In My Good Books

What can the books we read tell us about queer history, and what happens when important stories are allowed to disappear?In this episode of In My Good Books, part of the Reading Is Political series, I'm joined by author Layla McCay to talk about The Queer Bookshelf: A Reader's Guide, her celebration of the LGBTQ+ books that have shaped literature, culture and queer lives across centuries.Layla explains why a conversation at an LGBTQ+ book group made her realise that some of the most important books in queer literary history were at risk of fading from cultural memory, and why she wanted to create an accessible guide for readers looking to explore them.We also discuss representation within queer fiction, the stories that are still underrepresented, why so many adults are discovering queer YA novels they never had access to growing up, and whether publishing has moved from expecting queer stories to focus on trauma towards a different set of stereotypes. And, appropriately for an author who has written an entire book about books, Layla shares a brilliant selection of recommendations:The Outrage – William HusseyBoy Like Me – Simon James GreenStone Butch Blues – Leslie FeinbergZami: A New Spelling of My Name – Audre LordeClaudine at School – ColetteThe Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet – Becky Chambers

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by Cathryn Kemp to talk about her new historical novel They Can’t Burn Us All, which takes us to 17th-century Iceland and a notorious real-life witch trial where the story of witchcraft looked very different from elsewhere in Europe.We look at some of the bigger questions running through They Can’t Burn Us All - misogyny, power, jealousy, sisterhood and the way communities can turn against their own. Cathryn explains why writing about the past gives her the distance to explore issues that remain uncomfortably relevant today, and why researching the witch trials left her with more rage rather than fewer questions.Cathryn recommends The Wax Child by Olga Ravn, Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, Still Life by Sarah Winman and The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff.They Can’t Burn Us All by Cathryn Kemp is out now.

This week on In My Good Books, I’m joined by The Secret Barrister to talk about their first novel, The Cut Throat Trial, now out in paperback. But who is The Secret Barrister?Despite selling more than a million books, appearing regularly in the media and becoming one of the best-known voices on the British criminal justice system, the identity of The Secret Barrister remains one of publishing’s best-kept secrets.Drawing on years spent working inside the criminal justice system, The Secret Barrister takes us behind the scenes of a murder trial, showing not only what happens in front of the jury but the legal arguments, tactical decisions and private conversations happening when the jury isn’t in the room.We talk about why The Secret Barrister decided to move from bestselling nonfiction into fiction, why a cut-throat trial offered the perfect structure for a novel, creating multiple narrators with very different versions of the same events and the challenge of keeping the reader guessing about who – if anyone – is telling the truth.Books recommended by The Secret Barrister:You Don’t Know Me by Imran MahmoodBased on a True Story by Sarah Vaughan

What if a killer was targeting people who all shared exactly the same address – but lived thousands of miles apart?Gavin Bell joins me on In My Good Books to talk about 138 Main Street, his ingenious new thriller and the first novel he has published under his own name after previously writing as Mason Cross and Alex Knight.The novel begins with a brutal murder at 138 Main Street in an affluent Long Island town. Then another killing takes place at the same address in Illinois. With more than 7,000 Main Streets across the United States, the FBI faces an extraordinary problem: how do you protect thousands of potential targets when you have no idea where the killer will strike next?Gavin tells me where the brilliantly simple idea came from, how a spot of procrastination led him down a Main Street research rabbit hole, and why setting the story across America gave him the geographical scale he needed. We talk about researching locations during lockdown, using property websites and floor plans to construct scenes, and how real places can force a writer to rethink a plot.Gavin will be appearing at Bloody Scotland on Saturday 19 September on Across the Pond, alongside Edel Coffey and Tariq Ashkanani, chaired by me! The panel brings together three writers whose latest novels take readers across the Atlantic to America.Gavin also shares the Bloody Scotland events he doesn't want to miss: In Conversation: Chris Brookmyre and Abir Mukherjee on Friday 18 September at 1.30pm, and Denise Mina Presents: Jane Harper & Jane Casey on Saturday 19 September at 3pm.

New York Times bestselling author Chloe Benjamin joins me to talk about Under Story, her first novel since the international bestseller The Immortalists – and a book I loved so much I read all 500 pages twice before this interview.Under Story follows divorced scientists Laurel and Eli, who are unexpectedly reunited at a research base in Antarctica, where a mysterious visual disturbance known as the Arc is behaving strangely. What follows is a genre-blending novel bringing together relationships, nature, physics, fungi, parallel universes and some enormous questions about what we know – and don't know – about our world.Chloe tells me about the real scientific story that first sparked the idea for Under Story, why the first draft took more than five years to write, and the extraordinary amount of research that went into creating it. We talk about everything from neutrino experiments and theoretical physics to fungi, Antarctica and a women's mushroom conference – as well as how Chloe decided where scientific reality should end and fiction could begin.Chloe also tells me about the forthcoming film adaptation of Under Story, her role as a producer and what it feels like to hand such an intricate story over to a screenwriter.And, of course, we finish with what’s in Chloe’s good books, as she recommends Piranesi and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, The Giver by Lois Lowry and Ted Chiang’s Stories of Your Life and Others.If you love ambitious literary fiction, speculative and science fiction, books about parallel universes or novels that leave you thinking long after you've finished them, this is an episode – and a book – you won't want to miss.

Janice Hallett joins me on In My Good Books to talk about The Silent Appeal, her new murder mystery and a return to the brilliantly chaotic world of am dram!Since The Appeal was published in 2021, Janice has become one of the most distinctive voices in modern crime fiction, creating ingenious mysteries told through emails, text messages, transcripts and other documents rather than traditional narrative. Now, The Silent Appeal takes us back to Lockwood, where the Fairway Players are preparing to stage Agatha Christie's The Hollow. But, as you might expect, there's far more happening behind the scenes than amateur dramatics.Janice tells me why she decided to return to the characters from The Appeal, how she keeps track of such a huge cast, and how she gives every character a distinctive personality using only the way they communicate. We talk about the influence of her ten years as a scriptwriter, why she writes her incredibly intricate mysteries chronologically and – perhaps most surprisingly – why she doesn't plan them in advance.We also discuss the danger of an unusual format becoming a gimmick, the unexpected influences behind The Appeal, including narrative video games and Emma Donoghue's Room, and why story and character always have to come before structure.Janice also talks about taking her distinctive storytelling style into children's fiction with A Box Full of Murders and Death at the Museum, writing two books a year, and what her writing schedule actually looks like when edits, short stories and other projects all have to fit around each other.And, of course, I ask Janice what's in her good books. She recommends The Fifteenth Man by William Cook, The Art of Getting Hammered by Joanna Wallace and London Falling.The Silent Appeal is out now.Listen to the full episode of In My Good Books wherever you get your podcasts.

