Being Bookish

This week I was lucky enough to have some time with author Alex Pavesi to talk about his second novel, Ink Ribbon Red, which is released by Penguin Michael Joseph on the 7th of November.

Six friends gather at a country house for a birthday weekend. They decide to play a game.

All six names go in a hat. Choose two, and imagine one murdering the other.

Write it down. Type it up. Read it out.

Points are given for making the murders sound convincing.

Of course, when given such a task, it’s only natural to use what you know.

Secrets. Grudges. Affairs.

But once you’ve put it in a story, that secret is out.

So with each fictional murder, someone gets a motive for a real one.

Which leads to the most important question:

When a real murder comes, will you be able to spot it in time?

If you love a mystery with a dark edge then this is definitely one you should be adding to your TBR for the chilly winter nights.

We talk books, writing methods and how the plot line is not as linear as you may expect.

Alex's web presence

Alex's Website

Alex's X (Twitter) account

Buy Ink Ribbon Red

Waterstones | Amazon | Indie Bookstores

No, your eyes do not deceive you. This episode has been missing for a while, languishing in the archives after someone or other at Spotify decided that my content belonged to someone else...so today I am going to be gifting you with my January 2023 episode all about one of the greatest detectives ever created, Hercule Poirot, in Agatha Christie's 1941 novel, Evil Under the Sun.

The 1981 film version of this book is a regular rewatch for me, so revisiting the episode seemed natural, especially as we quickly move into the chilly and dark winter evenings. So, enjoy Hercule on his holidays, on a remote Cornish island, as he solves an unusual but clearly well-planned and glamorous murder! And find out what I thought of this intriguing mystery.

In this episode, I explore The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow. It starts as a reimagining of Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of the overlooked middle sister, Mary. The story continues after the death of Mr Bennet, with Mary discovering that being the only unmarried sister leaves you in a vulnerable position.

Throughout the book, Mary emerges from the shadows of her more outgoing sisters to find her own path in a world that values beauty and charm. I’ll discuss her journey toward self-discovery, love, and independence, offering insight into how Hadlow deepens Mary’s character and reshapes her narrative.

To find out what I thought of this rather chunky historical sequel, give this more lengthy episode a listen.

Episode links

My Vinted

Raye Loves Reading (YouTube)

Being Bookish (the Website)

My Storygraph (join me!)

The Queen of Poisons is the third book in Robert Thorogood's Marlow Murder Club series, but does it hit the same spot as the previous two instalments?

This week I take a look at the latest addition (released in January 2024) and figure out whether I actually liked it, or not. As with every episode, while I will talk about the suspects and the murder, I never reveal whodunnit, because to do that would ruin the enjoyment for you if you pick the book up for yourself (which is what I always try and encourage).

Featured episodes

Cosy Mysteries

YouTube - Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death Analysis

This week I am talking with author Julie Owen Moylan about her latest historical novel, Circus of Mirrors which is due for release on Thursday 12 September in the UK. A story full of complex characters, growth, love and heartbreak set across four decades in post-war Berlin.

Berlin, 1926. After the death of their parents, sisters Leni and Annette only have each other. Dreaming of better days, but desperate, Leni finds work at the notorious Babylon Circus. From the dancer’s barely-there costumes, to the glimmering mirrors that cover the walls, the Babylon Circus is a place where reality and fantasy merge. For Leni, it’s an overwhelming new world, and she’s happiest hiding in the shadows. Until she meets the cabaret’s resident pianist, Paul… Twenty years later, the Babylon Circus is in ruins. Leni and Annette have a new mouth to feed. And Paul is nowhere to be seen. Once again, Leni and Annette must depend on each other. But one of the sisters is hiding a secret. And, sooner or later, it must come to light.

We talk about the Weimar Republic, character complexity and the difficult relationship between sisters.

Julie's Links

Julie's Website

Julie's X/Twitter

Julie's Instagram

Buy the Book: Amazon | Indie | Waterstones

Released in 1948, Taken at the Flood is the 26th Poirot novel by Agatha Christie, and while it maintains his rather bombastic character, it's very different to any of the novels which came before it. Set in the years immediately following the Second World War, it centres around the behaviour of a family who has grown accustomed to depending upon a single wealthy relative...asking and answering the question 'What happens when the golden goose dies and leaves you nothing?'.

An interesting novel, my views about it are varied and perhaps a little bit confused, but let me know what you think of my review of Taken at the Flood by Agatha Christie.

Featured episodes

The Kingdom is a Golden Cage

Hickory, Dickory, Dock

Featured Links

Once Upon a Nightmare podcast

I think that this episode is going to be a surprise, if only because every once in a while a book comes along that isn't what you expected...

But if that's because it's good or not I am not going to reveal here...you'll have to listen to find out.

Following in the footsteps of authors like Sarah J Maas and Kalynn Baylon comes Lilly Inkwood, to provide us with an unusual reimagining of a lesser-known fairytale, that of Puss in Boots (did you know the story, because I didn't). In The Kingdom is a Golden Cage we are told the story of Princess Celine, the cat Hugo and the Duke who is not a duke, Philippe...but is this story about love, deception, or perhaps a little bit of both?

Join me to find out which side of the fence I stand on!

Do you love historical novels? Specifically, those based during the Regency period?

Do you love learning things that you may not have heard about in high school history? How about the first real celebrity (I'm talking Byron here, people!)?

If this sounds like something you'd be really into (and even if it doesn't, because minds can be changed!!!) join me for my interview with author Katy Moran as we talk about her new novel, My Lady's Secrets, which is based during the Napoleonic war, and follows our heroine Cressida through Spain, English society and the north of Scotland...as well as talk about events in history that may not be as well known as they probably should be!

Where to find Katy

Her website

Instagram

Twitter/X

My Lady's Secrets: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Waterstones | Bookshop.org

I'm back this week with a recent paperback release in the form of Kat Ailes' debut cosy mystery, The Expectant Detectives.

I don't think that this is what happens when a group of pregnant women get together after they witness a murder, but I could be very wrong (let me know).

The first in a new series called The Mothers' Murder Club, does this debut set the scene for the next book?

Find out what I thought of the book in this completely spoiler-free review...

Featured episodes

Babylonia

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers

The Marlow Murder Club

Hickory Dickory Dock

If you love ancient history as much as I do then chances are this book is already on your radar. I tried to resist reading it as soon as it arrived, but, as you can tell, I failed...

But did this book fail? You can probably already guess what I thought, but give this episode a listen and if you haven't already picked it up, see if this encourages you to do so.

Links

Clytemnestra

Raye's Reading on YouTube