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Contemporary fiction shaping the narrative

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About

Fresh Reads is an independent imprint created by Claude O’Leary to publish contemporary fiction. The aim is zeitgeist stories that are fun to read with potential to shape the narrative.

Books

Act of Protest, the debut novel by exciting new writer, Claude O'Leary, recognised as 'a masterclass in quiet dread'.

It’s summer 2024 and Joe Fisher’s comfortable life in Herne Hill is turned upside down when he is arrested at a Palestine solidarity march and charged under the UK Terrorism Act.

Set against a backdrop of the Gaza war, Joe’s heartfelt diary is a compelling account of his ordeal. He just wanted to show up for what he believed in.

An ordinary retired charity fundraiser caught up in extraordinary events – it’s a story of the times we live in.

Available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon, and in the UK at Waterstones, Hatchards, Foyles and most independent bookshops.

“I’ve had an early peek at Claude’s book, and the storyline hooked me in from the start. It seems prescient for our times.”
Rachel
“A masterclass in quiet dread… O’Leary takes an ordinary man’s impulsive act and dissects it with such precision and humanity that you’ll find yourself checking your conscience long after the final page.”
Jonas Saul, author of What We Were Hiding

Submissions

If you're an exciting new writer with a compelling story, then Fresh Reads could be for you.
It can be frustrating trying to get a book published, even when it’s a great story! Fresh Reads is self-publishing made easy for ground-breaking authors. Currently the focus is on the launch of Claude O’Leary’s book, however if you’ve written a page turner that could shape the narrative, why not check back here in late 2026.