Top ten new authors I read in 2016

Tuesday, December 6, 2016 Permalink

The Broke and Bookish host a Top Ten book-blog linkup every Tuesday. I’m not a regular participant – which may be the understatement of the year given this is the second time I’ve joined in – but I thought it timely to participate today and share those authors who were new (to me) in 2016.

You’ll see a a mix of international and Australian authors, as well as more established and debut authors. There are more of course, but some will be included in my ‘Favourite books of 2016 post’ and I’m not permitting any double-dipping… this time around.

The headings link to my reviews….

1. Fredrik Backman via Britt-Marie Was Here
The Swedish author and blogger also wrote the very popular A Man Called Ove but this novel featuring the newly separated VERY high maintenance Britt-Marie was surprisingly charming.

2. Sara Barnard via Beautiful Broken Things
This beautifully written young adult novel about friendships took me by surprise. It was Brighton-based Barnard’s debut novel and I look forward to her next in early 2017.

3. JM Coetzee via The Schooldays of Jesus
I ‘think’ I’ve read Coetzee’s Disgrace, but can’t be sure of that, so am including the South African author here. The second book in Coetzee’s series about ‘David’ is a bit metaphorical for someone with my prosaic tastes but I could recognise the genius in the writing and underlying messages.

 

4. Jane Harper via The Dry
This book has been hugely popular here in Australia and has made it onto many ‘best books of 2016’ lists. Interestingly it didn’t quite make mine, but of course I do like to be different. I really enjoyed this debut novel by Harper, but it wasn’t quite different enough for me… as I’ve read similarly themed books – including Fleur McDonald’s recent Sapphire Falls, for example.

5. Colleen Hoover via It Ends With Us
I’m a latecomer to CoHo and here’s a spoiler alert… this book is also making my ‘best books of 2016’ list. I think. I’d heard a lot about Hoover but usually steer clear of romance and / or young adult novels, but am very glad I took a chance with this one.

6. Anthony Horowitz via The Magpie Murders
Horowitz is well-known for his work in television, having created Midsummer Murders and Foyle’s War. He was also selected to author a new James Bond novel, Trigger Mortis. Given that his latest novel (and the first of his I’ve read) is very Agatha Christie-eque, I’m disappointed he wasn’t chosen to continue the Dame’s Hercule Poirot books!

 

7. Joe Ide via IQ
This is a recent read for me and though I felt the plot had a few holes and needed a little work, I adored Ide’s lead character – Isaiah Quintabe (IQ). I got the impression this is the start of a series and I look forward to again meeting the pragmatic problem solver with the genius IQ!

8. Rachael Johns via The Art of Keeping Secrets
When I guest-posted over at The Caffeinated Book Reviewer earlier this year I wrote about Aussie authors I figured US readers wouldn’t have recognised. Bizarrely, the hugely-popular (here) Rachael Johns was one of the three, although I’d not read any of her books. However… as she’s moved away from romance here I took the risk and was extremely glad I did.

 

9. Fleur McDonald via Sapphire Falls
Fleur’s another popular Australian author whose work – I thought – leant heavily on the romance side of romantic suspense, but I discovered it was most certainly not the case in her latest release. Indeed, as I mention above, I enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed the much-lauded, The Dry. 

10. Bernhard Schlink via The Woman on The Stairs
Schlink is a German author and former judge. I must admit I know nothing of this earlier book, The Reader (or the movie) but his latest offered up a fairly unlikeable character, but in a way that he charms we readers through his journey of self-reflection and regret.

 

Are any of these authors new to you? Have you discovered any new (great) authors this year?

60 Comments
  • HandbagMafia
    December 6, 2016

    I adored The Reader so will check out your Schlink recommendation! My best discovery this year was Holly Throsby- loved her debut novel, Goodwood!

    • Debbish
      December 6, 2016

      Ah yes, I almost included her but ran out of space. I enjoyed it as well… her songwriting /musical abilities very much showed up in her prose!

  • Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid
    December 6, 2016

    I discovered Sally Andrews, a South African author. I couldn’t put “Recipes for Love and Murder” down and was thrilled that she had written a sequel “The Satanic Mechanic” this year. Now she needs to hurry up and write another. I’ve got back into books this year and am loving it. Will check out some of your recs! Here’s to a book-tastic 2017!

    • Debbish
      December 6, 2016

      I haven’t heard of Andrews Sammie… but love the titles!!!

  • Ashlea | Glamour Coastal Living |
    December 6, 2016

    I love finding new authors, especially Aussie ones. Thanks for the list, off to search my local library catalogue now xx

    • Debbish
      December 6, 2016

      I hope you find some you like Ashlea!

