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SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB: Room 706 by Ellie Levenson

Published January 15th, 2026 by Headline
Suspense, Thriller, Mystery, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Nobody knows she’s checked into Room 706.

Caught in the wrong place at precisely the worst time, Kate must face the most confronting situation of her life – and discover what matters most – in this deeply suspenseful and thought-provoking novel.

If she knew it would end this way, would it ever have begun?

‘I devoured it… I haven’t stopped thinking about it’ Jennie Godfrey
‘An ending that demands to be talked about’ Erin Kelly
‘Poignant, heart-breaking and utterly human’ Joanna Cannon

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Kate stretches her legs and turns on the TV while James washes away the traces of their morning. She watches in horror at the unfolding news: the hotel they are staying in has been taken under siege.

She should be making her way home, working on appearing normal, getting ready to re-enter family life with her loving husband Vic and their two adored children. Instead, she is trapped somewhere she shouldn’t be, with a man she definitely doesn’t love.

How will she begin to tell Vic what she is doing here? If her body is found, will it give up the secret of what she’s been up to? She’s been so careful hiding the evidence of her affair: write nothing down, leave no trace. Will he begin to understand why?

For now, Kate can only hide, take a deep breath, and reflect on the series of choices she’s made that have brought her to this moment.

What will her marriage and her life look like, if she makes it out?

Discover the most gripping and original novel you’ll read this year, from an incredible new talent in fiction.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Multi-layered, tender, tense and claustrophobic, Room 706 is an explosive debut. Morally ambiguous and thought provoking it follows Kate, who has just enjoyed a day of illicit love-making with her lover, James. As he showers she turns on the TV in the hotel room and the news is reporting a story about a siege under way at a hotel. Horrorstruck, Kate realises it is their hotel. Now, instead of making her way home and collecting her children from school, she’s stuck in a hotel room with her lover. How will she explain this to her husband? And will they make it out of there alive?

How on earth is this a debut? Ellie Levenson writes like a seasoned veteran. Her storytelling is nuanced, raw and sensitive, her characters achingly human and flawed, her plot cleverly choreographed and tightly paced, and her twists surprising. I’ll admit that I went into this expecting a thriller, but while it is full of fear and tension, it isn’t a thriller. Levenson describes it as ‘fiction for the clever but tired woman’, which is the perfect description. I was in Ellie’s thrall, glued to the pages as we moved between events in the hotel room and flashbacks that tell the story of both of Kate’s relationships. And that ending! I almost threw the book across the room and can see why so many people are talking about it.

The moral ambiguity of this story is at the heart of its charm. Kate loves her husband and her affair is simply self-care for her. An escape from the monotony of marriage and motherhood. She recognises how wrong it is but also isn’t willing to give it up. And whatever your thoughts on the morality of her choices, it’s impossible not to like and root for this lady and feel sad for her as she’s trapped in a terrifying situation totally unsupported. Something I loved about Kate was how even when she’s fearing for her life she still worries  about things like the food shopping, buying her son a costume for school and uploading family photos to the cloud. It’s definitely what I could imagine myself doing in her situation. 

A riveting and unforgettable debut by an author who is one to watch, Room 706 is a must for your TBR. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank to Headline for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ellie Levenson has worked as a journalist, writer and lecturer for many years. 

Her freelance work as a feature writer and columnist saw articles published across national newspapers, consumer magazines and specialist publications, with a special focus on writing accessibly about politics, language and social issues. 

Ellie has extensive experience as a lecturer in journalism at Goldsmiths College, University of London, and has been a guest lecturer at many other institutions. She has also worked as an Adjunct Professor at the London programmes of Boston University and Syracuse University. She is completing a PGCHE and is interested to hear about any guest lecturing opportunities in journalism, ideas generation and creative writing. 

Before becoming a novelist, Ellie wrote non-fiction books for adults and non-fiction and picture books for children. These include Politics in 100 words (Quarto, 2020), Creativity and Feature Writing: How to get hundreds of new ideas every day (Routledge, 2015), The Election (Fisherton Press, 2015) and The Noughtie Girl’s Guide to Feminism (Oneworld, 2009).

Ellie lives with her husband and children in East London. (Up the O’s!)

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BOOK REVIEW: River Sing Me Home by Eleanor Shearer

Published January 19th, 2023 by Headline
Historical Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Inspired by true historical events in the Caribbean, River Sing Me Home will break your heart and then lift you up. A soaring story of courage and sacrifice, this novel reminds us of the remarkable strength of hope. A Good Morning America Book Club Pick. Soon to be adapted as a feature film by AL Films and BBC Film.

