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What’s a reader to do when they’ve already devoured everything by their go-to author? These recent releases are drawing comparisons to fan-favorite authors or books, creating the perfect opportunity to discover your next great read.

Bonus: Most of these titles are debuts that would count towards the "Discover a Debut" category in the Branch Out yearlong reading challenge.

Readers of Alexander McCall Smith and M.C. Beaton’s cozy mysteries should try A Deadly Walk in Devon by Nicholas George. This engaging debut follows retired San Diego police inspector Chase as he travels to England for a walking tour, hoping to shake some of his grief. When a fellow tourist is found dead, Chase gets drawn into the investigation. With likeable main characters and scenic descriptions, this new series is off to a promising start. [e-book | print]

Shilpi Somaya Gowda’s book-club-worthy A Great Country is reminiscent of Celeste Ng’s books. This moving and thought-provoking story centers around an Indian American family trying to move beyond their modest immigrant roots and find a place for themselves in a wealthy California neighborhood. While one child rejects the new affluence and another child tries to assimilate into her new surroundings, their youngest has a startling run-in with the police that shakes up the family and their future. [e-book | print]

Billed as a combination of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and Life of Pi, Douglas Westerbeke’s A Short Walk Through a Wide World is an enchanting and unusual coming-of-age story. Nine-year-old Aubry is cursed forever to move to a new place every few days or succumb to death. As Aubry goes on a sweeping adventure around the globe (multiple times), she crosses paths with remarkable people and looks for meaning in the face of intense loneliness. [e-book | print]

Northwoods by Amy Pease is not only being compared to William Kent Krueger’s writing, but is also recommended by him! After his marriage and job fall apart, veteran Eli North heads to northern Wisconsin to work for his mother, who happens to be sheriff. When a teenager is found dead, the Norths and a young FBI agent investigate, uncovering the bleak truth about the opioid epidemic. Readers looking for atmospheric small-town crime fiction won’t want to miss this. [e-book | print | audiobook | large type]

Sweetness in the Skin by Ishi Robinson is evoking some of the biggest names in book clubs, including Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, and The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré. Thirteen-year-old Pumpkin dreams of opening a bakery in France, and is saving up to leave Jamaica to join her aunt in Paris. Facing barrier after barrier (including her alcoholic mother), Pumpkin’s journey is both heartwrenching and inspiring. [e-book | print | audiobook]

Above the Fire by Michael O'Donnell has been reminding reviewers of a less-horrific version of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road. This introspective apocalyptic debut follows the trials of a father and son when their hiking trip turns long-term, thanks to a nationwide cyber attack. More character study than survival story, this is a quiet but gripping novel about familial bonds, self-reliance, and hope. [e-book | print]

⏤Laura