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SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: Time To Burn by Ellery Lloyd

Published July 23rd, 2026 by Pan Macmillan
Historical Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Science Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the author of The Club, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Time to Burn is Ellery Lloyd’s compelling time travel thriller.

If the past catches up with you, time travel can be murder . . .

London, the present day: commercial time travel is a reality.

Tempus Tours – owned by controversial tech entrepreneur Inigo Frank – offers the wealthy a chance to witness pivotal moments in history.

To immortalise his achievement, Frank enlists award-winning filmmaker Phoebe Hunt to create a fly-on-the-wall documentary. On her first day shadowing Inigo, she is set to witness the return of a billionaire property developer and his family from their trip to the past. But instead of their awe-filled return, she captures the group arriving bloodied and traumatized, with one of their number missing.

Not only that, but Phoebe recognizes the missing woman. She knows not only that she’s not who she claims to be, but that the woman has every reason to harbor a grudge against her. And as events begin to unravel in the present day, it seems increasingly clear that the woman had sinister motives for returning to the past – and that people close to Phoebe are in danger.

Can Phoebe stop the ripple effect before she loses everything – and everyone – she holds dear?

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Have you ever wanted to go back in time and witness some of the most pivotal moments in history? Well now you can with Tempus Tours, a commercial time travel business that allows you to do just that. For a hefty price tag of course. Tempus’ owner, controversial tech entrepreneur Inigo Frank, decides he wants his achievements immortalised and invites award-winning filmmaker Phoebe Hunt to create a fly-on-the-wall documentary that goes behind the scenes at Tempus. She will start by capturing the return of a group who travelled back to the Blitz. But things don’t go to plan and the group return injured and bloody, while one member, Sasha, is left stranded in 1941. As Inigo and his team try to figure out how to rescue Sasha, Phoebe realises she recognises the missing woman. And she’s not who she says she is. And as events unfold, we learn she has sinister motives for remaining in the past that could change everything for people in the present.

Suspenseful, transportive, twisty and bingeable, Time To Burn is another winner from Ellery Lloyd. Expertly written and cleverly choreographed, this action-packed historical thriller had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story is told in the present and in 1941, with flashbacks that tell the story of Phoebe and Sasha’s shared past. I was intrigued by the idea of being able to travel back in time to witness history for yourself, but this story serves as a reminder of how such technology can be exploited and the butterfly effect that can occur from going back in time. 

Narrators Phoebe and Sasha are compelling and deeply flawed characters. But I had a real soft spot for these women, even if I didn’t always agree with their actions. We know from the start that their histories are intertwined in some way, that Phoebe regrets her behaviour and understands that Sasha is probably out for revenge, but it takes some time for the full picture to emerge. And when it did I certainly understood Sasha more but still wasn’t on board with her plan for revenge and the way she altered people’s lives.

An addictive and propulsive historical thriller that you don’t want to miss.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ellery Lloyd is the pseudonym for New York Times bestselling husband-and-wife writing team Collette Lyons and Paul Vlitos.

Collette is a journalist and editor, the former content director of Elle (UK) and editorial director at Soho House. She has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, and the Sunday Times.

Paul is the author of two previous novels, Welcome to the Working Week and Every Day is Like Sunday. He is the program director for Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Greenwich.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK REVIEW: Under Story by Chloe Benjamin

Published September 1st, 2026 by Tinder Press
Literary Fiction, Romance Novel, Speculative Fiction, Science Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE IMMORTALISTS COMES AN ENTHRALLING NEW NOVEL THAT ASKS: WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR MORE TIME WITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE?

At an isolated research station in Antarctica, biologist Laurel Salter washes dishes for a living ten hours a day, six days a week. She tells no one why she left her career, or why her marriage ended.

But even in this remote outpost, Laurel can’t outrun her past. When a strange light appears across the ice and draws a group of physicists to McMurdo, her former husband, Eli, won’t be far behind.

Laurel is captivated by the Arc: its surreal glow; the way it seems almost alive. And though Eli is reluctant to test her wildest theory, Laurel is convinced that the Arc leads down a rabbit hole and into a world they can barely imagine. Can she persuade him to risk everything to fix the burden that hangs between them – to turn back the clock and live their story a second time?

And this time, live it differently.

Once read, never forgotten, Under Story is a genre-defying exploration of the promise of this life, what might lie beyond it, and how far we would go for more time with the people we love.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

What if our world wasn’t the only reality? What if there was another universe identical to ours where time moves differently? What if you’d made a mistake so devastating in this world that it shattered your life. Would you take the chance to right that wrong in the other world and recapture the happiness you once had?

These are the questions at the heart of Under Story. Inventive, complex, thought-provoking and emotional, this was not an easy read. First of all because of the heartbreaking subject matter, and secondly because it gets off to a very slow start. This book is a chonker and for the first 100 pages I just wasn’t feeling it. I couldn’t connect with the characters, wasn’t enjoying the story and felt bogged down by all the scientific jargon. But I’d been looking forward to this book so much, plus it was one of our SquadPod Featured Books, and readers I trusted had told me they loved this book, so I decided I’d read a quarter of the book before I’d DNF. I am so glad I did because the tides turned; I connected with the characters, felt invested in their lives and fell in love with this story. Suddenly, I didn’t want to put it down and couldn’t stop thinking about it whenever I did. But it isn’t going to be for everyone and I think this will be a marmite read that divides Bookstagram.

So what is it actually about? Well, the story follows biologist Laurel Salter who is working at an isolated research station in Antarctica trying to escape the heartache of her marriage ending and the mistake she can’t move on from. But even here Laurel’s past haunts her. And when a strange light appears across the ice it draws a group of physicists, including her ex husband Eli. After a strange dream, Laurel becomes convinced that the Arc is a portal to a parallel universe and the answer to the pain that destroyed their marriage. Eli is unsure at first, but eventually agrees to test Laurel’s theory. Will they find another world where they can turn back time and erase the pain of the past?

Chloe Benjamin has crafted a well-written, intricate and layered story that captures the imagination. The imagery is evocative, especially when they are in the Antarctic and the icy beauty was written so vividly that I felt like I was shivering from the cold even though it’s still summer. As I’ve mentioned, a lot of the science felt hard to follow or went over my head as I’m just not wired that way. However I was fascinated by the different ways things worked in the antiuniverse and enjoyed the parts that explained them. But for me, what I really loved about this book was its heart. Once we get into the book, this is a story steeped in heart-rending emotion and I was hooked. Chloe expertly captures the raw heartache, guilt, confusion and fear that Laurel felt and I was captivated by her dilemma. It really made me think about what I would do in her shoes and I had to keep reading to see how things worked out.

An imaginative and emotional read, this is one of those books I had to sit with for a while after turning that final page. And it is certainly one I won’t forget.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thanks to Tinder Press for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chloe Benjamin is the author of The Immortalists and The Anatomy of Dreams.

A Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection, LibraryReads favorite, and #1 Indie Next pick, The Immortalists was named a best book of 2018 by NPR, The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, and others.

The Anatomy of Dreams received the Edna Ferber Fiction Book Award and was long listed for the 2014 Center for Fiction First Novel Prize.

Originally from San Francisco, CA, Benjamin is a graduate of Vassar College and the M.F.A. in fiction at the University of Wisconsin. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages. She lives with her husband and two Maine Coon cats in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB: The Trouble with Sister Francis by Matt Coyne

Published August 27th, 2026 by Wildfire
Humorous Fiction, Domestic Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A heartwarming and hilarious new novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author of FRANK AND RED

Sister Francis is an unlikely nun.

She’s sixty, sweary, drives like a lunatic and smokes like a stacked chimney . . . and she runs the Blessed Assumption Boys Club.

Richie, Bennett, Kenny and Stan are four best friends from the Whittle council estate with little to do but get up to no good. After a run-in with local bullies, they discover the crumbling, forgotten club and find themselves in the company of the most remarkable person they will ever meet.

Set against early 1980s Britain, THE TROUBLE WITH SISTER FRANCIS is a funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking story of unlikely heroes, quiet rebellions, fierce loyalty and unexpected hope.

And at the centre of it all lies a long-forgotten journal that might just change everything.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

There are some books you just know you are going to love before you’ve even started reading. The Trouble with Sister Francis is one of those books. Matt Coyne’s debut, Frank and Red, was my favourite book of 2024 and I’ve been eagerly awaiting his sophomore offering ever since. So when I learned it would be the SquadPod Book Club pick for August, I was thrilled. But when I received the book I didn’t want to pick it up, because I knew once I did I knew I’d never want it to end. 

Sister Francis is not your usual nun. She’s sixty, sweary, chain-smokes, reads the racing post and drives like a lunatic. But she also has a heart of gold and cares deeply about young people. Rich is a normal boy from a council estate in Sheffield. He lives with his mum and grandad and spends his free time hanging out with his mates Bennett, Stanley and Kenny at the local park or getting up to no good. When the group have a run-in with the local bullies, Rich’s mum gives him an ultimatum: Boy’s Club or spending the summer with his Auntie Carole. He chooses the Boy’s Club and takes his friends along with him to the dilapidated clubhouse. What follows is a heartwarming, hilarious and hopeful story that is impossible to put down.