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Rachel is searching for her children. For Mary Grace, Micah, Thomas Augustus, Cherry Jane and Mercy. These are the five who were sold to other plantations; the faces she cannot forget. It is 1834, and the law says her people are now free. But for Rachel freedom means finding her children.

With fear snapping at her heels, Rachel keeps moving. From sunrise to sunset, through the cane fields of Barbados to the forests of British Guiana, then on to Trinidad, up the dangerous river and to the open sea. Only once she knows their stories can she rest. Only then can she finally find home…

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Barbados, August 1834. Slavery has been abolished and they are now free. But what does freedom really mean for those who have been forced to work the plantations? Rachel is finding her emancipation is a hollow freedom that actually comes with new chains. It’s a new name for the same life she’s always been forced to live. But she wants more. She wants to be reunited with the children that were taken from her and scattered to far-off places. So, she runs. And what follows is a journey across land and sea. A journey in search of the liberty that the Emancipation Act promises. In search of family. But what will it take for Rachel to find it?

Hauntingly beautiful, raw, powerful and poignant, River Sing Me Home is an extraordinary story based on true historical events. Exquisitely written, evocatively told and filled with richly drawn characters who feel as real as the person sitting next to you, debut author Eleanor Shearer paints a captivating picture of survival, freedom, motherhood and found family that  you won’t forget. She makes you live every moment alongside Rachel and feel her every emotion. It’s searing, moving, action-packed and made for the screen, which is why I’m thrilled to hear there is an adaptation in the works.

Rachel is a strong and formidable woman. She has endured so much heartbreak and trauma but manages to not have been made bitter. She is a natural and fierce mother, showing maternal love to those she hasn’t given birth to whilst also searching for the children ripped from her. As a mother myself I can’t imagine the pain of having your children taken from you and not knowing if they are alive or dead. I was rooting for Rachel at every step, rejoicing in her success and crying at her losses. The other characters are just as well written and there were some really touching relationships between the characters that I loved reading, especially Mary Grace and Nobody.

Warm, hopeful, immersive and affecting, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you to Headline for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Eleanor Shearer is a mixed-race writer and the granddaughter of Windrush generation immigrants. She splits her time between London and Ramsgate on the English coast so that she never has to go too long without seeing the sea. For her Master’s degree in Politics at the University of Oxford, Eleanor studied the legacy of slavery and the case for reparations, and her fieldwork in St. Lucia and Barbados helped inspire her first novel, RIVER SING ME HOME.

Eleanor is currently working on her second novel, as well as the screenplay for the film adaptation of RIVER SING ME HOME with AL Films and BBC Film.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BOOK REVIEW: Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven

Published January 15th, 2026 by Pan Macmillan
Historical Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Gay Fiction, Literary Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

You’ve seen the show. Now meet the woman behind the scenes . . .

From No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author Jennifer Niven, a novel about America’s favorite TV family, whose perfect façade starts to crack, for fans of Lessons in Chemistry and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

Los Angeles, 1964.

For two decades, Del and Dinah Newman and their sons, Guy and Shep, have ruled television as America’s Favourite Family. Millions of viewers tune in every week to watch them play flawless, black-and-white versions of themselves. But now the Sixties are in full swing, and the Newmans’ perfection suddenly feels woefully out of touch.

Ratings are in free fall, as are the Newmans themselves. Del is keeping an explosive secret from his wife, and Dinah is slowly going numb. Steady, stable Guy is hiding the truth about his love life, and rock ‘n’ roll idol Shep may finally be in real trouble.

When Del is in a mysterious car accident, Dinah decides to take matters into her own hands. She hires Juliet Dunne, an outspoken young reporter, to help her write the final episode. But Dinah and Juliet have wildly different perspectives about what it means to be a woman, and a family, in 1964 America.

Can Dinah Newman bring her family together to change television history?

Or will she be cancelled before she ever had the chance?

Maybe it’s time for perfection to fall out of style . . .

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Los Angeles, 1964, a time when the States is still reeling from the death of JFK, in the midst of the fight for Civil Rights, and being gripped by Beatlemania, there is a family they can always rely on to be perfect and make the world feel right for half an hour each week. It’s time to Meet the Newmans.

Nostalgic, moving, powerful and addictive, I couldn’t get enough of this charming and stirring story. It follows the Newmans, a real family who have played idealised versions of themselves on TV for the last twelve years. They are America’s favourite family. But behind the perfect facade, cracks have appeared and not all is what it seems. When patriarch Del is in a car accident, his wife, Dinah, must take the reins to ensure that their season finale goes ahead. She hires journalist Juliet Dunn but the two soon clash over what it means to be a woman in 1960s America. Truths are slowly revealed and we wonder if the Newmans will survive the fallout and pull off one last show. 

