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 experience with hearing loss shaped the novel’s emotional depth and influenced its unreliable narrator. She also opens up about her writing process, the challenges of researching Belize authentically, and the long road to finding a literary agent.

Whether you love character-driven literary fiction, are fascinated by how writers transform personal experiences into art, or simply want new book recommendations, this episode is for you.

You can connect with Jo online at https://jomorey.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/jomoreystory/

You can buy The Night Lagoon here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-night-lagoon-jo-morey/e8988cc3d443f4a7?ean=9780008713898&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Wellness by Nathan Hill

The Whispers by Audrey Audrain

Sharp Glass by Sarah Hilary

The Dry by Jane Harper

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins