PEARL by Sherri L. Smith received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. The reviewer praises Smith for her “carefully plotted dialogue and character interactions,” and illustrator Christine Norrie’s “[h]arrowing scenes of violence and tragedy…in a haunting progression of inky black panels while a muted blue and white palette adds ethereal ambiance to Amy’s everyday life.” Graphix will publish the novel on August 20, 2024.

Seth Fishman’s forthcoming picture-book, BRANDON AND THE TOTALLY TROUBLESOME TIME MACHINE, received a positive review from Kirkus: “Lighthearted and joke-filled…[T]his flippantly funny selection will appeal to reluctant readers, mistake makers, and homework shirkers alike. A lively lesson on the value of hard work and perseverance embedded in a wacky time travel adventure.” Penguin Workshop will publish the book on October 15, 2024.

Mason Coile’s forthcoming horror novel WILLIAM is eliciting positive reviews. Publishers Weekly writes, “Coile expertly imagines the sort of ghoulish snares a cybernetic environment could spring upon its unprepared captives. . . It’s a frightening Frankenstein fable for the age of AI.” Meanwhile, Kirkus Reviews calls it “Gleefully lurid fun.” In Library Journal, reviewer James Gardner raves, “[Coile] makes the house feel haunted through his descriptions, but this book is also a wickedly fast cyber-thriller. . . A late-act reveal helps this story stand out among other technology-going-bad tales, and those who like the trope, or enjoy a good techno-thriller, will want to watch William play with his human toys.” G.P. Putnam’s Sons will publish the novel on September 10, 2024.

Katherine Arden’s picture-book debut, THE STRANGEST FISH, received a starred review from Kirkus. The review praises: “Arden’s lyrical, conversational text emphasizes the strong bond between Daisy and her new pet despite their limited time together; she makes clear that caring for another living being can alter us forever…A deeply empathetic look at the magic of love and compassion.” Astra Young Readers will publish the book on September 3, 2024.

Kailee Pedersen’s upcoming debut novel SACRIFICIAL ANIMALS received a starred review from Library Journal. Reviewer Becky Spratford raves: “Readers will follow…as the foreboding details build, knowing full well that the tightly coiled tension will eventually explode; when it does, they will be left gasping in awe… Pedersen’s debut skillfully balances character and atmosphere. Recommend to readers who like creepy, methodically paced stories that focus on unease.” Meanwhile, a review from Publisher’s Weekly praises: “[A] grisly, literary horror that isn’t afraid to show its teeth. Pedersen is sure to win fans.” St. Martin’s Press will publish the book on August 20, 2024.

Publishers Weekly released a wonderful review of poet and therapist Joanna Pearson’s “rich debut murder mystery” BRIGHT AND TENDER DARK. The reviewer writes: “Pearson’s gift for texture and emotional resonance mark her as a talent to watch.” Bloomsbury Publishing will publish the novel on June 4, 2024.

A starred review from Kirkus for Plum Sykes’ WIVES LIKE US raves: “Sykes gives Kevin Kwan a run for his money in this saga of obscene wealth, designer outfits, miniature dog breeds, and over-the-top landscaping set in Oxfordshire, a rural area of vast estates now mostly in the hands of the nouveau riche…Crazy Rich Brits may not have the amazing cuisine of their Asian counterparts, but they are just as scheming, fabulous, and fun to read about…you’ll dive in and never look back.” The book was also featured in the UK’s The Times, where Simon Mills writes: “Its publication may still be two months away, but a new novel by Plum Sykes…is already being feverishly discussed…Attempting to do for the Cotswolds what F Scott Fitzgerald did for West Egg and its inspiration, the Hamptons (and what Peter Mayle did for Provence), WIVES LIKE US, set in the super-rich houses of West Oxfordshire, is a bandbox shiny satirette of country living where everyone is unmuddied but filthy rich.” Harper will publish WIVES LIKE US on May 14, 2024.

In its first trade review, Catherine Con Morse's debut novel THE NOTES is hailed by Kirkus as "[a] compelling exploration of art, identity, and falling in love." Crown Books for Young Readers will publish the book on April 30, 2024.

The first trade review for Emily Hamilton's debut novel THE STARS TOO FONDLY is in, with Library Journal declaring: "This delightful debut is a space odyssey with just enough mystery and romance to keep readers thoroughly entertained.” NetGalley also named the novel one of its "Top 25 Debut Novels of 2024." THE STARS TOO FONDLY will be published by Harper Voyager in the US and Gollancz in the UK on June 11, 2024.

Electric Literature recently published the story "A New Book of Grotesques" by Jessi Jezewska Stevens, excerpted from her forthcoming debut collection GHOST PAINS, with a warm introduction by her editor Jeremy Davies: "[Stevens'] fiction perches upon and pries open little fissures in our prejudices about what fiction 'ought' to be doing at this moment in history. She manages, with rigor and strangeness, to make the old wounds hurt, to make our shallowness feel dangerous again." And Other Stories published GHOST PAINS on March 5, 2024.