In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by novelist Carole Hailey to talk about her gripping debut novel, Scenes From A Tragedy.

We discuss how Carole was drawn to writing about a devastating plane crash in the Lake District and how her background in law shaped the way she approached research, investigation and storytelling. Carole shares her fascination with exploring the aftermath of tragedy rather than the moment itself, and how the ripple effects of loss can be just as compelling as the event.

One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation is Carole’s decision to write about psychopaths who aren’t murderers - the people we work with, live with and sometimes love, and how that choice adds an unsettling realism to the novel.

Carole also offers brilliant advice for writers, particularly around the idea of “writing what you don’t know”, and how curiosity, research and empathy can help bring unfamiliar worlds convincingly to the page.

You can find Carole here: https://www.instagram.com/carolehaileyx/

You can buy Scenes From A Tragedy here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/scenes-from-a-tragedy-carole-hailey/a713f711130c9596?ean=9781805461562&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Biography of X by Katherine Lacey

True Crime Story by Joseph Knox

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by award-winning author D.V. Bishop to talk about his brilliant historical crime series set in Renaissance Italy. We explore the world of Cesare Aldo, a crime investigator navigating a corrupt justice system while living as a gay man in a deeply repressive society.

David shares how his fascination with historical criminal justice led to the creation of the series, and why Carnival of Lies feels like such a pivotal novel. We talk in depth about character development, including the moral complexity of Aldo himself and the intrigue added by the Contessa, one of the most compelling characters in the series.

One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation is David’s honesty about the writing journey - including the fact that his first book was 20 years in the making. He offers thoughtful and practical writing tips for anyone thinking about starting their first novel, from the importance of finishing a draft to knowing your genre and being a voracious reader.

Whether you love historical fiction, are already a fan of the Cesare Aldo series, or are looking for encouragement and advice on creative writing, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration and brilliant book recommendations.

You can find out more about David here: https://www.instagram.com/cesarealdo/

You can purchase Carnival of Lies here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/carnival-of-lies-d-v-bishop/7709825?ean=9781035041961&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Staring at Craft by Ursula La Guin

Refuse to be done by Matt Bell

On Writing by Stephen King

Into The Woods by John York

Spider Spider by LC Winter

The Wise Witch of Orkney by Anna Caig

What happens when two book podcasters try to narrow the entire publishing world down to just ten books? In this episode, Susie is joined by Philippa Hall, host of the hugely influential Quick Book Reviews podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation about podcasting, books, and the power of the bookish community.

Together, Susie and Philippa reflect on the realities of creating book content - from the joy and connection it brings, to the moments when motivation wobbles and feedback feels overwhelming. They talk candidly about how community support, book festivals and conversations with fellow readers can reignite a love of books and podcasting when things feel tough.

At the heart of the episode is the challenge: choosing ten books that readers need to know about in 2026. Expect excitement, difficult decisions, and a deep dive into the wide range of genres and themes set to dominate upcoming releases.

If you love book recommendations, behind-the-scenes podcast chat, and thoughtful discussion about reading and writing, this episode is for you.

Find Philippa Here: https://www.instagram.com/quick_book_reviews/

All of the books recommended in this episode:

Body of Lies — Jo Callaghan
The Truth About Ruby Cooper — Liz Nugent
Strange Buildings — Yuketsu
John of John — Douglas Stuart
A Deadly Episode — Anthony Horowitz
Everything She Didn’t Say — Jane Casey
James Bond and the Secret Agency Academy — M.W. Craven
Raveheart — Graeme Armstrong
Land — Maggie O’Farrell
Dissection of a Murder — Jo Murray
Heartstopper: Volume 6 — Alice Oseman
Yesteryear — Caro Claire Burke
Eddie Flynn Book 10 — Steve Cavanagh
Adrift — Will Dean
Hollow Bones — Jodi Picoult
Nowhere Burning — Cat Ward
How to Lay an Egg with a Horse Inside — Brian Bilston
Warning Signs — Tracy Sierra

In the final episode of the year, Susie is joined by one of her all-time favourite writers: Abigail Dean, the internationally bestselling author of Girl A, Day One, and her extraordinary new novel The Death of Us.