This is a story that will break your heart and make it whole again, wrapping around you like a warm hug and splitting your sides with laughter. A story about friendship, loyalty, community and unlikely heroes, the book is filled with wonderful characters I absolutely adored. Sister Francis is now one of my favourite heroines and it was impossible not to have a soft spot for Rich, Bennet, Kenny and Stanley. One of my favourite things about this book is the portrayal of friendship, especially between these four young lads. I loved seeing how they were there for each other and the loyalty they had for each other. 

Overflowing in northern charm and 80s nostalgia, this book felt like home and transported me back to my own childhood at that time on a council estate in Sheffield. Matt has captured the era so perfectly; that time when summer meant hanging out with friends and the days felt endless. There is also a past timeline which is told through extracts from a journal written by a teenage boy from 1938-41 Reginald was one of the attendees of the original Boy’s Club (or The Dead Dad’s Club as it was then known). I loved these extracts. Matt expertly captures the vibe of an angst-filled teenager and all of the dilemmas that come at that stage of life whilst combining them with the brutal realities of war. 

One of the core themes of this book is that it is a story about the unfortunates; those people who are struggling in life. For example, Reginald is an evacuee, Rich lost his father when he was just six, and all of his friends have problems at home of some kind. It is even evident in the Boy’s Club, which was formed during World War II for the boys whose fathers were away and sometimes didn’t come home. And once again we see how friendship and community can help, offering us hope and restoring our faith in people. 

Warm, witty and absolutely wonderful, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

Thank you Wildfire for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my hoenst review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Matt was born and raised in Sheffield and, in his younger years, made himself a poster-boy for staying in full-time education, by doing a succession of genuinely crappy jobs. Variously, he has been a toilet roll packer, turnstile-operator, cardboard box folder and a sorter of coat-hangers for Burton Menswear. Matt has been sacked a lot.

After a couple of years of this he returned to education to obtain an English degree from Manchester University. From University, Matt drifted into the graphic arts. In 2007, he quit and set up his own print and design company.

In September 2015, Matt became a father for the first time, to Charlie. After three months of dealing with the missile of chaos that is a newborn, he posted his thoughts online. In January 2016, these thoughts went viral. The original post was shared over fifty thousand times and was featured in newspapers and on television across the world. Matt’s first book, Dummy, based on his experiences of being a first-time father, was published in 2017 by Headline. The follow-up, Man vs. Toddler, was published by Headline in 2019. Matt’s first children’s book, My Dad and the Toot that Shook the World, came out in 2024, the same year that his debut novel, Frank and Red, was also published.

Matt is also a singer/songwriter with the band ‘Terry and Dead’ and has appeared on compilation albums with Paul Heaton, Billy Bragg and Sleaford Mods. He lives in Sheffield with his son Charlie, his partner Lyndsay and a Jack Russell terrier with ‘issues’ called Eddie.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: The Spy and the Snake by M. J. Robotham

Published July 9th, 2026 by Aria Books
Suspense, Mystery, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Spy Fiction, Adventure Fiction, Romance Novel

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE NEW TRAILBLAZING NOVEL FROM INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR, MANDY ROBOTHAM

One mission. One fake husband. One very real problem.

Maggie Flynn has finally earned her place at of MI5-but with promotion comes paperwork. No more disguises, no more danger, just meetings, memos, and the quiet realisation that life feels a little too safe.

With her daughter away at university and her spirited mother pursuing her own adventures, Maggie’s days in London are starting to feel decidedly ordinary. So when the chance arises to return to the field, she doesn’t hesitate.

The assignment: fly to Budapest and pose as the wife of a notorious British defector in order to smuggle him back to the UK. It should be a straightforward operation. But Maggie Flynn has never done straightforward-and what’s waiting in Budapest is anything but routine.

As Cold War tensions simmer and shadows linger on every corner, Maggie finds herself navigating a city steeped in secrets-and drawn to a mysterious stranger who may endanger the mission. or steal her heart.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Maggie Flynn is back. The MI5 agent has spent the last three years playing housemaid and babysitter. But now her boss is offering her a chance to finally go into the field. They want her to go to Budapest to spring former-MI6 agent-turned-defector Fitzroy Carver out from behind the Iron Curtain and back to London. What’s more, this job is off the books. Meaning she would be totally alone with no-one to back her up if things go wrong. Maggie isn’t sure she’s ready. But with the encouragement of her friend, fellow spy Bea, she decides to do it. What follows is a tense, twisty and entertaining espionage caper that will keep you on your toes. 

