A new noir novel by the rarely seen Ron Rash, a collection of short stories brimming with Irish humor by Jan Carson, a captivating second novel by Marie Vingtras, and an ironic critique of the American system... With hundreds of books released this year, it's tough to choose which ones to slip under the tree. The Do It Team has curated a selection of their true favorites of the year. Find the best novels to gift right here.
A Collection of Whimsical Short Stories
The Book: The Ghost of the Backseat by Jan Carson
The Pitch: The ghost of a grumpy old Catholic man who reeks of tobacco and grumbles in the backseat of the family car; a father reluctantly taking his sons to a fast-food restaurant only to despair when they don’t reappear from the plastic slide; a little girl betrayed by her father, who had promised her the garden shed if she cleaned it; a young woman having her beach stolen by a sand-eating baby…
Each story in this collection follows the tradition of Anglo-Saxon short stories: both funny and biting. They send chills down your spine, balancing raw realism that reveals societal flaws with an almost mundane kind of fantastical.
Why You'll Love It: After being recognized for The Fire Starters and The Raptures, Jan Carson, hailing from Northern Ireland, has cemented her reputation. Her novels exude the mystical atmosphere of a land still haunted by its ghosts. With a frank writing style, Carson portrays eccentric characters and whimsical tales, all while humorously examining the complexities of humanity. The Ghost of the Backseat invites readers to explore the enchanting landscapes of Ireland and delve into Carson’s unique world.
A Spellbinding True Crime Tale
The Book: Fierce Souls by Marie Vingtras
The Pitch: “She was here yesterday, she'll be here tomorrow, they say, because nothing ever changes in this town.” The story begins as a detective novel with a crime: Leo, a 17-year-old girl, is found dead by a river. Sheriff Lauren Hobler discovers her body amidst wild irises. The news quickly spreads through Mercy, a rural town of fewer than 4,000 souls. It takes Lauren a full year to unravel the mystery of Leo’s silence.
But don’t be fooled—this is a noir novel. As seasons pass, locals reveal secrets about their lives and their connection to Leo. There’s Benjamin, Seth, Lauren, and others like Jenkis and Emmy. Though the people of Mercy thought they knew each other, they realize how little they understand about themselves. The police investigation morphs into a psychological study of the fragile human spirit.
Why You'll Love It: After her award-winning debut Blizzard, Marie Vingtras delivers another masterpiece, showcasing her talent for intense narratives. The characters are intricately crafted, revealing layers of complexity. Through four internal monologues, the narrative tightens, masks fall, and everything gains clarity. This sensitive choral novel offers a profound psychological exploration, unearthing the hidden darkness in everyone. Surprising and impactful!
A Tragic Epic Set in the 1990s USA
The Book: They Call Me Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
The Pitch: “Poor kids. We’re supposed to say, look at them, they made bad choices that led to their miserable lives.” Born on the floor of a trailer to a young drug addict and a father long gone, Damon Field is not destined for greatness. From failing social services to corrupt foster homes, from juvenile court to the vicious cycle of addiction, Damon navigates the darkest corners of the United States with resilience and dignity.
Endemic poverty, Oxycontin dependency, and institutional failures weave through his journey. Nicknamed Demon Copperhead due to his red hair, his indomitable spirit ensures he claims a place in readers’ hearts. A harrowing tale of survival and humanity, this unforgettable story is as heartbreaking as it is life-affirming.
Why You'll Love It: From her debut novel The Bean Trees, Barbara Kingsolver has tackled challenging themes with humor and depth. Demon Copperhead stands alongside works like Dickens’ Copperfield, Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, and Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch, as an anti-heroic epic. Against the backdrop of 1990s America, rife with inequality and opioid crises, Kingsolver crafts a tale filled with fierce social critique and profound humanity. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the Women's Prize for Fiction, this is a must-read for the holiday season.
A Noir Novel Worthy of Shakespearean Drama
The Book: A Tomb for Two by Ron Rash
The Pitch: The wealthy Hampton family of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, owns vast lands, a sawmill, and a general store. Their plans for their son Jacob, however, are thwarted by his refusal to attend college, his friendship with Blackburn—a disfigured mortician—and his love for Naomi, the daughter of a poor farmer. Jacob secretly marries Naomi, leaves town to fight in Korea, and leaves her pregnant under his parents' care.
Seizing the opportunity, Mr. and Mrs. Hampton devise a ruthless plan to separate Jacob from Naomi. But the loyal and kind-hearted Blackburn stands in their way. A five-act tragedy, this gripping tale reveals its truths on the very last line of the final page.
Why You'll Love It: Ron Rash, a pioneer of “rural noir,” excels at portraying unforgettable characters. Blackburn, a deeply sensitive and noble figure, anchors this chilling tale. Beneath its eerie facade, the novel explores themes of familial honor, war's haunting legacy, and human cruelty. It’s a noir masterpiece, profound and haunting.
A Witty Critique of the American Legal System
The Book: Striptease Artists Always Need Legal Advice by Iain Levison
The Pitch: “I’ve spent 11 years trying to save the world, but it keeps going downhill.” How does a lawyer end up entangled in a web of drugs and prostitution? Enter Justin Sykes, an overworked public defender with an unremarkable life. Through a chance encounter, he meets Marcus, the owner of a gentlemen’s club, who offers Justin an unusual gig: legal consultations for the club’s dancers, at €1,000 an hour.
Worn out and jaded, Justin accepts, setting off a cascade of events that pull him deep into a criminal underworld.
Why You'll Love It: Known for his sharp wit, Iain Levison delivers a scathing yet humorous take on the flawed American judicial system. With engaging characters, biting social commentary, and fluid storytelling, this dark comedy is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a fast-paced, ironic noir you won’t want to miss.
And Also...
The Last Day of the Previous Life by Andrés Barba
At first glance, she understands why the house won’t sell: too big, too sad, too impersonal. Then she discovers the ghost of a little boy in an empty room. Surprisingly, fear is replaced by curiosity, and she returns day after day to spend time with the child. What trapped him in this grand, lonely house?
With poetic prose, Andrés Barba, acclaimed for A Luminous Republic, explores the mysterious bond between the living and the spectral. A hauntingly beautiful tale that transcends time and reality.
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