In this week’s episode, Susie sits down with bestselling author Anna Bailey to talk about their novel, Our Last Wild Days. Set in the humid, eerie landscape of rural Louisiana, the book blends literary fiction with the pace and atmosphere of a thriller, exploring small-town secrets, loyalty, and the places we run from but never quite escape.

Anna opens up about why the American South has always pulled at their imagination, how they build layered, deeply human characters, and why authenticity, right down to a character’s name, matters so much in their writing. They also shares their writing process, from the messy early drafts to the satisfaction of a final manuscript that feels true to its emotional core.

We also get an exclusive sneak peek at Anna’s upcoming short story collection, Wasteland Girls (coming July 2026), a powerful exploration of outcasts, misfits, and remote landscapes. Plus, Anna offers candid advice for aspiring writers and shares some brilliant book recommendations.

Follow Anna here: https://www.instagram.com/annabaileywrites/

Buy Our Last Wild Days: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/our-last-wild-days-anna-bailey/7722623?ean=9780857527400&next=t

Pre-order Wasteland Girls: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/wasteland-girls-anna-bailey/014e188821b0f8de?ean=9781529962062&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-loney-full-of-unnerving-terror-amazing-stephen-king-andrew-michael-hurley/c1032761075264ea?ean=9781473619852&next=t

Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/winter-s-bone-daniel-woodrell/297797?ean=9780340897980&next=t

Dark Rooms by Rebecca Hannigan: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/darkrooms-rebecca-hannigan/7827913?ean=9781408733783&next=t

In this special episode of In My Good Books, Susie shines a spotlight on the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize, a writing competition that has become genuinely life-changing for many unpublished authors. She’s joined by literary agent Hellie Ogden, alongside prize winners Catherine Chanter and Megan Davis, to demystify the entry process and talk honestly about what the prize can offer writers at the very start of their careers.

This episode is packed with encouragement, writing tips, and real-world insight for anyone considering entering a writing competition, especially those who are unpublished, questioning their talent, or wondering if they’re good enough to put their work forward!

Enter the prize here: https://www.lucy.cam.ac.uk/form/fiction-prize-2026

Find out more about the guests:

Hellie: https://www.wmebookdepartment.com/team/hellie-ogden/

Catherine: https://catherinechanter.co.uk/

Megan: https://megandavis.co.uk/

Books recommended in this episode:

The Names by Florence Knapp: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-names-the-best-debut-novel-in-years-sunday-times-florence-knapp/b5f6ebab8d4846df?ean=9781399624022&next=t

The Wedding People by Alison Espach: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-wedding-people-the-hilarious-and-moving-million-copy-bestseller-alison-espach/879f21fa6a0d5e2d?ean=9781399622752&next=t

Creation Lake by Rachel Kushner: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/creation-lake-from-the-booker-prize-shortlisted-author-rachel-kushner/7619007?ean=9781529933383&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie talks with author G.D. Wright about his turbulent year, his creative resilience, and the release of his latest novel, Into the Fire. Gary opens up about navigating serious health challenges while continuing to write, and how the support of the author and book blogging community helped carry him through.

We explore the moral dilemmas that drive his storytelling, his instinctive writing process, and how he builds layered, morally complex characters. Gary also discusses his exciting shift into screenwriting, sharing behind-the-scenes insight from the production of his upcoming shark film Breathe Deep, filmed on location in Malta.

From his writing journey to his next book Against the Tide, Gary offers thoughtful reflections, practical advice, and brilliant book recommendations that he's loved.

Follow Gary here: https://www.instagram.com/gdwrightwrites/

Buy Into The Fire: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/into-the-fire-g-d-wright/7713420?ean=9780008702434&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Carnival of Lies by D.V. Bishop: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/carnival-of-lies-d-v-bishop/7709825?ean=9781035041947&next=t

To Love A Liar by L.V. Matthews: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/to-love-a-liar-l-v-matthews/d140d0ebdd093935?ean=9781405974707&next=t

Witch Trial by Harriet Tyce: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/witch-trial-don-t-miss-the-extraordinary-brand-new-thriller-from-the-sunday-times-million-copy-bestselling-author-available-to-pre-order-now-harrie/d50dd98898dbdd03?ean=9781035411917&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie is joined by author Emma Steele to talk about her deeply moving novel The Love of Our Lives, a story that blends emotional authenticity with a quietly powerful speculative twist. Emma talks about the inspiration behind Maggie, a woman navigating life a year after a heart transplant, and the intense emotional struggle that still shadows her recovery.

