A feast of fine fiction debuts awaits readers in the new year
Tanya Sweeney has a new publishing deal. Photo: Gerry Mooney
As the the very proud sponsor of the Newcomer of the Year Book Award, we’re always excited to see what new fiction is coming from Irish writers, so it’s wonderful to report that there’s much to look forward to in 2026.
The year starts with a real gem. I read it back in September on holiday on the divine Riviera di Levante, but I still find myself smiling when I think of Irish Independent journalist Tanya Sweeney’s Esther is Now Following You. Due in a fortnight from Bantam Press, this funny, fierce first novel tells the story of young woman who develops an obsession with a famous comedian and starts stalking him.