Melisande Corlett’s debut YA novel mixes small-town suspense and a missing friend mystery

By AI, Created 12:20 AM UTC, May 24, 2026, /AGP/ – Melisande Corlett’s debut young adult novel, Before the Sunrise, follows a teen in St. Martinville as a promising future collides with a disappearance and growing danger in town. The book, published in 2025, has also been named an official finalist for the Best Author of the Year Award with International Impact Books.

Why it matters: - Before the Sunrise taps a familiar YA formula: friendship, danger and a choice between escape and responsibility. - The novel centers a young Black woman writer and an Afro-Caribbean New York voice in the young adult fiction market. - The story connects personal stakes to community unease, which gives the mystery broader emotional weight.

What happened: - Melisande Corlett released Before the Sunrise, her debut young adult novel, in 2025. - The book is set in St. Martinville and follows Jasaiah Sanchez, a curious and determined teenager. - Jasaiah and her best friend, Crisstiana, dream about leaving their small town for a larger future. - A growing sense of danger spreads through the community as rumors of a sinister presence raise concern for local adolescents. - Jasaiah receives a promising opportunity that could take her away from the town’s uncertainty. - Crisstiana then disappears without explanation, forcing Jasaiah to confront the mystery.

The details: - Before the Sunrise blends suspense, coming-of-age themes and emotional discovery. - Jasaiah must choose between leaving to pursue her future and staying behind to investigate her friend’s disappearance. - The book explores courage, uncertainty and the search for hidden truths. - Corlett is described as an Afro-Caribbean native of New York with a growing profile as a writer and community advocate. - International Impact Books named Corlett an official finalist for the Best Author of the Year Award after the novel’s release. - Corlett was also featured in Time Business News in an article titled From Valleys to Victory, which highlighted her journey and accomplishments. - Corlett holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Mass Communications from Norfolk State University. - Corlett is a member of three elite honor societies. - Corlett’s platform emphasizes empowering women and building community support and advocacy. - The book is available for purchase. - The release also invites review copies, interview requests and additional information through Melisande Corlett and BrightKey PR.

Between the lines: - The debut positioning matters because first novels often rely on clear genre identity and a memorable hook. - The recognition from an outside awards group and coverage in a business publication suggest Corlett is being framed as an emerging literary voice, not just a one-book author. - The press release leans on both the novel’s plot and Corlett’s credentials to build momentum around the brand.

What’s next: - Readers can buy the paperback now through Lulu. - Corlett appears to be building visibility for future media coverage, interviews and review outreach around the novel. - The award finalist status may help extend attention beyond the book’s initial publication window.

The bottom line: - Before the Sunrise is a suspense-driven YA debut that pairs a missing-friend mystery with a broader story about fear, loyalty and the cost of leaving home.