Tag: Emma’s Anticipated Treasures

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

BOOK REVIEW: It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell

Published July 2nd, 2026 by Century
Thriller, Suspense, Mystery

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER

PREPARE TO BE HOOKED by the brand new thriller from Lisa Jewell, author of the Sunday Times bestselling novels None of This Is True and Don’t Let Him In.

‘A deliciously twisted gem of a thriller and her best yet’ CLAIRE DOUGLAS
‘A true masterpiece’ ANDREA MARA
‘Superbly written, entertaining and twisty’ LIZ NUGENT
‘Dark, intense, brilliant’ SHARI LAPENA
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It was the night she almost died.

Jane Trevally, newly divorced and feeling a little lost, agrees to accompany a man she doesn’t know to his house in the darkest corner of Hampstead Heath. She’s offered a drink, goes in, and then – a scream and the sound of something falling upstairs – Jane senses she’s in a bad place. She runs.

Twenty five years later, Jane finds herself outside the same house, this time to return a small white dog who’s been found near her home in the country; a dog whose owner has just been reported missing.

A fleeting glimpse of a haunted looking woman through the window sends Jane on a mission to uncover the house’s secrets – secrets more terrifying than she could have ever imagined, especially when she realises it could have been her. . .

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

If there is one thing I can rely on, it’s that Lisa Jewelll will always write a first-class thriller. And she’s done it again with her latest book. At its heart, this is the story of a missing woman. But it is also so much more: a story of a dysfunctional family, trauma, tragedy and dark, festering secrets. 

June, 2005. Newly divorced and feeling adrift, Jane Trevally agrees to go home with a man she meets on a night out. When she’s there he offers her a drink, but before she can take a sip she hears a scream. So Jane runs. Twenty-five years later, Jane has never forgotten the night she almost died. She never expected to be back at that house but after going to return a lost dog, she finds herself standing outside the same house that has haunted her nightmares. And, in an even stranger twist, the dog’s owner has just been reported missing. Jane can’t shake the feeling something sinister is going on inside that house. So she sets out  to find the missing woman and uncover the house’s secrets, unprepared for the dark depths that her investigation will take her. 

Deliciously dark, tense, unnerving and completely addictive, this book had me in a chokehold from start to finish. A shrewd and superb page-turning thriller, I stayed up until the early hours to finish this one as I had to know what dark secrets were being hidden. Lisa is a master of her craft and this story gives her the chance to flex her thriller-writer muscles perfectly. Masterfully written, expertly crafted and intricately interwoven, there’s a quietly chilling unease that bubbles under the surface and permeates every page. Meanwhile, she slowly unveils the layers of dark secrets and mystery with a tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat.. It is a masterpiece of malevolence and misdirection, the many twists subverting what I thought I knew. Labyrinthine, comprehensive and complex, there are many different strands, multiple characters and timelines, but it never gets confusing. Though I have no idea how she kept up with it all to write it. And that ending! I finished this book days ago and I haven’t stopped thinking about it. 

The story is told by multiple flawed, fractured and compelling characters. There are ones you’ll like, ones you’ll root for, ones you’ll feel sorry for, morally ambiguous ones you won’t know how to feel about and devilishly good villains you’ll hate or will make your skin crawl. There is one particular family that oozes darkness and dysfunction as their family ties are made monstrous and tangled. But all the characters are painfully human and show us the ripple effect of trauma and tragedy. I had a real soft spot for Jane and was rooting for her to solve the mystery. 

A heart-stopping thriller that will linger long after reading, this is a must-read for all thriller lovers.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

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

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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 xxxxx

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR: The Art of Getting Hammered by Joanna Wallace

Published August 6th, 2026 by Viper Books
Dark Comedy, Suspense, Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

* FROM THE AWARD WINNING AUTHOR OF YOU’D LOOK BETTER AS A GHOST *

‘The gold standard of twisted crime fiction’ – JANICE HALLETT
‘Dark humour at its absolute finest’ – J.M. HEWITT
‘Literature’s most relatable serial killer’ – JO FURNISS

MURDER IS HER MASTERPIECE.

