Being Bookish

Weyward is a story of women, witches, power, and internal strength. A novel about three women from one family line who go against the grain, fighting against their personal situations to improve their lives and find their inner power. A recent release and a debut from author Emilia Hart, it's a tale as old as time, poignant and powerful. To find out what I thought of this book, released on the 2nd...

It's another new book this week, Really Good, Actually by ex-Schitt's Creek writer, Monica Heisey. A study (filled with pathos and humour) of divorce and moving on in the modern age. Maggie is 29, in a dead-end job and after just 608 days of marriage, she is getting divorced. What follows is a journey of self-discovery and learning in this January 2023 release. Featured episodes Delicacy by Katy W...

This week we are visiting the world of Middren, where the worship of gods is forbidden and a battle with the old gods all but destroyed a royal dynasty. Her family devastated by sacrifice to the god of fire, Kissen rejoices in the fact that her search for vengeance is sanctioned by a king who wants to move his people on from the old ways. But when Kissen meets young Inara, the daughter of a noble...

In the 1980s, there was nothing like a good old-fashioned bonkbuster to brighten up your bookcases. With their somewhat stylised but garish covers that declared them to be the sort of book you would probably blush when telling your granny about. As well as the handsome but rakish main characters, they sold in their hundreds of thousands. Jilly Cooper was the Queen of Bonkbusters, famous for the he...

This year has been a big one. 130 books, 56 new authors, and only 22 re-reads. I have been introduced to new authors, new genres and some incredible new books. So what made it into the countdown? Are there books you're expecting? Is there anything you want me to mention? Go on, it's the final countdown for the year, give it a listen! Featured episodes The Spirit Engineer The House in the Cerulean...

Bet you never thought you'd see the day when I read a book in the Warhammer series! Well, today you are going to be surprised. This week I am talking Warhammer, specifically Xenos, the first in the Eisenhorn Omnibus by Dan Abnett with Dev - who really knows his stuff. So, settle back and welcome to Warhammer... Useful links Warhammer Wiki Warhammer beginners guide Warhammer Space Marines Trailer T...

It’s 1960, in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine. Ray Brower, a boy from a nearby town, has disappeared, and twelve-year-old Gordie Lachance and his three friends set out on a quest to find his body along the railroad tracks. During the course of their journey, Gordie, Chris Chambers, Teddy Duchamp, and Vern Tessio come to terms with death and the harsh truths of growing up in a small factor...

Agatha Raisin and the Busy Body feels like the perfect start to December. When Health and Safety busy body John Sunday starts to tell people that there will be no Christmas trees on the church roof, that Christmas lights are a health and safety hazard and there can be no candles during evening services, you just know his days are numbered. But who in the village is the one that stabs him repeatedl...

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is the first book in her bestselling trilogy (though it has since been added to with a prequel). First released in 2008, it was made into a Hollywood Blockbuster in 2012 (which made Jennifer Lawrence a household name). It is a story of political intrigue and mass murder made to look like entertainment. So, what did I think? Was it a book I liked more or less on...

Shiver is the first in a YA series by Maggie Stiefvater, originally released in 2009. The book has been on my bookcase since that point and until this year I hadn't done more than move it twice (when I moved house). So, what makes this werewolf novel the perfect spooky read for Booktober? Check out my spoiler-free review to find out. It was the ideal palate cleanser after my previous Booktober rea...

Flowers in the Attic is the gothic novel that has it all, some of this all you probably don't want, but over the 43 years since its release it's sold over 40 million copies worldwide and while you'd think that its popularity would fade as more books were released to market, it's spawned a franchise of films and a mini-series. So, what is it about this novel that makes it perfect for Booktober? Tun...

Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House sounds as though it should be a great book to talk about in Booktober, right? Spooky, Halloween-like, ghosts, mysteries to solve. Well, in this we get a mystery, three murders and a haunting, but is all what it seems? Find out more about the 14th instalment in MC Beaton's Agatha Raisin series without discovering whodunit before you read the book. Featured episod...

