The Best Debut Short Story Collections of 2024

Below are the 10 debut short story collections that Adam Vitcavage included on the Best Debut Books of 2024 list.

Long live short stories.

You can purchase a copy of each book by clicking on the title. A small portion of the sale will go into funding Debutiful via Bookshop.org.

Mouth by Puloma Ghosh

I was blown away by these stories’ imagination, boldness, and execution. I can’t imagine my life before reading these stories. They feel like instant classics. This is one of the best short story collections ever. It is a must-read book for anyone who loves literature. Listen to an interview with the author: Apple | Spotify

There is a Rio Grande in Heaven by Reuben Reyes Jr

This collection gives life to Salvadoran characters through gorgeous stories that run from realism to the fantastical. Reyes succeeds on every level from genre, to dialogue, to pacing. It’s a beautifully crafted collection with equally as beautiful and memorable characters. Listen to an interview with the author: Apple | Spotify

Ghostroots by ‘Pemi Aguda

Aguda’s stories are breathtaking. This collection moves readers through Lagos with interesting hooks and even more interesting structure. Aguda has such a masterful grasp on bringing readers into these worlds and letting them fumble around with the characters before shining a light to reveal the a ha moment of it all. I loved exploring Lagos with her. Listen to an interview with the author: Apple | Spotify

Mystery Lights by Lena Valencia

These dark and moody stories are such a treat to read. They’re quick-witted and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Valencia drops readers into evocative worlds with skillfully crafted characters. Read this if you want something a little off-kilter. It delivers on making you squirm, gasp out loud, and think hard. Listen to an interview with the author: Apple | Spotify

Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil by Ananda Lima

Lima offers unique stories that will leave you questioning many things. They’re strange, shocking, and downright satisfying. The slim collection hits above its weight class and does more in less than 200 pages than most books do in double the length. Listen to the author read from their debut book: Apple | Spotify

Women! In! Peril! by Jessie Ren Marshall

These stories do whatever they want. There are no rules in Marshall’s debut as she bounces from space stations to dance class. The collection is equally humorous and thought-provoking while it explores complex topics with ease. These stories are a breath of fresh air. Listen to the author read from their debut: Apple | Spotify

Obligations to the Wounded by Mubanga Kalimamukwento

These stories! These stories! They are opulent, clever, and ingenious. While they follow these women’s lives, they also offer insight into large themes seen across the globe. Kalimamukwento is a graceful writer who has already hit her stride. Her future is bright.

The Man in the Banana Trees by Marguerite Sheffer

The unique blend of stories in Sheffer’s collection gives new insight into our world. She uses genre and setting to explore the unfamiliar and push readers into using a mirror to see our reality in them. I never knew what to expect from story to story. Sheffer kept me on my toes and each story felt like the story of the collection. She outdid herself time and time again.

Green Frog by Gina Chung

Like her debut novel, her collection touches upon animals but also explores human bodies, womanhood, and survival. Fans of her novel should be ready for an amazing experience equal to Sea Change. Listen to the author read from their debut story collection: Apple | Spotify

A Small Apocalypse by Laura Chow Reeve

These stories answer the question of what it means to not fit in and how to be okay with yourself. All of the stories bring in memorable characters and their communities to explore otherness. The sticky Florida settings come to life through gorgeous language and poignant dialogue. Listen to the author read from their debut: Apple | Spotify