What use is a part-time serial killer who doesn’t want to kill people? Once the terror of rude and irritating people everywhere, now Claire has lost her murderous mojo. Not even the overly chatty woman in the supermarket or the man who stole her neighbour’s dog can motivate her to get out the zip ties.

Then a lucky break and a new job in the local pub gives Claire the perfect target: someone is spiking drinks and causing mayhem. But as Claire closes in on the culprit, punters start dropping like flies – and for once she’s not the one doing the killing. Is someone else murdering on her patch? Claire has questions. And she’s not afraid to use her hammer to get answers…

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

“Nobody’s ordinary. Everyone’s got something interesting about them. Even if it’s just the part of themselves they try to hide.”

Artist and part-time serial killer Claire has lost her murderous mojo and is itching to get it back. But nothing is helping. Not until she takes a job at the local pub and notices suspicious activity: patrons are stumbling out drunker than they should be and the regulars appear to be dropping like flies. But Claire isn’t the one killing them. Is another killer operating on her patch? She needs answers. And she isn’t afraid to kill to get them…

Joanna Wallace is back with another gripping and brilliantly titled tale. With a name like that how could I not pick up this book? It holds so much promise. And, believe me, it delivered. Darkly funny, delightfully unhinged, tense and twisty, I devoured this addictive thriller in just two sittings. The writing is scalpel-sharp, hilarious and compelling, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. And though it’s a follow-up to You’d Look Better As A Ghost – and I’d recommend reading that because it’s absolutely brilliant – this can be read as a standalone. 

I love Claire. She is one of the best female serial killers in fiction today – think Rhiannon from Sweetpea with an artistic streak and an even stronger code for killing. Claire kills annoying people. But only when they appear as ghosts. And she hasn’t been seeing any ghosts recently, no matter how much people have wound her up. I loved this dilemma of a serial killer so restricted by her own code that she couldn’t murder the people she wanted to. I loved how she even considered a different rule so that she could start using her hammer again but that events came together for her ghostly apparitions to return so she could once again carry out her murderous exploits. The other characters are charismatic and memorable and I loved trying to figure out who the other killer might be. The chapters from the mysterious murderer’s point of view were fantastic, dropping little clues like breadcrumbs that I was absolutely terrible at following. And I loved that as it meant I was totally flawed when the big reveal happened.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

Thank you to Viper Books for the invitation to take part in the blog tour and for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Joanna Wallace studied Law at Birmingham University before working as a commercial litigation solicitor in London. She now runs a family business and lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, four children and dog. She was partly inspired to write You’d Look Better as a Ghost, her debut, following her father’s diagnosis of early onset dementia. Joanna’s second novel, The Dead Friend Project, was published by Viper in 2024.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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Audio Books book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

Published July 9th, 2026 by Pan Macmillan
Thriller, Mystery, Domestic Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Mad Mabel was an instant New York Times bestseller and a No. 1 bestseller in Australia. Discover why readers across the globe have fallen for this twisty, surprising and charming novel.

‘Funny, twisty and suspenseful’ – Harlan Coben

‘A twisty page-turning triumph, packed with wit, warmth, nuance and mystery. Brilliant’ – Jane Harper

YOU CAN CHANGE
YOUR NAME.
BUT YOU CAN’T
CHANGE YOUR PAST . . .

Eighty-one-year-old Elsie Fitzpatrick lives a quiet life in the suburbs. Few would guess that Elsie, aside from being a curmudgeon who minds everyone else’s business, harbours a secret she’s worked hard to bury.

Because when it comes to murder, no one ever suspects little girls or old ladies. And Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick – once a little girl and now an old lady – has a strange history of people in her life coming to a foul end.