From the craft of building a powerful narrative hook, to the importance of keeping the stakes emotionally high, Emma offers a brilliant insight into her writing process and the themes that draw her back to the page.

Follow Emma here: https://www.instagram.com/emmasteeleauthor/

Buy The Love of Our Lives: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-love-of-our-lives-emma-steele/7873714?ean=9781802798210&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Heart The Lover by Lily King: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/heart-the-lover-lily-king/fb9dce87ee8c8055?ean=9781837265497&next=t

After You'd Gone by Maggie O'Farrell: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/after-you-d-gone-from-the-author-of-hamnet-one-of-the-most-unforgettable-love-stories-you-ll-ever-read-maggie-o-farrell/8fe743c7580b2cf3?ean=9781035430062&next=t

All The Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/all-the-colours-of-the-dark-chris-whitaker/7509807?ean=9781398707672&next=t

In this episode, Susie sits down with author Natasha Siegel to dive into her dark, atmospheric, and deeply thought-provoking gothic fantasy novel, As Many Souls As Stars. They explore the book’s genre-blending heart - part historical fiction, part sapphic gothic, part Faustian re-imagining, and how Natasha uses three time periods to interrogate the portrayal of women across history.

Natasha chats about her writing process, drafting and redrafting her way into the emotional core of the story, and the long and winding path to publication. She discusses the importance of feminist storytelling in fantasy, the challenges of representing complex characters like Sybil and Miriam, and why she intentionally leans into themes of isolation, desire, and power.

They also touch on the realities of being an author today. Why Natasha avoids spaces like Goodreads and how she protects her creativity. And of course, there are brilliant book recommendations for anyone who loves intelligent, character-driven fantasy.

You can find Natasha here: https://www.instagram.com/natashacsiegel/

You can buy As Many Souls As Stars here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/as-many-souls-as-stars-natasha-siegel/7846081?ean=9781526684622&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

Hungerstone by Kat Dunn: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/hungerstone-kat-dunn/71f4d3adb2ad40d0?ean=9781786583949&next=t

Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/glorious-exploits-ferdia-lennon/7450925?ean=9780241998007&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie sits down with crime fiction author J.M. Simpson to talk about her new novel The Ophelia Murders, the first instalment in her Whistler’s Peak series set deep in the Scottish Highlands. Jo shares the inspirations behind her setting, how she approaches character development, and why her writing process is driven by instinct rather than rigid planning.

We also dive into her journey into self-publishing, including the freedom it gives her as a storyteller and the crucial role of collaboration with editors, beta readers, and cover designers. Jo opens up about the literary themes that matter most to her, the importance of community in crime fiction, and how risky professions spark her imagination.

Whether you're a crime fiction fan or an aspiring author, this episode is packed with insight, craft talk, and brilliant book recommendations.

Follow Jo: https://www.instagram.com/jmsimpsonauthor/

Buy The Ophelia Murders: https://amzn.eu/d/3jjAqnI

Books recommended in this episode:

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/big-magic-how-to-live-a-creative-life-and-let-go-of-your-fear-elizabeth-gilbert/3429788?ean=9781408866757&next=t

Northern Lights by Nora Roberts: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/northern-lights-nora-roberts/4192737?ean=9780749929695&next=t

13 Deadly Intentions:

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie chats with authors Emilie Castera and Eve Goodfellow about their witty and fast-paced crime novel, A Bloody Merry Murder. Written as a duo, Emilie and Eve share how they bring their characters to life through alternating chapters, creating distinct voices and an addictive reading experience.

The pair open up about the realities of self-publishing, from editing and cover design to the marketing hustle required to make their book stand out. They also reflect on the humorous side of parenting that inspired their story, and offer candid advice to aspiring writers on navigating rejection, building community, and staying motivated.

Packed with laughs, honesty, and practical tips, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about writing partnerships, crime fiction, and the creative freedom of self-publishing.

