I’m much more confident about Salena Godden’s Mrs Death Misses Death which sounds wonderfully imaginative. Mrs Death is a black, working-class woman given to shape-shifting, and she’s exhausted. Spotting a keen listener, she unburdens herself to a troubled young writer eager for stories, time-travelling with him while discussing humanity’s likely future. ‘As the two reflect on the losses they have experienced – or, in the case of Mrs Death, facilitated – their friendship grows into a surprising affirmation of hope, resilience and love’ say the publishers promisingly. Impossible for a wordplay fan like me to resist that title.
Olivia Sudjic’s Asylum Road comes garlanded with praise from the likes of Daisy Johnson and Megan Hunter, a particular favourite of mine. After a holiday 
That old favourite, dark secrets, is a theme of Delphine de Vigan’s Gratitude by the sound of it. Michka is no longer able to look after herself so Marie has moved her to a home where she hopes she’ll be safe but Michka is haunted by a past which she’s long buried out of guilt. As she begins to lose her words, a speech therapist does all he can to help her tell her story and repay the debt she owes. ‘Delicately wrought and darkly gripping, Gratitude is about love, loss and redemption; about what we owe one another, and the redemptive power of showing thanks’ say the publishers. I loved de Vigan’s Based on a True Story, Loyalties not so much so I’m hoping for a return to form.
I’d not come across Billy O’Callaghan’s writing until I read My Coney Island Baby early in 2019. I loved it for its wistful, melancholy tone. Life Sentences sounds very different in scale but just as enticing with its story of three generations 
That’s it for the first part of January’s new fiction preview. As ever a click on a title will take you to a more detailed synopsis for anything that’s snagged your attention. Part two soon…
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I’m keen on Mrs Death Misses Death. I’ve requested it a couple of times, but nothing has turned up; I always have a NetGalley download as a backup, though.
Expecting great things from this one. Perhaps you’re a victim of missing post. Several things I’ve requested have failed to appear from people who usually send things out promptly. We’re lucky if we get post on alternate days here.
I like the sound of that one too. (And Delphine de Vigan)
Fingers crossed for the de Vigan after my disappointment with last year’s Loyalties.
Mrs Death Misses Death is on my radar – I think it sounds wonderful. I have a proof of the De Vigan and hope to read over the holidays. A new Billy O’Callaghan is cause for celebration!
As soon as I saw that title I knew I had to read Mrs Death! I’m aiming to catch up with Billy O’Callaghan’s backlist. Can’t imagine why it took me so long to read him.
A very interesting list, Susan. I loved Delphine de Vigan’s Nothing Holds Back the Night, so I shall await your view on this new one with interest. Luster certainly seems to have generated quite a lot of attention – that cover reminds me quite strongly of Valley of the Dolls!
Ha! I see what you mean about Luster. Fingers firmly crossed for the de Vigan and its gorgeous cover.
I’m promising myself that I will cut down on purchases next year and buy only what I really think is unmissable. I’m finding so much contemporary fiction to be disappointing. I will put my faith in the library system so will avoid the feelings of guilt at having paid out good money for a book I can’t finish
Sounds like a very good plan, Karen.
well we will see if I stick to it…I do ok for most of the year but come October it seems I have no restraint at all
Book-buying ban fatigue or all those goodies laid out ready for Christmas?
Mrs. Death sounds intriguing! I’ve made a note of it, and also of Gratitude. So love your headlights on upcoming books. As for Luster, it’s on many 2020 Best Books/Favorite Books here in the States, but I didn’t read it, and every time I think of reading it (because it’s gotten so much media attention) I still hesitate, and don’t. (I’m not being very helpful!)
I’m absolutely with you on that wariness around hype. I suspect I’ll be waiting for the paperback edition lf Luster but I’ll be reviewing both Mrs Death and Gratitude. So pleased to hear you enjoy the previews.
Luster does sound interesting – the Zadie Smith rec would have caught my attention too. But they all sound good, each for a slightly different reading mood.
I’m a little wary of Luster, thanks to all the hype around it but that Zadie Smith recommendation does sway me a little.
Luster ranked very highly in all of the ‘Best of’ lists this year (in fact, it was no.2)… and I hadn’t heard of it! Clearly I didn’t spend enough time in bookshops… Or perhaps it didn’t get much publicity in Australia (same applies to Memorial by Brian Washington)?
Ah, that’s interesting. Having read Memorial, I’d be surprised if you didn’t love it.
I’ve seen Luster mentioned a lot too, though always wary of the hype, so on the fence for the moment.
I have the new Delphine de Vigan to read too, another one I’m looking forward to.
I know exactly what you mean about hype! I’ve read and very much enjoyed the de Vigan since posting this.