When an elderly neighbour is found dead, no one suspects a thing – until they uncover Elsie’s true identity: Mad Mabel, the youngest Australian in history to be convicted of murder, more than sixty years ago.

The police are asking questions. The media is circling. Has the past finally caught up with Mad Mabel? Or is it time for her to set the record straight?

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

81-year-old Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is not someone who blends in with the crowd. At 6ft tall with broad shoulders, she’s used to standing out. And don’t mistake her for a sweet old lady. She’s more likely to call you ‘dipshit’ than ‘dear’. Elsie has lived on Kenny Lane for over sixty years. But she has a secret. As a child, Elsie was known as ‘Mad Mabel’ and became Australia’s most notorious child killer. And there were rumours it wasn’t the first time she’d killed. Now, after decades of keeping her dark past a secret, the truth threatens to be exposed after she finds her neighbour dead and is questioned by police. Maybe now is the time for Mabel to finally tell her side of the story. But is she mad? And is she guilty?

Two of my favourite tropes are anti-heroes and elderly protagonists, plus I’m a sucker for a story with black humour, so this book had my name written all over it. And it did not disappoint. Darkly funny, quirky, crazy, cryptic, tense and utterly compelling, I devoured it in two sittings. Expertly written, hilarious, cleverly plotted and filled with charismatic characters, this is the definition of an unputdownable page-turner. The story seems simple, but there is so much more to it. Layered, nuanced, warm and richly drawn, this is a twisty tale that will keep you guessing right up until the final page. Sally drips intrigue and foreboding like breadcrumbs for us to follow out of the woods and teases Mabel’s story, revealing pieces slowly in flashbacks to her childhood leading up to the murder. It is also more than a murder mystery. It’s a story about loneliness, identity, trauma, and the power of female friendship.

I love an unlikely heroine and an elderly protagonist, so I was excited to get to know Mabel. And this unforgettable woman is now one of my favourite characters of all time. Quirky, eccentric, feisty and secretive, she comes across as curmudgeonly at first but we soon learn there is more hiding beneath her spiky surface. Underneath her strong, no-nonsense veneer, there is a vulnerability from her past traumas that made me feel protective of this fabulous octogenarian. And it made me love her even more. 

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sally Hepworth is the New York Times bestselling author of ten novels, most recently Mad Mabel. Sally’s novels have been called “darkly charming” and praised by authors Emily Giffin and Liane Moriarty as “totally absorbing” and “fiction at its finest.”

Sally’s novels have sold millions of copies worldwide and been translated into over 30 languages.

Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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Blog Tours book reviews Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: The Colour of Home by Tammye Huf

Published July 2nd, 2026 by Bantam
Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Southern Fiction

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A compelling and moving historical love story exploring the untold impact of segregation during WW2, for fans of The Women by Kristen Hannah and The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

‘You want to risk everything – for a country that’s never cared if you live or die?’

1941: In a segregated Florida town, three young Black men enlist to fight for a freedom they’ve never known at home.

Before they leave, Cora marries in haste to secure her future – but her heart remains divided between the man she wed and the man she truly loves.

1945: As war finally ends, everything shifts. The boys Cora knew return as men she barely recognises, carrying scars no one can see – and truths that threaten to unravel everything Cora has fought to hold together.

Set against the backdrop of war where Black men and women weren’t allowed to be heroes, comes a powerful, deeply moving novel about love, sacrifice and the epic resilience of the human spirit.

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

Florida, 1941. In the segregated south, three Black men sign up to fight for their country, determined to fight for the freedom they have never enjoyed. With her brother, secret sweetheart and friend all going to war, Cora is terrified. And when her brother, Benny, comes up with a solution to secure her future, she goes against her heart and agrees. But when the men return they are unrecognisable and carrying invisible scars that haunt their days and nights. And Cora must finally confront the reality of the decision she made before they went to war. 

