Saturday, July 25, 2026

The latest must-read debut fiction

 
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This Month’s Best New Debut Fiction
 
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Book cover for The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders
Tayari Jones calls this debut ‘a pleasure and a treasure’
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • This multigenerational family story is “a bighearted triumph” (Kirkus Reviews starred review)
  • When Aubrey inherits her father’s share of a Tennessee farm, she begins to uncover its history — while the ghosts of her opinionated ancestors watch her closely…
  • One of the most highly anticipated summer releases, recommended by over a dozen publications including NPR, People, and Oprah Daily
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders MEDIA MENTIONS: Book of the Month, NPR, Oprah Daily, People, The Washington Post, Town & Country, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Real Simple, Elle, The Boston Globe, New York Post, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, BookPage, Electric Literature, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
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Book cover for Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler
One of the best books of the summer, according to Oprah Daily
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • This hotly anticipated novel “dazzles like a mirror ball” (Publishers Weekly starred review) — and The Minnesota Star Tribune compared the author to Ann Patchett!
  • Renata has always been able to see ghosts. But the person she most wants to talk to won’t appear…
  • With praise from Ann Napolitano and Patrick Ryan, who calls it “wildly inventive and moving… an astonishingly brilliant debut”
Learn more...
Media mentions for Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler MEDIA MENTIONS: Time Magazine, TODAY Show, Oprah Daily, Harper's Bazaar, The Times, The Boston Globe, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Electric Literature, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Should the Waters Take Us by Stephanie Soileau
The fragile bonds in a Gulf Coast community are tested after an oil spill
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • A “remarkable” debut (Publishers Weekly starred review) from “a deeply talented and wonderful writer” (Jesmyn Ward)
  • This family saga moves from France to Acadia to Louisiana across four centuries
  • “Filled with unforgettable characters, breathtaking scenes, fascinating time jumps, and a setting so precisely rendered that it’s palpable” (Patrick Ryan)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Should the Waters Take Us by Stephanie Soileau MEDIA MENTIONS: Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Decomposition Book by Sara van Os
A dark and humorous read for fans of Yellowjackets
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • “A slippery page-turner that’s as profoundly beautiful as it is totally unhinged” (New York Times bestselling author Rachel Harrison)
  • After falling out with her best friend, Savannah withdraws to her parents’ isolated lake house — and wakes up next to a corpse
  • “I relished every minute” (Nebula Award–nominated author Natalia Theodoridou)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Decomposition Book by Sara van Os MEDIA MENTIONS: Reactor, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for The Lake Club by Lina Patton
At a wealthy Midwestern country club, it’s a summer full of scandal…
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • As Danika and Augie clash over Danika’s cute new male nanny, their obsession starts to unravel their small town’s dark secrets
  • “From The Lake Club’s opening pages, I was captivated by the intoxicating prose and immersive summer setting” (Carola Lovering, author of Tell Me Lies)
  • “A natural fit for reading by the pool” (Booklist)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Lake Club by Lina Patton MEDIA MENTIONS: Library Journal, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for The Lowe Job by Grace Alexander
Scandal will be the best thing — or the worst — to ever happen to this family
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Lili Lowe’s affair has blown up in a big way, but her mother has a plan for the family’s newfound spotlight…
  • A perfect pick for readers “who prefer a bit of bite with their beach reads and those who gobble up episodes of reality TV” (Booklist)
  • “Whip-smart yet surprisingly tender… Prepare yourselves to meet a family you won’t forget” (Sunday Times bestselling author Jennie Godfrey)
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Lowe Job by Grace Alexander MEDIA MENTIONS: Harper's Bazaar, Library Journal, Booklist
GET EBOOK ON:
Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Everything to the Sea by Alicia Upano
People named this ‘deeply emotional epic’ a summer must-read
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • When a devastating tsunami makes landfall in Hawaii, a young couple is torn apart. As they’re separated by an ocean and the years pass, can Jane and Kenji find their way back to one another?
  • “Alicia Upano has made an extraordinary debut” (National Book Award finalist Julia Phillips)
  • “Sensitive and deeply felt… A testament to the power of community” (Chloe Benjamin, author of The Immortalists)
Learn more...
Media mentions for Everything to the Sea by Alicia Upano MEDIA MENTIONS: People, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
Amazon Other formats and retailers
 
   
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Your ebook bargains for Saturday