Across her three novels, Abigail has become known for exploring trauma, memory, survival and the complicated ways people love each other through unthinkable circumstances. The Death of Us - Susie’s Book of the Year and the most-recommended title by authors on this podcast - follows Edward and Isabelle, a couple whose lives are torn apart when their home is invaded by a man who will go on to become an infamous serial killer. Twenty-five years later, with the perpetrator finally caught, they must confront what truly happened that night — and what it did to their marriage.

In this conversation, Abigail shares the deeply personal origins of the novel, why she sees it as a love story interrupted by a thriller, and how writing a victim impact statement became the key to unlocking Isabelle’s voice. She also discusses the influence of true crime culture, the challenge of portraying different kinds of victims, and why she’s drawn to unconventional forms of family.

Follow Abigail here: https://www.instagram.com/abigailsdean/

Buy The Death of Us: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/abigail-dean-novel-2025-abigail-dean/7681254?ean=9780008625610&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

The Benefactors by Wendy Erskine: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-benefactors-the-enthralling-debut-novel-about-class-power-and-what-being-a-parent-means-wendy-erskine/808f057eda0b8493?ean=9781399741668&next=t

Bring The House Down by Charlotte Runcie: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/bring-the-house-down-charlotte-runcie/5d4cac5913375d29?ean=9780008688011&next=t

In this week’s episode, Susie sits down with bestselling author Anna Bailey to talk about their novel, Our Last Wild Days. Set in the humid, eerie landscape of rural Louisiana, the book blends literary fiction with the pace and atmosphere of a thriller, exploring small-town secrets, loyalty, and the places we run from but never quite escape.

Anna opens up about why the American South has always pulled at their imagination, how they build layered, deeply human characters, and why authenticity, right down to a character’s name, matters so much in their writing. They also shares their writing process, from the messy early drafts to the satisfaction of a final manuscript that feels true to its emotional core.

We also get an exclusive sneak peek at Anna’s upcoming short story collection, Wasteland Girls (coming July 2026), a powerful exploration of outcasts, misfits, and remote landscapes. Plus, Anna offers candid advice for aspiring writers and shares some brilliant book recommendations.

Follow Anna here: https://www.instagram.com/annabaileywrites/

Buy Our Last Wild Days: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/our-last-wild-days-anna-bailey/7722623?ean=9780857527400&next=t

Pre-order Wasteland Girls: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/wasteland-girls-anna-bailey/014e188821b0f8de?ean=9781529962062&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-loney-full-of-unnerving-terror-amazing-stephen-king-andrew-michael-hurley/c1032761075264ea?ean=9781473619852&next=t

Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/winter-s-bone-daniel-woodrell/297797?ean=9780340897980&next=t

Dark Rooms by Rebecca Hannigan: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/darkrooms-rebecca-hannigan/7827913?ean=9781408733783&next=t

In this special episode of In My Good Books, Susie shines a spotlight on the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize, a writing competition that has become genuinely life-changing for many unpublished authors. She’s joined by literary agent Hellie Ogden, alongside prize winners Catherine Chanter and Megan Davis, to demystify the entry process and talk honestly about what the prize can offer writers at the very start of their careers.

This episode is packed with encouragement, writing tips, and real-world insight for anyone considering entering a writing competition, especially those who are unpublished, questioning their talent, or wondering if they’re good enough to put their work forward!

Enter the prize here: https://www.lucy.cam.ac.uk/form/fiction-prize-2026

Find out more about the guests:

Hellie: https://www.wmebookdepartment.com/team/hellie-ogden/

Catherine: https://catherinechanter.co.uk/

Megan: https://megandavis.co.uk/

Books recommended in this episode:

The Names by Florence Knapp: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-names-the-best-debut-novel-in-years-sunday-times-florence-knapp/b5f6ebab8d4846df?ean=9781399624022&next=t

The Wedding People by Alison Espach: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-wedding-people-the-hilarious-and-moving-million-copy-bestseller-alison-espach/879f21fa6a0d5e2d?ean=9781399622752&next=t

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/creation-lake-from-the-booker-prize-shortlisted-author-rachel-kushner/7619007?ean=9781529933383&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie talks with author G.D. Wright about his turbulent year, his creative resilience, and the release of his latest novel, Into the Fire. Gary opens up about navigating serious health challenges while continuing to write, and how the support of the author and book blogging community helped carry him through.

We explore the moral dilemmas that drive his storytelling, his instinctive writing process, and how he builds layered, morally complex characters. Gary also discusses his exciting shift into screenwriting, sharing behind-the-scenes insight from the production of his upcoming shark film Breathe Deep, filmed on location in Malta.

From his writing journey to his next book Against the Tide, Gary offers thoughtful reflections, practical advice, and brilliant book recommendations that he's loved.

Follow Gary here: https://www.instagram.com/gdwrightwrites/

Buy Into The Fire: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/into-the-fire-g-d-wright/7713420?ean=9780008702434&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Carnival of Lies by D.V. Bishop: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/carnival-of-lies-d-v-bishop/7709825?ean=9781035041947&next=t

To Love A Liar by L.V. Matthews: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/to-love-a-liar-l-v-matthews/d140d0ebdd093935?ean=9781405974707&next=t

Witch Trial by Harriet Tyce: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/witch-trial-don-t-miss-the-extraordinary-brand-new-thriller-from-the-sunday-times-million-copy-bestselling-author-available-to-pre-order-now-harrie/d50dd98898dbdd03?ean=9781035411917&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie is joined by author Emma Steele to talk about her deeply moving novel The Love of Our Lives, a story that blends emotional authenticity with a quietly powerful speculative twist. Emma talks about the inspiration behind Maggie, a woman navigating life a year after a heart transplant, and the intense emotional struggle that still shadows her recovery.

From the craft of building a powerful narrative hook, to the importance of keeping the stakes emotionally high, Emma offers a brilliant insight into her writing process and the themes that draw her back to the page.

Follow Emma here: https://www.instagram.com/emmasteeleauthor/

Buy The Love of Our Lives: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-love-of-our-lives-emma-steele/7873714?ean=9781802798210&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Heart The Lover by Lily King: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/heart-the-lover-lily-king/fb9dce87ee8c8055?ean=9781837265497&next=t

After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/after-you-d-gone-from-the-author-of-hamnet-one-of-the-most-unforgettable-love-stories-you-ll-ever-read-maggie-o-farrell/8fe743c7580b2cf3?ean=9781035430062&next=t

All The Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/all-the-colours-of-the-dark-chris-whitaker/7509807?ean=9781398707672&next=t

In this episode, Susie sits down with author Natasha Siegel to dive into her dark, atmospheric, and deeply thought-provoking gothic fantasy novel, As Many Souls As Stars. They explore the book’s genre-blending heart - part historical fiction, part sapphic gothic, part Faustian re-imagining, and how Natasha uses three time periods to interrogate the portrayal of women across history.

Natasha chats about her writing process, drafting and redrafting her way into the emotional core of the story, and the long and winding path to publication. She discusses the importance of feminist storytelling in fantasy, the challenges of representing complex characters like Sybil and Miriam, and why she intentionally leans into themes of isolation, desire, and power.

They also touch on the realities of being an author today. Why Natasha avoids spaces like Goodreads and how she protects her creativity. And of course, there are brilliant book recommendations for anyone who loves intelligent, character-driven fantasy.

You can find Natasha here: https://www.instagram.com/natashacsiegel/

You can buy As Many Souls As Stars here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/as-many-souls-as-stars-natasha-siegel/7846081?ean=9781526684622&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Hungerstone by Kat Dunn: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/hungerstone-kat-dunn/71f4d3adb2ad40d0?ean=9781786583949&next=t

Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/glorious-exploits-ferdia-lennon/7450925?ean=9780241998007&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie sits down with crime fiction author J.M. Simpson to talk about her new novel The Ophelia Murders, the first instalment in her Whistler’s Peak series set deep in the Scottish Highlands. Jo shares the inspirations behind her setting, how she approaches character development, and why her writing process is driven by instinct rather than rigid planning.

We also dive into her journey into self-publishing, including the freedom it gives her as a storyteller and the crucial role of collaboration with editors, beta readers, and cover designers. Jo opens up about the literary themes that matter most to her, the importance of community in crime fiction, and how risky professions spark her imagination.

Whether you're a crime fiction fan or an aspiring author, this episode is packed with insight, craft talk, and brilliant book recommendations.

Follow Jo: https://www.instagram.com/jmsimpsonauthor/

Buy The Ophelia Murders: https://amzn.eu/d/3jjAqnI

Books recommended in this episode:

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/big-magic-how-to-live-a-creative-life-and-let-go-of-your-fear-elizabeth-gilbert/3429788?ean=9781408866757&next=t

Northern Lights by Nora Roberts: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/northern-lights-nora-roberts/4192737?ean=9780749929695&next=t

13 Deadly Intentions:

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie chats with authors Emilie Castera and Eve Goodfellow about their witty and fast-paced crime novel, A Bloody Merry Murder. Written as a duo, Emilie and Eve share how they bring their characters to life through alternating chapters, creating distinct voices and an addictive reading experience.

The pair open up about the realities of self-publishing, from editing and cover design to the marketing hustle required to make their book stand out. They also reflect on the humorous side of parenting that inspired their story, and offer candid advice to aspiring writers on navigating rejection, building community, and staying motivated.

Packed with laughs, honesty, and practical tips, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about writing partnerships, crime fiction, and the creative freedom of self-publishing.

Follow Eve & Emilie here: https://www.instagram.com/the_anonymums_writers/

Buy A Bloody Merry Murder here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloody-Merry-Murder-Anonymums-Book-ebook/dp/B0FH6YQ895

Books recommended in this episode:

Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/everyone-in-my-family-has-killed-someone-2022-s-most-original-murder-mystery-benjamin-stevenson/7241473?ean=9781405953283&next=t

Anybody Out There by Marian Keyes: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/anybody-out-there-british-book-awards-author-of-the-year-2022-marian-keyes/2441275?ean=9780241958469&next=t

Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/fundamentally-nussaibah-younis/7724900?ean=9781399623926&next=t

Murder At The Hotel Orient by Alessanda Ranelli: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/murder-at-the-hotel-orient-alessandra-ranelli/7d3da23108639ef6?ean=9781399823203&next=t

In this special episode of In My Good Books, Susie sits down with Vic Watson, the organiser of the hugely popular Bay Tales crime fiction festival, returning to Whitley Bay on 28th February 2026.

Vic gives us an inside look at what makes Bay Tales one of the UK’s most exciting crime fiction events. From its community roots and warm, coastal setting to its line-up of bestselling authors, dynamic panels, and behind-the-scenes magic.

Vic also shares details of an exclusive limited-time offer running 1st–14th December 2025. For every Bay Tales ticket purchased, you’ll receive a free book.This is the perfect time to secure your spot at the festival and pick up an extra read for the winter.

Whether you’re a crime fiction superfan, an aspiring writer, or simply looking for a brilliant bookish day out by the coast, this episode will get you excited for Bay Tales 2026.

Buy your Bay Tales tickets here: https://baytales.com/shop-2/

Follow Bay Tales here: https://www.instagram.com/bay_tales/

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie sits down with crime writer Tariq Ashkanani to talk about his new thriller, The Night Watcher - the first in a brand new Edinburgh-set PI series. Tariq introduces us to Callie Munro, a private investigator shaped by a difficult past and determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

We chat about writing flawed characters, the morally grey areas of investigation work, and how a potential serial murderer targeting vulnerable women pulls Callie into a case the police seem unwilling to touch.

Alongside the book chat, Tariq opens up about the craft side of writing - from how he thinks about commerciality while drafting, to the surprising piece of advice that helps him get that first draft down much more quickly!

