Reading Materials

This week on the Reading Materials Podcast we are chatting with debut author Cassandra Neyenesch, whose book 'A Little Bit Bad' was released in June 2026. Join us to hear what inspired Cassandra to write this book, how psychedelic therapy helped with her writing, and how it's never too late to follow your dream.

This week on Reading Materials, we are so excited to be joined by author Nikki Smith, whose newest destination thriller ' The Last Place You Look ' will be released on July 2nd, 2026. We had a lovely time chatting with Nikki about her experience of becoming a debut author during the Covid lockdown, why some people prefer romantasy to thrillers, and how to keep things fresh when under contr...

This week on the Reading Materials Podcast, Lucia is flying solo as she interviews debut author Eden McKenzie-Goddard. Join us to hear about the political and personal inspirations behind Eden's book 'Smallie', how an emotional punch and unexpected ending can elevate a book in our eyes, and what exactly a degree in English Literature and Creative Writing is about.

This week on the podcast, we chat with Irish author Kathleen MacMahon whose fifth novel Other People's Lives was released on May 7th. Join us to hear why it took Kathleen so long to write this book, how important it is for authors to read, and how her next book will overlap with Other People's Lives .

On this week's episode of the Reading Materials Podcast we sit down to chat with author Claire Fuller, whose newest novel ' Hunger and Thirst ' was published on May 7th. We had an amazing time hearing Claire compare the art of sculpting to the art of writing, why her novels end in ambiguity, how writing is really hard work, and how the only thing that ties Claire Fuller books together is that noth...

In this episode of  Reading Materials , we’re joined by author Sasha Preston to talk about her novel  The Sweetest Getaway , published last year. Sasha shares how she went from writing short stories for fun with a friend to becoming a published author, the importance of female friendships in both life and fiction, and her excitement around the release of the audiobook.

In this episode of the Reading Materials Podcast we are joined by the lovely Elizabeth Arnott, whose newest book The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives comes out on April 9th. We chatted about how her long-time fascination with true crime led to writing about serial killers, how to make the muse your bitch, and giving voice to the people who have suffered for the violent crimes of men.

This week on the Reading Materials Podcast we are excited to be chatting with Fran Fabrizcki, debut author of Porcupines which will be published on April 16th. Join us to hear how Fran wove in elements of her own experience growing up at the tail-end of the Cold War into the book, what podcasts she listens to in her free time, and how becoming a mother influenced her writing.

In this episode of  Reading Materials , we’re joined by author E. K. Wise to discuss her novel  Debilis Rising , released last year.  We chat about how her love of travel and geology shapes her storytelling, why it was important for her to include a character with ADHD, and her journey through the world of independent publishing.  It’s an insightful and engaging conversation about representation, ...

In this episode of the  Reading Materials Podcast , we dive into  The Bodyguard Affair  by Amy Lea (published February 2026) and unpack this trope-filled romance. We share our thoughts on the fake dating dynamic—does it still work for us?—debate whether the steamy scenes hit the mark, and highlight the plot elements that felt genuinely fresh. From classic romance beats to surprising twists, this o...

In this episode of  Reading Materials , we’re joined by bestselling romance author Amy Lea for a warm and candid conversation about life as a writer. Amy's newest book, The Bodyguard Affair, will be released on the 26th of February, 2026! We chat about the importance of finding and nurturing an author community, her favourite (and least favourite!) romance tropes, and her ambition to branch out in...

In this week's episode we dive into  Hemlock & Silver  by T. Kingfisher (released August 19th, 2025). Join us as we share why Anja quickly became one of our favourite heroines, dig into what makes a retelling succeed (or stumble), and chat about why we’d happily return to this darkly magical world for more. Thank you to Tor for sending us an advanced reader copy of this book! Episode Timepoint...

In this episode of the  Reading Materials Podcast , we step into Cinder House  by Freya Marske and unpack what makes this a genuinely enjoyable Cinderella retelling. We talk about how impressively well-developed the characters are for such a short book, and we dig into a bigger conversation about queerness in publishing — where representation feels authentic, and where it risks being used as a mar...