 
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Your Ebook Deals
 
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Whidbey
Whidbey
By T Kira Madden
“You’ve never read a crime novel like this” (People) — it’s “a genuine masterpiece” (Oprah Daily) that “will change every person who reads it” (Caro Claire Burke, author of Yesteryear). When the man who harmed them both is murdered, two women find their lives converging in shocking ways on rugged Whidbey Island… “This is unforgettable” (Publishers Weekly).
Because you're interested in Bestsellers, Crime Fiction, Thrillers, and Psychological Thrillers  (Edit)
$2.99  $14.99
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Lake Effect
Lake Effect
By Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
In this recent release and “joyful classic in the making” (Jenny Jackson, author of Pineapple Street) from the New York Times bestselling author of The Nest, wife and mother Nina makes a decision that will reverberate throughout two intertwined families for decades… “I could not put it down!” (Shelby Van Pelt, author of Remarkably Bright Creatures).
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Anne of a Different Island
Anne of a Different Island
By Virginia Kantra
“Masterful… Fresh, delightful, and funny” (Kristan Higgins): After a childhood spent following her namesake from Anne of Green Gables, Anne faces some unexpected and unpleasant plot twists in her real life. Back home on Mackinac Island, can she learn how to write her own story? “Charming” (Library Journal).
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$1.99  $12.99
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The Book of Cold Cases
The Book of Cold Cases
By Simone St. James
Decades ago, the town of Claire Lake was rocked by two chilling murders — and eccentric Beth was acquitted. Now, true crime blogger Shea discovers a new facet to the mystery while interviewing Beth at her lonely hilltop mansion… A spine-tingling thriller that “oozes atmosphere” (Silvia Moreno-Garcia, author of Mexican Gothic).
Because you're interested in Thrillers  (Edit)
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The Summer Guest
The Summer Guest
By Justin Cronin
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Passage: Harry’s dying wish is to visit a beloved Maine fishing camp just once more — where he makes a grand request with far-reaching consequences for those around him… “The best book I’ve read in a long, long time” (The Philadelphia Inquirer).
Because you're interested in Literary Fiction  (Edit)
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The Lost Passenger
The Lost Passenger
By Frances Quinn
“A must-read” 2025 release (Michelle Moran, author of Maria): After entering a stifling marriage, Elinor boards the Titanic with her beloved infant son — and as the ship begins to sink, she seizes an opportunity to become someone else… “You’ll be rooting for Elinor Coombes all the way” (USA Today bestselling author Gill Paul).
Because you're interested in Historical Fiction  (Edit)
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Night and Day
Night and Day
By Iris Johansen
Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan will risk everything to protect Cara Delaney, an 11-year-old girl she’s determined to save from her parents. When Cara vanishes from their hideaway in the Scottish mountains, Eve must track down the people trying to kill her… “There’s no one like Iris Johansen” (Tess Gerritsen).
Because you're interested in Thrillers  (Edit)
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The House on Cold Creek Lane
The House on Cold Creek Lane
By Liz Alterman
Laurel should be over the moon in her new home, with her husband and two young children. But something just isn’t quite right about the house — or their neighbors… “Liz Alterman is a master storyteller” (May Cobb, author of The Hunting Wives).
Because you're interested in Psychological Thrillers  (Edit)
$0.99  $2.99
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Farther Afield
Farther Afield
By Miss Read
Just when it seems like schoolmistress Miss Read’s long-awaited summer vacation is ruined, an old friend invites her on a two-week holiday in Crete! “If we can’t live in [Miss Read’s] world, it’s certainly a comforting place to visit” (USA Today).
Because you're interested in Literary Fiction  (Edit)
$1.99  $11.50
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At Home on the Range
At Home on the Range
By Elizabeth Gilbert and Margaret Yardley Potter
A “beautiful time capsule that looks back to the roots of American gastronomy” (Alice Waters): When Elizabeth Gilbert discovered a cookbook written by her great-grandmother, she unearthed a timeless philosophy about food and cooking, plus delicious recipes! “A cookbook for modern times and modern cooks, full of… smartly written recipes” (Bon Appétit).
Because you're interested in Cooking  (Edit)
$1.99  $17.99
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The Soldier
The Soldier
By Susan Stoker
From a New York Times bestselling author: When veteran soldier Chad returns home to Lobster Cove, Maine, to take care of his family and their struggling business, he meets captivating newcomer Britt — who needs his help… A series starter with over 4,600 five-star ratings on Amazon.
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The Corinthian
The Corinthian
By Georgette Heyer
With over 5,000 five-star ratings on Goodreads: When Penelope Creed disguises herself as a boy and flees London to escape her arranged marriage, she finds an unlikely hero in handsome Sir Richard Wyndham! A classic Regency romance from a beloved New York Times bestselling author. “Her books sparkle with wit and style” (Publishers Weekly).
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The Good Son
The Good Son
By Stella Sands
High school sweethearts Rick and Suzanna Wamsley had a seemingly picture-perfect life and family in Mansfield, Texas, but it all came to a tragic end in the winter of 2003, when they were brutally murdered. An investigation would reveal the shocking perpetrator — and a chilling motive. A haunting true crime account.
Because you're interested in True Crime  (Edit)
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See all 49 deals
 
   
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The latest must-read debut fiction

We’ve done the research to bring you the best, most-talked-about debut fiction books from the past few months! Don’t miss our latest debut f...