Being Bookish

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 episodes

Agatha Raisin - There Goes the Bride

Agatha Raisin - A Spoonful of Poison

Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death

An Interview with Author Jamie West

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/UK now.

Find Jamie

Twitter

Instagram

Website

Featured Episodes

Hickory Dickory Dock

*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 enemies to lovers. If these are your thing then this book is 100% for you.

Episodes featured

The Spanish Love Deception

It Happened One Summer

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 kleptomania. But can the Belgian detective solve the crime before it's too late? You won't get any spoilers from me, but it's an intriguing book nonetheless.

Featured episodes

The Thursday Murder Club

Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death

Agatha Raisin: There goes the Bride

Agatha Raisin: A Spoonful of Poison

Miss Phyrne Fisher Investigates

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 House in the Cerulean Sea

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 bullying or the complicated relationship with food.

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 nostalgic trip down memory lane and find out! Remember, no spoilers here!

Sadly, LJ Smith passed away in early 2025.

Links

LJ Smith Website

Featured episodes

Easy Connections and Easy Freedom

The House in the Cerulean Sea

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 of love.

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:

Andrew from ARL Reviews

Chance from Strive, Seek, Find

Jon from Green Cows Don't Fly Podcast

Michael from Silver Screen Savers Podcast

Dickie from The Tipsy Cocks Podcast

J Hall from The Okie Bookcast

A special thank you has to go to Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare.

Featured Episodes

Good Omens

If You Could Go Anywhere

Johnny Be Good (this is in the same episode as Lemonade Mouth!)

Circe

To the Moon and Back