Follow Tariq here: https://www.instagram.com/tariqashkanani/

Buy The Night Watcher: https://amzn.eu/d/7iEXEUk

Books recommended in this episode:

Tender is the Flesh by Augustina Bazterrica: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/tender-is-the-flesh-agustina-bazterrica/2873543?ean=9781782276203&next=t

There is No Anti-Memetics Division by QNTM: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/there-is-no-antimemetics-division-qntm/7814909?ean=9781529953176&next=t

The Lamb by Lucy Rose: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-lamb-the-bestselling-literary-sensation-of-2025-lucy-rose/d7e48a62501dd0ea?ean=9781399619752&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie sits down with author Emma Christie to discuss her tense and emotional psychological thriller, Watch Your Back. The novel follows Jo, a woman working in a charity shop who’s hiding a devastating secret.

When a mysterious box of letters from prison arrives at the shop, Jo is torn between uncovering the truth and keeping the past buried. But before she can decide, the letters are stolen, sparking a suspenseful search that forces her to confront everything she’s tried to forget.

Emma shares how her own life experiences shape the emotional authenticity of her writing, and how she crafts stories filled with mystery, moral tension, and human vulnerability.

Follow Emma: https://www.instagram.com/theemmachristie/

Buy Watch Your Back: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/watch-your-back-a-pacy-gripping-thriller-with-an-unbelievable-twist-emma-christie/330ddec0b75c3e31?ean=9781802794670&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

The Cracked Mirror by Chris Brookmyre: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-cracked-mirror-the-award-winning-brain-twisting-mystery-chris-brookmyre/d6c6f3e15d70fb7e?ean=9780349145815&next=t

The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriacou: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-unspeakable-acts-of-zina-pavlou-eleni-kyriacou/7388899?ean=9781837930364&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie chats with Alison Stockham, author of the gripping psychological thriller Let Her Go. Together, they explore the fragile boundaries of friendship, trust, and betrayal and the real-life experience that inspired Alison’s latest novel.

Susie and Alison also discuss the craft of writing psychological thrillers - from creating characters with hidden motives to constructing scenes that change meaning on a second read. Alison shares her practical approach to plotting, using outlines and spreadsheets to balance tension, pacing, and emotional truth.

If you’ve ever lost a friend, questioned loyalty, or loved a twisty thriller with heart, this episode will stay with you.

Follow Alison online: https://www.instagram.com/astockhamauthor/

Buy Let Her Go: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/let-her-go-alison-stockham/1d8c15739ab645b1?ean=9781835615898&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

59 Minutes by Holly Seddon: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/59-minutes-the-most-unmissable-and-heart-wrenching-what-would-you-do-thriller-of-2025-holly-seddon/570b893b4b9897e9?ean=9781398709492&next=t

The Sea Child by Linda Wilgus: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-sea-child-linda-wilgus/7877135?ean=9781398538252&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie chats with author Zoe Rankin about her stunning debut novel, The Vanishing Place - a haunting literary thriller set in the wild, untamed landscapes of New Zealand.

Zoe reveals how the dramatic setting became almost a character in its own right, shaping the tone, tension, and psychology of her protagonist, Effie, a woman as strong as she is stubborn. Together, Susie and Zoe explore the dark themes, emotional depth, and psychological suspense that run through the novel.

They also discuss Zoe’s writing process, from the six-month journey of her first draft to how she draws inspiration from her childhood, personal experiences, and sense of place. You’ll hear how she chooses her character names, what drives her to write, and the books and authors that inspire her most.

This episode is perfect for fans of literary fiction, psychological thrillers, and atmospheric mysteries who love hearing how an author builds tension, emotion, and place into every page.

Follow Zoe: https://www.instagram.com/zoerankinwrites/

You can buy The Vanishing Place here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-vanishing-place-zoe-rankin/7843756?ean=9781805227373&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Aue by Becky Manawatu: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/aue-becky-manawatu/6879089?ean=9781914484674&next=t

The Secrets of Stangers by Charity Norman: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-secrets-of-strangers-charity-norman/5254995?ean=9781911630418&next=t

The Polite Act of Drowning by Charlene Hurtubise: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-polite-act-of-drowning-charleen-hurtubise/e8797b76678fc5b3?ean=9781804184912&next=t

In this episode, Susie chats with Lisa Timoney, who also writes as Kate Storey and Naomi Williams, about the creative juggling act of writing across three genres.

