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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity

Published February 26th, 2026 by Bantam Press
Gothic Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Romantic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Ghost Story, Debut Novel

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A dark, gothic slow-burn fantasy romance, Weavingshaw follows a young woman haunted by the ghosts of her past and the Saint of Silence who promises her greatest desire in return for her darkest secret…

‘LEENA DIDN’T BELIEVE IN MONSTERS UNTIL SHE SAW WEAVINGSHAW.’

The Saint of Silence trades coins for every sordid divulgence uttered to him. The darker the secret, the higher the price.

Leena has a secret, one that has haunted her since she was seventeen – she can see the dead. When her brother falls ill, she knows what she must do: seek the Saint.

But Leena’s secret is more valuable to him that she could have imagined. To save her brother, she must make a deal with him to find the ghost he’s searching for.

All paths lead to Weavingshaw, a cursed estate on the moors. As Leena grows closer to the Saint, and is plunged into his world of danger, deceit and desire, she learns that he is hiding his own secrets – ones that have the power to destroy them all.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Leena can see the dead. It’s a secret she’s kept since she was seventeen. But now she’s going to trade that secret for the money to save her sick brother. So, she seeks out the Saint of Silence, who says that in order to save her brother she must agree to help him find the ghost he’s looking for. She reluctantly agrees. But Leena isn’t the only one hiding a secret. So is the Saint, and as their search leads them to the cursed estate of Weavingshaw, Leena learns his secret could destroy them all…

Darkly atmospheric, gothic and spellbinding this slow-burn fantasy debut that is so much more than a ghost story. It feels cinematic and epic: a story of deadly secrets, demons and haunted houses that has themes of power and debt at its core. Filled with tension, twists and surprises, the story unfolds piece by piece, giving us just enough  information to think about while keeping us guessing about the full picture. It kept me on tenterhooks, eager to learn more and discover what other secrets were lurking beneath the surface. Heba Al Wasity’s storytelling is gorgeous, her imagery evocative and her world building rich and detailed. I loved the dark, supernatural elements, the magic and how the political unrest added to the tense atmosphere. Meanwhile, Weavingshaw itself looms large over the entire story, feeling like a character in its own right. There are beautiful, haunting descriptions of this eerie house and the dark undercurrent that runs through it. It’s shadowy, gothic and unnerving. Exactly what I wanted in a gothic fantasy. 

The characters are morally complex and compelling, pulling you into their world and their stories. I thought Leena and Silas were great protagonists. She’s a heroine who is haunted by ghosts and he’s a tortured saint who is more sinful than good. I enjoyed learning their histories, what makes them tick and what motivates them. Leena’s experiences as a WOC and a refugee are central to who she is and I loved how they were woven into the narrative. Silas keeps his cards much closer to the vest but I was keen to unlock what secrets he was hiding. The romance between them was slow-burn which I enjoyed as bonding slowly and being reluctant to admit their feelings felt more realistic than if they’d instantly fallen in love.

A fantastic beginning to what promises to be an epic new series, this is a must for fantasy lovers. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you Bantam Press and Libro.fm for sending my proof copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Heba Al-Wasity was inspired to write by her own experiences of being born an Iraqi-refugee in Libya, growing up in Canada, and attending medical school in the UK. She has worked in emergency care and several psychiatric inpatient units, allowing her to gain first-hand insight in the ways that poverty and deprivation can lead to social inequalities. She currently lives with her husband near Manchester, just close enough to the moors to set her imagination alight.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews

BOOK REVIEW: The Weekend by T. M. Logan

Published February 26th, 2026 by Zaffre
Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Fiction

*I listened to this on Bookbeat. Click here to listen free for 45 days*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE BRAND NEW, ADDICTIVE UP-ALL-NIGHT THRILLER

Six friends. Five secrets. One holiday to die for . . .
Welcome to THE WEEKEND.

When a group of friends rent a converted farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales, they have little idea that this one weekend may change the course of their lives forever.

While out on a walk, a storm descends and the friends take shelter in the mouth of an old lead mine. Inside, they discover a backpack filled with more money than they’ve ever seen.

Of course, they agree, they will hand the money to the police at the first opportunity. But as the storm continues and time passes, some of the party begin to think again. Because there are secrets festering at the heart of this group. Debt. Obsession. A career on the brink. Problems that could be solved instantly with an unexpected windfall.

And perhaps they don’t know each other as well as thought they did.

Before long, six good friends find themselves sliding headlong into a world of deceit, treachery, betrayal and murder . . .

