Introducing yourself in the literary world as a debut author is not easy considering how high the bar has already been set by established authors. Yet, despite the odds, some first-time authors manage to defy expectations, and make their mark with debut books. In this article, we’ll pay tribute to such authors who published compelling reads for their audiences the very first time. One can only imagine their abilities to draft novels that were critically acclaimed worldwide. Let’s dive into three such debut books that became massive successes within months of their release.
1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
You must have already read this book. Published in 2011, the book follows two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who are bound by a competition to create the most enchanting circus acts. However, unbeknownst to them, the contest is a dangerous game of survival, with the circus as the stage for their battle. Morgenstern’s descriptions and storytelling had to engage the audiences like it did. The Night Circus became a bestseller quickly, and received the place it so deserved in the literary world.
2. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Then there is Paula Hawkins, who made a sensational entrance as a debut writer with her psychological thriller, The Girl on the Train. Released in 2015, the novel tells the story of Rachel, an alcoholic woman who becomes embroiled in a missing person investigation after witnessing something suspicious from her daily train commute. The book’s unreliable narrator and suspenseful plot twists kept readers on the edge of their seats. The Girl on the Train not only became a bestseller but was also adapted into a major motion picture.
3. Harvest Town by David Host
David Host’s debut novel, Harvest Town, is another example of a first-time author making a significant impact. Set in the sleepy town of Norton, Washington, the story follows a trio of ex-marines who investigate the mysterious disappearance of people and pets. Their search leads them to uncover a sadistic consortium specializing in harvesting human organs and tissues for sale on the black market. As the investigation deepens, the characters find themselves in a battle between good and evil, with innocent lives hanging in the balance. Host’s well-crafted suspense have earned the book widespread acclaim from readers, making it a standout debut.
These three debut books show that new voices can still sit well with the audience.
If you have already read the first two books, which we believe you must have, don’t forget to read the third one if you’re looking for a thrilling mystery with a dark twist. Harvest Town by David Host is available on Amazon. This debut novel promises a suspenseful journey through a town where nothing is as it seems, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