Powerful, immersive, affecting, tense and enthralling, I lost myself in this book. Magnificently written, wonderfully descriptive and exquisitely crafted, Tammye Huf held me in her thrall. A story that packs a strong emotional punch, it is easily one of the best books I’ve read this year. Steeped in meticulously researched historic detail that has inspired characters drawn from the real-life stories of her own family, this is a story woven with love, grief, longing and rage that will stay with me. 

One of my favourite eras to read about is WW2 and I admit I know little about the realities of life for Black men and women in America during that time. So I was excited to read this book and learn more. The novel thrums with the tempestuous atmosphere of war and segregation; the darkness of prejudice like a cloak over every page. And Huf spares the reader nothing in her vivid descriptions of the brutal horror of prejudice, bringing home the harrowing and raw truth of what Black men and women endured at the hands of racists.

The story is filled with charismatic and unforgettable characters who I loved reading. As hate festered, they refused to accept the helplessness that was being forced upon them to stand up, be counted and evoke change. But I admit, Cora was my favourite. She is an inspirational woman and I loved watching as she found her moxie and began to fight and make a real difference in the world. We need more people like her and I am so glad Ms. Huf allowed me to get to know her through this story.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

Thank you to Insta Book Tours for the invitaiton to take part in this blog tour and to Bantam for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Originally from the US, Tammye has lived in the UK with her husband and three kids for the last twenty years. Since earning her BA from Wellesly College, she has worked as a teacher, copywriter and translator. Her debut novel, A More Perfect Union, was published in 2020 and won the Diverse Book Award; it was also listed for The Times and The Sunday Times‘ Best Historical Fiction Novel, and selected as a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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

BOOK REVIEW: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Published April 9th, 2026 by Fourth Estate
Historical Fiction, Satire, Suspense, Thriller, Psychological Fiction, Speculative Fiction

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘My name is Natalie Heller Mills, and I was perfect at being alive…’

Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and her followers are sick with envy. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What her followers don’t know won’t hurt them.

Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children―they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? Natalie knows just two things for sure: this isn’t her perfect life, and she must escape, by any means possible.

As darkly funny as it is shocking and gripping, Yesteryear is an electrifying examination of tradition, fame, faith and the grand performance of womanhood, from a thrilling new talent in fiction.

NOW BEING ADAPTED INTO A MAJOR FILM STARRING ANNE HATHAWAY

BUY THE BOOK

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MY REVIEW:

Natalie Heller Mills is perfect at being alive. A flawless Christian woman, she is the wife men dream of, the mum every woman wants to be. She lives with her husband Caleb and their soon-to-be six children on a working ranch where every inch of their life and home is perfectly staged. No-one sees the nannies and producers behind the scenes. And they never will. Then one morning Natalie wakes up and doesn’t recognise her reality. This is her ranch but it’s dirty, the man looks like her husband but doesn’t act like him, and she doesn’t recognise the children who call her ‘Mama’. Natalie wonders if this is a test from God or maybe she’s on a reality show. But whatever the reason she’s here, she knows she must escape and get back to her perfect life.

This book is everywhere. I couldn’t wait to read it and listened to the audiobook as soon as it was released. But since then I’ve struggled to write my review. I think that’s partly because this book wasn’t what I expected. The marketing focuses on the historical side but a lot of the story is contemporary. And I found my attention wavering half way through the second timeline until the big twist brought things back around. But there was also a lot I loved. Dark, bold, original, perceptive and unsettling, it’s a timely and thought-provoking read and one hell of a wild ride.

Well written, cleverly crafted, acutely observed and interwoven with humour, Caro Claire Burke delivers an unforgettable debut. Caro explores some important and relevant themes, including feminism, religion, misogyny, motherhood, marriage, mental health and sexuality. She also explores social media, influencers and trad wife culture, showing the reality of these people’s lives versus the polished version they present to the world. In the 1850s timeline Caro showcased how different the life these modern women glamorise would really look as Natalie is forced to live the harsh reality. And it’s nothing like she thought it would be. This timeline also shows us that the modern trad-wives have autonomy and choices that the women of the past didn’t have, reminding us why it’s so dangerous to promote a return to these times and to strip women of their autonomy in so many areas of life. It’s an uncomfortable read at times, but it is a necessary discomfort that helps the reader really understand what the author is trying to convey.