Bestselling author Sarah Vaughan joins me for the latest episode in my Bloody Scotland 2026 series to talk about her new psychological thriller, Based on a True Story.Sarah tells me why she wanted to make Based on a True Story a glossier, more playful departure from novels including Anatomy of a Scandal, Little Disasters and Reputation, and why the Cornish setting was so important to her.We talk about the novel’s surprising influences, from Agatha Christie and Daphne du Maurier to King Lear,  Macbeth and Succession, and why Sarah decided to put a powerful matriarch and her three very different daughters at the centre of the story.We also discuss the complicated relationship between parents and children when a child becomes part of a parent’s work, the real-life experiences of Christopher Robin Milne that helped inspire the novel, influencer culture and the ethics of parents sharing their children online.Sarah also talks about what happens when a writer’s novels start being adapted for television, and how working as an executive producer on adaptations of her books has changed the way she thinks about pacing, chapter endings, point of view and setting when she writes.Plus, we look ahead to Bloody Scotland and Sarah shares the events she’s hoping to catch while she’s in Stirling.Sarah Vaughan will appear alongside Evelyn Clarke and Sarah Lotz on Writes and Wrongs at 12 noon on Friday 18 September at the Golden Lion Hotel.Sarah’s Bloody Scotland picks include Denise Mina Presents Lucy Foley at 3pm, where Lucy will discuss her new Miss Marple novel Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel; The Kill Switch: Robert Peston at 5pm; Twists and Turns with Gilly Macmillan, Dorothy Koomson and Claire Douglas at 6.45pm; and Richard Osman with Mark Billingham at 8.15pm.

Matt Coyne, better known to millions of parents as Man vs Baby, joins me to talk about his new novel, The Trouble With Sister Francis a funny and nostalgic story about friendship, community and growing up.Matt takes us back to the 1980s and the working-class Sheffield estate that helped inspire the novel, introducing us to Sister Francis, a swearing, smoking, unconventional nun, and the four boys who find refuge in the boys’ club she is trying to revive.We chat about how much of the book was inspired by Matt’s own childhood and his big Irish Catholic family, why nostalgia can be such rich territory for fiction, and the challenge of turning personal memories into a story that connects with readers who weren’t there.And, as always, we finish with some book recommendations:Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers — Mary RoachThe List of Suspicious Things — Jennie GodfreyOn the Edge, Stepping Up & Well, That Escalated Quickly — Sarah TurnerSkulduggery Pleasant — Derek Landy

Sarah Pinborough joins me for a special Bloody Scotland 2026 episode to discuss her haunting new novel, They Say a Girl Died Here.Known for bestselling novels including Behind Her Eyes, Sarah has built a reputation for writing books that constantly surprise readers. In this conversation, we explore how an early novella evolved into one of her most emotionally resonant novels, why she's drawn to isolated small-town settings, and how memory, trauma and family relationships became the emotional heart of the story.We also chat about adapting her own work for television, why she's no longer chasing the "big twist", the pressure of writing unforgettable opening chapters, and how horror films continue to inspire her writing.Sarah will appear on the panel:The Stuff of NightmaresShe also recommends:How to Clean a Crime SceneFemme Fatales with Liz Nugent, Andrea Mara and Harriet TyceS.A. Cosby's eventIf you're heading to Stirling this September, make sure you check them out.

This week I'm joined by Joanna Wallace to celebrate the publication of her brilliantly entertaining new novel, The Art of Getting Hammered.Joanna's debut novel, You'd Look Better as a Ghost, introduced readers to one of crime fiction's most unforgettable protagonists: Claire, the artist, pub worker and part-time serial killer. Now Claire is back, and this time she finds herself investigating drink spiking, mysterious deaths, and another killer operating on her patch - all while trying to stick to her own very unusual moral code. Joanna also shares two brilliant book recommendations:The Silent Appeal by Janice HallettMan and Dog: A Love Story by Tony Parsons If you enjoy crime fiction that's dark, funny, brilliantly original and packed with memorable characters, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Jonathan Trigell joins me for this episode of Reading Is Political to discuss the re-release of his award-winning novel, Boy A.First published in 2004, Boy A became one of the defining British novels of its generation, winning both the John Llewellyn Rhys Prize and the Waverton Good Read Award before being adapted into the acclaimed BAFTA-winning film starring Andrew Garfield. More than twenty years later, the novel has been re-released for a new generation of readers and its themes feel just as relevant today. Our conversation explores why society continues to struggle with ideas of crime, punishment, rehabilitation and forgiveness. We discuss whether children who commit terrible crimes are judged differently from adults, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, and how social media would completely change Jack's story if Boy A were written today. Jonathan's book recommendations:• GB84 — David Peace• If We Tolerate This: How the British Establishment Made the Far Right Respectable — Daniel Trilling• Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York — Andrew Lownie• Lost Boys: Undercover in the Manosphere — James Bloodworth• Fieldwork As A Sex Object — Meena Kandasamy • The Road — Cormac McCarthy• The House at Pooh Corner — A. A. Milne

Linda Duncan McLaughlin joins me to discuss her debut crime novel, Original Sins, which has been shortlisted for the 2026 Bloody Scotland Debut Prize.Linda shares the inspiration behind a story that explores identity, adoption and the age-old question of nature versus nurture. We discuss the challenge of writing a protagonist whose birth father is a serial killer, why the novel blends psychological suspense with family drama, and how a manuscript that sat unfinished for years eventually became her debut novel.Linda also tells us about appearing on the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize Panel, taking place Friday 18 September at 3:00pm, and shares the festival events she's most looking forward to attending. Her recommendations include the Two Crime Walking Tour, From Screen to Page, You the Jury, Every Breath You Take, Glesga, Murder at the Edge of the World, and Pitch Perfect. 

This week on In My Good Books, I'm joined by debut author Katie Huttlestone to discuss her novel, A Healthy Appetite.The novel follows Hannah, a woman with late-stage illness who volunteers for an experimental drug trial. As the treatment begins to work in unexpected ways, it also awakens an increasingly ravenous appetite, forcing Hannah to confront impossible questions about survival, identity and the moral compromises we might make to stay alive.Katie shares the deeply personal inspiration behind the novel, drawing on her own experiences of living with chronic illness while creating a speculative story that asks fascinating "what if?" questions rather than telling a traditional cancer narrative. We talk about medical trials, the realities of living in the space between illness and wellness, and why she wanted to write a story that offered something different from the books she'd previously encountered.As always, Katie shares two brilliant book recommendations to add to your reading list:Permanence by Sophie MackintoshWrecks by Matt HillIf you enjoy conversations about books, writing and the stories behind the stories, don't forget to follow In My Good Books so you never miss an episode.

