Review of Thirst Trap by Gráinne O'Hare

A blistering novel of female friendship, grief, sexuality and figuring it all out. Maggie, Harley and Róise live in a house share in Belfast, they live a chaotic and messy life full of parties and dates and sex, but despite how much they drink and how many drugs they take, they can never forget the empty fourth bedroom which belonged to Lydia before she died. 

The women all have their own struggles. Maggie is trying (and failing) to navigate a fling with a woman she can’t seem to pin down, Harley is attempting to hook up with their landlord, and Róise is entering dangerous territory with her senior at work as their relationship becomes more intimate. Gradually, it is revealed that something terrible happened just before Lydia’s death that split them all apart and, in many ways, was the start of each of their spirals. This is the story of friendship through the very worst of times. It is relatable, tender, sad and funny in equal measure. Gorgeously written, it is a love letter to Irish womanhood and the chaos you must navigate when you decide you must finally grow up. These characters will leave a lasting impact on every reader and Grainne O’Hare is certainly one to watch.

Reviewed by Victoria & Abi

Published on 12/06/25 by Picador

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