Best Debut Fiction of 2015

by Katherine Heiny

These young women are sympathetic and slyly seductive, sometimes selfish and maddeningly un–self-aware, but they are... Full review >

by James E. McTeer II

An evocative novel that brings to life an intensely realized portrait of the South Carolina Lowcountry and sends its... Full review >

by Bill Clegg

An attempt to map how the unbearable is borne, elegantly written and bravely imagined. Full review >

by Angela Flournoy

A talent to watch. Full review >

by Sarai Walker

Part Fight Club, part feminist manifesto, an offbeat and genre-bending novel that aims high—and delivers. Full review >

by Scott Hawkins

A wholly original, engrossing, disturbing, and beautiful book. You’ve never read anything quite like this, and you won’t... Full review >

by Mia Alvar

A triumphant, singular collection deserving of every accolade it will likely receive. Full review >

by C.A. Higgins

A suspenseful, emotional story that asks plenty of big questions about identity and freedom, this is a debut not to be... Full review >

by Gavin McCrea

Who knew reading about communists could be so much fun? Full review >

by Sally Andrew

A delightful debut, tender and funny. The mystery takes on the worldwide problem of abused women while revealing both the... Full review >

by Viet Thanh Nguyen

Both chilling and funny, and a worthy addition to the library of first-rate novels about the Vietnam War. Full review >

by Marian Palaia

An immensely rewarding read and a remarkable debut. Full review >

by Jennifer Pashley

An intense, riveting saga of the multiplying casualties of one family’s secrets and a girl’s determination to take control... Full review >

by Natasha Pulley

Clever and engaging, this impressive first novel will reward both casual readers looking for a fun period adventure and... Full review >

by Antonio Ruiz-Camacho

A nimble debut that demonstrates not a singular narrative voice but a realistic chorus of them. Full review >

by Lisa Sandlin

Despite plot pieces that fit together a little too snugly, Sandlin blends pathos, humor, and poetic prose in a strong debut. Full review >

by Garth Risk Hallberg

The very-damn-good American novel. Full review >

by M.O. Walsh

Celebrate, fiction lovers: The gods of Southern gothic storytelling have inducted a junior member. Full review >