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

I have a confession. Although I’m a thriller fan, this was my first time reading a book by T. M. Logan. And after finishing it I’m so mad at myself for sleeping on his books for so long! Skillfully written, perfectly paced and cleverly choreographed, Logan had me in his thrall. I can’t wait to read more from him and the good thing about waiting so long to read his books is that now I have a backlist to enjoy. 

In this book, Logan takes something all of us have dreamed about – an unexpected windfall – and shows how it can become a nightmare. The story follows a group of six friends on their annual New Year holiday in a converted farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales. While out on a walk they shelter from a storm inside an old lead mine. Inside, they discover a backpack stuffed with more money than they’ve ever seen. They decide they will hand the money in to the police. But as time goes on and the drinks flow, temptation soon wins out and some of the group admit they want to keep it. A secret ballot results in them keeping the cash. It seems like a victimless crime. After all, they just found the money, can find no trace of the police looking for it online, and they have problems that this money could solve. But there is no such thing as a free lunch and it is soon apparent that the cash could be the start of much bigger problems and they find themselves caught up in a world of secrets, lies, betrayal and murder.

Compelling, tense, twisty and propulsive, this book had me on the edge of my seat and was impossible to put down once I’d started. There are so many red herrings and twists and turns that got whiplash. Seriously, every time I thought I had it all figured out Logan would come along with another twist that changed everything. And that ending! I did not see it coming until it was pretty much right in front of me. The characters are relatable and real. People you can imagine hanging out with and they have problems we can relate to, helping us understand their actions even when we don’t agree with them. 

A riveting thriller that keeps you on your toes, this is a must-read for all thriller fans.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

TM Logan’s thrillers have sold more than three million copies in the UK and are translated into 23 other languages for publication around the world.

His new novel, THE WEEKEND, opens with six friends out on a hike in the remote beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. Taking shelter from a storm, they make a chance discovery: a backpack full of money. They all know they should ‘do the right thing’ and take it straight to the authorities, but before long they’re sliding headfirst into a world of deceit, betrayal, treachery and murder… THE WEEKEND is out now!

THE DAUGHTER follows the story of Lauren, who goes to pick up her daughter from university at the end of her first term – only to find the room occupied by a stranger. No-one knows her daughter’s name or recognises her picture, and it soon becomes clear she’s vanished without trace…

THE HOLIDAY was a Richard & Judy Book Club pick and spent ten weeks in the Sunday Times paperback top ten. It has since won a Nielsen Gold Bestseller Award and been made into a four-part TV drama with Jill Halfpenny. THE CATCH was also adapted for TV, starring Jason Watkins, Poppy Gilbert, Aneurin Barnard and Cathy Belton.

Tim’s other books are THE DREAM HOME, THE MOTHER, THE CURFEW, TRUST ME, LIES and 29 SECONDS.

A former national newspaper journalist, Tim lives in Nottinghamshire with his family and writes in a cabin in the corner of his garden.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2023

BOOK REVIEW: The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Published June 22nd, 2023 by Mantle
Historical Fiction, Crime Fiction, Domestic Fiction, Coming-of-Age Story

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Sunday Times Top Five Bestseller
A BBC Two Between the Covers Book Club Pick

‘A wonderfully inventive novel’ ― The Times and Sunday Times, Best Historical Fiction of 2023

Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s The Square of Sevens is an epic and sweeping novel set in Georgian high society, a dazzling story offering up mystery, intrigue, heartbreak, and audacious twists.

This is your story, Red. You must tell it well . . .

A girl known only as Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune-teller, travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient method: the Square of Sevens. When her father suddenly dies, Red becomes the ward of a gentleman scholar.

Now raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendour of Bath, her fortune-telling is a delight to high society. But she cannot ignore the questions that gnaw at her soul: who was her mother? How did she die? And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always terrified would find him?

The pursuit of these mysteries takes her from Cornwall and Bath to London and Devon, from the rough ribaldry of the Bartholomew Fair to the grand houses of two of the most powerful families in England. And while Red’s quest brings her the possibility of great reward, it also leads her into grave danger . . .

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MY REIVEW:

Look at that impressive tome! Isn’t it gorgeous? Who wouldn’t want to buy it for the cover and spredges alone? Okay, it looks a bit daunting, but fortunately this book was written by Laura Shepherd-Robinson, an author who I know I can rely on to deliver a heart-stopping mystery that is as captivating as it is rich in historic detail.

Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune-teller, travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient method of the Square of Sevens. When her father dies suddenly she becomes the ward of Mr. Antrobus, a gentleman scholar. They go to Bath where Red is raised as a lady, but uses her fortune-telling to delight high society. All the while, there are questions that gnaw at her she can’t escape: who was her mother? How did she die? And who are the mysterious enemies that her father was always scared would find him? Are they searching for her? Red sets out on a quest for the truth. But that quest brings her great danger alongside the possibility of great reward.

Gothic, mythical, suspenseful and complex, The Square of Sevens is a mesmerising tale. Spanning Cornwall, Bath, London and Devon, and traversing the raucous Bartholomew Fair, the glamour of high society and England’s most powerful questions, it is an ambitious and audacious tale. Exquisitely written, skillfully choreographed, intricately interwoven, full of misdirection and bold twists, this had me hooked. It did feel a bit long at times, but every time I started to feel like my attention was waning there would be another exciting turn that piqued my interest. It’s like Laura knew where we’d need those moments in this chunky book. There is a distinctly Dickensian feel that I enjoyed while Laura’s meticulous research is evident on every page and I enjoyed the small details such as the information about different cards at the start of each chapter. There is a large motley crew of characters that I loved reading and Red was a clever and compelling protagonist. She lived an unusual life that I enjoyed reading about and I was rooting for her to find the answers to her questions.

I highly recommend this sweeping historical mystery.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you Mantle and Bookbreak for sending me a proof copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Laura Shepherd-Robinson is the award-winning, Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author of four historical novels. Her books have been featured on BBC 2’s Between the Covers and Radio 4’s Front Row and Open Book. Her fourth novel, The Art of a Lie, will be published in Summer 2025.

Laura was born in Bristol in 1976. She has a BSc in Politics from the University of Bristol and an MSc in Political Theory from the London School of Economics. She worked in politics for nearly twenty years before re-entering normal life to complete an MA in Creative Writing at City University. She lives in London with her husband, Adrian.

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BUY THE BOOK:

Bookshop.org* | Waterstones* | Amazon*
*These are affiliate links

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

Categories
Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor

Published June 19th, 2025 by Harper Fiction
Historical Fiction, Domestic Fiction

*I listened to this audiobook on Bookbeat. Click here to get a free 60 day trial*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The greatest journey is the one you least expect…

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Long before Dorothy visits Oz, her aunt, Emily Gale, sets off on her own unforgettable adventure much closer to home…

When news reaches Kansas that her beloved sister has tragically died, Emily Gale must become a mother overnight. Her sister’s orphaned child, Dorothy, desperately needs a home.

But Emily doubts her ability to fill her sister’s shoes; her life on the barren Kansas prairies is no place for a child.

On the unforgiving plains, Emily’s courage is endlessly tested. The prolonged drought and relentless dust storms threaten to destroy everything – including her home and her marriage.

Can Emily overcome her grief and let Dorothy heal her heart?

From the promise of Chicago in the 1920s to the harsh beauty of the Kansas prairie during the dust bowl of the 1930s, this is a story of family, duty and one woman’s journey of self-discovery.

BUY HERE

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MY REIVEW:

“We wouldn’t have had the wonderful if we’d never had the wicked. It’s all part of the same story, Henry. All connected.”

We all know the story of Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz. But what came before that? How did Dorothy come to live with Auntie Em and Uncle Henry? And who were they? Hazel Gaynor’s Before Dorothy answers all those questions and more. Transporting us back to the 1920s and 30s to discover who Emily Gale really was and how young Dorothy came to live in her care. 

As a life-long Ozian whose favourite genre is historical fiction, the moment I heard about this book I knew it was one I was going to love. But it was also one I was a little scared to read. Would it live up to the hype in my heart? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’ Imaginative, illuminating and utterly wonderful, this is a mesmerising tale. This book was an easy five stars for me and is my favourite book of the year so far. Exquisitely written, perfectly paced and meticulously researched, I love that not only was the historical detail intricate but Hazel has stitched Oz imagery into every facet of this story, making it read like a love letter to the original story. As someone who treasures the original so much, this was perfect. Her love for the story and characters is clear to see and I wasn’t surprised to read that Hazel is also an Ozian in the author’s note at the end of the book.

