Thirst Trap

The vibrant debut by Irish writer O’Hare follows three women bound by their lifelong friendship and a recent tragedy. Former schoolmates Maggie, Harley, and Róise, each 29, are mourning the death of their friend and housemate Lydia in a car crash one year earlier. They’re also each dealing with their own issues while continuing to live together, leaving Lydia’s room as a shrine. Maggie, a lesbian, struggles to move on from another friend who led her on for a year. Harley, who is bisexual and recovering from an abortion, repeatedly hits on their landlord, Frankie, who sells her the cocaine to which she is becoming addicted. Róise, meanwhile, harbors a mix of guilt and rage, given that she never forgave Lydia for causing her breakup with a toxic ex. As each friend celebrates her 30th birthday and new scandals roil their social circle, they wonder if they’ve outgrown each other and the house they shared with Lydia. O’Hare keeps the laugh track running on the trio’s bittersweet “sitcom” arrangement, as when Maggie vents about her love life: “Everyone’s one lesbian friend turns out to be either some weird lass with gills and a passion for taxidermy, or someone I’ve already gone out with. Or both.” This is one to cherish. Agent: Susan Golomb, Writers House. (Nov.)