By Michelle Ye, Jia Wen Ho, Shaniah Shields and Leanne Francis
Crime/Thriller
Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor
3 January, Little Brown Book Group
Described as “Succession set in Delhi,” Age of Vice is the hotly anticipated crime-thriller novel by Deepti Kapoor. This action-packed story centres around the Wadia family and the greed, corruption, wealth and violence associated with them. Age of Vice follows the lives of three main characters: Ajay, a watchful servant; Sunny, the playboy heir and Neda, the curious journalist, as they become embroiled in the extravagant and dangerously corruptive lives of the rich and infamous. To find out more about this intoxicating novel, click here.
Dark Comedy
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
2 March, Atlantic Books
In this razor-sharp debut by Parini Shroff, we are introduced to Geeta, a so-called “self-made” widow. After her husband walked out on her, rumours began to spread that she killed her own husband. Though the rumour initially afforded Geeta some perks, women soon began to consult her for advice on “husband disposal.” When one woman desperately approaches Geeta for help, her reluctant agreement sets in motion a chain of events that changes everything for her and the women in the village. You can find out more about The Bandit Queens here.
Adventure/Mystery
Lost Treasure of Lanfang Republic by Tan Lip Hong
31 January, Epigram Books
Unlike what the history books may say, the first modern republic was not established in America or France, but in a gold-rich state right in the middle of West Borneo in 1776. When his aunt was mysteriously murdered, entrepreneur Hector Yan follows in his famous late uncle's footsteps, undertaking a dangerous treasure hunt into Borneo. Every step towards the treasure becomes more perilous and fraught with enemies, as he has to shield an explosive, world-changing secret. This novel is a finalist for the 2022 Epigram Books Fiction Prize, and Tan’s third novel. Learn more about this gripping novel here.
General Fiction
Chickpeas to Cook & Other Stories by Nilanjana Sengupta
17 January, Penguin Random House SEA
Sengupta brings us a collection of short stories shedding light on the lives of women from small communities in Singapore. These women come from Bohra Muslim, Zoroastrian and Eurasian communities. Their stories could not be more different, and yet they intersect with the experience of womanhood. Find out more about this collection here.
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
16 February, Hodder & Stoughton
Roshani Chokshi’s The Last Tale of the Flower Bride mixes fairy-tale magic with gothic mystique. Beautiful but secretive, Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada has just married with one condition: her husband must never question her past. The couple is submerged in stories and presents fuelled by their love, but, when they have no choice but to return to Indigo’s childhood home, her secrets inevitably start unravelling, leaving the bride and groom caught between reality and fantasy.
Rosewater by Liv Little
20 April, Dialogue Books
One of Dialogue Books’ most highly anticipated releases of the year, Liv Little’s unputdownable debut Rosewater captures South London life and the many facets of love. In a celebration of Black queer identity and love, Little’s complex and sexy cast of characters is brimming with originality. Littered with social commentary, this is a fierce story of friendship, familial love and finding your place in the world. Described by Bernardine Evaristo as “putting Black queer lives, loves and longings centre stage, where they belong,” this debut is not to be missed.
Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson
11 May, Penguin Books
From the acclaimed author of Open Water comes a new, intimate and powerful exploration of a father-son relationship. Set in both London and Ghana, Small Worlds explores the power of music and dance as an escape from life as the protagonist, Stephen, begins to carve a place for himself in the world. This novel’s lyrical prose is imbued with love, identity and questions of belonging.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
25 May, HarperCollins
Delving into the darker corners of publishing, R.F. Kuang’s upcoming novel Yellowface tackles pervasive cultural appropriation and racism. Writing under a pseudonym, Juniper Song’s real name is June Hayward, and her work is not hers at all, but a manuscript stolen from her friend, Athena Liu. The two women meant to conquer the publishing industry together are abruptly parted – first, by Liu’s soaring success and, second, by Liu’s tragic death. Hayward’s decision to publish pushes her into a desperate scramble for success as her career careens out of her control.