In My Good Books – Details, episodes & analysis

In this short intro episode, I’m sharing what you can expect from the podcast - weekly conversations with authors, reviewers and fellow readers about the stories that have stayed with us.

If you love talking about books, discovering new reads, or hearing from the people who write them, you’re in the right place.

New episodes drop every week, so make sure to follow and leave a quick review, it really helps other book lovers find us!

Award-winning journalist turned historical fiction author Emma Cowing discusses her debut novel, 'The Show Woman,' which is inspired by her family's history and set in Edwardian Scotland's fairgrounds. Emma shares insights into her writing process, the challenges she faced, and the importance of women's stories in history. She also reads an excerpt from her book, delves into character development, and offers book recommendations, all while highlighting the significance of research and authenticity in storytelling.

Books recommended in this episode:

Bring The House Down by Charlotte Runcie

The Mourning Necklace by Kate Foster

Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis

In this episode of 'In My Good Books', Susie Green chats with Fran McBookface about the world of book reviewing. They discuss Fran's journey into book reviewing, her reading preferences, and the community aspect of being a reviewer. The conversation also covers practical advice for aspiring reviewers, how to obtain review copies, the ethics of reviewing, and how to handle negative reviews. They conclude with book recommendations and insights into the Edinburgh Women's Book Festival.

Book recommendations:

Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ni Mhaoileoin

Our Last Wild Days by Anna Bailey

The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer

Susie interviews Chris Bridges, the author of 'Sick to Death', a psychological thriller that explores themes of invisible illness and moral complexity. Chris shares insights into his writing process, character development, and the importance of accurately portraying illness in fiction. The discussion also touches on the public reception of his work, the challenges of writing a second book, and recommendations for other literary works that address similar themes.

Books recommended in this episode:

The Night Lagoon by Jo Morey

The Unwilding by Marina Kemp

The Darkest Night by Victoria Hawthorne

The Book of Guilt & Pet by Catherine Chidgey

Article by Julia Kelly: https://bit.ly/juliakellyarticle

Chris's substack: https://sickwordsblog.wordpress.com/about-2/

Book reviewer Stu Cummins shares his journey into the world of book reviewing, discussing his love for crime fiction and the importance of community in the literary world. He reflects on the pressures of reviewing, the joy of promoting lesser-known authors, and the balance between personal reading and reviewing obligations. The discussion also covers practical tips for aspiring reviewers, insights into attending book festivals, and a variety of book recommendations that highlight the richness of the crime fiction genre.

Books recommended in this episode:

Do No Harm by Jack Jordan

None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

Human Remains by Jo Callaghan

Some Of Us Are Liars by Fiona Cummins

Daniel Aubrey discusses his latest novel, 'The Dying Light', the challenges of writing a second book in a series, and the impact of his experiences with autism and ADHD on his writing process. He shares insights into the characters and themes of his work, offers book recommendations, and reflects on the publishing industry. The discussion highlights the complexities of being an author and the importance of representation in literature.

Books recommended in this episode:

Song of Ravens & Wolves by Cara Devlin

Whiteout by Rob Burnett

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

Into The Fire by G.D. Wright

Kelly Mullen discusses her debut novel 'This Is Not a Game', a locked room mystery featuring a grandmother and granddaughter detective duo. She shares insights into her writing process, character development, and the humour woven throughout the narrative. Kelly also reflects on her career in film and television, the transition to writing novels, and the importance of creative writing courses. The conversation touches on the challenges of getting published, the promotional aspects of being an author, and her upcoming book featuring a cocktail motif!

Books recommended in this episode:

Come Closer by Sarah Graham

Pure by Andrew Miller

The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey

The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr

Broadcaster and author Steph McGovern discusses her journey from journalism to writing fiction, focusing on her debut novel 'Deadline'. She shares insights into the writing process, character development, and the challenges of becoming a bestseller. Steph also offers advice for aspiring authors and shares her thoughts on the importance of dialogue in storytelling. The episode concludes with her recommendations for must-read books.

Books recommended in this episode:

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

A Neighbour's Guide to Murder by Louise Candlish

The Final Act Of Juliette Willoughby by Ellery Lloyd

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Botanist & The Mercy Chair by M.W. Craven

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Hunted by Abir Mukherjee

Bestselling author Julie Mae Cohen discusses her latest novel, Body Count, which features Saffy, a serial killer with a unique moral code. The discussion delves into the complexities of Saffy's relationships, particularly with her sister, and the emotional challenges she faces as she navigates love and violence.

Julie also reflects on her writing journey, the evolution of the publishing industry, and the themes of gendered violence and trauma present in her work. With insights into her creative process and upcoming projects, this conversation offers a deep dive into the mind of a prolific writer.

Books recommended in this episode:

Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler

Together by Julie Cohen

Kathryn Sharman discusses her debut psychological thriller, 'The Family at Number 23', exploring themes of motherhood, class, and the complexities of female friendships. She shares insights into her writing journey, the development of her characters, and the significance of setting in her narrative. The discussion also touches on her experiences in the publishing world and her upcoming projects, alongside book recommendations that resonate with her own work.

Books recommended in this episode:

The House on Rye Lane by Susan Allot

Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra

The Death of Us by Abigail Dean

Five Bad Deeds by Kaz Freer