Lisa reveals how each of her author identities explores a different side of her storytelling: heartfelt family dramas as Lisa Timoney, uplifting book-club fiction as Kate Storey, and dark, twisty psychological thrillers as Naomi Williams.

They discuss how psychology, structure, and technology influence modern storytelling, why Lisa thrives on meticulous planning, and how she manages to publish multiple books a year while keeping her creative spark alive.

If you love hearing about the craft of writing, the discipline behind creative success, and the thrill of a great twist, this episode is for you.

Following Lisa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lisatimoneywrites/

Books recommended in this episode:

Bring the House Down by Charlotte Runcie

No Safe Place by Hannah Brennan

Dissection of A Murder by Jo Murray

In this episode, Susie chats with book reviewer Susan Lobban, known on Instagram as @uptoolatereading, about the irresistible joy of staying up late with a great book.

Susan shares how her love of nighttime reading began, why her Kindle Paperwhite has been a game-changer, and the comforting ritual of getting lost in a story long after everyone else has gone to bed. Together, Susie and Susan explore the bliss, and the bleary-eyed mornings, that come from not being able to put a good book down.

If you’ve ever told yourself “just one more chapter”, this episode is for you.

Find Susan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/up.too.late.reading/

Books recommended in this episode:

Fierce Kingdom by Gin Philips

The Last Thing To Burn by Will Dean

The Place Where They Buried Your Heart by Christina Henry

Scenes From A Tragedy by Carole Hailey

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie chats with Sam Frances, crime writer and author of One By One. Drawing on her real-life experience in policing, Sam brings authenticity and humour to her writing - and to her detective, DS Alice Washington, a millennial police officer juggling professional pressures and personal challenges.

Set against the backdrop of a music festival and a rock band’s chaotic reunion, One By One explores ambition, loyalty, and the fine line between justice and truth. Sam talks about crafting believable female detectives, the influence of her career on her storytelling, and the importance of editing, feedback, and perseverance on the road to publication.

The conversation also touches on how she finds lightness in dark stories, her favourite crime writers, and what’s next for DS Alice Washington.

If you love character-driven crime fiction, music-infused mysteries, and stories that blend grit with humour, this episode is not to be missed.

You can buy One By One Here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/one-by-one-a-completely-unputdownable-crime-thriller-sam-frances/7928359?ean=9781035418442&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Wet Paint by Chloe Ashby: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/wet-paint-a-blistering-story-stylist-chloe-ashby/7277891?ean=9781398703001&next=t

Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/three-hours-rosamund-lupton/6951161?ean=9780241374511&next=t

The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-last-party-clare-mackintosh/7384284?ean=9780751577136&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie chats with Chloe Michelle Howarth, author of the novel Heap Earth Upon It. Set in 1960s rural Ireland, Chloe’s book is a deeply moving exploration of family, longing, and queer identity, told through the lives of four siblings navigating love, loss, and the constraints of their time.

Chloe opens up about her creative process, from writing multiple drafts to find the right perspective, to the influence of Irish culture and the romanticism of place in her storytelling. She also discusses the vital role of the Arts Council in supporting Irish artists and shares her thoughts on the importance of authentic queer representation in literature.

Whether you’re a reader drawn to literary fiction, Irish storytelling, or queer narratives, this episode offers a warm, honest look into how Chloe builds emotionally rich worlds and unforgettable characters.

You can buy Heap Earth Upon It here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/heap-earth-upon-it-chloe-michelle-howarth/7c8017b243e972c1?ean=9780857309051&next=t

You can find out more about Chloe on her website: https://www.chloemichellehowarth.com/

Books recommended in this episode:

My Husband by Maud Ventura: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/my-husband-a-gripping-read-sunday-times-maud-ventura/7599016?ean=9781804946220&next=t

An Irish Folklore Treasury by John Creedon: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/an-irish-folklore-treasury-a-selection-of-old-stories-ways-and-wisdom-from-the-schools-collection-john-creedon/7063652?ean=9780717194223&next=t

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/young-mungo-the-no-1-sunday-times-bestseller-douglas-stuart/6240346?ean=9781529068788&next=t