Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl
This was kind of a tough one for me because I tend to read more series than anything. And, because I’m a creature of habit, I tend to continue those series rather than seek something new out. However, I have read some pretty good debut novels recently, several of them leading me to new series.
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala. I love cozy mysteries but food themed ones are my favorite. Lots of strong, family connections in this story.
A Spell for Trouble by Esme Addison. Another cozy, but this time paranormal. Bonus: mermaids and magic!
Magic, Lies, and Deadly Pies by Misha Popp. Okay, so maybe I read more cozy mysteries than I thought, because here we have another. More magic, but with pies this time!
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree. I didn’t even know that cozy fantasy was a genre until I picked up this book. And now? I need to read them all. This, and it’s sequel, Bookshops & Bonedust, is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
The Fields by Erin Young. A mystery/police procedural that was both graphic and intense. There is a bit of brutality in this one, however, so if you’re sensitive, you might want to pass. But I am anxious for the next in the series.
Off the Air by Christina Estes. A local reporter looking into the murder of a radio personality uncovers something much larger than a murder. I really enjoyed this one, despite the main character really losing her way at one point in the book.
Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate. A twisty psychological thriller told in two timelines. I love stories about small towns with a secret and this fit the bill for me.
The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas. In an effort to read more diverse authors, I found this. And while I had never thought to intentionally seek out Mexican gothic horror, it’s now one of my favorite genres. Her follow up novel, The Vampires of El Norte, is fantastic as well.
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse. Another type of theme I like is stories set in old mental institutions, hospitals, etc. So, this was right up my alley. Really intense and gripping. This is a fantastic series with a new book due out next month.
Sign Here by Claudia Lux. A different sort of horror novel, this deals with the bureaucracy in Hell and how it affects those of us still on the mortal plane.
What debut novels have you read and loved?