Jennifer Niven’s writing is vibrant and achingly human, the story is cleverly choreographed and filled with an eclectic cast of dynamic and memorable characters. I loved the nostalgic vibe that permeates every page, making me feel like I’d been transported back to 1960s America. But while the story is a sheer delight, it is also a sobering reminder of how different life was in the 60s, exploring some heavy and emotional topics including the Civil Rights Movement, LGBTQ rights, sexism, female rage, female empowerment and reproductive rights. The world may be a mess right now, but at least in most of the world we have the right to love whoever we want and women have the right to simple things like a bank account and contraception. 

Told from different perspectives, the characters felt authentic and believable, immersing me in every facet of their lives as they slowly unraveled. But all that glitters isn’t gold, and through the Newmans Niven examines the darker side of fame, showing us that perfection isn’t real and reminding us that even those who seem to have it all are going through things behind closed doors. I particularly enjoyed reading Dinah, Juliet and Guy, and loved watching and Dinah and Juliet learned so much from one another.

A thought-provoking and affirming read that will simultaneously lift your spirits and outrage you, Meet The Newmans is a must-read. Perfect for anyone who enjoyed Lessons in Chemistry.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you to Bookbeat and llbro.fm for my early copies of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Niven is the #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author of All the Bright Places, Holding Up the Universe and Breathless. Her books have been translated in over 75 languages and have won literary awards around the world. An Emmy-award winning screenwriter, she co-wrote the script for the All the Bright Places movie— currently streaming on Netflix and starring Elle Fanning and Justice Smith. She is also the author of several narrative nonfiction titles and the Velva Jean historical fiction series. Jennifer divides her time between coastal Georgia and Los Angeles with her husband and literary cats.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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BLOG TOUR: Into the Dark by Orjan Karlsson

Published January 15th, 2026 by Orenda Books
Mystery, Suspense, Crime Fiction, Urban Fiction, Nordic Noir, Translated Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

In Norway’s far north, something unspeakable is surfacing…

When a mutilated body rises from the icy waters off the jetty in Kjerringøy, it shocks the quiet coastal village – and stirs something darker beneath. Not long after, a young woman is found dead in a drab Bodø apartment. Suicide, perhaps. Or something far more sinister. 

Detective Jakob Weber and former national investigator Noora Yun Sande are drawn into both cases. Then a hiker reports a terrifying encounter in the nearby wilderness: a solitary cabin … and a man without a face.

As the investigation deepens, the clues grow more disturbing – and the wild, wintry landscape closes in. Jakob is certain of one thing: if they don’t find the killer soon, he’ll strike again.

SECOND in the dark, addictive Nordic Noir series set in Norway’s unforgiving Arctic north.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

The Kerringoy Women’s Naked Bathing Club are going for their monthly wild swim when a body rises from the depths of the icy sea. The discovery sends shockwaves through the quiet coastal village. But more shocks are to come and soon after the body of a young woman is found dead in an apartment in Bodo. At first it seems like a simple suicide, but soon it appears to be something far more sinister. Detectives Jakob Weber and Noora Yun Sande are called in to investigate both cases. As they do, the clues become increasingly disturbing. And the clock is ticking before their killer strikes again. Can they find them before they do?

Dark, suspenseful, unnerving and addictive, the second installment in the Arctic Mysteries series is every bit as bingeable as the first. Ørjan Karlsson shows no signs of second-book syndrome here, delivering another skillfully written thriller that is cleverly plotted and keeps the reader on their toes. I was hooked and would find myself thinking about the story whenever I wasn’t reading. I couldn’t wait to get back to it and find out what would happen next. There are multiple narrators and threads to this story but Karlsson avoids it getting confusing, shifting seamlessly between them and intricately weaving the threads together in surprising ways. 

I loved being back with Jakob and Noora, two charismatic characters who are very easy to root for. When we meet them this time around Jakob is still grieving the loss of his wife, Lise, while trying to learn to navigate his new relationship and being a guardian for his half-brother. Meanwhile, Noora is recovering from the hip injury she sustained and trying to prove she’s fit enough to be back at work. These personal struggles are woven into the story, providing obstacles to their investigations that they must overcome. The other characters are just as well written and compelling and I liked that Karlsson gave us a number of suspects for both cases. I thought I had it completely sussed but he pulled a blinder, leaving me completely shook by the reveal. 