  • deb dane
    December 6, 2016

    I recognise many of the authors but have read none of their work. I loved the reader though so plan to check out his latest.

    • Debbish
      December 6, 2016

      I must read The Reader Deb, everyone raves about it so much!

  • Stormi D Johnson
    December 6, 2016

    I remember putting a few of these on my wishlist. 🙂

    • Debbish
      December 6, 2016

      Oh dear… our lists keep growing don’t they Stormi?!

  • Janet Camilleri (@middleagedmama1)
    December 6, 2016

    I ordered It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover from the local library after your recommendation, and I agree, it was a brilliant book. Hard to read at times, but she really handles the difficult subject matter beautifully.

    • Debbish
      December 6, 2016

      She does, doesn’t she Janet. It would have been easy to stick to the stereotypes, but it kinda goes against that and that’s a bit challenging.

  • nicolethebuilderswife
    December 6, 2016

    I don’t get time to read much during the year, but tend to make up for it over the Summer holidays. I adore lying around in the air conditioning reading and perhaps having a glass or 2 of wine. This list is perfectly timed for me, I can order many of these from the library to be picked up on the 23rd ready for a read fest!

    • Debbish
      December 6, 2016

      Absolutely and next Tuesday or this Thursday…. I’ll be sharing my ‘favourite reads for 2016’.

  • Mumma McD
    December 6, 2016

    2016 was a very dry year on the reading front for me, I just haven’t had time to read for pleasure! That’s something I hope to change in 2017.
    #teamIBOT

    • Debbish
      December 6, 2016

      Ah yes, it’s not a priority for many I’m afraid. A friend said the other day she practically forces her child to read before bed each night, but doesn’t make the time herself.

  • lindseyhabets
    December 6, 2016

    I didn’t know about Sara Barnard but Beautiful Broken Things sounds amazing! Adding to my TBR 🙂

  • Greg Hill
    December 6, 2016

    I haven’t read any of these but I have heard of Sara Bernard and Beautiful Broken Things. A couple of these others are familiar as well, i know I’ve seen the names around.

    Hope you’re having a good week. 🙂

    • Debbish
      December 7, 2016

      Thanks Greg. I’m only holidays (for a week or so) after today, so am doing very well!

  • Janine K
    December 6, 2016

    We have so many talented authors here in Australia – I also read a lot of debut authors here and overseas. I also didn’t really enjoy The Dry, listened to it on audiobook though, so perhaps the print version may have been better. My favourite authors this year were Lexi Landsman, Tess Woods, Emily Madden, Kelly Rimmer, Angela Pisel, Holly Overton & Natasha Lester. I also read Rachael Johns book and loved it – her writing just keeps getting better now she is moving away from Rural Romance.

    • Debbish
      December 7, 2016

      Natasha Lester has made my ‘fave books of 2016’ so I didn’t include her here Janine… but I definitely enjoyed The Art of Keeping Secrets.

  • Renee Wilson
    December 6, 2016

    Yes, they are all new to me. I haven’t read a book in quite a few months. I need to change that very soon!

    • Debbish
      December 7, 2016

      Oh yes… perhaps over the holiday period?!

  • Alicia-OneMotherHen (@alleychook)
    December 6, 2016

    I wish I had or made more time to read (I don’t know where I would squeeze that in!). It is something I really look forward to when I have the spare time. Maybe even in the bath, when I get to have one of those again!!

    • Debbish
      December 7, 2016

      I know some people who tend to read collections of short stories / non-fiction so they can read snippets when they get the chance and not have to worry about forgetting the plot!

  • booksarelife987
    December 6, 2016

    I read three CoHo books these year…and hated all of them XD
    Great list!!

    • Debbish
      December 7, 2016

      Did you read It Ends With Us I wonder? As I said, it’s the only book of hers I’ve read as I don’t usually read romance, but everyone had talked about November 9, so I thought I’d try her out…

  • Emma
    December 7, 2016

    Colleen Hoover is the only author on your list I’ve read and she was new to me in 2015. I feel like I’m missing out with some of your other choices so thanks for flagging them.

  • ChrissiReads
    December 7, 2016

    Ooh I love Colleen Hoover and Sara Barnard. You’ve got a great bunch of authors that you’ve discovered this year.

    • Debbish
      December 7, 2016

      Yes, that’s definitely the case Chrissi!

  • Laurie
    December 7, 2016

    I keep seeing these wonderful lists full of authors I have not yet read. I want to read ALL the books I see but there is never enough time 🙁 Glad to have found your blog today!

    • Debbish
      December 7, 2016

      Thanks Laurie and I’m the same… I’ve not heard of most of the authors people have mentioned in their posts!