In this episode of Reading Is Political, I'm joined by debut novelist Fauzia Musa to discuss her extraordinary novel The Strangling Fig.Spanning the Partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 through to the early 2000s, The Strangling Fig is a sweeping family saga that blends literary fiction, magical realism and historical memory. We explore how personal histories become family myths, the generational impact of political decisions, and why some stories remain untold for decades. Fauzia shares how the novel began as an attempt to write her own family's history before evolving into fiction, why she introduced a ghost into the narrative, and how multiple drafts transformed the book into the story readers see today. We also discuss researching Partition, writing ambitious dual timelines, and the challenge of creating authentic characters across generations. Fauzia also recommends four books that have shaped her thinking, before sharing two comfort reads she returns to again and again:Melissa Febos – Body Work: The Radical Power of Personal NarrativeShehan Karunatilaka – The Seven Moons of Maali AlmeidaShon Faye – Love in ExileAyn Rand – The FountainheadLily King – Heart the LoverJohn Fowles – The MagusIf you enjoy conversations about books, politics, identity and the stories that shape our world, don't forget to follow In My Good Books wherever you listen to podcasts.Fauzia's Legit Substack

Kirsty Lockwood joins me to discuss her debut crime thriller, We Know What You Did, a novel that's already making waves after being shortlisted for the 2026 Bloody Scotland Debut Prize and longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize.In this episode, Kirsty shares the whirlwind journey from publication day to becoming one of the most talked-about new voices in Scottish crime fiction. We chat about the inspiration behind Odette, one of this year's most compelling protagonists, the challenge of writing dual timelines, and why social media became such an important part of the novel's central mystery. As part of my Bloody Scotland 2026 series, Kirsty also tells us about appearing on the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize Panel, taking place Friday 18 September at 3:00pm, and shares the festival events she's most excited to attend. Her recommendations include Femme Fatales (featuring Liz Nugent, Harriet Tyce and Andrea Mara) and Are They or Aren't They? featuring Leodora Darlington. If you enjoy psychological suspense, character-driven crime fiction and behind-the-scenes publishing conversations, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

When Zoe Rankin first joined the podcast, The Vanishing Place hadn't even been published. Fast forward a year and her haunting New Zealand thriller has been shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize and longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize, an incredible achievement for a first novel. In this special Bloody Scotland 2026 episode, we chat about everything that's happened since publication, from seeing her novel on bookshop shelves to meeting readers, navigating imposter syndrome, and why receiving congratulations from Ian Rankin felt completely surreal.We also dive back into The Vanishing Place, discussing its unforgettable setting in the remote New Zealand bush, why Zoe describes her books as "nature-centric thrillers", and how the landscape became as important as any of the characters. She shares the inspiration behind the novel, the challenges of writing it, and why Jane Harper's The Dry changed her life forever. There's plenty of Bloody Scotland chat too, including Zoe's excitement about making the journey from New Zealand, the panels she's appearing on, and the events she's most looking forward to attending.Debut Prize PanelFriday 18 September • 3:00pmMurder at the End of the WorldSaturday 19 September • 9:45pmFemmes Fatales featuring Liz Nugent, Harriet Tyce and Andrea MaraJane Harper & Jane CaseyDenise Mina in conversation with Lucy FoleyIf you're heading to Bloody Scotland, don't miss the chance to hear Zoe speak!

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Eleanor Drage, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge, AI ethicist, broadcaster and co-host of The Good Robot podcast, to discuss her new book What If We Got AI Right?We explore why conversations about AI need to move beyond hype and fear, how power, politics and inequality are embedded in technology, and why regulation, education and public participation will all be essential in shaping the future of AI.Eleanor also recommends a brilliant selection of books that explore technology, disability, labour, philosophy and the future of society.Joshua Schuster & Derek Woods – Calamity TheoryTim Ingold – LinesKaren Levy – Data DrivenJane Bennett – Vibrant MatterCassandra Hartblay – Access VernacularsNed Beauman – Venomous LumpsuckerIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with anyone interested in AI, politics, technology or the future of society.

Join me behind the Scenes at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival 2026!This week's episode is something a little different as I take you behind the scenes at the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, Europe's largest celebration of crime fiction.Over one packed weekend I caught up with eight fantastic authors to chat about their latest books, writing life, festival highlights and what readers can expect next. From bestselling thriller writers to exciting debut novelists, this episode gives you a flavour of one of the friendliest and most exciting weekends in the publishing calendar.📚 John Marrs – Dead In The Water📚 Gillian McAllister – Caller Unknown📚 Dorothy Koomson – The Quiet Girls📚 Holly Stars – Murder in the Dressing Room📚 Arvind Ethan David – The Great Game📚 Adele Parks – Eyes on You📚 Mark Edwards – One of the Family📚 Anna Mazzola – Anna Sharpe: Lie for Your Life (coming January 2027)📝 Enter the Sarita Domingo Prize📬 Arvind Ethan David's Substack: The Dread and the Envy 🎙️ Dorothy Koomson's podcast: The Dorothy Edit If you enjoy In My Good Books, I'd really appreciate it if you could follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with a fellow book lover.You can also find me on Instagram:@inmygoodbookspod

Steve Cavanagh joins me to discuss his latest legal thriller, One of Us is Guilty, the tenth novel in his bestselling Eddie Flynn series.In this episode, Steve introduces Eddie Flynn for anyone who is new to the series and explains why every book is written to work equally well for first-time readers and long-standing fans.We talk about why the tenth Eddie Flynn novel felt significant, the characters Steve wanted to revisit, and his decision to spend more time in Eddie’s head. Steve also discusses the structure of One of Us is Guilty, including the challenge of showing the same scene from two different perspectives and allowing the reader to see what each character is thinking and hiding.Buy One Of Us Is GuiltyFind Steve on InstagramThe Steve Cavanagh Readers ClubBooks recommended:The Devils by Joe AbercrombieThe Firm by John Grisham

In this episode I'm joined by award-winning Scottish author Sara Sheridan to discuss her captivating new historical novel, The Jewel Keepers.Known for bringing overlooked stories from Scotland's past to life, Sara takes readers on a thrilling treasure hunt through 1837 Edinburgh, following Araminta Mackenzie Moore as she uncovers family secrets, hidden histories and a mysterious lost Scottish crown.Sara's websiteBuy The Jewel KeepersSara also shares three brilliant book recommendations:Water Music by T. C. BoyleDoorways in Drumorty by Lorna MoonThe Pretender by Jo Harkin

This week I'm joined by bestselling crime writer, former criminal defence lawyer, podcaster and Chair of the Crime Writers' Association, Nadine Matheson.Nadine's Inspector Anjelica Henley series has become one of the standout police procedural series in UK crime fiction, and in this episode we dive into the fourth novel, The Shadow Carver. We discuss why she wanted to explore vigilantism, justice and the moral grey areas that exist between right and wrong, as well as why Henley's flaws are just as important as her strengths.We also chat about creating memorable serial killers without relying on gratuitous violence, building an ensemble cast across four books, and why Nadine begins every novel with a single vivid scene she can see playing out like a film.Away from the series, Nadine shares the story of her route to publication, explains why she avoided writing legal thrillers despite her career in criminal law, and gives an exclusive glimpse into her forthcoming standalone psychological thriller.As part of my Bloody Scotland 2026 series, we also talk about the festival itself, the panels Nadine is looking forward to attending, and what readers can expect when she returns to Stirling.Nadine will be appearing at Bloody Scotland on Saturday 19 September at 4.45pm in In Conversation with Steve Cavanagh.During the episode she also recommends the following festival panels:Twists and Turns featuring Gilly MacMillan, Dorothy Koomson and Claire Douglas.Across the Pond featuring Gavin Bell, Adele Parks and Tariq Ashkanani and chaired by me!If you're heading to Bloody Scotland, I'd highly recommend checking them out.If you enjoy the episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with a fellow book lover. It really helps more readers discover the show.