Sinister, forbidding and unsettling, this is a must for fans of darker thrillers or Nordic Noir. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thanks to Anne at Random Things Tours for the invitation to take part in this blog tour, and to Orenda Books for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest reivew.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ørjan Karlsson grew up in Bodø, a town north of the Arctic Circle. He holds a master’s degree in sociology and received officer training in the army. He has participated in international missions for the EU, UN and NATO, and has worked for the Norwegian Ministry of Defence and the Directorate for Civil Protection. Ørjan has written a large number of thrillers, sci-fi novels and crime novels for adults, including an acclaimed thriller series featuring Major Frank Halvorsen and Lieutenant Ida Vinterdal of the Norwegian special forces. Into Thin Air, his sixteenth novel, began the Arctic Mysteries series and was first published in English, to much acclaim, in 2024.

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ABOUT THE TRANSLATOR:

Ian Giles has a PhD in Scandinavian literature from the University of Edinburgh. Past translations include novels by crime and thriller luminaries such as Arne Dahl, Carin Gerhardsen, Michael Katz Krefeld, David Lagercrantz, Camilla Läckberg and Gustaf Skördeman. His translation of Andreas Norman’s Into a Raging Blaze was shortlisted for the 2015 CWA International Dagger.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

Please check out the reviews from the other bloggers taking part in the blog tour.

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BOOK REVIEW: Cleopatra by Natasha Solomons

Published May 8th, 2025 by Manilla Press
Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction, Romance Novel

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the international bestselling author comes an unmissable new retelling of the life of one of the most captivating and misrepresented female figures in history.

Cleopatra, Egyptian Princess, grows up the favoured daughter of the Pharoah, hiding amongst the scrolls in the great library of Alexandria with her beloved slave Charmian, longing for the chance one day to write her own story.

Then when her father dies, willing that Cleopatra rule with her selfish brother Ptolemy, danger stirs. As the young Egyptian Queen sails the Nile to greet her people, he plots to destroy her and take the throne for himself.

But while Ptolemy has the power of Egypt behind him, Cleopatra has her wits. And when the great Caesar arrives from Rome, she realises he could be the key to her salvation – though courting this powerful man could cost her everything.

Can Cleopatra save her life, her throne, her beloved Egypt and finally command her own history?

A powerful, unmissable new retelling, this is a captivating story of female power and vulnerability, of love and loss, fierce friendship and terrible betrayal.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

We’ve all heard of Cleopatra. But how much of what we know about her is true? It’s time to meet the woman behind the myth in this sensational retelling.

Egyptian Princess and the Pharaoh’s favoured daughter, Cleopatra grows up knowing one day she will rule. As a child she enjoys spending time hiding amongst the scrolls in Alexandria’s great library with her beloved slave Charmain, who had been by her side since they were infants. She vows that one day she will write her own story and be part of history. When her father dies, he wills that Cleopatra co-rule with her selfish brother, Ptolemy, so the two are married. But as the new Queen sails the Nile to greet her people, Ptolemy is plotting to take the throne for himself. The power of Egypt is behind him, but all hope is not lost. When Caesar arrives from Rome, clever Cleopatra realises he could be the key to her salvation. But he could also cost her everything. Will Cleopatra be able to save her life and her throne?

Atmospheric, immersive, enthralling and heart-poundingly tense, this is a mesmerising tale of love, loss, family, danger, betrayal and female empowerment. From the compelling opening lines I was held in Natasha Solomon’s thrall. Expertly written and meticulously researched, she brings one of the most represented women in history back to life in vivid technicolour. The time and love that has gone into this story is evident in every word and it was a joy to read. It’s a story I haven’t stopped thinking about in the months since I’ve read it, lingering long after turning that final page. 

The Cleopatra I knew before reading this book was pretty one-dimensional and her story was only told through the lens of the men in her life. When I thought of her I thought of Caesar, beauty and milk baths. But there is so much more to her and I am glad I’ve finally discovered it. She was an intelligent, fierce and complex woman who feels truly alive in this book. Natasha has breathed new life into a fabled character, showcasing her in all her splendour. I adored Natasha’s Cleopatra and feel honoured to have met her on these pages.

Phenomenal, vibrant, sensuous and transportive, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories about strong women who deserve to be remembered. And don’t skip the fascinating author’s note at the end.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you Manilla Press for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Natasha Solomons is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels and her work has been translated into seventeen languages. Natasha lives in Dorset with her children. She also works as a playwright and screenwriter.

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REVIEW: The Confession by Jessie Burton

Published September 19th, 2019 by Picador
Historical Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Lesbian Literature

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BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A Sunday Times bestseller and Richard and Judy Bookclub pick, The Confession is an absorbing tale of secrets and self-discovery from Jessie Burton, the million-copy bestselling author of The Miniaturist and The Muse.

