Thirst Trap by Gráinne O'Hare (out 16 September 2025)

"Thirst Trap" by Gráinne O'Hare is a highly anticipated debut novel set to be released in 2025. The story revolves around three friends, Maggie, Harley, and Róise, who are navigating the complexities of adulthood while living in a deteriorating houseshare in Belfast. Their lives are marked by the highs and lows of their twenties, including wild nights out and the subsequent hangovers. However, the trio is also dealing with the unresolved grief of losing their friend Lydia, whose death has left a significant impact on their lives and friendships.

The novel explores themes of friendship, grief, and the transition from youth to adulthood. It delves into the emotional and sometimes chaotic journey of the three women as they confront their past, their relationships, and their individual paths forward. The untouched room of their deceased friend Lydia serves as a poignant reminder of their loss and the unspoken tensions that linger among them.

"Thirst Trap" is described as a bittersweet and bitingly funny narrative that captures the essence of enduring friendships through both joyous and challenging times. The novel has been praised for its humor, emotional depth, and relatability, drawing comparisons to the works of Miranda July and Carrie Fisher. Readers have expressed admiration for its ability to evoke laughter and tears, highlighting its sharp wit and authentic portrayal of life's messiness.

Gráinne O'Hare, the author, is an accomplished writer from Belfast, currently based in Newcastle upon Tyne. She has received recognition for her work, including a Northern Debut Award for Fiction and funding from the Arts Council for her novel's development. Her background in eighteenth-century women's life-writing and her role as Media Sub-Editor for Criticks reviews contribute to her literary expertise. "Thirst Trap" marks her debut in the novel-writing world, and it is already generating significant buzz and anticipation among readers and critics alike.