M. J. Robotham’s books are always a real treat and I loved being back with Maggie. Intelligent, witty, intriguing and addictive, I was immediately transported back to the sixties and into Maggie’s world of spies and secrets. Skillfully written, cleverly plotted and well researched, Ms. Robotham knows how to keep her reader hooked and I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story is rich in historic detail, nostalgia and counterintelligence that adds a layer of authenticity. Ms. Robotham manages to expertly make the story feel lighthearted whilst also making it nail-bitingly tense and addressing some darker themes such as war and grief. 

Maggie is a wonderful character. Fierce, smart, determined and upbeat, she is easy to like and root for at every turn. Isolated and unsure who to trust, Budapest is lonely for her, so I was extra thankful for my favourite Maggie character quirk: the cast of voices that talk to her in her head. Her banter with them is always fun to read and I love how they help her get out of scrapes, encourage her, or offer comfort when times are hard, which she certainly needed on this job. The other characters are just as richly drawn and compelling, and I had a real soft spot for cafe owner Zoltan, who was just a delight. However Fitzroy was a frustrating and difficult character, which I liked as it made things more interesting and added to the tension.

A delightful and intriguing mystery, I highly recommend this one. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thanks to Aria for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

M J Robotham saw herself as an aspiring author from childhood, but was waylaid by journalism, birth, children and life. After twenty years as a midwife and a Creative Writing MA, she is a full-time author, writing historical fiction as Mandy Robotham. She lives in Gloucestershire with her partner.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxx

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SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: Against the Tide by G. D. Wright

Published June 18th, 2026 by Avon Books
Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Psychological Ficiton, Police Procedural, Domestic Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

If the truth could destroy you, would you choose to know it?

DC Vinny Robson has spent his career seeking justice for others, but when an elderly couple are violently murdered in his hometown of Beachbrook, the investigation takes a devastating turn – one that cuts straight through his own family.

As Vinny dives deeper, the case becomes more than a pursuit of a killer – it’s a fight against the undertow of his own past. But in chasing the truth, will he finally find justice, or will he drown in the wreckage of everything he thought he knew?

Some truths should stay submerged. But once the tide turns, there’s no stopping what comes to light.

An emotional crime drama set on the south coast of England, perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Gillian McAllister and Ann Cleeves.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

G. D. Wright never misses. He’s three for three on the tense and emotional thrillers that you can’t put down. And this is his best yet!

An elderly couple are brutally murdered in their home in Beachbrook and DC Vinny Robson is on the case. But the case soon takes an unexpected and devastating turn that could turn Vinny’s world upside down. Now, this is more than the hunt for a killer; it’s the pursuit of a truth and justice that he never knew he needed to find.

Suspenseful, gripping, twisty and totally unpredictable, this sensational thriller was impossible to put down. I’m a big fan of Gaz’s books so I was thrilled when I heard that the SquadPod had got his latest novel as one of their July reads. And he has knocked it out of the park once again. He lulls us into a false sense of security, starting slowly by introducing us to the characters and the story. But the pace soon picked up, and before long I was holding on tight for dear life with no idea what shocking revelation would hit next. Expertly written, cleverly choreographed and intricately interwoven, this is a complex thriller filled with twists you’ll never see coming and characters you’ll love. And that ending! I was not prepared and it will stay with me for a very long time.

Gaz is the King of the emotional thriller and this story had me fighting back tears quite a few times. Vinny’s mum has dementia in the story, something I know was inspired by a member of Gaz’s own family. And his experience of this terrible illness is evident in the care, sensitivity and honesty with which it was written. Another thing I love about Gaz’s books is the authenticity that shines through from his time as a Police Officer. Those small details really make a difference and allow you to have confidence in the accuracy of what you are reading.

A must-read for any thriller lover.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

From his website: Hi, and thanks so much for visiting my website. My name is Gary (pen name G.D. Wright) and I live in Kent with my wife and two young children.

I joined Kent Police at the age of 18, working on the front line in a variety of uniformed roles until the age of 29 when, completely out of the blue, I suffered two cardiac ‘events’, and was subsequently diagnosed with a hereditary and incurable disease of the heart (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy if you’re being fussy!). As a result, I had an internal defibrillator implanted in me, and I had to retire from the police aged 30.

One door closed, but another opened, and my wife and I bought a coffee shop in Ramsgate Harbour. We spent eight of the happiest years of our lives there but, when the kiddies came along, it just wasn’t sustainable. Family comes first, every single time (a theme in my books…), and the simple fact was that we knew our summers should be spent with the kids, not working seven days a week. In 2022, we sold our ‘third baby’ (the coffee shop, not an actual baby – although… what a plot line for the future… making a mental note…), and I took to writing full time.