In this special wrap-up episode of the  Reading Materials Podcast , we look back on our 2025 in books and podcasting. We break down our reading stats, revisit our favorite books, characters, and standout podcast moments, and chat about what surprised us most along the way. Plus, we look ahead to what 2026 has in store for our TBRs, the podcast, and the stories we can’t wait to dive into next. Epis...

In this episode of Reading Materials, we dive into  The Treasures  by Harriet Evans (released June 12, 2025), exploring its richly drawn dual settings in 1950s London and 1960s New York. We unpack our love/hate relationship with cliffhangers, chat about how surprisingly dark the story becomes, and reflect on how these layered timelines reshape the family drama at its core. Thank you for Viking for...

In this episode of  Reading Materials , we’re joined by author H. R. Cole to discuss her debut adult fantasy novel  Daughter of the Void , published in August 2025. H. R. shares her thoughts on the bias women face in the fantasy genre, what it takes to craft a truly captivating enemies-to-lovers romance, and how her background in medical journalism shaped her approach to writing. It’s an engaging...

In this episode of  Reading Materials , we’re joined by author Ross Montgomery to talk about his latest release,  The Murder at World’s End , published on October 30, 2025. Ross shares insights into his career as a beloved children’s author, what it was like transitioning to writing murder mysteries for adults, and the books he read as a child that completely blew his mind. It’s a fun and fascinat...

In this week's episode of Reading Materials, we dive into  Kill the Beast  by Serra Swift and talk about how refreshing it was to read a fairy-tale retelling with no romance in sight. We discuss the role of trusty companion Brandy, unpack the mechanics of curse-breaking, and explore why this story works so well without leaning on romantic love as a solution. Episode Timepoints: 00:00 - Intro 00:20...

In this episode of  Reading Materials , we’re joined by author Serra Swift to talk about her upcoming fantasy novel  Kill the Beast , out October 14, 2025. Serra shares her thoughts on navigating the pitfalls of professional jealousy, the differences between YA and adult fantasy from the author's perspective, and how to strike the balance between being a great writer and a great storyteller. It’s...

In this episode of  Reading Materials , we’re joined by author Nuala Ellwood, also known as Iris Costello, to talk about her newest novel  The Paris Bookshop Secret , released in July 2025. Nuala shares how a haunted Georgian mansion inspired her current project, the power of books to help readers process grief, and the rituals she uses to get into the writing zone. It’s a rich and reflective conv...

In this episode of  Reading Materials , we dive into  To Love a Liar  by L. V. Matthews, released on September 11, 2025. We chat about the joy of exploring different genres, our feelings about Jackson the dog, and which characters had us second-guessing their every move. It’s a lively discussion full of twists, suspicions, and the thrill of a well-crafted mystery. Thank you to Penguin for sending...

In this episode of  Reading Materials , we sit down with L. V. Matthews to discuss her gripping new thriller  To Love A Liar , out September 11, 2025. We explore the art of plotting twists that keep readers guessing, the secrets behind her book dedications, and how she manages to write chilling mysteries while raising two children. Join us for a conversation full of insight, intrigue, and a peek b...

In this episode of  Reading Materials , we discuss Rie Qudan's  Sympathy Tower Tokyo (released on August 21st, 2025). We enter into a deep discussion about the ins and outs of judicial systems, ponder the differences between Eastern and Western culture, and explore language and its evolution, including the use of AI in literature. Join us for an interesting exploration of this translation of Rie Q...

In this episode of  Reading Materials , we discuss Carissa Broadbent’s  The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk (released on August 5th, 2025). We unpack our frustrations with the lack of chemistry between the main characters, the repetitiveness of the plot compared to the first book in the duology, and our lingering confusion around the world-building. Join us for an honest conversation about what worked...

We are so excited to welcome our eighth author to our podcast! In this episode we speak with debut author Sarah Hamdan about her powerful first novel, ' What Will People Think?' , released in May 2025. Sarah shares how her own life experiences shaped the narrative, the vital role characters and setting play in telling authentic stories, and her hope to shine a light on Palestinian culture through...