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop – Hwang Bo-Reum

Published: October 2023

Yeongju's decision to open a bookshop becomes a refuge for those seeking comfort and acceptance in their lives. Get ready for a heart-warming journey where books become the key to unlocking hidden stories.

The List of Suspicious Things – Jennie Godfrey

Publication date: 15/02/2024

Sometimes the strongest connections are found in the most unlikely of places. The List of Suspicious Things is a tender and moving coming of age story about family, friendship and community.

The City of Stardust – Georgia Summers

Publication date: 25/01/2024

For centuries, Everlys have seen their brightest and best disappear, taken as punishment for a crime no one remembers, for a purpose no one understands. Violet Everly's mother left to break the curse, and never returned. Now Violet must find her mother, or she will be taken in her place. Her hunt leads her into a seductive magical underworld of power-hungry scholars, fickle gods, and monsters bent on revenge. 

How (Not) to Have an Arranged Marriage – Dr Amir Khan

Published: September 2023

Yousef is the golden child to his strict Pakistani parents, overshadowing his younger sister, Rehana. As he finishes his medical degree in London, Yousef's life appears to be mapped out for him - become a doctor, marry a suitable girl of his parents' choosing and, above all, make his family proud. Then Yousef meets Jess. A fellow medical student, Jess presents a complication to the plan. 

Voyage of the Damned –  Nottingham resident, Frances White

Publication date: 18/01/2024

Join Ganymedes Piscero, the unlikely hero, in a fantasy murder mystery at sea. As bodies pile up, Ganymedes must unmask the killer and save the empire. A thrilling voyage full of suspense and unexpected twists.

The Gilded Crown – Marianne Gordon

Published: November 2023

The Witch's Heart meets The Priory of the Orange Tree in this debut novel about a woman who can bring people back from the dead, and the princess - and only heir to the throne - that she must protect, no matter the cost.

Ellie works for Inspire as a Librarian working on reading development and stock purchasing.

We hope you enjoyed this journey into debut authors. Please click here to find our online catalogue.