Natalie is a great protagonist, but not because she’s likeable. Quite the opposite. She’s totally insufferable, bitchy and mean to the people around her. Caro has written her so well and I loved reading her. But I was also rooting for her to be brought down a peg or two. Though I will admit part of me also felt sorry for her. She’s so caught up in the trap of being a perfect trad-wife and portraying a perfect life for her followers that image matters more than anything to her. Even her own happiness or that of her children. To her, the worst thing would be for her followers to find out she has nannies, hear the way she really talks to people or what she actually thinks. So when she woke up in the 1850s I was thrilled and hoped she would finally be humbled.

One of the things I loved about this book was how it was so unpredictable. I had a number of predictions about how and why Natalie was in the 1850s but I could never be sure if any of them were right or guess what direction the story would take next. And that ending! It was so unexpected, powerful and moving. Even a month later I’m still thinking about it.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Caro Claire Burke received her Master’s in Fine Arts from the Bennington Writing Seminars. She is the co-host of Diabolical Lies, a politics and culture podcast. Yesteryear is her first novel.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Palace of Eros by Caro De Robertis

Published August 15th, 2024 by The Borough Press
Greek Mythology, Historical Fiction, LGBT Literature

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

WINNER OF THE 2024 GOLDEN POPPY OCTAVIA E. BUTLER AWARD

‘A brilliant and luminous writer’ Madeline Miller, author of The Song of Achilles and Circe

‘Riveting, sublime, magical, and wildly subversive’ Cristina García, author of Dreaming in Cuban

‘A natural storyteller’ Washington Post

Theirs was a love that defied the gods…

Young, headstrong Psyche has captured the eye of every suitor with her beauty – but also, unfortunately, the jealous gaze of the goddess Aphrodite. As punishment, Psyche is tied to a rock to be sacrificed to a ‘monstrous husband’. And yet, no monster arrives: instead, she is spirited away by Aphrodite’s daughter Eros.

Eros, goddess of desire, can change gender at will. And in her hidden palace, she visits her bride under the cloak of darkness: Psyche is forbidden to gaze upon the face of her lover. But as they explore each other’s bodies and discover new pleasures, Psyche is tempted to break her vow… even if it brings down the wrath of the gods.

A gloriously anarchic and seductive retelling of the myth of Psyche and Eros, groundbreaking, gender-fluid and hugely enjoyable, this is a masterpiece from Caro De Robertis, a writer described by Madeline Miller as ‘brilliant and luminous’.

buy here

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MY REVIEW:

“Theirs was a love that defied the gods…”

Psyche, the headstrong mortal princess, has a beauty that has captured the attention of every suitor. But it has also captured the jealous gaze of the goddess Aphrodite who orders Psyche be tied to a rock and sacrificed to a ‘monstrous husband’. But no monster arrives. Instead she is taken away by Eros, Aphrodite’s daughter and goddess of desire, who has also fallen head over heels for Psyche’s beauty. She secretes Psyche in her hidden palace and visits her under a veil of darkness, forbidding Psyche to gaze on her face. But as their passion grows, so does Psyche’s curiosity, and she is tempted to look upon her lover’s face, even if it means facing the wrath of the gods…

Sensuous, seductive, emotional and chaotic, The Palace of Eros is a beautiful retelling of the myth of Psyche and Eros. In her mesmerising debut, Caro Di Robertis writes with poetic prose, holding her reader captive as she spins her ancient tale. I’ve read a number of Greek mythology retellings over the last few years and this was one of the best. The characters felt real and I lived every moment alongside them, losing myself in their worlds of gods and mortals. Then there is the heart-pounding romance and sizzling chemistry that made me root for their love to defy the gods and succeed. I was utterly entranced and listened to this in just two sittings. 