But this book is so much more than The Wizard of Oz. It stands strong as a story on its own merit, exploring topics such as motherhood and grief on its pages. Moving seamlessly between timelines we follow Emily Gale from her time in Chicago living with her sister, Annie to her collecting her young niece after her parents’ tragic death and then see her trying to learn how to be a mother. It’s a bumpy road filled with triumph and tragedy and Em’s emotions radiate from these pages, making it a very moving and emotional read at times. But most of all I loved getting to know this woman who has been a mystery to us for so long. Thank you Hazel for writing this story and bringing Auntie Em into the light after all this time. 

An absolute must-read for fans of historical fiction or Oz lovers. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hazel Gaynor is an award-winning New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author known for her deeply moving historical novels which explore the defining events of the 20th century. A recipient of the 2015 RNA Historical Novel of the Year award for her debut, The Girl Who Came Home, her work has since been shortlisted for multiple awards in the USA, UK, and Ireland, including the 2019 HWA Gold Crown for The Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter. Her most recent novel, The Last Lifeboat, was selected as a Times of London historical novel of the month, was shortlisted for the 2023 Irish Book Awards, and won the 2024 Audie Award for Best Fiction Narrator. Hazel’s co-written novels with Heather Webb have all been published to critical acclaim, and have been shortlisted for several international awards. Hazel’s work has been translated into twenty languages and is published in twenty-seven territories to date. She lives in Ireland with her family.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Eye For An Eye by M. J. Arlidge

Published July 20th, 2023 by Orion
Legal Thriller, Crime Fiction, Thriller

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

OUR MOST NOTORIOUS CRIMINALS HAVE HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT.
UNTIL NOW…

‘Emily’ is a devoted single mother.
‘Jack’ starts a new job in a new town.
‘Russell’ may be falling in love.

They all share the same secret:
none of them are who they say they are.

They are among only nine criminals in the UK who have been granted lifelong anonymity, for their own safety, because of their terrible crimes.

But what if someone exposed their true identities to the families of their victims, who are desperate for revenge?

Probation officer Olivia Campbell is caught in the crossfire of this unprecedented crisis – and as the hunt for the mole behind it all intensifies, so too does the search for the vigilante killers let loose by the leaks…

Everyone is a suspect. Anyone could be a killer.
Who deserves justice? And who gets to decide?

#EyeForAnEye

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

There are only nine criminals in the UK who have been granted lifelong anonymity. It is for their own safety, because of how terrible their crimes were. But what would happen if someone exposed their true identities to the families of their victims? 

As soon as I read that heart-stopping synopsis I knew I had to read this thriller. Of course, I will also read anything that M. J. Arlidge writes. And this standalone thriller is sensational. Malevolent, suspenseful, harrowing, emotive and thought-provoking, I was in Arlidge’s thrall from the start. Terror oozes from the first page, and there is a harrowing sense of foreboding throughout. There’s a huge cast of characters but it never feels confusing, seamlessly moving between them as we are taken on a journey filled with vengeance, danger, fear and fury.

This book will make you question your own moral compass and forces you to confront your own sense of what justice looks like. Should those who commit terrible crimes live safely in secrecy or should the families of their victims be allowed vengeance? It’s not an easy moral dilemma. After all, my instinct is to say they should never be released from prison and if they are, their fate should be up to their victims’ families. 

There are two sides to every story and Arlidge explores the shades of grey that exist in every situation, writing with nuance as he dissects the crimes and their repercussions. He also humanises these ‘evil’ children, allowing us to see past their atrocities, connect with them and condemn the vigilante justice. But then he flips the script, showing us the pain, rage and devastation of the victims’ families and how they feel let down by the justice system. In the middle of all this is Probation Officer Olivia Campbell, the woman who is caught in the crossfire between perpetrators and victims. Olivia is racing against the clock in a desperate search to find the mole who leaked the information and hunting down the vigilantes who are hell-bent on revenge.

A twisty thriller that will keep you on your toes until the last page, this is a must-read.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

M. J. Arlidge is the international bestselling author of the Detective Helen Grace Thrillers, including Pop Goes the Weasel and his debut, Eeny Meeny, which has been sold in twenty-five countries. He lives in England and works in television.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2025

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The Lamplighters Bookshop by Sophie Austin

Published March 13th, 2025 by Harper Fiction
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Romance, Gaslamp Fantasy

*I listened to this book on Bookbeat. Click here for 60 days free listening with my affiliate code*

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Netgalley Historical Fiction Book of the Year 2025!!

Every book tells a story. Every heart hides a secret.

‘What’s not to love?! Nineteenth century York, bookshops and brilliant characters!‘ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In the shadowy aisles of the Lamplighter’s Bookshop, secrets lie as thick as the dust…

When Evelyn Seaton answers an advertisement for an assistant at a forgotten bookshop in York, she is not the only one with something to hide.