Follow Eve & Emilie here: https://www.instagram.com/the_anonymums_writers/

Buy A Bloody Merry Murder here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bloody-Merry-Murder-Anonymums-Book-ebook/dp/B0FH6YQ895

Books recommended in this episode:

Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/everyone-in-my-family-has-killed-someone-2022-s-most-original-murder-mystery-benjamin-stevenson/7241473?ean=9781405953283&next=t

Anybody Out There by Marian Keyes: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/anybody-out-there-british-book-awards-author-of-the-year-2022-marian-keyes/2441275?ean=9780241958469&next=t

Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/fundamentally-nussaibah-younis/7724900?ean=9781399623926&next=t

Murder At The Hotel Orient by Alessanda Ranelli: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/murder-at-the-hotel-orient-alessandra-ranelli/7d3da23108639ef6?ean=9781399823203&next=t

In this special episode of In My Good Books, Susie sits down with Vic Watson, the organiser of the hugely popular Bay Tales crime fiction festival, returning to Whitley Bay on 28th February 2026.

Vic gives us an inside look at what makes Bay Tales one of the UK’s most exciting crime fiction events. From its community roots and warm, coastal setting to its line-up of bestselling authors, dynamic panels, and behind-the-scenes magic.

Vic also shares details of an exclusive limited-time offer running 1st–14th December 2025. For every Bay Tales ticket purchased, you’ll receive a free book.This is the perfect time to secure your spot at the festival and pick up an extra read for the winter.

Whether you’re a crime fiction superfan, an aspiring writer, or simply looking for a brilliant bookish day out by the coast, this episode will get you excited for Bay Tales 2026.

Buy your Bay Tales tickets here: https://baytales.com/shop-2/

Follow Bay Tales here: https://www.instagram.com/bay_tales/

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie sits down with crime writer Tariq Ashkanani to talk about his new thriller, The Night Watcher - the first in a brand new Edinburgh-set PI series. Tariq introduces us to Callie Munro, a private investigator shaped by a difficult past and determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

We chat about writing flawed characters, the morally grey areas of investigation work, and how a potential serial murderer targeting vulnerable women pulls Callie into a case the police seem unwilling to touch.

Alongside the book chat, Tariq opens up about the craft side of writing - from how he thinks about commerciality while drafting, to the surprising piece of advice that helps him get that first draft down much more quickly!

Follow Tariq here: https://www.instagram.com/tariqashkanani/

Buy The Night Watcher: https://amzn.eu/d/7iEXEUk

Books recommended in this episode:

Tender is the Flesh by Augustina Bazterrica: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/tender-is-the-flesh-agustina-bazterrica/2873543?ean=9781782276203&next=t

There is No Anti-Memetics Division by QNTM: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/there-is-no-antimemetics-division-qntm/7814909?ean=9781529953176&next=t

The Lamb by Lucy Rose: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-lamb-the-bestselling-literary-sensation-of-2025-lucy-rose/d7e48a62501dd0ea?ean=9781399619752&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie sits down with author Emma Christie to discuss her tense and emotional psychological thriller, Watch Your Back. The novel follows Jo, a woman working in a charity shop who’s hiding a devastating secret.

When a mysterious box of letters from prison arrives at the shop, Jo is torn between uncovering the truth and keeping the past buried. But before she can decide, the letters are stolen, sparking a suspenseful search that forces her to confront everything she’s tried to forget.

Emma shares how her own life experiences shape the emotional authenticity of her writing, and how she crafts stories filled with mystery, moral tension, and human vulnerability.

Follow Emma: https://www.instagram.com/theemmachristie/

Buy Watch Your Back: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/watch-your-back-a-pacy-gripping-thriller-with-an-unbelievable-twist-emma-christie/330ddec0b75c3e31?ean=9781802794670&next=t

Books recommended in this episode:

The Cracked Mirror by Chris Brookmyre: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-cracked-mirror-the-award-winning-brain-twisting-mystery-chris-brookmyre/d6c6f3e15d70fb7e?ean=9780349145815&next=t

The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriacou: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-unspeakable-acts-of-zina-pavlou-eleni-kyriacou/7388899?ean=9781837930364&next=t