5 Most Anticipated Debut Books of November 2023

As the year progresses and the leaves begin to fall, November brings with it a promise of cozy nights spent with a good book. This November 2023, the literary world is set to be enriched with a host of debut authors, each bringing their unique voices and perspectives to the table. From thrilling mysteries and heart-warming romances to insightful non-fiction and innovative science fiction, there’s something for everyone. Here, we’ve rounded up the 5 most anticipated debut books of November 2023 that are penned by promising new writers and some well known authors making debut in new genre.

Check and Mate (Ali Hazelwood)

The author Ali Hazelwood who won our hearts with her first book, ‘The Love Hypothesis,’ is back with a new book called ‘Check and Mate.’ This isn’t just any book, though – it’s her debut into the world of Young Adult (YA) fiction.

In the novel, Mallory Greenleaf, a former chess player, has left the game behind due to its negative impact on her family. Now responsible for her mom and sisters, she works a mundane job to support them. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she joins a charity chess tournament and defeats Nolan Sawyer, a renowned and rebellious chess figure. Nolan’s interest in a rematch with Mallory complicates matters, as she is torn between the lure of potential winnings and her troubled past with chess.

Despite her reluctance, Mallory re-enters the competitive chess scene, reawakening her passion for the game while grappling with the challenges of keeping her family life separate from her growing fame. As she progresses, she must navigate the intensity of the spotlight, the fierce competition, and her complex feelings for Nolan, who becomes more than just an adversary. The story encapsulates Mallory’s internal and external struggles as she contends with her decision-making, the pressures of youth culture, and the dynamics of a budding romance within the high-stakes world of chess.

Gwen and Art Are Not in Love (Lex Croucher)

In “Gwen and Art Are Not in Love,” Lex Croucher presents an engaging and refreshing twist on royal romances with their YA debut. It is a light-hearted royal romance with a twist. The novel attempts to intertwine the romantic developments of two queer couples in a historical, medieval setting. Initially, the reader finds both Gwen and Arthur unlikeable, but as the story unfolds and their secrets are shared, they develop a kinship that changes the reader’s perception, particularly of Arthur, who grows from being annoying to somewhat endearing

In this unconventional love story, Gwen, a princess, and Art, a noble, are expected to marry each other, but there’s a problem: neither of them has feelings for the other because they’re both queer. Gwen finds herself drawn to the only woman competing in the palace’s tournament of knights, while Art starts to fall for Gwen’s brother, the prince who is next in line for the throne. Art stands out as a particularly lovable character with his charming yet somewhat oblivious humor, and his love for animals—which endears him to Gwen’s brother is highlighted as a highlight of the story. Gwen’s affection for her knight, Bridget, is portrayed as adorable, and their dynamic brings out each other’s fun sides. Arthur’s relationship with Sidney offers snarky, clever banter that illustrates their deep friendship.

Lights Out (Kate Green)

A gripping debut novel “Lights Out” by Kate Green is centered around a high-profile murder in an affluent suburb. It is a thriller about Kate Green, a sports reporter and ex-soccer player in a fancy town. The victim is Kurt Robbins, a famous NBA player, known for being unfaithful to his wife, Yvette. Despite the suspicions and accusations aimed at Yvette, her best friend, Kate Green, is convinced of her innocence. Kate, a former professional soccer player and current sports presenter on leave, decides to take matters into her own hands to clear her friend’s name.

With a firm belief in Yvette’s innocence, Kate embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, delving into the case with questions that the police might have overlooked or ignored. However, her investigation proves to be risky, as it starts to threaten not just her own safety but also the safety of her family. Despite these dangers, Kate remains unwavering in her pursuit of justice, determined to expose the real culprit behind Kurt’s murder.

The Engagement Party (Finley Turner)

A first-person debut thriller by Finley Turner focuses on Kassandra and Murray who are a newly engaged couple planning a simple courthouse wedding and laid-back celebration.

The story, narrated by Kass, shows her discomfort and alienation amidst the luxury of Murray’s home in North Carolina and reveals the cold and unwelcoming nature of his parents and the unsettling behavior of his twin brothers. However, they are surprised by a formal invitation to an engagement party at Murray’s family estate in North Carolina. Despite Murray’s vague descriptions of his family as “rich assholes,” the couple heads to the estate, where Kass is taken aback by the family’s extreme wealth.

Tensions rise when a man poised to become part of the family business is murdered during the celebration, and it appears someone is framing Kass for the murder, leveraging the dark corners of her past against her. The engagement party turns dramatic and leaves all the guests in as potential suspect. The novel, described as well-crafted especially for a debut, intertwines Kass and Murray’s secretive pasts with the current events, leading to an unexpected conclusion. She is caught in a dangerous web of old grudges and family secrets as she struggles to clear her name.

Search History (Amy Taylor)

A highly praised debut novel Search History by Amy Talor humorously yet insightfully explores modern relationships through the lens of digital interactions. It combines elements of dark humor and poignant drama, drawing comparisons to the style of “Fleabag” and the thematic depth of “Rebecca.” It explores themes of loss, identity, and the struggle for genuine connection amidst the curated personas of social media

The protagonist, Ana, after ending a long-term relationship, relocates from Perth to Melbourne, which signifies a fresh start but also comes with its own set of challenges. She leaves behind her friends and faces estrangement from her mother, who uses silence as a form of emotional manipulation, a theme mirrored in Ana’s subsequent relationships. Ana’s attempt to forge new connections is marred by a series of disheartening events, including a traumatic experience with a dating app encounter. When she meets Evan, however, it seems there might be hope for intimacy and companionship. But the normalcy of online research reveals a complex layer to Evan’s past—his former girlfriend, Emily, has died, and her memory is preserved online in a seemingly flawless image.

As Ana’s relationship with Evan deepens, it does so under the shadow of Emily’s death, which Evan never discusses, and Ana never admits to knowing about, despite her obsessive online snooping. This dynamic places Ana in the uneasy role of “The One Who Came After,” where she struggles with the need for reassurance and the weight of hidden grief.

Also read: Most Anticipated Horror Novels of November 2023