When Elise Morceau meets the writer Constance Holden, she quickly falls under her spell. Connie is sophisticated, bold and alluring – everything Elise feels she is not. She follows Connie to LA, but in this city of strange dreams and 1980s razzle-dazzle, Elise feels even more out of her depth and makes an impulsive decision that will change her life forever.

Three decades later in London, Rose Simmons is trying to uncover the story of her mother, who disappeared when she was a baby. Having learned that the last person to see her was a now reclusive novelist, Rose finds herself at the door of Constance Holden’s house in search of a confession . . .

‘Without doubt one of the best novels of recent years’ – Elizabeth Day, author of How to Fail.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Elise Morceau meets Constance Holden on a winter’s afternoon on Hampstead Heath in 1980 and quickly falls under her spell. Connie is a successful writer and when she relocates to LA while her novel is made into a movie, Elise follows her there. And while LA is the city of dreams, Elise feels out of place and makes a life-changing impulsive decision.

Three decades later, Rose Simmons is trying to finally unveil the story of her mother, who disappeared when she was a baby. She learns that the last person to see her was Constance Holden, who is now a reclusive novelist. So, Rose travels to her house and knocks at her door in search of a confession…

A beautiful journey of self discovery, a timely exploration of motherhood, an enthralling love story and an ode to storytelling, The Confession is tender, moving and achingly real. This one had been on my shelves ever since I received a proof in 2019 and I’d picked it up a few times. But the time wasn’t right until January this year when the stars aligned and I finally got to enjoy this riveting tale. Jessie Burton is a masterful storyteller and it is no secret that I’m a huge fan. Once again she has crafted a story written with lyrical prose, evocative imagery and a plot that is intricately interwoven. I was quickly pulled into the story and lost myself in the world Ms. Burton had created. 

The story moves seamlessly between Rosie in 2017 and Elise in 1980, the mystery slowly unfurling as decades-old secrets are finally revealed. The characters are richly drawn, complex and compelling, with Rose having a special place in my heart. I adored the love story between Elise and Constance, even if it did lead Elise to make some questionable decisions. But I liked that nuance. That Elise was neither angel nor sinner, but a flawed person who lived in the shades of grey that each of us spend most of our lives. It made the story feel all the more relatable and real whilst also enabling Burton to explore topics such as the devastation caused by deception and the consequences of the choices we make. 

A powerful and tender story from an exquisite storyteller, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Picador for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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MEET THE AUTHOR:

Jessie Burton is the author of four novels, The Miniaturist, The Muse, The Confession, and The House of Fortune.

The Miniaturist and The Muse were Sunday Times no.1 bestsellers in both hardback and paperback, New York Times bestsellers, and Radio 4’s Book at Bedtime. The Miniaturist went on to sell over a million copies in its year of publication, was Christmas no.1 in the UK, National Book Awards Book of the Year, and Waterstones Book of the Year 2014.  In 2017 it was adapted as a two-part miniseries on BBC One, starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Alex Hassell and Romola Garai, screened over Christmas, and now available on DVD and streaming services. The Confession was an instant Sunday Times bestseller, and Radio 4 Book at Bedtime​. The House of Fortune was a Sunday Times no.1 bestseller in hardback, and the paperback was released in July 2023.

Her novels have been published in 40 languages.

Jessie’s first book for children, The Restless Girls, was published in September 2018, and Medusa, her second, in October 2021. Medusa was shortlisted for the 2023 Carnegie Medal for Children’s Writing. ​Her story ‘Daphne and the Doughnuts’ appeared in The Book of Hopes, a collection of children’s stories published in 2020, from which all profits go to the NHS. 

As a non-fiction writer, she has written essays and reviews for The New York Times, Harpers Bazaar UK, The Wall Street Journal, The Independent, Vogue, Elle, Red, Grazia, Lonely Planet Traveller and The Spectator. Harpers Bazaar US and Stylist have published her short stories. You can read her answers to the TLS’ 20 Questions on books and writing here.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman

Published September 25th, 2025 by Harvill Secker
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Holiday Fiction, Festive Fiction, Christmas Story

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A beautiful collection of seasonal stories inspired by the classic Christmas carol, from the Sunday Times No. 1 Bestselling Author

‘Uplifting, poignant and astutely observed, this felt like being whirled away into a Regency ball’ Naomi Kelsey

As the Viscount’s famous Twelfth Night Ball draws closer, many of the villagers of Merrywake have a story to tell – we meet a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid reunited after a misunderstanding, three sisters vying for the hand of a dastardly duke, two servants hiding a dangerous secret and a solider making his way home, unsure of the welcome he might receive. As their tales braid together, we see life and love in the village from belowstairs to high society.