There she meets the enigmatic and prickly William Morton, an aspiring writer keeping secrets of his own. But when the walls that Evelyn has built around herself start to crumble, there is only one person she can turn to.

As the layers are brushed away, can Evelyn and William find the courage to write the next chapter of their story?

BUY hERE

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MY REVIEW:

Atmospheric, delightful, romantic and compelling, The Lamplighter’s Bookshop is a truly gorgeous debut. And that ending! My heart has still not recovered. I can see why this was voted as historical fiction book of the year on Netgalley last year.

The story follows Evelyn Seaton, who is at home with her mother, Cecilia, when the police arrive one evening and tell them that they must leave their home. Her father has gambled away everything they have and they are there to seize it all. So they go to York to stay with the only family member they have, Cecelia’s Aunt Clara. With nothing to their name, Evelyn decides she must go against her mother’s wishes and get a job, answering an advertisement for an assistant at a forgotten bookshop. It is in this shadowy bookshop that she meets William Morton, a mysterious and prickly aspiring writer who, like Evelyn, is keeping secrets to protect himself. The pair try to deny their attraction, but when Evelyn’s life begins to fall apart all over again, William is the only one she can turn to. Can they find the courage to give into their true feelings?

Sophie Austin reveals herself as a writer to watch with this magnificent debut. Her storytelling and imagery is so evocative, bringing the world and characters she’s created to life so vividly that it felt like I was walking the cobbled streets of nineteenth century York, wandering the shadowy aisles of the bookshop, and living every moment alongside the characters, who are ebullient and memorable. A story about love, secrets and betrayal, Ms. Austin keeps her reader guessing what secrets most of the characters are hiding. I was on tenterhooks trying to guess what they were hiding and wondered what would happen when they were finally truthful with each other and their secrets were revealed. 

Evelyn is a fantastic protagonist. Not only is she likeable and easy to root for, she’s feisty, intelligent, resourceful, determined and fiercely independent. I was rooting for her from the start as she tried to navigate this scary new reality she’d been thrust into whilst also trying to deal with the heartache of her father’s betrayal. Evelyn also comes up against societal expectations from her mother and others that get in her way, but she finds ways to overcome them at every step, intent on making life better for herself and her mother.  Another character I really enjoyed was Aunt Clara. She was snarky, sharp and witty, lighting up the pages in every scene while also offering sage advice to Evelyn and Cecilia. 

As this is a romance, I obviously need to talk about our potential lovebirds. I’m a sucker for an enemies to lovers trope, which was masterfully executed by Ms. Austin. There’s an immediate spark between Evelyn and William but they try to deny it and spend their time disagreeing instead. I loved this quarrelsome pair and their verbal sparring. Their will they/won’t they aspect of their relationship created tension and gave me something to root for. Plus, I knew the pay off would be amazing if they did finally give into their feelings. Something I also liked was what a great character William was in himself. He’s enigmatic, complicated and flawed, and I was as desperate to work him out as Evelyn, keeping me rooted to my chair and turning the pages.

A heartwarming and wonderful debut, I can’t wait to see what’s next from Ms. Austin.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Originally from London, Sophie Austin is a historical fiction novelist who now lives in Sweden. Her debut novel, THE LAMPLIGHTER’S BOOKSHOP (coming March 2025) is a turn of the century tale of rivalry, redemption, and love set under the darkening skies of York in 1899. Sophie loves spending time in Victorian England, both in her writing and in her reading, and you can step back in time with her via her website or her Instagram page. When Sophie isn’t writing historical fiction she works as a Senior Creative Writer for a blocky video game writing articles, scripts and more about mining, crafting and surviving

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2026

SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK: Witch Trial by Harriet Tyce

Published February 26th, 2026 by Wildfire
Thriller, Legal Thriller, Supernatural Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

TWO TEENAGE GIRLS. ONE MURDERED CLASSMATE.
AND A MODERN-DAY WITCH TRIAL THAT WILL DIVIDE THE NATION . . .

‘Mind-bending and brilliant’ LISA JEWELL
‘Deliciously twisted. . . Genius’ CLAIRE DOUGLAS
‘An utter masterpiece’ SOPHIE HANNAH
‘Impeccable plotting’ FINANCIAL TIMES
_______________________________

When 18-year-old Christian Shaw is found dead in an Edinburgh park, the city reels – and the shock only deepens when police charge her best friends, Eliza Lawson and Isobel Smyth, with her murder.

