Where to Start Reading Annaleese Jochems
If you are new to Annaleese Jochems' boundary-pushing fiction, your starting point is incredibly straightforward: begin with her sensational debut novel, Baby (2017). Because Jochems focuses on standalone, character-driven psychological tension rather than sprawling multi-volume series, you do not need to worry about complex chronological timelines or reading orders. Her work is self-contained, sharp, and designed to be experienced as a singular, unsettling journey.
Annaleese Jochems Books in Publication Order
As a rising star in contemporary New Zealand literature, Jochems has a focused bibliography. Here is the publication order of her major novel-length work:
- Baby (2017) — Standalone Novel
- Loving Him (Unconfirmed / Scheduled for 2025/2026) — Standalone Novel (Pending official release details)
Chronological Order and the "Loving Him" Mystery
For readers searching for a chronological reading sequence, Jochems' novels are standalone stories set in contemporary times and share no overlapping narratives or characters. Therefore, publication order is identical to the chronological order.
However, there is some confusion in online databases regarding her second novel, Loving Him. While some retail aggregators and Goodreads profiles list this book with publication dates ranging from 2021 to 2025/2026, investigations reveal significant metadata discrepancies. An ISBN associated with the title in some systems actually maps to a historical fiction translation by another writer, while in other places it is confused with a 2005 novel by Kate O'Riordan. Local New Zealand literary sources confirm Jochems has been developing her second manuscript (tentatively set in Northland, exploring dark themes of self-destruction), but readers should treat listings for Loving Him with caution until a formal, verified publisher announcement is made.
What to Know Before You Start: Themes and Style
Before you open Jochems' work, prepare yourself for a highly specific tone. Her writing is raw, urgent, and laced with dark humor, often exploring the uncomfortable fringes of human desire and obsession. Rather than conventional, likeable protagonists, Jochems specializes in morally ambiguous antiheroes who make self-destructive choices.
Flipping Traditional Power Dynamics
A major catalyst for Jochems' writing is her desire to subvert traditional romance and thriller tropes. Her stories frequently examine power imbalances, obsessive relationships, and what happens when characters try to escape societal expectations. She brings a fresh, feminist lens to psychological suspense, deliberately upending the dynamics found in mainstream fiction like Fifty Shades of Grey.
The Influence of Desolation and Geography
Growing up in rural Pakaraka in Northland, New Zealand, Jochems was shaped by both wide-open farming landscapes and the isolation that comes with them. This sense of isolation is a character in itself in her fiction, trapping characters in tight physical spaces—like the deck of a small boat—where psychological tension can simmer and boil over.
A Closer Look at Jochems' Debut: Baby (2017)
Jochems' debut novel, Baby, remains a standout piece of modern New Zealand gothic fiction. The story follows Cynthia, a narcissistic and aimless 21-year-old who steals a large sum of money from her father. She flees with her fitness instructor, Anahera, to a boat named Baby, anchored in the Bay of Islands. What begins as a sultry escape quickly devolves into a dark, obsessive power struggle as the confined space of the boat intensifies their mutual delusions and desperation.
The novel was highly acclaimed by critics. Author Eleanor Catton described it as "sultry, sinister, hilarious, and demented," while The Guardian praised the protagonist Cynthia as a highly memorable addition to contemporary literary antiheroines. The manuscript won the prestigious Adam Foundation Prize in 2016 while Jochems was completing her Master of Arts in Creative Writing at Victoria University of Wellington, and the published book won the Hubert Church Best First Book Award at the 2018 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.
Short Fiction and Other Writings
For readers who want to explore beyond her novels, Jochems has published short stories and essays in several prominent New Zealand literary journals. Her shorter works have appeared in outlets such as Sweet Mammalian, Turbine, and Pantograph Punch. Additionally, she has contributed literary commentary, including reviews of contemporary works like David Coventry's novel Dance Prone, reflecting her deep engagement with the modern literary landscape.
The Bookseller Connection: Book Hound in Newtown
To understand Jochems' perspective, it is also worth noting her role in the literary community. In 2018, she and her mother co-founded Book Hound, a beloved secondhand bookshop located in Newtown, Wellington. Working as a bookseller has kept Jochems deeply embedded in the world of books, allowing her to stay connected with readers and writers alike while cultivating a rich appreciation for diverse literary genres and histories.