This week I'm joined by bestselling husband-and-wife writing duo Ellery Lloyd (Paul Vlitos and Collette Lyons) to discuss their brilliant new thriller, Time to Burn. Set in a near future where commercial time travel has become a reality, the novel follows documentary filmmaker Phoebe Hunt as she investigates a luxury time travel company after one of its billionaire clients disappears during a trip to the London Blitz. It's an ambitious, twist-filled thriller that explores power, privilege, history and the consequences of changing the past. During our conversation, we delve into the inspiration behind the novel, including why the Blitz was the perfect setting and how they created a believable set of rules for time travel. We also discuss writing across two timelines without confusing the reader, the influence of modern tech billionaires, and why so many of their novels take glamorous worlds and expose the darker secrets lurking beneath the surface. We finish by chatting about book festivals, what they're working on next, and, of course, their book recommendations. If you love intelligent thrillers, speculative fiction or stories that keep you guessing until the very last page, I think you're going to love this episode. Books recommended:The Killing Time – Elly GriffithsThe Ending Writes Itself - Evelyn Clarke

In this episode I'm joined by debut author Natalie Gregory, whose novel was born from personal loss and years of research into one of Thailand's most overlooked historical events: the 1976 Thammasat University Massacre.We discuss how the death of Natalie's own mother inspired the novel, why difficult histories matter, and how family stories can preserve memories that nations sometimes choose to forget. Natalie also talks about growing up between cultures, writing ghosts into the novel as an expression of Thai spirituality, and the eight-year journey to publication after winning the Primadonna Prize.As part of my Reading Is Political series, Natalie also recommends five brilliant books exploring history, empire, race, class and political memory, before sharing the comfort reads she always returns to.Natalie's InstagramBuy Mother, Ghost, Mango SeedNatalie's book recommendationsMoments of Silence: The Unforgetting of the October 6, 1976, Massacre in Bangkok — Thongchai WinichakulEmpireland — Sathnam SangheraGirl, Woman, Other — Bernardine EvaristoMinority Rule — Ash SarkarShuggie Bain — Douglas StuartAgatha ChristieJane AustenHis Dark Materials — Philip Pullman

Frances Crawford joins me for this special Bloody Scotland 2026 episode to discuss her acclaimed debut novel, A Bad, Bad Place.Set in Possilpark, Glasgow in 1979, A Bad, Bad Place is a gripping crime novel that asks a fascinating question: what happens to the person who discovers the body? Rather than following the detectives, Frances focuses on twelve-year-old Janey, whose life is transformed after she stumbles across the victim, and the ripple effect that violent crime has on an entire community.Frances will be appearing at Bloody Scotland 2026 on:Debut Prize Panel – Friday 18 September at 3:00pmGory Glesga – Sunday 20 September at 1:30pmShe also recommends checking out:Desert Island Crooks featuring Louise Welsh, M.W. Craven and Kirsten Perrin, and the ever-popular Pitch Perfect event for aspiring crime writers.

This week I'm joined by playwright, theatre maker and debut novelist Amman Brar to discuss his wonderful new novel Mr Siddhu's Post Office.Inspired by his own experiences growing up around his father's post office, the novel is a moving story about family, community, love and second chances, set against the backdrop of the Horizon Post Office scandal. While the miscarriage of justice forms an important part of the novel, this is ultimately a deeply human story about belonging, responsibility and finding happiness later in life.Amman Brar InstagamBuy Mr Siddhu's Post OfficeBooks recommended in this episodeJamaica Road by Lisa SmithWhere the Serpent Lives by Daniel MuinuddinIf you enjoy the episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with a fellow book lover.

This week on In My Good Books, I'm joined by chef, writer and journalist Alasdair Gill to discuss his memoir Knives and Spoons, as part of my Reading Is Political series.Alasdair's book explores life inside professional kitchens, the realities of addiction, and the long road to recovery. Through stories of restaurant life, family, food and sobriety, he reflects on the people who shaped him, the communities he found in hospitality and why kitchens can become both a refuge and a place where addiction is allowed to flourish.We talk about what really goes on behind the pass, why hospitality attracts so many people searching for somewhere to belong, the relationship between obsession, cooking and addiction, and why writing this memoir became an important part of Alasdair's recovery.As always in Reading Is Political, Alasdair also recommends books that have helped him better understand people, addiction, hospitality and the world around him.Books recommended in this episode:Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Hunter S. ThompsonThe Rum Diary – Hunter S. ThompsonWithout Reservation – Jeremy KingKitchen Confidential – Anthony BourdainThis Is Going to Hurt – Adam KayWhite Heat – Marco Pierre WhiteFind Ali here: https://www.instagram.com/aligill__/Buy Knives & Spoons: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/knives-and-spoons-a-chef-s-story-of-kitchens-addictions-and-mayhem-alasdair-gill/ed8f21fa754f5840?ean=9781037401435&bkshp-astro=t

This episode is part of my Bloody Scotland 2026 series.My guest this week is debut crime author May Rinaldi, whose novel Liar Thief has already enjoyed an incredible journey. After winning the Black Spring Crime Novel Prize and securing a publishing deal, the novel has gone on to be shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize 2026.We discuss the long road from a short story written over a decade ago to becoming one of Scotland's standout crime debuts, why May writes as a "pantser", and how her characters often surprise her while she's writing. We also explore the unusual structure of the novel, unreliable memory, friendship, loyalty and why readers are left questioning whether Ginny Queen is really the serial killer she claims to be.As part of our Bloody Scotland chat, May also recommends some of the festival panels she's most looking forward to this year:S.A. Cosby in conversation with Denise Mina: https://bloodyscotland.com/event/denise-mina-presents-sa-cosby-534010/Femme Fatales: Liz Nugent, Harriet Tyce & Andrea Mara: https://bloodyscotland.com/event/femmes-fatales-liz-nugent-harriet-tyce-andrea-mara-542410/See May live at Bloody Scotland 2026:Debut Prize Panel Friday 18 September 3:00pm https://bloodyscotland.com/event/debut-prize-panel-frances-crawford-kirsty-lockwood-may-rinaldi-539210/Find May here: https://www.instagram.com/mayrinaldi56/Buy Liar Thief: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/liar-thief-may-rinaldi/f6de426c45920a5f?ean=9781917788205&bkshp-astro=tIf you're attending the festival, make sure you book early as this panel is always hugely popular.

This week I'm joined by bestselling author Nicci Cloke to discuss one of the most inventive psychological crime novels I've read this year. Recently shortlisted for the CWA Twisted Dagger Award, Her Many Faces follows Katie, a young woman on trial for poisoning four powerful men. But instead of hearing from Katie herself, the story unfolds through the five men who believe they know her best.In this episode we discuss:The inspiration behind Her Many FacesWhy the novel is told through five male perspectivesWriting distinct character voicesThe challenge of second-person narrationCrime fiction, conspiracy theories and media narrativesHow readers bring their own biases to a storyNicci's creative process and plotting styleRecovering from creative burnoutAn exclusive look at her upcoming novelBook recommendations: The Correspondent by Virginia EvansSo Old, So Young by Grant GinderFind Nicci here: https://www.instagram.com/niccicloke/Buy Her Many Faces: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/her-many-faces-nicci-cloke/21b8d59184fd944b?ean=9781529938180&bkshp-astro=t

This week I'm joined by internationally bestselling Australian author Sally Hepworth to chat about her brilliant new novel, Mad Mabel.At the heart of the novel is 81-year-old Elsie, better known to the world as the infamous "Mad Mabel" a woman convicted of murder as a teenager who finds herself under suspicion once again decades later. Books recommended:Big Little Truths by Liane Moriarty The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth StroutBuyMad Mabel here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/mad-mabel-sally-hepworth/cedf8452e1c72443?ean=9781037409875&bkshp-astro=tFind Sally here: https://www.instagram.com/sallyhepworth/If you enjoy the episode, I'd be so grateful if you could follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with another book lover.