A must-read for anyone who enjoys mythology.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮.5

Thank you to The Borough Press for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A writer of Uruguayan origins, Caro De Robertis is the author of So Many Stars: an Oral History of Trans, Nonbinary, Genderqueer, and Two-Spirit People of Color, as well as The Palace of Eros, which won the Golden Poppy Octavia E. Butler Award; The President and the Frog, a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award and the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award; Cantoras, winner of a Stonewall Book Award and a Reading Women Award, a finalist for the Kirkus Prize and a Lambda Literary Award, and a New York Times Editors’ Choice; The Gods of Tango, winner of a Stonewall Book Award; Perla; and the international bestseller The Invisible Mountain, which received Italy’s Rhegium Julii Prize. They are also an award-winning translator of Latin American literature, and editor of the anthology Radical Hope: Letters of Love and Dissent in Dangerous Times.

Their books have been translated into seventeen languages and have received numerous other honors, including a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and the John Dos Passos Prize for Literature, which they were the first openly nonbinary person to receive.

De Robertis is also co-curator, with Tina V. Aguirre, of “Conjuring Power: Roots & Futures of Queer & Trans Movements,” an exhibition on view at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts from March to August, 2026. A professor at San Francisco State University, they live in Oakland, California with their two children.

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Thanks for reading, Bilbliophiles xxxxx

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

BOOK REVIEW: A Lady’s Guide to Scandal by Sophie Irwin

Published August 31st, 2023 by Harper Fiction
Historial Fiction, Romance Novel, Regency Romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

A lifetime of duty

Widowed at just seven-and-twenty from her marriage of convenience, Eliza, now Countess of Somerset, is bequeathed a fortune, hers to keep – provided she can steer clear of scandal.

The promise of love

The last thing she expects is to be torn between two very different men – a face from the past, whose loss she’s always mourned, and a roguish poet, who scorns convention.

A taste of freedom

But a lady’s reputation is fragile and with jealous eyes on Eliza’s fortune, it will only take one whisper of gossip for her to lose it all…

Escape with the most delightful, historical romance of the year from the Sunday Times bestselling author Sophie Irwin!

BUY HERE

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MY REVIEW:

“Isn’t now the time to break the rules “

Eliza, Countess of Somerset, is newly widowed at just seven and twenty. To her surprise, her late husband has bequeathed her a fortune – offering her the chance to finally grasp the freedom she’s longed for. But there is one condition: she must steer clear of scandal. So, she heads off to Bath to begin her new life, only to find herself caught between two very different suitors – a past love who she’s always carried a torch for, and a roguish poet who spurns convention. But as jealous eyes have their eyes on Eliza’s fortune, it only takes a little gossip to ruin a lady’s reputation…

Scandal. Gossip. Art. Romance. Breaking the rules. This rousing regency romp had all this and more. Witty, warm, flirty, fun, uplifting and unpredictable, it was a delight from beginning to end. I adored Sophie Irwin’s debut novel, A Lady’s Guide to a Fortune, so I had no doubt I’d also love her sophomore novel. Beautifully written, richly drawn and full of yet more ebullient and colourful characters, I lost myself in the story. 

Likeable and easy to root for, Eliza is a fabulous heroine. When we meet her she’s compliant and scared to break the rules and I loved watching as she became more daring, bold and spirited/plucky. Her relationship with her cousin/companion, Margaret, was fun to read and I liked how Margaret encouraged her to live life more fully. Oliver and Melville, Eliza’s suitors, were well written and often very frustrating to read. Oliver is quite pompous and particular while Melville is free-spirited and mischievous. Melville’s feelings for Eliza were obvious from the start but she was clueless and totally caught up on Oliver, which made me want to scream at her. Despite his shortcomings, I was team Melville all the way. You’ll need to read the book to find out who won Eliza’s affections in the end.