Reimagining each of the traditional carol’s gifts, The Twelve Days of Christmas is a collection of festive tales filled with seasonal cheer and heart-warming characters. Will the challenges and mysteries that the Viscount’s guests encounter be resolved by the night of the ball?

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

In the run up to Christmas I’ve been all about the festive reads. And in the final few days of the countdown I decided to immerse myself in the gorgeous, heartwarming and enthralling, The Twelve Days of Christmas by Susan Stokes-Chapman.

This book is a collection of seasonal stories that reimagine each of the gifts in the eponymous traditional carol as a Christmassy tale based on a delightful and compelling cast of characters that includes a Viscount and Viscountess, their children, friends and staff. There are weddings, a ball, a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid who are reunited years after a misunderstanding tore them apart, a child found in the woods who won’t tell anyone her name, a trio of sisters who are competing to marry a handsome but dastardly duke, a grieving father, and a soldier making his way home after way. It is an inspired choice that Ms. Stokes-Chapman pulls off with finesse, intricately weaving together each of the stories to create a picture of a merry Regency Christmas in an English village. I loved all of the characters and stories, but especially enjoyed Staves three and five. 

Exquisitely written, atmospheric, poignant and joyful, this was the perfect book to get me into the Christmas spirit and would be a great gift to find under the tree. Highly recommended.

Rating: 🦢🦢🦢🦢🦢#

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susan Stokes-Chapman is a bestselling author of historical fiction, known for writing specifically in the Georgian era and marrying meticulous research with rich lyrical prose, often with a Gothic bent.

Her debut novel Pandora was an instant #1 Sunday Times bestseller and has been translated into 16 languages. A loose reinterpretation of the Greek myth Pandora’s Box set in eighteenth-century London, it tells the story of aspiring jewellery artist Dora Blake and her encounter with an ancient vase that her tyrannical uncle is desperately keen to keep secret. Her second novel The Shadow Key – a Gothic tale set against the mysterious Welsh landscape of 1783 – was released in April 2024. A short story collection in the vein of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer was published in September 2025 with a third and fourth novel, The Constellations and The Moth Farm, to follow.

Born in 1985, Susan grew up in the historic city of Lichfield before moving on to study in the coastal town of Aberystwyth, where she graduated with a BA in Education & English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. She is a SoA Cymru Committee member and lives on the Cambrian Coast in Wales, UK.

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BOOK REVIEW: The Book of Heartbreak by Ova Ceren

Published August 26th, 2025 by Hot Key Books
Romantic Fantasy, Fantasy Fiction, Romance Novel, Fairy Tale, Magical Realism

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A gorgeous romantasy of angels and curses, which will break your heart and mend it again. Perfect for fans of Laini Taylor and Stephanie Garber.

‘A TRUE DELIGHT – VIVID, FRESH AND GRIPPING’
Laini Taylor, bestselling author of Daughter of Smoke and Bone and Strange the Dreamer

Heartbreak is always devastating, but for Sare it’s life-threatening.

Sare Silverbirch has already had her heart broken four times, and a fifth heartbreak will stop her heart forever. Such is the nature of the curse she was born under, which forces her to live a life without letting anyone get too close.

Then her mother dies unexpectedly,and Sare begins to question the curse. Where did it come from? Why her? And rather than accept it, could there be a way to break it?

Her questions lead her to Istanbul where she meets Leon, a seer who helps her track down the mysteries of her mother’s past. But Sare’s heart is a fragile thing and their blossoming relationship poses a great risk to her survival. Especially when she discovers that her fate is in the hands of celestials beyond this earthly realm. And now the heavens are stirring, for they have a stake in Sare’s destiny and they don’t like their plans being overturned.

Will Sare unravel the secrets of the past before the curse claims her forever?

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MY REVIEW:

“Love is a four-letter death sentence for someone like me, cursed to die of heartbreak.”

For teenager Sare Silverbirch heartbreak isn’t only devastating, it’s life-threatening. She’s had her heart broken four times already, but a curse means that a fifth heartbreak will stop her heart forever. When her mother dies unexpectedly, Sare begins to question where the curse came from and wonders if there is a way to break it? These questions take her to Istanbul where she meets Leon, a seer, who helps her track down the mysteries of her mother’s past. But their blossoming relationship puts her fragile heart, and her life, at risk. Can Sare unravel the secrets of her curse before it claims her forever?

