Debut Novel

by Brian O'Sullivan

At 32, Bryce Connor decides to quit his job and move to Paris to write the great American novel. Unfortunately, on his last night in the U.S., he witnesses a brutal stabbing. Instead of turning himself in and testifying against what he believes to be the mafia, he catches his flight to Europe, where he quickly settles in and starts to fall in love with a beautiful French girl.



But the killers have found out who Bryce is and are headed to Paris themselves.

254 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Stacy]

I can’t believe I just read someone’s debut novel! Did not seem like it! Story was fast paced & exciting! Kept me on my toes wondering what was next. Bryce & Elise are very likable characters.


Brian, Brian, Brian…

I found Brian in a Facebook group. This was the last book I’ve read of his, as I’ve read all of the others. As a debut novel, I loved it. Brian’s books are fast paced & I appreciate how he describes things in detail. I can “see” the characters & where they are. This book did not disappoint. Thank you for being one of my new fav authors, Brian.

If you haven’t read any of Brian’s books, I highly suggest with The Photo Album & continue with The Other Annie. Also, check him out on Facebook. He interacts & talks with his fans. He’s so gracious & keeps us updated on what he has in the works!

[Marquel Love]

First book of 2026, done!! But let’s not forget I did start this book in April of 2025. If that doesn’t show how slow the first part of the book is, idk what would. Once it hit its climax though I was ALL IN. Great story line, and definitely kept me on my toes once I was in the thick of it, but I was a little disappointed with the ending and felt like it was super abrupt after what seemed like very descriptive chapters, and descriptions of other events and things throughout the book.

[Donna Mallery]

I’ve enjoyed all books by this author. He has such an easy style that draws you in! He has a great sense of humor while telling stories of mayhem and murder! This is an early book of is that he just published. It is lite but entertaining. The main parts are spread between NYC and Paris.

[Alex]

I really like Brian and his books, but this one just wasn’t for me. It didn’t grab me the way his others have, and I found it hard to stay engaged.

[Rania Kamal]

Another well deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[courtney small]

Debut Novel
By: Brian O’ Sullivan
ARC READ


Bryce is going to take his life in his own hands. He is headed to find his love and a new life in a new country. Along the way some mishaps take shape, putting Bryce in danger. This is like a cat and mouse chase of killer vs victim. Will Bryce become the victim? Or will his dreams of a new life take scene. This was a great book that I couldn’t read fast enough at the end, and one I didn’t want to put down in the middle. Find out what happens to Bryce in this brand new book that releases tomorrow!

[Stephanie]

Brian O’Sullivan’s debut novel is a fast-paced, cinematic thriller with a fresh twist. It follows Bryce Connor, a would-be novelist whose dreams of writing in Paris are quickly derailed when he witnesses a murder on his final night in America. Faced with a split-second decision, Bryce chooses to flee rather than testify—setting off a chain of events that take him across the Atlantic and straight into danger.

O’Sullivan keeps the tension high while balancing it with moments of romance and self-discovery as Bryce falls for a captivating French woman, unaware that the killers are now en route to Paris to silence him for good. The plot is engaging and moves with urgency, and the Parisian setting adds a layer of charm and intrigue that makes the story even more immersive.

While a few moments could have benefited from deeper character development, the overall experience is gripping and entertaining. A strong debut with a mix of suspense, romance, and high-stakes drama—4 stars!

[Robin Schiff]

Window into the mind of a great writer!!


Last year while looking to find a new book to read I was recommended to a new Indie self published author that everyone was talking about . I read The Photo Album, The Other Annie and his newest book at the Time the Bartender and loved every one.  In my plan to read more of his books I joined his Facebook page and and found out that he was publishing his earliest novel called  Debut Novel.

Seriously with such an original name how could I resist? Well I thought it would be the typical first novel well I was wrong.  This book turned out to be an incredible thriller and I was so glad I read it. 

It was a real page turner and I give it 5 stars. The story was fun and definitely showed where Brian's talents came from.  In some ways it was kind of an inside look at the creative juices of a great psychological thriller writer.

I highly recommend it.  

[Mickey]

Bryce is 32 and fed up with his life. While all his friends are in good jobs, getting married and having kids, he's single and in a dead end job. Taking charge of his life, he quits and moves to Paris, hoping it would inspire him to write the next great American novel. On his last night in the US, he meets up with two friends and their night ends when they witness a murder. His life in Paris is great until he finds out his friends have disappeared and are most likely dead. Now the murderers are after him, chasing him across Paris, Munich and back to New York. But how long before his luck runs out?

I really enjoyed this one. It switched between POVs which was great as it really helped the story come together. I flew through this one fairly quickly. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Jeff Bradford]

Another brilliant work by this author. I have read 13 of his books in the last 6 weeks and enjoyed them all. This one follows a aspiring writer who is going to Paris the get inspired for his first novel.
He is not there long until "the city of love" reigns true and he falls in love with a Parisian girl.
On his way he stops in New York to have drinks with some old college friends and they innocently witness a murder. They decide to keep it between them so as to not become involved with the mafia.
However the killers want them unable to identify them so they seek them out.
This story is a page turner full of excitement and intrigue.