Fast forward to now. I’ve signed a two book deal with Avon UK (part of the Harper Collins family), and my debut was released in August 2024. It’s called AFTER THE STORM, and it’s a police procedural with a twisty, emotional hook. My second novel, INTO THE FIRE, was released in June 2025.

As a screenwriter, my feature film BREATHE DEEP is scheduled to shoot in September 2025.

I’m always up for chatting, so find me on my socials (below) and I’ll happily answer any questions you might have!

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK REVIEW: Waiting on a Friend by Natalie Adler

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Published May 26, 2026 by Riverrun
Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age Story, Lesbian Fiction, LGBTQ Litertature

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

East Village, summer of 1984. Renata is a young dyke-about-town who has the ability to see ghosts, which has been happening more and more frequently as her friends have started dying of what has recently been named AIDS.

So, when her best friend Mark dies, she assumes she’ll see him again. There’s no way Mark wouldn’t give her a chance to say goodbye, would he? But to her disappointment – and increasingly, her concern – Mark doesn’t appear.

Renata has other problems, too. A mysterious, police-like force has begun ridding their East Village neighbourhood of anything abnormal or inexplicable. At first, she’s sure they’re scam artists, but it becomes clear they’re actually trapping ghosts. With her band of lovably eccentric pals and lovers, Renata is determined to fight back against the erasure of her friends’ memories and the sanitizing of her beloved New York.

Both heartbreaking and healing, tragic and triumphant, Waiting on a Friend is a magical retelling of queer history and a celebration of youth and camaraderie. With pathos and humour, empathy and an edge, Natalie Adler freshly reimagines the past for a new generation, reclaiming the spirit of resistance and determination that would become one of the era’s defining legacies.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

East Village, New York, summer of 1984. Young lesbian Renata has an unusual ability – she can see ghosts. And with her friends dying of AIDS it has been happening more frequently. And it’s been happening more and more frequently lately as her friends have died from AIDS. So, when her best friend Mark dies, she assumes she’ll see him again. But he doesn’t appear. And a missing ghost isn’t Renata’s only problem. There is a mysterious, police-like force trying to rid the neighbourhood of anything inexplicable. At first, she is sure they are con artists, but it’s soon clear they are trapping ghosts. So, Renata and her motley crew of friends and lovers all band together to fight back against them. 

Sometimes you just know you’re going to love a book from the first page. This was one of those books for me. Heartfelt, moving, funny and deeply human, this innovative debut is one you won’t forget. A story of tragedy, grief, youth and friendship, Natalie Adler had me in the palm of her hand from start to finish. Skillfully written and original, Adler reimagines a dark time in queer history and the bleak reality of the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, giving it a supernatural twist and showcasing the community’s strength to overcome seemingly insurmountable prejudice and odds. She also transports us to New York, bringing it to life so vividly that I could see the gritty streets, smell the car exhausts and hear the cacophony of people and traffic. I was totally hooked and read the whole book in just two sittings. 

Renata and the motley crew of other characters are richly drawn, relatable and real. I liked these people and was drawn into their world. I believed in these friendships, romances and dalliances. The 1980s were a terrifying time for the queer community. So little was known and it was a game of Russian Roulette that so many people lost. Adler does a great job of threading that undercurrent of fear into every facet of their lives whilst also making them feel normal. Unfortunately I know the pain of losing friends and could relate to the heartbreak they were feeling. I also thought how comforting it could have been for Renata to see some of those friends again as ghosts. I loved how the supernatural aspect never felt unreal and I was rooting for the ghosts as much as the other characters. 

Quirky, emotional and enthralling, this remarkable debut is one I’ll think about for years to come. I can’t wait to see what’s next from Ms. Adler. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you Rivverun for sending me a proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest reivew.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Natalie Adler has an MFA in Fiction from Brooklyn College and a PhD in Comparative Literature from Brown University. She was a Susan Kamil Emerging Writer Fellow at the Center for Fiction. She is an editor at Lux magazine and an instructor at Sackett Street Writers. She is from New Jersey and lives in New York City.

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SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB REVIEW: Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray

Published May 7th, 2026 by Pan Macmillan
Legal Thriller, Crime Fiction, Courtroom Drama

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Breathlessly compulsive courtroom drama with expertly-crafted twists that you won’t see coming, Dissection of a Murder is the razor-sharp debut novel from Jo Murray.

A dead judge. A silent defendant. And a courtroom full of liars.