A delicious and zesty romp that will lift your spirits, this is perfect for fans of historical romance, especially fans of Bridgerton.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✰

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Sophie Irwin grew up in Dorset. She spent years immersed in historical fiction, first as a student when she wrote her undergraduate thesis on Georgette Heyer, and then as an editor, before she began writing her own. Her debut novel, A Lady’s Guide to Fortune Hunting, was a Sunday Times bestseller, and has been translated into twenty languages worldwide.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxxx

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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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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxxx

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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 Emma's Anticipated Treasures

BOOK REVIEW: This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum

Published March 12th, 2026 by Hodder & Stoughton
Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Romance Novel

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

‘A MYSTERY WRAPPED INSIDE A LOVE STORY. A STUNNING DEBUT’ ALICE FEENEY

‘THIS IS THE THRILLER I NEEDED TO FILL THAT GONE GIRL-SHAPED HOLE’ RUTH MANCINI

‘Absolutely addictive. This story might keep you up at night’
‘THIS AMAZING THRILLER MIGHT JUST SAVE YOUR LIFE’

Benny and Joy like to say that they’ve been saving each other since the moment they met.

Until the day Joy disappears and Benny is accused of her murder.

Best friends Benny and Joy host a beloved ‘comedy survival’ podcast, gleefully finding life-affirming humour in near-death experiences.

When Benny arrives at Joy and her husband’s home one morning to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house.

With Joy missing and the hours ticking by, not even their most devoted fans could guess the terrible secrets they have hidden from the world – and from each other.

If Benny wants to find Joy in time, and clear his own name, he’ll have to solve the highest stakes survival story yet.

BUY THE BOOK

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MY REVIEW:

We have a strong contender for my favourite book of the year. 

Best friends Benny and Joy co-host a popular comedy survival podcast, finding life-affirming humour in near death experiences. But when Benny arrives at Joy’s house one morning to record, he discovers the house empty and in disarray. Joy and Xander are missing. There are few clues and as the police search for the couple, Benny is trying to decipher them in an attempt to find Joy and clear his own name before it’s too late.

What a rollercoaster! Funny, vibrant, and heart-poundingly tense, This Story Might Save Your Life is a  love story cloaked inside a compelling mystery. Tiffany Crum has crafted a truly original debut. Beautifully written, perfectly paced, meticulously choreographed and layered with intimacy, humour and suspense, Crum had me in her thrall from start to finish. This feels like a very modern story and I loved the podcast element, especially 

how clips from actual episodes were included. I listened to the audiobook and the narrators elevated every facet of the story, which also meant I often found myself forgetting I wasn’t listening to a real podcast. I also loved  trying to piece together the clues alongside Benny but it was hard to predict and my jaw dropped with every revelation. Totally unputdownable, it kept me on the edge of my seat and up well past my bedtime. And that ending! I’d never have guessed it.

The book is filled with a cast of characters that were likeable, charismatic and real, especially Benny and Joy, whose friendship felt genuine. I loved their easy, witty banter and the way they supported each other. And then there’s the undercurrent of love and longing, which creates a will they/won’t they tension. It’s obvious from the start that they have feelings for each other, but there is always a reason not to confront it, whether that’s other relationships or fear of ruining their friendship. I was screaming at them that they were meant for each other and that none of this would have happened if they’d just been together all this time.

A magnificent and unforgettable debut, this is a must for your TBR.

Rating: ✮✮✮✮✮

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tiffany Crum grew up on a dairy farm just down the road from a maximum-security prison. A longtime Californian, she now lives in Atlanta with her husband, two sons, and dogs, and spends her free time trying to keep her vegetable garden alive. Her debut novel, This Story Might Save Your Life, is a New York Times bestseller, an Amazon Best Book of March, a Book of the Month selection, and a BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick. It will be published in nineteen languages and is under option for television.

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Thanks for reading, Bibliophiles xxxx

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