Recommended Reading Path for Brooke Fossey
Because Brooke Fossey's bibliography consists of a standalone contemporary novel and scattered short fiction, reading her works is straightforward. If you want the full experience of her writing, we recommend starting with her acclaimed debut novel before seeking out her shorter pieces.
- Start Here: The Big Finish (2020). This contemporary fiction novel is her signature work, introducing readers to her trademark blend of witty humor, emotional depth, and focus on unlikely friendships and chosen family.
- Next Step: "Roots" in the anthology Strange Afterlives (2015). For a change of pace, read her urban fantasy short story "Roots," which shows a different, speculative side of her storytelling.
- Deep Dive: Short stories published in literary journals. Complete your reading journey by tracking down her short stories in publications like SmokeLong Quarterly and Ruminate Magazine.
Publication Order of Brooke Fossey's Works
If you prefer to read her works in the exact order they were released, follow this publication sequence:
- Strange Afterlives (Anthology containing her short story "Roots") (2015)
- The Big Finish (Standalone Novel) (2020)
Detailed Breakdown of the Books
The Big Finish (2020)
Set inside the walls of Centennial Assisted Living, The Big Finish is a heartwarming contemporary novel that centers on Duffy Sinclair, a curmudgeonly 88-year-old resident, and his roommate Carl. Their structured, quiet lives are completely disrupted when a young, troubled woman named Josie climbs through their bedroom window to escape a dangerous situation. Duffy and Carl decide to shelter her, launching a series of chaotic adventures involving barhopping, hitchhiking, and second chances. The novel is highly recommended for fans of redemptive, feel-good contemporary stories that challenge stereotypes about aging.
Strange Afterlives (2015)
Before publishing her debut novel, Fossey contributed to the urban fantasy anthology Strange Afterlives. Edited and compiled alongside several other authors (including A. Lee Martinez and Rosemary Clement-Moore), this collection features eleven original speculative tales about the undead. Fossey's contribution is a short story titled "Roots." Reading this story provides a fascinating contrast to the realistic, character-driven contemporary style she later adopted for her novel.
What to Know Before You Start
Here are a few quick tips to help you get the most out of Brooke Fossey's books:
- Stand-Alone Nature: The Big Finish is a complete standalone novel. There are currently no sequels, spin-offs, or direct companion works associated with it, making it an easy, single-session commitment.
- Tone and Style: Expect a balance of laugh-out-loud humor and poignant, serious themes. While the setup of her novel is comedic, it deals honestly with aging, substance abuse, family estrangement, and redemption.
- The Engineering Connection: Fossey is a former aerospace engineer. Readers often note that her meticulous plotting and logical, satisfying character arcs reflect the analytical precision of her past career.