As their trial begins and headlines scream for justice, rumours of bullying spiral into something darker: whispers of rituals, obsession, and a teenage pact gone wrong.

But then the girls take the stand – revealing a chilling defence no one saw coming – and the jury must question everything: the motives, the evidence, even their own judgement.

Who’s telling the truth? Who can be trusted?
And what really happened to Christian Shaw?

Let the Witch Trial begin . . .

BUY HERE

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MY REIVEW:

Schoolgirls Eliza Lawson and Isobel Smyth are accused of murdering their friend Christian Shaw. This book follows their trial. But it isn’t told through the eyes of the accused, their lawyers or even the victim’s loved ones. This story is primarily told by a juror, heart surgeon Matthew Phillips, who sees the trial as the perfect chance to escape from his troubled life. But he becomes increasingly obsessed with the case and begins to unravel, making us question if we can really believe what he’s telling us. Add in the connections to witchcraft and the historic witch trials, and you’ve got an addictive and heart-pounding thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

From its dark and intriguing prologue to one of the best endings I’ve ever read, Witch Trial had me completely hooked. With her exquisite prose, clever plotting and stunning revelations, Harriet Tyce held me in her thrall. I love it when a book takes you in a different direction than you were expecting, and Harriet did that time and again with this story. I enjoyed the glimpse into what it is like to be a juror in a trial and some of my favourite parts of the book were the scenes between the jurors when they are alone together or trying to navigate the legalities of being a juror when they go against their personal instincts or needs. I also liked that we were never given any information that they didn’t know, putting us in Matthew’s shoes and making us question everything the way he did. 

I love a thriller that keeps you guessing so I loved how although we know the identity of the accused killers they remain elusive and we only have the same evidence as the jurors to decide if they are guilty, raising the suspense and keeping me on tenterhooks. I also loved the supernatural element that is intricately woven into the story. Eliza and Isobel are accused of practicing witchcraft and there are references and parallels with the historic witch trials that took place in Edinburgh, the city the book is set in. These elements helped to create the dark atmosphere and sense of danger that permeated the story. It also made us question not only the sanity of the accused, but also of Matthew, as he’s drawn deeper into the occult as the case goes on.  But the part that elevated this book from great to sensational was that surprise triple twist ending that Harriet pulls off with such finesse. It is truly one of my favourite endings of all time and changed how I perceived the entire story. Well played, Ms. Tyce.

An outstanding thriller that will have your heart racing and mind whirling, add this to your TBR now! 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Harriet Tyce was born and grew up in Edinburgh. She graduated in English from Oxford University in 1994, and after gaining legal qualifications worked as a criminal barrister for nearly ten years. After leaving the law she started writing, gaining a distinction in an MA in Creative Writing (Crime Fiction) from the University of East Anglia in 2017.

Harriet has written four novels, Blood Orange, The Lies You Told, It Ends At Midnight and A Lesson in Cruelty. She lives in north London with her husband, children, and two dogs.

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Thanks for reaidng, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer

Published November 6th, 2025 by Faber & Faber
Mystery, Paranormal Fiction, Myths, Young Adult Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The ghost of Bluebeard. A handsome count. A con artist in over her head.

Mallory Fontaine is a fraud. She’s descended from witches, and pretends to be one, although her only magic is the ability to see ghosts. She can barely make a living – but Count Armand Saphir will pay a fortune if she can rid him of his murderous ancestor’s ghost.

Now death has returned to the House Saphir, and Mallory is almost certain the killer is mortal. To have any hope of Armand’s payment, she’ll need to solve the murder, banish the ghost and keep passing as a witch.

Still, that’s easy compared to her biggest challenge: trusting her heart. Especially when her heart’s desire could be the murderer himself.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Mallory Fontaine is a fraud. Though she descends from witches, she doesn’t have powers, although she pretends she does. The only thing she can do is see ghosts. And that isn’t going to help her make a living. Until Count Armand Saphir learns of her ability and offers to pay her a fortune if she can rid his house of the ghost of his murderous ancestor, Count Bastien Saphir. But as Mallory tries to rid House Saphir of Bastien’s ghost, death returns. And Mallory is almost certain the killer is mortal. Now, in order to receive the money she was promised, Mallory must solve the murder as well as banishing the ghost and keeping up the pretence that she is a witch. And there is another complication: Mallory is falling for Armand.

