Sunday Independent Newcomer of the Year

Winner 2022

There's Been a Little Incident by Alice Ryan

There’s Been a Little Incident

By Alice Ryan

A witty and warm debut novel from a young Irish writer. A story of family, grief, and the ways we come together when all seems lost. Molly Black has disappeared. She’s been flighty since her parents died, but this time–or so says her hastily written note–she’s gone for good. That’s why the whole Black clan–from Granny perched on the printer to Killian on Zoom from Sydney–is huddled together in the Dublin suburbs, arguing over what to do. Former model Lady V presumes Molly’s just off taking drugs and sleeping with strangers–which is fine by her. Cousin Anne, tired of living in Molly’s shadow, is keeping quiet, and cousin Bobby is distracted by his own issues. But Molly’s disappearance is eerily familiar to Uncle John. He is determined never to lose anyone again. Especially not his niece, who is more like her mum than she realises.

About Alice Ryan...

Alice Ryan grew up in Dublin. After moving to London to study at the LSE, she spent ten years working in the creative industries, holding roles in publishing, film and TV. She was Head of Insight and Planning at BBC Studios before returning to Ireland. She now works at the Arts Council of Ireland and lives in Dublin with her husband Brian and their daughter Kate.

Explore the 2022 winners

Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year
National Book Tokens Popular Fiction Book of the Year
Irish Independent Crime Fiction Book of the Year
Writing.ie Short Story of the Year
Listowel Writers' Week Poem of the Year
Foras na Gaeilge Irish Language Fiction Book of the Year Award
Teen & Young Adult Book of the Year
Specsavers Children's Book of the Year (Senior)
Specsavers Children's Book of the Year (Junior)
Bookselling Ireland Biography of the Year
Eason Sports Book of the Year, in association with Ireland AM
Cookbook of the Year
Bookstation Lifestyle Book of the Year
Dubray Non-Fiction Book of the Year
Eason Novel of the Year
TheJournal.ie Best Irish Published Book of the Year