Welcome to a new series of Reading Is Political.My first guest is debut novelist Amy Abdelnoor, whose extraordinary novel Ever Land draws on her experiences living and working in the West Bank and Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. Through the intertwined stories of two young women, Amy explores identity, belonging, memory and the lasting impact of political conflict.We discuss why she chose fiction rather than non-fiction to tell this story, how her own experiences shaped the novel, and why storytelling can sometimes achieve something history books cannot.Amy also talks candidly about writing and publishing a novel about Palestine during one of the most significant periods in the region's recent history, and reflects on the responsibility of telling stories that have so often been overlooked.As always on Reading Is Political, Amy also recommends the books she believes everyone should read to better understand this subject, from powerful Palestinian fiction to moving memoir and thought-provoking non-fiction.Whether you're looking to understand more about Palestine, discover outstanding literary fiction, or simply hear a fascinating conversation about the power of books, this is an episode not to miss.Books discussed:Minor Detail – Adania ShibliEnter Ghost – Isabella HammadA Diary of a Young Doctor: Notes from the Genocide in Gaza – Dr Ezzideen ShehabApeirogon – Colum McCannHome Fire – Kamila ShamsieDaybreak in Gaza – edited by Matthew Teller and Mahmoud MunaBel Canto – Ann PatchettSex and Stravinsky — Barbara TrapidoYou can find Amy here: https://www.instagram.com/amyabdelnoor/Buy Ever Land here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/ever-land-amy-abdelnoor/ee13136a5140c89a?ean=9781529155129&bkshp-astro=tIf you enjoyed this episode, please follow In My Good Books, leave a rating or review, and share the podcast with a fellow reader.

This week I'm joined by bestselling author Nikki Smith, whose latest novel The Last Place You Look is a psychological thriller that takes readers from an exclusive gated community in Surrey to a luxury safari lodge in South Africa.Known for her addictive destination thrillers, Nikki shares how she chooses the stunning locations for her novels, why she believes every great hook has to deliver on its promise, and how she balances meticulous plotting with surprises that emerge during the writing process.We also chat about her journey from accountant to bestselling novelist, the creative writing course that changed everything, and the return of the much-loved In Suspense podcast.Plus, Nikki recommends two brilliant books you won't want to miss.The Death of Us — Abigail DeanThe Scandalous Ladies' Football Club — Frances QuinnFind Nikki here: https://www.instagram.com/nikkismith_author/Buy The Last Place You Look: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-last-place-you-look-nikki-smith/7b9d57401e4d544a?ean=9781405976121&next=t

This week I'm joined by one of the biggest names in crime fiction, Jane Casey.Best known for her bestselling Maeve Kerrigan series, Jane joins me to discuss her new standalone thriller, Everything She Didn't Say. Set in the West of Ireland, it's a tense psychological mystery about friendship and identity.We chat about why she wanted to write a novel set in Ireland for the first time, creating a completely new detective duo, and how this book challenged her more than any of her previous novels. Of course, I couldn't let her leave without asking about Maeve Kerrigan. Jane gives us a little tease about the next book in the series, reveals the real-life crime that inspired it, and explains why she's having more fun writing it than ever before.We also chat about her brand new newsletter and finish with two brilliant book recommendations for crime fiction fans.Books mentionedEverything She Didn't Say – Jane CaseyThe Drowning Place – Sarah HilaryNever to Be Found – Jo SpainIf you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you could follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with another crime fiction fan.Find Jane here: https://www.instagram.com/janecaseyauthor/Buy Everything She Didn't Say: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/untitled-jane-casey-jane-casey/7889899?ean=9780008702304&next=tSign up for Jane's newsletter: https://signup.harpercollins.co.uk/join/6n7/signup-harperfiction-janecasey?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnurP9vcYq5hBHvaEjy1vr9o328-5lYuNwPPKD9R6M71as-vijnud4ja7SLSs_aem_b-nD5BIt5Zs3R9XGCwCfMg&utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie Green is joined by author GD Wright to discuss his latest crime novel, Against the Tide.Gaz shares the inspiration behind Against the Tide, the third novel set in his fictional coastal town of Beechbrook. They discuss family liaison officers, the personal experiences that shaped the story, and why this is the most emotional and darkest book he has written so far.The conversation also explores Gaz's experience of working in the police, his recovery after a serious illness, his screenwriting work on upcoming film Breathe Deep, and the launch of his new podcast, Pros and Cons.Books discussed in this episode:• Against the Tide by GD Wright• Run For Your Life by Jackie Kabler• The Date by T.H. Murdoch• The Family Break by Ruth IronsFind Gaz here: https://www.instagram.com/gdwrightwrites/Buy Against The Tide: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/against-the-tide-g-d-wright/7914629?ean=9780008763213&next=t

In this special episode of In My Good Books, Susie is joined by two thriller authors with brand-new releases to celebrate.JM Simpson discusses Mine to Keep, a domestic thriller exploring obsession, secrets, false accusations and the devastating impact of domestic abuse. Gemma Denham talks about The Inheritance, a chilling suspense novel in which a family's fresh start in an inherited Victorian house quickly turns sinister.Ahead of the recording, listeners submitted questions for both authors, leading to a fascinating conversation about where story ideas come from, overcoming second-book syndrome, writing difficult subjects, creating memorable characters, and the realities of balancing writing with everyday life.JM and Gemma also share whether they base characters on real people, discuss the appeal of standalones versus series, reveal what they're working on next, and recommend some brilliant books for your TBR.Books discussed include:• Mine to Keep – JM Simpson https://amzn.eu/d/07O9jPzv• The Inheritance – Gemma Denham https://amzn.eu/d/0610Q3jo• The Chemistry of Death – Simon Beckett• Five – Ilona Bannister• Don't Fall in Love with Me – Paige Toon• Sworn to Silence – Linda CastilloIf you enjoy crime fiction, psychological suspense, domestic thrillers and hearing directly from the authors behind them, this episode is for you.Follow and subscribe to In My Good Books so you never miss an episode.