Gothic, dark, suspenseful and forbidding, The House Saphir is an alluring cocktail of ghosts, witches, folklore, love and murder. Marissa Meyer is a name I’ve heard, but I was intrigued by the idea of a romantasy that is merged with traditional French folklore. And who could resist those gorgeous spredges? Evocatively written, meticulously researched, cleverly choreographed and filled with dark humour, Meyer held me in her thrall from start to finish. Before I read this book I only vaguely knew of Bluebeard, a nobleman who murdered his wives. Meyer brought his story to life in vivid technicolour, making this malevolent character feel utterly real and terrifying even though he is a spectre. His ominous presence looms over every page, as even the Ghost Wives are terrified of encountering him again.

Sassy, sarcastic, likeable and easy to root for, Mallory is a great protagonist, even if she isn’t always truthful. Charming, wealthy and mysterious, Armand is a compelling character and love interest. I was suspicious of his motives from the start but could see how Mallory began to fall for his allure. But would this turn out to be a mistake? I couldn’t decide and was on tenterhooks as I waited to discover the truth. But by far my favourite characters were the mischievous Ghost Wives – the Count’s victims who now also haunt House Saphir. They were so fun to read while also inspiring real fear at the thought of coming into contact with their murderer once more.

An entertaining retelling that will have you hooked, I highly recommend this book.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Libro.fm for providing me with a complimentary audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Marissa Meyer is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, Heartless, The Renegades Trilogy, and Instant Karma, as well as the graphic novel duology Wires and Nerve. She holds a BA in Creative Writing from Pacific Lutheran University and a MA in Publishing from Pace University. In addition to writing, Marissa hosts The Happy Writer podcast. She lives near Tacoma, Washington, with her husband and twin daughters.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books Beat the Backlist book reviews

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW: The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewell

Published July 18th, 2013 by Cornerstone
Suspense, Domestic Fiction, Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Mystery

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

An unforgettable story about a family with a terrible secret. From the #1 bestselling author of The Family Upstairs and None of This is True comes a new edition of The House We Grew Up In, with a brand new introduction from Lisa Jewell!

‘Unputdownable’ RED
‘Simply stunning’ Daily Mail
‘Fantastically gripping’ HELLO!
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When a tragedy breaks a family apart, what can bring it back together?

The Birds seem to be the perfect family: mother, father, four children, a charming cottage in the country.

But one Easter weekend, something happens – something so unexpected, so devastating, that no one can bring themselves to talk about it.

The family shatters, seemingly for good.

Until, years later, they are forced to return to the house they grew up in, and to confront what really broke the family apart . . .

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

One of my 2026 goals is to read more of my TBR. Specifically, the backlist books by authors that have languished on my shelves for far too long. Lisa Jewell is one of my favourite thriller authors, but I’m ashamed to say I didn’t start reading her books until 2019, which means I have her huge backlist of books still to enjoy. So, when I was looking for a mood read I decided it was time to dive into that backlist, and finally read The House We Grew Up In.

The Birds seem like the perfect family: mum, dad, four children and a charming country cottage. But all of that changes one Easter weekend when tragedy strikes. And instead of coming together, it fractures them completely; each family member retreating into their own, private grief and torment over what happened. Now, the family is being forced back together for the first time in years after the death of matriarch Lorelei, and must confront the tragedy that tore them apart.

My heart is totally destroyed after this book. Compelling, tense and twisty, I was not prepared for the heartrending emotion that is woven into this story. I expected a fast-paced thriller and heart-stopping twists, but instead Lisa delivers a steadily paced, moving story where the twists are teased out slowly. It is expertly written, cleverly plotted and perfectly paced, moving seamlessly between dual timelines with extracts  from emails from Lorelei and her online sweetheart, Jim, peppered throughout. I was on tenterhooks from start to finish, eager to discover whatever dark secrets this family held.

So, let’s talk about the Birds. This is a very character-driven story so having captivating and richly drawn characters is vital. Obviously, we know Lisa writes fantastic characters, but her talent for writing characters really shines in this book. We get to know each member of the Bird family in detail over the course of the book, all of their imperfections and fears exposed as we peel away the fractured layers of this family. They are all complex, flawed, real. Lorelei isn’t your typical matriarch. She loves her children and being a mother, but she’s also very quirky. And after the tragedy she spirals, her ‘quirks’ of keeping objects because she feels they have sentimental value becoming a full-blown hoarding disorder that ends up with her house being uninhabitable. Each member of the family deals with both the tragedy and Lorelei in their own way, but it is eldest daughter, Megan, who challenges it most and I really felt for her. She was probably my favourite character and my heart hurt for all that she went through. 

