In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie chats with Alison Stockham, author of the gripping psychological thriller Let Her Go. Together, they explore the fragile boundaries of friendship, trust, and betrayal and the real-life experience that inspired Alison’s latest novel.

Susie and Alison also discuss the craft of writing psychological thrillers - from creating characters with hidden motives to constructing scenes that change meaning on a second read. Alison shares her practical approach to plotting, using outlines and spreadsheets to balance tension, pacing, and emotional truth.

If you’ve ever lost a friend, questioned loyalty, or loved a twisty thriller with heart, this episode will stay with you.

Follow Alison online: https://www.instagram.com/astockhamauthor/

Buy Let Her Go: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/let-her-go-alison-stockham/1d8c15739ab645b1?ean=9781835615898&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

59 Minutes by Holly Seddon: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/59-minutes-the-most-unmissable-and-heart-wrenching-what-would-you-do-thriller-of-2025-holly-seddon/570b893b4b9897e9?ean=9781398709492&next=t

The Sea Child by Linda Wilgus: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-sea-child-linda-wilgus/7877135?ean=9781398538252&next=t

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. Together, Susie and Zoe explore the dark themes, emotional depth, and psychological suspense that run through the novel.

They also discuss Zoe’s writing process, from the six-month journey of her first draft to how she draws inspiration from her childhood, personal experiences, and sense of place. You’ll hear how she chooses her character names, what drives her to write, and the books and authors that inspire her most.

This episode is perfect for fans of literary fiction, psychological thrillers, and atmospheric mysteries who love hearing how an author builds tension, emotion, and place into every page.

Follow Zoe: https://www.instagram.com/zoerankinwrites/

You can buy The Vanishing Place here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-vanishing-place-zoe-rankin/7843756?ean=9781805227373&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Aue by Becky Manawatu: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/aue-becky-manawatu/6879089?ean=9781914484674&next=t

The Secrets of Stangers by Charity Norman: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-secrets-of-strangers-charity-norman/5254995?ean=9781911630418&next=t

The Polite Act of Drowning by Charlene Hurtubise: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-polite-act-of-drowning-charleen-hurtubise/e8797b76678fc5b3?ean=9781804184912&next=t

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.

They discuss how psychology, structure, and technology influence modern storytelling, why Lisa thrives on meticulous planning, and how she manages to publish multiple books a year while keeping her creative spark alive.

If you love hearing about the craft of writing, the discipline behind creative success, and the thrill of a great twist, this episode is for you.

Following Lisa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/lisatimoneywrites/

Books recommended in this episode:

Bring the House Down by Charlotte Runcie

No Safe Place by Hannah Brennan

Dissection of A Murder by Jo Murray

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 explore the bliss, and the bleary-eyed mornings, that come from not being able to put a good book down.

If you’ve ever told yourself “just one more chapter”, this episode is for you.

Find Susan on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/up.too.late.reading/

Books recommended in this episode:

Fierce Kingdom by Gin Philips

The Last Thing To Burn by Will Dean

The Place Where They Buried Your Heart by Christina Henry

Scenes From A Tragedy by Carole Hailey

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 chaotic reunion, One By One explores ambition, loyalty, and the fine line between justice and truth. Sam talks about crafting believable female detectives, the influence of her career on her storytelling, and the importance of editing, feedback, and perseverance on the road to publication.

The conversation also touches on how she finds lightness in dark stories, her favourite crime writers, and what’s next for DS Alice Washington.

If you love character-driven crime fiction, music-infused mysteries, and stories that blend grit with humour, this episode is not to be missed.

You can buy One By One Here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/one-by-one-a-completely-unputdownable-crime-thriller-sam-frances/7928359?ean=9781035418442&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Wet Paint by Chloe Ashby: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/wet-paint-a-blistering-story-stylist-chloe-ashby/7277891?ean=9781398703001&next=t

Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/three-hours-rosamund-lupton/6951161?ean=9780241374511&next=t

The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-last-party-clare-mackintosh/7384284?ean=9780751577136&next=t

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 to find the right perspective, to the influence of Irish culture and the romanticism of place in her storytelling. She also discusses the vital role of the Arts Council in supporting Irish artists and shares her thoughts on the importance of authentic queer representation in literature.

Whether you’re a reader drawn to literary fiction, Irish storytelling, or queer narratives, this episode offers a warm, honest look into how Chloe builds emotionally rich worlds and unforgettable characters.

You can buy Heap Earth Upon It here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/heap-earth-upon-it-chloe-michelle-howarth/7c8017b243e972c1?ean=9780857309051&next=t

You can find out more about Chloe on her website: https://www.chloemichellehowarth.com/

Books recommended in this episode:

My Husband by Maud Ventura: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/my-husband-a-gripping-read-sunday-times-maud-ventura/7599016?ean=9781804946220&next=t

An Irish Folklore Treasury by John Creedon: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/an-irish-folklore-treasury-a-selection-of-old-stories-ways-and-wisdom-from-the-schools-collection-john-creedon/7063652?ean=9780717194223&next=t

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/young-mungo-the-no-1-sunday-times-bestseller-douglas-stuart/6240346?ean=9781529068788&next=t

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 final page.

Ross shares the inspiration behind his unlikely detective duo, the meticulous research that went into recreating the early 20th century, and the lessons he learned transitioning from children’s to adult fiction. They also discuss the craft of plotting, the challenge of maintaining suspense, and how juggling multiple projects can actually fuel creativity.

Whether you’re a crime fiction enthusiast, a historical fiction fan, or an aspiring writer curious about balancing different genres, this episode is packed with insights, humour, and a touch of comet-inspired mystery.

You can buy The Murder At World's End here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-murder-at-world-s-end-ross-montgomery/7823726?ean=9780241766163&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo

The Last Murder At the End of the World by Stuart Turton

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 control.

Susie and Nikki dive into the power of a strong prologue, the unconventional road to publication, and how real-life experiences inspired The Hideaway’s cast of flawed, fascinating characters.

Listeners will also get a sneak peek at Nikki’s next novel, a high-stakes thriller set on a super yacht in the South Pacific, plus her reflections on appearing at the Harrogate Book Festival and the whirlwind of debut author life.

Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, destination fiction, or stories that challenge our obsession with self-improvement, this episode is a must-listen.

You can buy The Hideaway here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-hideaway-nikki-allen/7758800?ean=9781035071975&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean

Yellowface by RF Kuang

They Had It Coming by Nikki Smith

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 technology, espionage, and moral complexity in the modern age.

The conversation delves into Vas’s writing process, his signature blend of humour and social commentary, and how his background in crime fiction shaped this new adventure. He also reveals his plans for future Q novels, the challenges of writing within the Bond universe, and the books currently inspiring him.

Whether you’re a James Bond fan, a crime fiction lover, or simply fascinated by how authors reinvent literary icons, this episode offers sharp insight and plenty of behind-the-scenes revelations.

Books recommended in this episode:

The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris

The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard

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 first novel in print.

They discuss the importance of LGBTQ representation in literature, how writing can be deeply therapeutic, and why stories like Not Good Enough are helping readers feel seen and celebrated.

James also gives a glimpse into his next project about surrogacy, and shares some brilliant book recommendations you won’t want to miss — including Disappoint Me by Nicola Dinan and Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs by Jordan Stevens.

Whether you’re a fan of uplifting LGBTQ fiction, curious about the writing process, or just love hearing the story behind the story, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and ready to pick up your next great read.