When Leila Reynolds is handed her first murder case, she’s shocked at how high-profile it is: the murder of a well-respected, well-known judge. This shouldn’t be the kind of case she’s leading; it’s way beyond her expertise. But the defendant, Jack Millman, is clear. He wants her, and only her.

To make things worse, he’s refusing to talk. How is she supposed to prove herself on what appears to be an unwinnable case?

Losing is not an option. She must find the most persuasive argument. Trials aren’t won by convincing judges or fellow barristers – they’re all about convincing a jury.

Suddenly, Leila finds herself fighting not only to keep Jack out of prison, but also to keep her own secrets buried.

It’s true what they say – there are two sides to every story.

Guilty or not guilty?

You decide . . .

BUY THE BOOK

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MY REIVEW:

Guilty or not guilty? You decide…

That is the question asked by this outstanding debut thriller And days after finishing it, I’m still reeling. 

The story follows lawyer Leila Reynolds who is defending her first murder case. She was shocked to be chosen because a judge has been murdered and this is a high profile case. But the defendant, Jack Millman, makes it clear he wants her to defend him. Things are made even harder because Jack is refusing to talk and says he’ll only reveal what really happened on the stand. How can she win the case without knowing his defence? But losing isn’t an option. Especially with her husband prosecuting the case. She just needs to find an argument that will convince the jury there’s reasonable doubt. But as the case goes on, Leila’s own secrets threaten to surface, and suddenly she’s fighting not only for Jack’s freedom, but to keep her life from falling apart.

Holy freaking twists! I was not prepared for how much of a nail-biting rollercoaster ride this was going to be. Atmospheric, urgent, compulsive, and heart-poundingly tense, this had me on a knife-edge from start to finish. It is a story of secrets, lies, revenge and murder. A sophisticated and twisty Courtroom drama that you will find impossible to put down once you’ve started. Jo Murray showcases herself as an author to watch with this exquisitely written and expertly crafted debut, delivering an intoxicating combination of malice-ridden prose, red herrings and clever twists. As she drip-fed the clues I was hoodwinked by her misdirections multiple times, and my jaw hit the floor when she delivered that triple-bluff ending that I still can’t get over. I listened to the audiobook and Joanne Froggart’s superb narration elevated the story to another level, pulling me into the story and making me feel like I living every moment alongside the characters.

The story is filled with a cast of deeply flawed but compelling characters who were so much fun to read. Protagonist Leila was easy to like and root for but also feels like an enigma as there are hints of secrets and a hidden past. There is a lot of focus on Leila’s marriage as her husband, Julian, is the prosecutor in the case. I couldn’t stand Julian and had no idea why Leila was with him. All the same, I enjoyed the added tension that having a married couple on opposing sides of the same case brought to the story. But my favourite character was the enigmatic Witness X. This character narrates regular chapters where they take us through their rules for life and terrible backstory. I had a few candidates for who this character might be and loved that Jo kept me guessing who they were right up until the big reveal. 

This phenomenal thriller is a must-read for all thriller thriller lovers.

Rating: 👩🏼‍⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️👩🏼‍⚖️

Thank you Pan Macmillan for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jo Murray grew up in Teesside during the 1990s when working-class girls were told they probably shouldn’t try to become barristers. Thankfully, she ignored everyone. After studying Classics at Newcastle University, she went to law school and was a criminal barrister before leaving the profession to look after her two children.

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SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB: Last One Out by Jane Harper

Published April 23rd, 2026 by Bantam Press
Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

An unforgettable and deeply atmospheric small town mystery about a devastating unsolved disappearance from International No. 1 bestselling author Jane Harper. Perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Chris Whitaker and Elly Griffiths.

He had been here, that was clear from the marks in the dust. And he had been alone.

In a dying town, Ro Crowley waits for her son on the evening of his twenty-first birthday.

Sam never comes home. His footprints in the dust of three abandoned houses offer the only clue to his final movements. One set in. One set out.

Five long years later, Ro returns to Carralon Ridge for the annual memorial of Sam’s disappearance. The skeletal community is now an echo of itself, having fractured under the pressure of the coal mine operating on its outskirts.

But Ro still wants answers. Only a few people remain. If the truth is to be found in that town, does it lie among them?

Last One Out is a hugely atmospheric mystery from the author of The Dry, Force of Nature, The Lost Man, The Survivors and Exiles.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

On his 21st birthday, Sam doesn’t come home. The only traces that are found of him are his abandoned car and his footprints in the dust of three abandoned houses. Five years later, his mother, Ro, heads back to Carralon Ridge for the family’s annual memorial of Sam’s disappearance. Ro still wants answers. But only a few residents remain in this dying town so can she get them?