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by Jennifer Ross to discuss her genre-blending new novel Every Lifetime After.Previously known for her historical fiction as Jenny Ashcroft, Jennifer talks about why she wanted to move into more speculative storytelling and how Every Lifetime After combines World War Two historical fiction, romance, mystery and time-slip elements into one unforgettable story.We also discuss:Why Jennifer doesn’t plot her novels in advanceWriting under a new name after publishing six novels as Jenny AshcroftThe research behind both the World War Two storyline and the modern movie-set settingWhy speculative fiction has become such an exciting creative space for herHer upcoming novel The Bureau of Second ChancesThe books she’s recently loved and recommends to readersIf you enjoy historical fiction, speculative fiction, time-slip novels, or stories about love, memory and second chances, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Find Jenny here: https://www.instagram.com/jennyashcroftauthor/Buy Every Lifetime After: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/every-lifetime-after-jennifer-ross/8c23154611c9e0ef?ean=9780008753757&next=tBooks recommended in this episode:Going Solo: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/every-lifetime-after-jennifer-ross/8c23154611c9e0ef?ean=9780008753757&next=tThe Artist: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-artist-escape-to-provence-with-the-winner-of-the-waterstones-book-of-the-year-2025-lucy-steeds/ab6f46ef8ff5989c?ean=9781399819565&next=tThe Heir Apparent: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-heir-apparent-rebecca-armitage/9c24bf95ccfe93f8?ean=9780008757687&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, bestselling author Louise Beech joins me to discuss her extraordinary new novel, Wonderful.A lifelong Marilyn Monroe fan, Louise has spent years fascinated by the woman behind the icon. In Wonderful, she imagines an alternative history where Marilyn survives that fateful night in 1962 and is given the chance to walk away from fame and reinvent her life.Alongside Marilyn's story, we meet Flora, a working-class woman from Hull who is struggling with family responsibilities, grief and finding her place in the world. Connecting them both is an unexpected visitor: the Virgin Mary.We discuss:Louise's lifelong fascination with Marilyn MonroeThe real woman behind the Hollywood legendWhy Marilyn was far more intelligent and complex than popular culture suggestsThe surprising inspiration behind WonderfulWorking-class representation in fictionThemes of motherhood, identity and reinventionBlending history, spirituality and contemporary fictionThe realities of self-publishing after a successful traditionally published careerWhy Louise was determined to publish this book on Marilyn's 100th birthdayLouise also recommends two fascinating books about Marilyn Monroe, including a new release exploring the books Marilyn read throughout her life.If you've ever wondered who Marilyn Monroe really was, or love novels that explore what might have been, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Books discussed:Wonderful by Louise BeechMarilyn and Her Books by Gail CrowtherMy Sister Marilyn by Berniece Baker MiracleFollow Louise Beech and find out more about Wonderful through her website and social media channels:https://louisebeech.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/louise_beech_swanson/Link to the website Louise discussed in the episode:https://www.wkwproductions.co.uk/Subscribe to In My Good Books for more conversations with authors and book lovers.

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by bestselling author Lindsey Kelk, who many readers will know from the hugely successful I Heart series. This time, however, she’s joining me under a slightly different name.Writing as Elle Kelk, Lindsey has launched a brand-new series with Hit or Miss, the first book in her Junior Year Abroad series and her first venture into the world of spicy sports romance.We chat about why she decided to create a new pen name, the inspiration behind setting the story at the fictional Hemden University, and how her own experiences at university helped shape the character of Mia.We also discuss the growing popularity of sports romance, the appeal of fresh starts and reinvention, and why anxiety became such an important part of Mia’s story. Lindsey opens up about her own experience of anxiety, receiving a diagnosis later in life, and the importance of seeing those experiences reflected in fiction.Books discussed:• Hit or Miss – Elle Kelk• Undateable – Susan Lee• Daddy Issues – Kate Goldbeck• If Books Could Kill – Kate Eberlen

Eve Chase joins me on this episode of In My Good Books to discuss her stunning new historical fiction novel, The Secret Thread.In The Secret Thread, we meet Mimi Mott, a celebrated interiors entrepreneur who returns to England to auction the contents of her estate. As each object is sold, she reveals another piece of her extraordinary life story. But her estranged sister Pamela remembers the past very differently, and as long-buried secrets begin to surface, the truth becomes harder to ignore.During our conversation, Eve shares:The unusual real-life inspiration behind The Secret ThreadWhy she structured the novel around an estate sale and auction lotsWriting complex sibling relationships and estranged sistersThe role of class and social change in 1960s BritainCreating the glamorous houses and atmospheric settings readers loveHer plotting process and how her characters guide the storyWhy sisters provide such rich material for fictionThe challenges of balancing multiple timelines and narratorsHer publication day plansTwo recent book recommendations she has lovedIf you enjoy historical fiction, family dramas, dual timeline novels and stories packed with secrets, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Books mentioned in this episode:The Secret Thread by Eve ChaseStrangers by Belle BurdenThe Queen's Painter by Wendy HoldenYou can find Eve Chase here: https://www.instagram.com/evepollychase/You can purchase The Secret Thread  here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-secret-thread-eve-chase/f51ac5ee4b7de9b5?ean=9780241633946&next=t

This week on In My Good Books, I'm joined once again by author Dave Goodman, and this time we're recording in person on publication day for his brilliant new novel, Solitary Agents.Dave first appeared on the podcast as part of my Bloody Scotland Debut Prize series before going on to win both the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize and the McIlvanney Prize. Since then, it's been a whirlwind year of book launches, awards, festivals and a brand-new book deal.We discuss Solitary Agents, the second novel in Dave's acclaimed Legends spy series, which sees Jamie Tulloch leave behind his ordinary life and step fully into the world of espionage. We talk about the inspiration behind the novel, the fascinating world of spy training exercises, and how Dave creates the realistic tradecraft that readers love.We also discuss:Why Dave recently reduced his day job to part-timeThe challenge of balancing writing with the business of being an authorCreating fan-favourite characters including Jamie Tulloch and Sam LeeResearching espionage and intelligence workWriting cinematic action scenesThe real-life locations that inspired the novelWhy readers often tell Dave his books feel like TV dramasHis newly announced science-fiction novel Shards of StarlightBuilding multiple series and creating fictional worldsIf you're a fan of spy fiction, crime thrillers, espionage novels or simply love hearing about the realities of becoming a successful author, this is a fascinating conversation.Find Dave here: https://www.instagram.com/davegoodmanauthor/Buy Solitary Agents: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/solitary-agents-david-goodman/b24995e441e6b289?ean=9781035434145&next=tRat Race by Callum McSorley: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/rat-race-callum-mcsorley/1023cf9154263b59?ean=9781805336396&next=t

In this special bonus episode of In My Good Books, Susie heads to the launch of the Bloody Scotland 2026 programme to bring listeners an exclusive preview of Scotland's biggest international crime writing festival.Taking place in Stirling from 18–20 September 2026, Bloody Scotland returns with an outstanding line-up of bestselling authors, international guests, world-premiere events and one of the strongest debut prize shortlists in the festival's history.Susie speaks to this year's Guest Programmer, Denise Mina, about bringing authors including Lee Child, Jane Harper, Tana French and S.A. Cosby to Stirling, why Bloody Scotland has become such a special event on the international crime fiction calendar, and the world premiere stage adaptation of her novel Rizzio.She also catches up with Bloody Scotland founders Alex Gray and Lin Anderson, who look back on the festival's beginnings in 2012, share the story behind the name Bloody Scotland, and reflect on how their ambitious idea grew into one of the world's leading crime fiction festivals.Programme Director Bob McDevitt joins the podcast to discuss this year's headline events, the impact of having Denise Mina as Guest Programmer, and the panels he believes crime fiction fans should add to their schedules immediately.Finally, Susie sits down with four of the five authors shortlisted for the 2026 Bloody Scotland Debut Prize: Frances Crawford (A Bad Bad Place), Kirsty Lockwood (We Know What You Did), Linda Duncan McLaughlin (Original Sins), and Mae Rinaldi (Liar Thief). The authors discuss their reactions to being shortlisted, the stories behind their novels, and what they're most excited to experience at this year's festival. The fifth shortlisted author, Zoe Rankin (The Vanishing Place), also features in a special clip from her previous appearance on the podcast.Whether you're already booked for Stirling or thinking about attending for the first time, this episode is your essential guide to Bloody Scotland 2026.

