In My Good Books

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. Toget...

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...

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 explor...

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 ch...

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...

In this episode of  In My Good Books , Susie chats with Ross Montgomery about his bold leap from writing award-winning children’s books to crafting his first adult crime novel,  The Murder at World’s End . Set against the backdrop of the Halley’s Comet Panic of 1910, the book blends historical detail, scientific intrigue, and a gripping locked-room mystery that will keep readers guessing until the...

In this episode of  In My Good Books , host Susie Green sits down with Nikki Allen, a therapist turned novelist, to discuss her debut thriller  The Hideaway , a gripping, atmospheric story set in the lush jungles of Costa Rica. Nikki shares how her background in therapy shaped her approach to character development, exploring themes of vulnerability, toxic wellness culture, and the illusion of cont...

In this episode of In My Good Books, bestselling author Vaseem Khan joins Susie to discuss his thrilling new novel Quantum of Menace - the first book in a bold new series featuring Q as the protagonist instead of James Bond. Vas shares what it was like collaborating with the Ian Fleming estate, how he approached reimagining an iconic world, and why Q is the perfect character for exploring technolo...

In this episode, debut author James Robert Moore joins Susie to talk about his uplifting and emotional novel Not Good Enough. A story about self-discovery, belonging, and the beauty of chosen family. James shares how his background in theatre has shaped his writing process and character dynamics, and opens up about his publishing journey, from entering writing competitions to finally holding his f...

In this episode of  In My Good Books , Susie talks to Jo Morey, author of the captivating literary suspense novel  The Night Lagoon  (published in the US as  Lime Juice Money ). Set against the lush backdrop of Belize, this stunning debut follows a hearing-impaired chef named Laelia as family secrets, identity, and memory intertwine in haunting and unexpected ways. Jo shares how her personal exper...

Author Emily Buchanan joins In My Good Books to talk about her debut novel Send Flowers, a powerful story that blends grief, climate activism, and magical realism. Emily shares how her background in activism shaped her writing, why humour can make heavy topics more human, and how community keeps hope alive. We also discuss authenticity in fiction, the role of social media in activism, and what Emi...

In this episode of  In My Good Books , debut author Hannah Brennan talks about her gripping crime thriller  No Safe Place, a story that blends psychological suspense with themes of mental health and OCD. We dive into her writing process, the inspiration for her characters, and how community support fuels her creativity. Hannah also gives a sneak peek at her upcoming novel  Nothing Left Behind  and...

Susie interviews Celia Silvani, the author of 'Baby Teeth', a psychological suspense novel that delves into themes of motherhood, online communities, and the radical choices women make when feeling unheard. They discuss the protagonist's journey through infertility, the concept of free birthing, and the impact of online communities on mental health. Celia shares her writing journey, th...

Author and podcaster Cailean Steed discusses the intricacies of balancing a creative career with personal life, the challenges of the publishing industry, and the financial realities faced by authors. They delve into the themes of their debut novel, 'Home,' which explores cults and identity, and share insights into their upcoming work, 'The Mirror Halls,' which shifts into the real...

Holly Seddon discusses her latest novel, 59 Minutes, a gripping thriller that explores the emotional and psychological impacts of a nuclear strike. She shares insights into her writing process, the challenges of pacing and structure, and the deep emotional connections she forms with her characters. The discussion also touches on themes of motherhood, human behavior in crisis, and the real-life ins...

Buy Callum's books here: Squeaky Clean: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/squeaky-clean-callum-mcsorley/4fca7b74d38472dd?ean=9781782278382&next=t&next=t Paperboy: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/paperboy-callum-mcsorley/1f563b86b39ea6a6?ean=9781805335450&next=t&next=t Other books recommended in this episode: Neuromancer: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/neuromancer-the-best-of-the...

In this episode Susie and guest Kevin Woolard explore the world of book reviewing, the impact of AI on literature, and the nuances of graphic design in book presentation. They discuss personal journeys into book reviewing, the importance of community, and the challenges of maintaining engagement in a digital age. The conversation also touches on the significance of fonts and layout in reading expe...

L.V. Matthews, a psychological thriller author, discusses her latest novel 'To Love a Liar', which delves into the complexities of marriage, secrets, and betrayal. With a background in publishing, Liv shares her journey from industry insider to author, emphasizing the importance of character depth and research in her writing. The discussion also touches on the ethical implications of undercover po...

This week, I take you behind the scenes at the  Bloody Scotland Crime Writing Festival 2025  in Stirling, one of the most exciting weekends in the book world! Join me as I share highlights from panels, interviews, and award ceremonies, including conversations with legendary crime writers  Ian Rankin, Denise Mina, Callum McSorley, and Tariq Ashkanani. You’ll hear the buzz from the Golden Lion Hotel...

Irish crime writer Amy Jordan discusses her latest novel, The Dark Hours, which features Julia Hart, a retired detective drawn back into a missing persons case. The discussion delves into character development, the writing process, and the challenges of transitioning from indie publishing to a major publisher like HarperCollins. Amy also reflects on the supportive community of Irish crime writers...

This episode is part of a five-episode series where Susie chats to the authors shortlisted for the 2025 Bloody Scotland Debut prize. Foday Mannah discusses his debut crime novel, 'The Search for Othello Savage,' which is inspired by real-life events and explores themes of power, religion, and cultural identity. He shares insights into his writing journey, the challenges of publication, and...

This episode is part of a five-episode series where Susie chats to the authors shortlisted for the 2025 Bloody Scotland Debut prize. Debut author Richard Strachan discusses his novel, The Unrecovered, a gothic mystery set during the final days of World War One. He shares insights into the characters, themes, and inspirations behind the book, as well as his writing process and the challenges of bei...

Natalie Jayne Clark discusses her debut novel, 'The Malt Whisky Murders,' which blends dark humor, queer storytelling, and whisky into a unique crime narrative. She shares her journey to being shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize, the inspiration behind her book, and the importance of representation in crime fiction. Natalie also reflects on her experiences as a newly published author,...

This episode is part of a five-episode series where Susie chats to the authors shortlisted for the 2025 Bloody Scotland Debut prize. Claire Wilson discusses her debut novel 'Five by Five', which explores the moral dilemmas faced by an intelligence analyst in a Scottish prison. She shares her long journey to publication, the challenges of writing, and the significance of the Bloody Scotland...

This episode is part of a five-episode series where Susie chats to the authors shortlisted for the 2025 Bloody Scotland Debut prize. Author David Goodman discusses his novel 'A Reluctant Spy,' the journey of writing it, and the experiences that led to his recognition at literary festivals. He shares insights into the inspiration behind his story, the challenges faced as a new author, and t...