Emotional, intriguing and reflective, this slow-burning mystery is at its heart an exploration of grief. This was my first time reading a book by Jane Harper and I was struck by her powerful storytelling and clever plotting that kept me guessing right up until the reveal. The story moves between timelines, allowing us to get to know Sam in the past, feel the fear alongside Ro as he disappears, and then feel the utter heartbreak of five years of questions that have never been answered. I admit, I’m usually a fast-paced thriller girl and at first I did struggle with the slower pace and there were times I found my attention wandering. But things soon picked up and my interest was locked in on the need for answers about Sam’s disappearance. 

The characters in this story are likeable, relatable and compelling. From the start I felt a strong connection with Ro. Her pain is palpable and my heart broke for her. Not only is she grieving her son, she is also grieving her marriage, which fell apart under the weight of their grief. I was rooting for Ro to finally find the answers she’s searching for even if it wasn’t a happy ending. Because the pain of not knowing must be even harder than getting bad news. 

The town of Carralon Bridge also feels like a character in its own right and Harper has perfectly captured the atmosphere of a skeletal small town. From the opening pages you can feel the desolate emptiness of Carralon Bridge and the struggle of those who remain there. This atmosphere feels like a metaphor for Ro’s emotions upon her annual return for Sam’s anniversary; the emptiness a void in both her heart and the town itself. 

Dark and poignant, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a slow-burn mystery. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jane Harper is the author of The Dry, winner of various awards including the 2015 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript, the 2017 Indie Award Book of the Year, the 2017 Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year Award and the CWA Gold Dagger Award for the best crime novel of 2017. Rights have been sold in 27 territories worldwide, and film rights optioned to Reese Witherspoon and Bruna Papandrea. Jane worked as a print journalist for thirteen years both in Australia and the UK and lives in Melbourne.

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SQUADPOD BOOK CLUB: Kiss Marry Kill by Yemi Dipelou

Published April 23rd, 2026 by Faber & Faber
Psychological Thriller, Crime Ficiton, Suspense, Domestic Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

It’s Ife’s dream wedding – until her new husband Ade is arrested for murder.

His missing ex, Cynthia, has been found dead on the Dorset coast.

Case closed: it’s always the ex, right?

But did Ade kiss, marry – and kill? One person hopes the truth never comes out.

‘Fast-paced, wickedly witty, and brimming with Nollywood-level drama. An unforgettable story that pulls you in and refuses to let go.’ LIZZIE DAMILOLA BLACKBURN
‘Rich in character, smart and pacy. Yemi Dipeolu brings a brilliant new voice to the thriller genre.’ L. V. MATTHEWS
‘A deliciously twisty debut thriller that adeptly explores the lethal margins of love, with compelling characters and a fiendish ending.’ ISABELLE GREY

A pulse-racing, bingeable thriller about love, marriage and obsessions that fans of Adele Parks and The List will LOVE

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Ife and Ade’s wedding day is the day she’s always dreamed of. Until her groom is arrested on suspicion of murder at the reception. Ade’s ex, Cynthia, has been missing for months and now her body has turned up on the Dorset coast. Ade is their prime suspect. But did Ade really kiss, marry and kill?

What a wild ride! I did not expect the crazy, messy and heart-stopping rollercoaster that this story took me on when I opened the book. Well written, cleverly plotted, witty and fast-paced, Yemi Dipeolu has crafted a debut that had me hooked from start to finish. It sizzles with tension and I suspected them all, though there were times my suspicions about certain characters was stronger and I did have a strong primary suspect at the end. But I was never sure who did it and Yemi Dipelou kept me guessing until that final page. And when the truth was revealed my jaw dropped! It was the kind of ending you don’t see coming and I am still reeling!

The characters are dynamic, relatable, chaotic and deeply flawed. The story is narrated by Ife and Cynthia, the two women in suspect Ade’s life. His new wife, Ife, narrates the current timeline while his deceased ex, Cynthia, tells her story leading up to her disappearance. Moving between these narrators and timelines kept the tension high and helped create suspicion on many of the characters. I loved how I could never be sure who had killed her or what really happened between her and Ade at the end of their relationship. From the start Ife reveals she has a secret, making her an unreliable narrator who we second-guess the whole time. I loved this as it increased the suspense and made her as much of a suspect as everyone else. The character I really couldn’t stand though was Mama, She is the mother-in-law from hell and a vile woman. I was raging every time she was on the page and she made their family one that is toxic, dysfunctional and full of drama.