A must-read for your TBR.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lisa Jewell was born in London in 1968.

Her first novel, Ralph’s Party, was the best- selling debut novel of 1999. Since then she has written another twenty novels, most recently a number of dark psychological thrillers, including The Girls, Then She Was Gone, The Family Upstairs, The Family Remains and The Night She Disappeared, all of which were Richard & Judy Book Club picks.

Lisa is a New York Times and Sunday Times number one bestselling author who has been published worldwide in over thirty languages. She lives in north London with her husband and two daughters.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures Most Anticipated 2026 Squadpod Squadpod Book Club Squadpod Featured Books

SQUADPOD FEATURED BOOK REVIEW: My Husband’s Wife by Alice Feeney

Published January 27th, 2026 by Pan Macmillan
Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Suspense

My Husband’s Wife was one of our SquadPod Featured Books in February.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Sunday Times bestselling author of Beautiful Ugly is back with a psychological masterpiece that will leave you questioning everything you know about love, identity and revenge.

Eden Fox, an artist on the brink of her big break, sets off for a run before her first exhibition. When she returns to the home she recently moved into – Spyglass, an enchanting old house in the pretty seaside village of Hope Falls – nothing is as it should be. Her key doesn’t fit. A woman, eerily similar to her, answers the door. And her husband insists that this stranger is his wife.

One house. One husband. Two women. Someone is lying.

Six months earlier, a reclusive Londoner named Birdy, reeling from a life-changing diagnosis, inherits Spyglass. This unexpected gift from a long-lost grandmother brings her to Hope Falls. But then Birdy stumbles upon a shadowy London clinic that claims to be able to predict a person’s date of death, including her own. Secrets start to unravel and, as the line between truth and lies blurs, Birdy feels compelled to right some old wrongs.

My Husband’s Wife weaves a tangled web of deception, obsession and mystery that will keep you guessing until the last page. Prepare yourself for the ultimate mind-bending marriage thriller and step inside Spyglass – if you dare – to experience a story where nothing is as it seems.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

Alice Feeney has done it again! Heartsoppingly tense, unsettling, cryptic and immersive, My Husband’s Wife is an outstanding thriller and possibly her best book yet. 

It follows Eden Fox, who has recently moved to Spyglass, an enhancing old house in Hope Falls, Cornwall, with her husband, Harrison Woolf. They are hoping their move will be the fresh start they both need and it seems like life is starting to look up. But when she returns after her usual evening run nothing is as it should be. Her key doesn’t work and a woman who is eerily similar to her answers the door saying she lives there. Harrison insists the stranger is his wife and claims to have never seen Eden before. Eden desperately tries to prove her identity, sparking a chain of events that uncover long-buried secrets, deception and betrayal.

I always know when I pick up one of Alice’s books that I’m in for a treat. A thriller powerhouse, I know I’ll get an exquisitely written, twisty, layered and pacy thriller that will keep me on the edge of my seat. This was all that and more. It’s like Spaghetti Junction – the different storylines and threads interweave in unexpected ways, and it’s brimming with suspense, twists and turns. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives and moves seamlessly between timelines as Alice drops clues like breadcrumbs for us to follow. But nothing is what it seems in this book and everyone is possibly an unreliable narrator – keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. And that final line! I can’t get it out of my head.

One of the things that Alice always does well is writing charismatic, flawed and relatable characters who are fun to read whether we like them or not. The abundance of unreliable narrators means there are no clear heroes or villains, ramping up the tension and making me second guess everything they said and did. My favourite character was Birdy, a reclusive woman from London who returns to Hope Falls following life-changing diagnosis and unexpected inheritance. Birdy was the comedic relief in the book and although we know there are things she’s hiding, I did feel like I could trust her more than a lot of the other characters.

A must read for anyone who loves clever and riveting thrillers.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

Thanks to Pan Macmillan and Bookbreak for sending me a proof copy of the book and to Libro.fm for providing me with a complimentary audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alice Feeney is a New York Times million-copy bestselling author of novels including His & Hers, Sometimes I Lie, Rock Paper Scissors and Daisy Darker. Her books have been translated into over thirty-five languages, and have been optioned for major screen adaptations, with His & Hers currently in production for Netflix, produced by Jessica Chastain, and starring Tessa Thompson and Jon Bernthal.

Alice was a BBC journalist for fifteen years. Her seventh novel, Beautiful Ugly, will be published around the world in January 2025.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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