A 26-year-old Jersey author has reflected on a “surreal” and “incredibly overwhelming year” as her debut novel is released in paperback today – exactly one year after its successful hardback release.
Kelly Frost is the author of The Kings Head, which follows a gang of young women navigating loyalty, violence and friendship in post-war London.
Since its original publication last year, her debut novel was named historical fiction book of the month by The Sunday Times, which described the book as “a compelling story” and “an understated celebration of female friendship”.
The Observer praised The Kings Head for how it “expertly toys with gender and explores young people’s place in the world” and the novel was also highlighted in The Irish Times’s summer reading list.
Kelly said: “It’s been an incredibly overwhelming year with many life changes, but I’m so excited about the direction my writing career is going in.
“The Kings Head received some amazing review coverage and I’ve taken part in panel events at bookshops and festivals.
“It still feels surreal to hit this milestone, but I’m trying to take in and enjoy every step of the process while working hard on what’s coming next.”
Since publication, Kelly has appeared at events hosted by Waterstones, the Jersey Festival of Words, the Alternative Book Fair and the London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre.
In October 2025, the former Bailiwick Express journalist moved from Jersey to London to pursue writing full-time.