Unpredictable, mysterious and totally bingeable, this is a debut you don’t want to miss.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thanks to Faber for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Yemi Dipeolu is a British-Nigerian writer from South East London. She studied English Literature with Creative Writing at the University of Surrey and has an MFA from Kingston University. By day, Yemi works as a copywriter, using her passion for storytelling to help businesses connect with their customers.

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SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: The Sisterhood Rules by Kathy Lette

Published April 9th, 2026 by Aria
Mystery, Humorous Fiction, Domestic Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Sisterhood Rules:

1. Never let a man come between you
2. Share all your secrets
3. Live life to the fullest – girls just wanna have fun

For twin sisters Isabel and Verity, the sisterhood rules were shattered when Verity had an affair with Izzy’s husband. Unforgivable, right? Devastated by her sister’s betrayal, Izzy casts Verity into social Siberia.

But when their mother goes missing, Verity and Izzy are forced to come together again to find her. And then the estranged sisters’ problems only get bigger. Their mother has a new younger lover and where there’s a will. he’d clearly like to be in it.

Can they stop their mother making a dreadful mistake? And in doing so find a way to bury the pain of the past?

Full of laugh-out-loud humour and devastating pathos, Kathy Lette’s brilliant new novel takes us on a roller-coaster ride which proves that from pain comes healing, from honesty comes forgiveness, and that nothing is more important than your sisters.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Izzy hasn’t spoken to her twin sister Verity for five years. Not since she had an affair with her husband, breaking the cardinal Sisterhood Rule ‘Never Let A Penis Come Between Us’. But when Verity calls to say their mother, Nicole, is missing, Izzy reluctantly agrees to a ceasefire so they can work together to find her. And when they do find her things only get worse. Because their 69-year-old mother has a young, gold-digging lover and is giving up her job to go travelling with him. Can the sisters find a way to work together to stop their mother making a huge mistake? 

Hilarious, sassy, racy and outrageous, this was an absolute riot. I started laughing on the first page and didn’t stop until the last. There are so many memorable and quotable lines and I often stopped to read them out to my husband as they were just too good not to share. But this is so much more than a funny story. It is also a story that is full of heart, giving us scenes that had me all in my feelings as Kathy Lette explores themes of sisterhood, womanhood, complex family relationships, betrayal, forgiveness and healing. Lette has also added some jaw-dropping revelations and surprising twists that will keep you on your toes. It all comes together to create a propulsive novel that was impossible to put down once I’d started.

The book is filled with a cast of charismatic characters who were so much fun to read. I loved that Izzy and Verity may be twins but they were totally different people and even described themselves as ‘the classic odd couple’. Izzy is a pernickety single mum who has given up on life, whilst Verity is a glamorous bohemian who lives life to the full. And while their differences used to make them one perfect whole, they now solidify the chasm between them. I enjoyed watching them try to learn to work together as they searched for their mother and even began to hope they might find a way to reconcile. And speaking of their mother, Nicole is a fantastic character. She is an ebullient, vibrant and fabulous lady who is putting the sex into sextegenarian (I can’t take credit for that line, it’s in the book) and I was rooting for her as she rediscovered life and grabbed it with both hands. 

So if you’re looking for a book to lift your spirits and make you laugh out loud, this is for you. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you Aria Books for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kathy Lette is a celebrated and outspoken comic writer who has an imitable take on serious current issues. She is one of the pioneering voices of contemporary feminism, paving the way for Caitlin Moran and Lena Dunham.

She first achieved succès de scandale as a teenager with the novel Puberty Blues, which was made into a major film and a TV mini-series.

After several years as a singer with the Salami Sisters, a newspaper columnist in Sydney and New York, and as a television sitcom writer for Columbia Pictures in Los Angeles, Kathy wrote numerous international bestsellers including Mad Cows (which was made into a film starring Joanna Lumley and Anna Friel), How to Kill Your Husband and Other Handy Household Hints (recently staged by the Victorian Opera, Australia), To Love, Honour and Betray and The Boy Who Fell To Earth.

Her twenty novels have been published in nineteen languages around the world, and she is also an ambassador for The National Autistic Society, Their World and Ambitious about Autism.

In 2004 she was the London Savoy Hotel’s Writer in Residence, where a cocktail named after her can still be ordered.

Kathy is an autodidact (a word she obviously taught herself), but has three honorary doctorates.

Kathy recently completed a tour of her one-woman show, “Girls Night Out“, and is pleased to report that she didn’t fall out with the cast. She cites her career highlights as once teaching Stephen Fry a word, Salman Rushdie the limbo, and scripting Julian Assange’s cameo in the Simpsons 500th episode.

Kathy has two children and divides her time between Sydney and London.

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