  • Grace @ Rebel Mommy Book Blog
    December 7, 2016

    Yay so glad you liked the Colleen Hoover book. She is a favorite of mine 🙂

    • Debbish
      December 7, 2016

      I did enjoy this book Grace and liked the way she approached the issue of domestic violence etc…

  • readerbuzz
    December 7, 2016

    Is that the same Anthony Horowitz that writes children’s action fiction? He might be Australian. Or British. (I really sound like I know what I’m talking about.)

    • Debbish
      December 7, 2016

      Horowitz is British Deb, so it may well be. I’d recognised his name more from television! An I’m as bad as I ‘could’ google and check his other work out, but….

  • Katherine @ I Wish I Lived in a Library
    December 7, 2016

    I haven’t read Colleen Hoover but I desperately want to and Magpie Murders is on my TBR. It sounds so good! Britt-Marie was here is on my TBR and it’s been calling my name lately. I need to actually read it now! Great list!

    • Debbish
      December 7, 2016

      I did see Fredrick Backman on someone else’s list as well, for his book, A Man Calld Ove.

  • Tracy (@Cornerfolds)
    December 7, 2016

    These are all new to me except Colleen Hoover! Thanks for all the suggestions 😀

    Here are my Top Ten!

  • charliegirlteachergirl
    December 7, 2016

    These are all new to me! Though I’ve heard of a few. The Woman on the Stairs looks so good!

    https://girlof1000wonders.wordpress.com/2016/12/06/top-ten-tuesday-for-the-first-time-in-2016/

    • Debbish
      December 7, 2016

      Yes I enjoyed it – despite the unlikeable lead character!

  • adventureswithabooknerd
    December 7, 2016

    I have heard amazing things about Beautiful Broken Things, along with any Colleen Hoover book, and yet I still haven’t read them! Maybe next year. 🙂

    • Debbish
      December 8, 2016

      Ahhh… yes, there’s always time. (Although new books will pop up in that time!) 😉

  • Kate W
    December 7, 2016

    Yay for Schlink and Backman! I haven’t read either of the books you have, but have read other books by these authors. For the record, The Reader is one of my all time favourite books and A Man Called Ove is probably among the books that I recommend most often.

    • Debbish
      December 8, 2016

      Ha! It’s funny I’ve read ‘lesser-known’ books by both and not the ones they’re known for, but I really should try to read both of them!

  • Literary Feline (Wendy)
    December 8, 2016

    What a great list! I haven’t yet read Britt-Marie Was Here, but am looking forward to doing so. I loved A Man Called Ove. The Woman on the Stairs is another one I am hoping to get to as well. All your choices though sound good, and I am glad you enjoyed them. So many great books to add to my wish list! Thanks for sharing, Deborah.

    • Debbish
      December 8, 2016

      You’re very welcome. I need to read A Man Called Ove as everything I know has loved it!

  • Cait @ Paper Fury
    December 8, 2016

    Oh yes I’ve read Beautiful Broken Things too!! I’m SO excited for the author’s next book though. *flails* It’s basically on my buy-as-soon-as-possible list heeh.

    • Debbish
      December 8, 2016

      I think I saw it’s out in January… though not sure if that’s here.

  • Lisa
    December 9, 2016

    I can’t wait to read Brit-Marie! Just waiting for my library to finally have a copy available. 🙂 Looks like you discovered some great reads in 2016!

    • Debbish
      December 9, 2016

      I certainly did Lisa! And I must remember to keep moving outside my reading comfort zone next year!

  • karen blue
    December 9, 2016

    I read Fredrik Backman for the first time this year too. I really enjoyed Britt-Marie was here, it reminded me of a childhood protagonist Amelia Bedelia, lol. I really want to read IQ based solely on the review of another blogger. I am rethinking that now, plot holes are not good. I trust your opinion. Great list!

    • Debbish
      December 12, 2016

      I definitely think IQ is worth the read Karen as it provides a great backstory into the lead character and I enjoyed it despite my occasional struggle with the plot.

  • Amanda
    December 10, 2016

    I’ve not read any of these books, so I will have to see how easy it is to get a hold of the Aussie authors here.;)

    • Debbish
      December 12, 2016

      I think only Rachael and Fleur’s books are pretty new Amanda.

  • Girl About Library
    December 12, 2016

    I’ve been thinking about reading a CoHo book too! Glad to hear that you weren’t sure about it as well and ended up enjoy it. Definitely at the top of my list for 2017!

    • Debbish
      December 15, 2016

      Good to hear. I don’t read much (any) romance, but this offers up something a bit different!

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