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by Jasmine from The Book Nook Stirling and Scott from Stirling Pride to discuss Out BookFest, Scotland’s newest book festival and the country’s first festival dedicated entirely to celebrating queer authors and LGBTQ+ voices.Taking place at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum on 17th October, Out BookFest brings together an incredible line-up of authors, historians, podcasters and literary voices for a day of discussion, storytelling and celebration.We chat about how the festival came to life, the challenges of organising a brand-new literary event, and why creating a welcoming space for queer authors felt so important. Plus, Jasmine and Scott recommend some fantastic books, including John of John, Exodus, The Unfamiliar, The Young Team and Yesteryear.If you love book festivals, discovering new authors, Scottish literature, queer storytelling and conversations about the publishing world, this episode is for you.Follow Out BookFest for festival updates: https://www.instagram.com/out_bookfest/ Buy tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/outbookfest?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnayh6hwsYo0VHIre3XogxVg-wacSMR16nWJMnhY8nMUDDRdInaZTcoBeKQCs_aem_jqWxq-Tpqw0TmtbOkgQMJg

This week on In My Good Books, Susie is joined by bestselling author, journalist and LGBTQ+ advocate Matt Cain to kick off Pride Month with a warm, funny and thought-provoking conversation about storytelling, identity, publishing and queer history.Matt chats about his uplifting new novel The Castle of Stories, a beautiful story set in a real-life Italian castle inherited by his husband’s family. The novel follows a newly blended family spending the summer restoring the crumbling property, only to uncover hidden secrets from the past through old letters and photographs. The conversation also explores LGBTQ+ history and the importance of preserving stories that were often erased or hidden. Matt shares how his role as a patron of LGBTQ+ History Month has influenced his writing and explains why fiction can help fill in the gaps left behind by history.Matt also opens up about his experiences in publishing and why he decided to launch his own independent LGBTQ+ publisher, Pansy Publishing. He talks candidly about the challenges queer authors still face in commercial fiction, the importance of making books accessible to everyone and why reading should never feel elitist or intimidating.There’s also plenty of behind-the-scenes chat about Matt’s new Substack diary project, where he plans to share the realities of life as an author and publisher — including plenty of publishing industry gossip. You can subscribe here: https://substack.com/@mattcainwriterBooks discussed in this episode include:The Mercy Step by Marsha HutchinsonHuman Animal by Seth InsuaFruit Fly by Josh SilverPlus, Matt gives a sneak peek at the historical fiction project he’s currently working on.Whether you’re looking for your next Pride Month read, interested in the future of queer publishing, or simply love uplifting conversations about books and creativity, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.You can follow Matt Cain online and find out more about The Castle of Stories and Pansy Publishing here:https://www.mattcainwriter.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGn9eSVxN6Rul1iD7752aFdpwsE2-obMOPJPfsNqJg_7YGh0LNtQvGkXYtDJ7s_aem_6Z57qPJofLY0rKJLGGRarQhttps://pansybooks.co.uk/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnXu5j1NNnoyex3a1OvBRgrBhxVOw_-Lk1claV4LHy1MD3upzp28YJkxzO_64_aem_GdKvKWv53eRoK_ubjlmt4gYou can buy The Castle of Stories here: https://pansybooks.co.uk/linktree/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnEcdmz3Tk5qjfQ1woMaVWjHDF9G7CZASZ2Oq8I46n2g03E47mKBLCEvILNw8_aem_QOGAEdeFkVxlaiE1zlbD7w

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined once again by bestselling psychological thriller author Kathryn Sharman to chat about her brilliant new novel, The Second Home.Following the success of The Family at Number 23, Kathryn returns with another domestic suspense novel — this time set in a coastal community where simmering tensions around tourism, second homes and privilege threaten to boil over. We discuss the inspiration behind the story, including Kathryn’s own holiday experience that sparked the initial idea, and why she wanted to explore the complicated reality of tourism in seaside towns.We also chat about creating morally complex female characters, why homes and property have become such a strong part of Kathryn’s author brand, and how she builds atmosphere and setting into her thrillers. Plus, we discuss:The nuance of second-home ownership and Airbnb cultureWriting characters readers don’t always know whether to trustThe strange experience of friends and family reading your workKathryn’s new two-book dealIf you love psychological thrillers packed with secrets, tension, family drama and beautifully observed social commentary, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Find Kathryn here: https://www.instagram.com/kathryn.sharman/Buy The Second Home: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-second-home-an-addictive-page-turning-psychological-thriller-with-a-killer-twist-kathryn-sharman/c1fb19de27735b09?ean=9781399747189&next=tBooks recommended in this episode:Home Sweet Home: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/home-sweet-home-a-twisty-new-domestic-thriller-from-the-author-of-the-perfect-guest-ruth-irons/4cc7baa88a9b75da?ean=9781785307553&next=tConnie: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/connie-charlotte-duckworth/7954481?ean=9781529430639&next=t

This week on In My Good Books, I’m joined by award-winning crime writer Simon Mason to discuss his latest novel, The Dangerous Stranger — the fifth instalment in his DI Ryan Wilkins series.Set in Oxford, the series follows mismatched detective duo Ryan Wilkins and Ray Wilkins — two men who share a surname but could not be more different. In this episode, Simon talks about creating one of modern crime fiction’s most compelling detective partnerships, why their differences make them work so well, and how their relationship has evolved across the series.Along the way, we chat about:Why Simon deliberately gives readers just enough backstory to jump into the series at any pointThe inspiration behind Ryan and Ray’s unusual dynamicHow little police procedural research he actually doesWhy entertaining the reader always comes firstHis move from children’s fiction into adult crime writingThe pressures and pleasures of writing a long-running crime seriesSimon also shares some brilliant book recommendations, including Lazare by Nelio Biedermann and the work of Flannery O'Connor.Buy The Dangerous Stranger: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-dangerous-stranger-the-latest-instalment-in-the-pacy-oxford-set-di-ryan-wilkins-series-simon-mason/f6322c01045ab322?ean=9781529439595&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by Ilona Bannister to discuss her gripping new thriller, Five — one of the most original and thought-provoking books I’ve read this year.Five strangers stand on a train platform waiting for the next service to London Victoria. In five minutes, one of them will die. The reader knows what’s coming, but the characters do not. As the clock ticks down, we learn more about each passenger and are forced to confront our own judgments about who deserves more time.We talk about her unique writing process, why she doesn’t outline her novels, and how the structure of Five evolved organically as the story developed.We also discuss:Why the narrator has divided readers so stronglyCreating morally complex characters readers constantly reassessWriting Emma, one of the book’s most controversial mothersThe research behind the novel and Ilona’s former career as a lawyerExploring public judgment, neurodivergence and empathy through fictionWhy thriller fiction has become the perfect home for her writingFind Ilona here: https://www.instagram.com/ilona.bannister/Buy Five here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/five-ilona-bannister/7889982?ean=9780008770563&next=tIlona also recommends two brilliant recent reads: The Good Listener by Holly Watt https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-good-listener-holly-watt/7982023?ean=9781526694577&next=tMay We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/may-we-feed-the-king-rebecca-perry/7972133?ean=9781803513867&next=tIf you enjoy literary thrillers, morally complex characters and books that leave you questioning your own assumptions, this episode is for you.