Lush, lyrical, heartrending, illuminating and whimsical, The Book of Heartbreak is a folkloric story of cursed hearts, star-crossed lovers, long-buried secrets and wayward ethereals. Told with emotion, humour, romance and enchanting prose, Ova Ceren’s singular voice showcases her as a talent to watch in this unforgettable debut. An exploration of love, loss, heartbreak, trauma and forgiveness that is expertly interwoven with Ottoman history, Ova transported me to Istanbul so vividly that I could feel the sun on my skin. The world-building,  imagery and plot are fascinating, vibrant and evocative, making the world she created feel so real that I could imagine it all happening. And I loved that between each chapter she included excerpts from books or documents, correspondence and emails from celestial administration that ramped up the curiosity and tension. 

I loved the eclectic cast of characters in this book. Sare was likeable and easy to root for. When we meet her she has just lost her only parent and faces losing her own life if she has another heartbreak. That is a lot for a 17-year-old to be going through. And although she will be free of the curse if she reaches her 18th birthday without another heartbreak, it comes with a steep price that she isn’t sure she’s prepared to pay. I felt for Sare and was cheering her on at every step. Her emotions were palpable and I was living in fear of her last heartbreak, just as she was. Leon is also likeable and easy to root for, and I loved the chemistry between him and Sare. But the character I had a real soft spot for was Manu, Sare’s celestial guide. Funny, flamboyant and charismatic, she leapt from the pages as  she delivered insight into the curse, humorous warnings and advice.

Beautiful, sparkling and magical, this mesmerising debut is a real treasure. I can’t wait to see what Ova writes next.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ova Ceren writes bittersweet tales of heartbreak and magic, often inspired by Turkish and Ottoman folklore.

Blessed (or perhaps cursed) with a mathematical brain, she earned a degree in Computer Science and a master’s that led her into a career in IT, taking her from Türkiye to Britain. After years of wrestling with algorithms in corporate jungles, she finally eloped with a debut novel instead.

Ova now lives in Cambridge, UK, with her husband, son, and a spirited flock of runner ducks.

She is also the creator of the popular Instagram and TikTok channels @excusemyreading.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: The Christmas Magpie by Mark Edwards

Published November 13th, 2025 by Michael Joseph
Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Holiday Ficiton, Festive Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A chilling standalone thriller for the holiday season, set in the world of the million-copy bestselling The Magpies

‘Dark, twisted, chilling and utterly unputdownable’ CLAIRE DOUGLAS

It’s Noel and Dani’s first Christmas in their new home and they want everything to be perfect – lavish presents, a beautiful tree and outdoor decorations to join in with the festivities in this welcoming community.

But they quickly wonder if this street is as perfect as it appears.

First, there are the unwelcome presents left anonymously on their doorstep.

Then they are sure someone is watching them…

And why are the neighbours all obsessed with a notorious killer who is housed at the nearby women’s prison?

After tragedy strikes at a Christmas party, Noel and Dani try to find out who is targeting them – but, in this case, it might be safer not to know . . .

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Noel and Dani have recently moved into Nightingale Crescent, a quiet suburban street in a welcoming community where all the neighbours look out for one another. It’s early December and they are getting ready to celebrate their first Christmas as husband and wife. Noel is sure this will be the best Christmas ever. But then the first unwelcome gift from ‘Secret Santa’ arrives, and then they get the feeling that someone is watching them. As more strange and sinister gifts arrive, Noel and Dani are determined to get to the bottom of who is behind them. 

Meanwhile, infamous serial killer Lucy Newton is housed at Franklin Grove, the open women’s prison nearby. She misses causing havoc but knows this place is better than any other prison she’s been in. When the creative writing teacher asks Lucy to write an adaptation of A Christmas Carol for her fellow inmates to perform this festive season, Lucy is surprised but agrees. However, she has secret plans in store to put on a performance that no-one is expecting…

Tense, twisty, addictive and witty, I flew through this chilling festive thriller. I’ve been a huge fan of Mark Edwards’ books for years. He’s the  King of stories that turn the ordinary into our worst nightmares and never fails to keep me on the edge of my seat until the last page. The Magpies series are some of my favourites of his books so I was excited to learn there was not only a new instalment, but one set at Christmas because I love a good festive thriller. So my expectations were high for this book. And it didn’t disappoint, delivering the heart-stopping suspense, clever red herrings and shocking twists that I’ve come to expect from Mark’s stories. It’s skillfully written and choreographed, intricately interweaving all of the storylines and creating an array of suspects so it is hard to predict. He kept me guessing and I didn’t suspect the real culprit until only moments before the big reveal, which I absolutely loved. 