[Chapter Chaser]

I Love Love Love Brian's work! This book is about the MC wanting to move out of country to reach inspiration for his new book & to also find himself. Before heading on his impulse adventure, Bryce meets up with some buddies for a guys night before leaving America, only to witness a murder right before their eyes. This book had me locked in from the beginning. I think Brian is the #1 Author for adding humor into a thriller! It always flows so beautifully and nobody else can make comic relief happen like Brian! If you took the time to read my review, you have enough time to check out his books! 😍

[Kelly]

This was O'Sullivan 's first book, and I honestly expected it to not be as good as his others. Thankfully, I was wrong. I loved it just as much. I did not want to put "Debut Novel" down. I was drawn into the book almost immediately. The character development and the descriptions of places & situations were all so good. This book DOES NOT have the feel of an inexperienced author.

Brian O'Sullivan emailed this book out to his fans as a Christmas gift before it had the final edit and was published. I was lucky enough to be on that mailing list, and I'm so happy to finally be able to post a review!

[Kayla Chard]

I've read all of Brian O'Sullivan's books & loved them all, but this one wasn't my favorite. However at the end, there was a blurb where he said it was his first book of his career that he didn't publish until now & so knowing that, it makes sense that it probably wasn't his best work. I find it pretty cool though how I've read all of his books & can see how he's evolved as an author, will always be a favorite of mine!

[Cynthia Sauer]

This was so much fun! I bought this along with Clusterf*ck and read that one first. Honestly, I’d never know there are 16 other books between these two. This is a stellar first novel for an author. The storyline was tense and honestly, hard to put down.

I would have preferred it better without the love story thrown in but that’s just personal preference and it didn’t take anything away from it.

Well done, Mr. O’Sullivan! 👏🏻

[Mandy]

I absolutely loved Debut Novel by Brian O’Sullivan! A solid five-star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

O’Sullivan crafts a narrative that is both thrilling and introspective, delving into themes of guilt, ambition, and the inescapable nature of fate. The characters are richly developed, and the plot is intricately woven, keeping readers on the edge of their seats!

[Yasmin Neil]

Great debut novel

Really enjoy the writing of the author. Interesting and fast paced novel. Fab book for his debut. I knew he was excellent when I read The Bartender, so wasn't going to pass this one up!


So if you haven't read Brian's book The Bartender read it now! One of the best books I've read, and believe me, I have read thousands!

[Alexandria]

Excellent International Thriller

I loved this oldie but goodie from Brian O’Sullivan. I’m a huge fan of all of his works and Debut Novel is no different. It takes you cross country from CA to NY then to Paris and beyond. There are mafia ties and corruption working the NYPD. What more could you want!?

[Rachel Browning]

“Debut Novel” by Brian O’Sullivan, is an intense psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. The suspense was palpable, and I couldn’t put it down as the story unfolded. What really stood out to me was how O’Sullivan blended moments of tension with subtle glimpses of love and vulnerability in the characters. It gave the story an emotional depth that made it even more gripping.

[Patti]

Brilliant!

Taut, tender, and terrifying,"Debut Novel" is a stellar first foray into the world of crime thrillers. The characters are fully formed, and draw you in to their lives. You come to care deeply for our protagonists. I've read all of Brian's books, and this debut lives up to the rest of his riveting novels. I can't wait to read whatever Brian writes next.

[Lisa]

Interesting & fun to read

This is my 6th novel from Brian. He has a clever & engaging style of storytelling that I really enjoy and this one didn’t disappoint. This one is not as polished as some of his previous books but that didn’t take away from the overall story or my enjoyment of the book.

[Keely Andrews]

This was the final book I had to left to read of his, and apparently I saved the best for last!! I couldn't read this book fast enough and was SUPER ANNOYED when life's responsibilities got in the way. The storyline - AMAZING! The narration - PERFECTION! The Monty Python reference - ICING ON THE CAKE!!! HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read!!

[Catherine Sheehan]

Enjoyable!

Bryce, feeling the humdrum of his life, decides to travel to Paris and write a novel while he sips lattes at the same cafe Hemingway used. On the night before he flies off, he spends a drunken revelry with two college friends, and they witness a murder. The rest of the novel has Byron running from the murderers through Europe. Cool characters and rocking plot.

[Reatta Stafford]

Loved it so much!

If you've read Brian Sullivan before, I don't have to tell you how entertaining and fun his books are! If you haven't, start with this one, I think you'll want to read his others, right after. Little thriller, little drama, laughter thrown in. Enjoy.

[Lauri R]

Not Freaking Stupid

Debut what? This book was as good as O’Sullivan’s others. Lots of action & plenty of twists & turns. Dig up some other old books that you haven’t published for us to read.

[Catherine Corgill]

wow!

Yet another fantastic book 📕. Brian’s writing leaves me wanting more and more. His character development is amazing and I’ve lived every one of his books. Highly recommend Brian’s books. Ant wait to read his next one.

Cate

[John Leishman]

Great debut novel.

Very entertaining book. I am surprised this author took so long to publish this story. I enjoyed this book as much as all of his other stories published. I highly recommend reading. Hope he has another book soon.

[Karen Graham]

Fun read

I’ve read and loved all of Brian’s books and enjoyed reading his first attempt at writing a novel. It was a great story with good character development and kept my interest until the end.

[Jana G]

Best book!

I Have read many of Brian Sullivan's books. This is one of my most favorite ones along with the bartender and the Quint Adler series. I would highly recommend this book to anyone! I could not put it down and I didn't want it to end!

[Kevin Byrne]

Brilliant

A fantastic and spellbinding story. Have loved all of Brian's books, especially the Shiny series. As for Debut Novel, top marks and now I can.turn off the light and get some sleep, as I have just finished the last page.

[Cyndi Lester]

I hate saying this but I was so annoyed the whole time. Short sentences seemed to be written by a 4th grader at times. I had to DNF this. It was fast paced which was fine, I just couldn’t get over the editing style.