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by psychological thriller author Victoria West to talk about her debut novel Never Alone, her unconventional journey into publishing, and why authentic representation in fiction matters more than ever.Victoria shares the story behind Never Alone, a tense and atmospheric psychological thriller that explores isolation, identity, and the secrets we carry. We dive into the inspiration behind the novel, her writing process, and how she builds suspense while keeping her characters emotionally grounded and relatable.This episode is a must-listen for readers who love psychological thrillers, aspiring writers curious about the publishing journey, and anyone interested in how storytelling is evolving to better reflect the world we live in.Find Victoria here: https://www.vwauthor.com/Buy Never Alone: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/never-alone-victoria-west/3df9f6048e999fc9?ean=9781836730439&next=tBooks recommended in this episode: Sick to Death: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/sick-people-chris-bridges/7613746?ean=9780008698140&next=tThe Marriage Act: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-marriage-act-john-marrs/5753433?ean=9781529071191&next=tOne by One: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/one-by-one-a-completely-unputdownable-crime-thriller-sam-frances/5d33ef25e38e9acb?ean=9781035418442&next=t

This week on In My Good Books, I’m joined by bestselling Scottish crime writer Chris Brookmyre to discuss his brilliant new novel Quite Ugly One Evening. A darkly funny, sharply observed locked-room mystery set aboard a transatlantic cruise ship.Thirty years after the publication of Quite Ugly One Morning, Chris revisits iconic investigative journalist Jack Parlabane in a story packed with murder, family rivalry, satire and social commentary. We talk about the inspiration behind the novel, why the culture wars became such an important theme in the book, and how Chris wanted to explore the idea that we often have far more in common than we realise.In this episode we also discuss:Why Quite Ugly One Evening had to reconnect with the tone of the original Jack Parlabane novelsThe real-life cruise experience that inspired the book’s settingHow social media outrage and “footballified” politics influenced the storyReturning to recurring characters after nearly a decade awayThe challenges of writing satire in today’s climateThe appeal of shared fictional universesChris’s excellent recent book recommendationsFind Chris here: https://www.instagram.com/cbrookmyre/Buy Quite Ugly One Evening: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/quite-ugly-one-evening-jack-parlabane-is-back-in-this-ingenious-locked-room-mystery-chris-brookmyre/2f80c5a47ea9ad58?ean=9780349145822&next=tBooks recommended in this episode:A Bad Bad Place: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/a-bad-bad-place-frances-crawford/7876073?ean=9780857508003&next=tA Violent Masterpiece: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/a-violent-masterpiece-jordan-harper/ad0944d31f7ac26d?ean=9780571394647&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by bestselling author Jo Callaghan to talk about Body of Lies, the final book in the Kat and Lock series.In our conversation, Jo reflects on bringing the series to a close, and why the relationship between Kat and Lock has been at the heart of its success. We talk about how readers connected so deeply with these characters, and why their dynamic, balancing human instinct and emotion with artificial intelligence, has resonated with so many.We also explore the bigger ideas behind the books, including Jo’s hope that her writing can help demystify AI and encourage us to think more carefully about how we shape its role in ourlives.Along the way, Jo shares insight into her writing process, including the pressure of ending a beloved series, rewriting a major plot point at the last minute, and how her own experiences of grief shaped the emotional arc of the books.Find Jo here:https://www.instagram.com/jocallaghankat/Buy Body of Lies:https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/body-of-lies-the-crime-thriller-of-2026-from-the-award-winning-and-sunday-times-bestselling-author-of-in-the-blink-of-an-eye-jo-callaghan/cbbcf2c82f6b5367?ean=9781398535565&next=tBooks recommended in this episode:When the Cranes Fly South:https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/when-the-cranes-fly-south-lisa-ridzen/7733271?ean=9781804995808&next=tYou Are Here:https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/you-are-here-david-nicholls/337b7d609c18664b?ean=9781444715460&next=tWhen Will There Be Good News:https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/when-will-there-be-good-news-jackson-brodie-kate-atkinson/413666?ean=9780552772457&next=tMissing, Presumed:https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/missing-presumed-susie-steiner/4494337?ean=9780008123321&next=t 

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by Sunday Times bestselling author Andrea Mara to talk about her latest psychological thriller, Such a Nice Girl.Andrea’s novels are known for their page-turning plots, clever twists, and those unsettling “what would you do?” dilemmas - and this new book is no exception.We chat about the inspiration behind Such a Nice Girl, which started with a very relatable parenting fear and grew into a story about friendship, loyalty, and what happens when trust begins to crack. The novel follows two mothers whose daughters go missing after a wedding, and the terrifying possibility that one of them may be trying to harm the other!Find Andrea here: https://www.instagram.com/andreamaraauthor/Buy Such A Nice Girl: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/such-a-nice-girl-andrea-mara/a02c3e8b03a30211?ean=9780857505897&next=tBooks recommended in this episode: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/untitled-araminta-hall-2025-araminta-hall/7683551?ean=9781035018314&next=thttps://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/demon-copperhead-longlisted-for-the-women-s-prize-for-fiction-2023-barbara-kingsolver/7425554?ean=9780571376483&next=thttps://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/long-bright-river-an-intense-family-thriller-liz-moore/3338803?ean=9781786090614&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by Elizabeth Arnott, author of The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives, a bold, character-driven crime novel that flips the traditional serial killer narrative on its head.Some readers may already know Elizabeth as Lizzie Pook, acclaimed for her atmospheric historical fiction. In this conversation, she shares what inspired her shift into crime writing, and how a deeply personal experience led her to create a story that feels both empowering and unexpectedly fun. The conversation also explores our long-standing cultural fascination with true crime, from public executions to modern documentaries, and why these stories continue to grip us.Find Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabetharnottwrites/Buy The Secret Lives of Murderer's Wives: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-secret-lives-of-murderers-wives-elizabeth-arnott/0afcec091c1327ff?ean=9780241733622&next=tBooks recommended in this episode:The Wedding People: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-wedding-people-the-hilarious-and-moving-million-copy-bestseller-alison-espach/879f21fa6a0d5e2d?ean=9781399622752&next=tNotes on an Execution: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/notes-on-an-execution-the-bestselling-thriller-that-everyone-is-talking-about-danya-kukafka/6daee1c8b6373e8b?ean=9781474625975&next=t