Jamie West is about to release his first novel, a murder mystery based in 1930s Brighton, Death on the Pier, so of course, I had to speak with him when I got the chance. We talk about his book (which is amazing, the work that goes into writing as well as where he got the inspiration for this locked room mystery. Death on the Pier is released on the 10th of October, you can order it from Amazon US...

*WARNING: Talk of suicidal thoughts from minute 25 (I get a bit real in the mental health talk). The Love Hypothesis was released in September 2021 and has been received incredibly well. Part Reylo fanfiction and part STEM and feminist love story, the book is incredibly popular amongst those looking for a slightly different romance founded on two contemporary romance tropes, fake dating and enemie...

Hickory Dickory Dock, the clock struck one, the mouse ran down... Who hasn't heard this rhyme? Agatha Christie was a fan of them, even though the rhyme has little connection to the story on this particular occasion. This week I am taking a look at this novel written by Christie in 1955, it is the 30th of 39 Hercule Poirot novels and includes murder, drug smuggling and an unusual case of kleptomani...

Wolfsong is a re-release from author TJ Klune, an author I won't stop recommending. This book was an advanced reader copy I received from the publishers and I could not be more grateful I got a chance to read a tale of werewolves, and love and family. So, without spoiling it, would I recommend it, and if so, who to? Is it a book for everyone? Check out the review to find out. Featured episodes The...

Delicacy by Katy Wix is a memoir with a difference. It's not written in a linear way, but that makes it an interesting read. A comedienne best known for shows like Miranda, Not Going Out and Agatha Raisin, there is so much more to her than I had realised. The events that take place are eye-opening and sad at the same time. It's a book that many will relate to, whether it's the recounting of school...

The Forbidden Game was originally published as a trilogy in the Point Horror book series in 1994, and was released in 1995 in the UK. The story of a young girl called Jenny who gets embroiled in a dark game with the prize being her life and that of her friends. So, what was it about this book series that had me enthralled in my very early 20s? Does it still hold strong today? Join me on my nostalg...

Klara and the Sun is the latest novel by Nobel prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. I have to be honest, I am not sure what I should classify it as, but the inclusion of artificial intelligence tells me it needs to at least be considered science-fiction. So, this week I am taking a look at a contemporary science fiction novel about an Artificial Friend searching for the true definition and meaning...

Miss Phryne Fisher Investigates is an exciting, fast-paced cosy mystery based in the glitz, glamour and adventure of the roaring 20s with a titled, intelligent and carefree female lead. With descriptions that pull you into the era is the mystery enough to keep me enthralled to the very end? Listen to find out. Featured episodes Six of Crows

I struggled with what to talk about for my 100th episode. I even contemplated just doing a normal book review, but then I realised that one thing I hadn't talked about is the authors I love above all others. There are a few, but that's what makes it fun...right? I also had help from some incredible people (though many amazing people have helped me reach this 100th episode). Contributions from: And...

The Spirit Engineer is the story of Spiritualist William Jackson Crawford. Based in Belfast in the early part of the 20th century, following the tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic, the popularity of mediums and spiritualism increased as people sought to understand death and find comfort in the promise of the afterlife. In his first novel, The Spirit Engineer , AJ West draws us into the life of...

A Spoonful of Poison is book 19 in the Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Beaton. Released in 2008, it is a complicated but enjoyable cosy crime that takes place in a Cotswold village. Join Agatha and her team of eager investigators as they try to solve not 1 or 2 murders, but 4, AND a cold case. Can they do it? I won't spoil it, but I will tell you if I enjoyed it. Featured episodes Agatha Raisin - The...

This week is a little bit different as I had the opportunity to talk to Stacy Gold, author of contemporary, steamy romances about her latest novel, Wild at Heart. We chatted about her twist on the traditional when it comes to female and male protagonist roles, her writing inspirations, and the extreme outdoor sports she will never try! So check it out. Stacy's links Stacy's Website Stacy's Twitter...

Please note this is a HORROR novel and though we don't go into graphic detail, it's likely not one to listen to with anyone of a sensitive disposition. Welcome to part two of my Misery special. I am joined, again, by Lorraine from American Murder Stories and Once Upon a Nightmare to talk about the 1990 film Misery, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name. This is the film that won Kathy B...