Lucy Newton is one of my favourite villains and I was so happy to be back with her again. She’s cold, calculated and an absolute psycho. Someone I’d hate to run into but love to read. I also liked that this time around she also had a mystery to solve, with Secret Santa also sending her Christmas cards telling her they admired her and were causing chaos in her honour. And for every antagonist we need protagonists, which is where Noel and Dani come in. They were likeable, compelling, easy to root for and could be any one of our neighbours. That familiarity adds to the tension and horror as things progress as you really feel like it could be happening to anyone. And that ending! All I’m going to say is I loved it…

A heart-pounding festive thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, I can’t recommend this highly enough. And don’t worry if you’ve not read the other books because this can easily be read as a standalone.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mark Edwards writes books in which scary things happen to ordinary people, the best known of which are The Magpies series, Follow You Home and Here To Stay. His novels have sold over 5 million copies and topped the bestseller lists numerous times. His latest novel, The Wasp Trap, was published in 2025. The New York Times said, “Moves with increasingly head-spinning velocity as the secrets come spilling out.”

Mark lives in the West Midlands, England, with his wife, their children, two cats and a golden retriever. No pets are ever harmed in Mark’s novels. That’s a guarantee.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Happy Bloody Christmas by Jo Middleton

Published October 24th, 2024 by Avon Books
Mystery, Crime Fiction, Humorous Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Holiday Fiction, Christmas Story, Festive Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Don’t miss the perfect Christmas present for yourself (or for that best friend who would definitely help you hide a body…)

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Anna’s Christmas Eve To Do List:

1. Wrap the kids’ presents​

2. Peel the potatoes ​

3. Get rid of the dead body?!

Hungover and exhausted after her family’s annual party, all Anna Johnson wants for Christmas is to finish her to-do list and finally sit down with the world’s biggest glass of wine.

But when she stumbles across a dead body in her larder, her plans are well and truly buggered.

A mysterious death in her home really is the last thing she needs, but with her judgemental in-laws arriving in less than twenty-four hours, turning her house into a crime scene is not an option. If she’s going to save Christmas, it’s up to Anna to find out what the hell’s gone on. Oh – and figure out what to do with the body before one of the kids finds it.

And you thought burning the turkey was the worst that could happen…

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

When Anna wakes up with a hangover on Christmas Eve she is dreading the clean-up from their party the night before and trying to fit that in alongside all of the other things she has to get ready for Christmas Day. She’s expecting to find a mess. But what she isn’t expecting to find when she opens the pantry is her boss, Colin, dressed in a Santa suit and stabbed to death. This really is the last thing she needs. With the police hopeless and less than twenty-four hours until her judgemental in-laws arrive, Anna knows it’s up to her to save Christmas and solve the mystery of who stabbed Santa.

I love a mystery with lots of black humour thrown in, and this one was overflowing with hilarious moments that had me laughing out loud. So much so that I was scared I’d wake Mr. Bibliotreasures when I was reading in bed! Thankfully, he’s a deep sleeper. I decided to pick this one up after reading rave reviews from a couple of fellow bloggers. And I’m so glad that I did because this uproarious festive mystery was a real treat. It’s tense, twisty, kept me on the edge of my seat and had me guessing right up until the very end.

Anna was a fantastic protagonist. I think I think many of us can relate to Anna feeling stressed about all she has to do for Christmas and I can’t imagine the amount of extra pressure caused by finding a body in the pantry! I loved her hilarious inner monologue, the banter she had with others, and I was rooting for her at every step. She and the other characters are charismatic and compelling, making me feel totally invested in the story. I didn’t only want to know who killed Colin for a resolution, I also cared who it was in terms of Anna’s relationship with them and how she would be affected. I also really enjoyed reading Anna’s sarcastic best friend, Jennie, who was a real hoot.

If you’re looking for a lighthearted festive mystery that will have you in stitches, this is the book for you.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jo Middleton is a writer, mum of two grown up children and slave to a golden retriever and three cats, named after fictional detectives. Jo published her first novel, Playgroups and Prosecco, in 2019 and has since gone on to work with her good friend Gill Sims, hosting her 2022 theatre tour and co-hosting a podcast, It’s Five O’clock Somewhere. Happy Bloody Christmas is her first crime novel and is an amalgamation of everything she loves best – murder at Christmas, what’s not to love?

Jo lives in Somerset and when she’s not working or tending to a pet she loves reading murder mysteries, binge-watching dating reality TV shows and being dragged around the countryside by her disrespectful dog Mako.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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