Louise Hegarty discusses her debut novel 'Fair Play', a unique murder mystery that intertwines themes of grief and friendship. The novel's structure, inspired by classic detective fiction, allows for a deep exploration of the protagonist Abigail's emotional journey following her brother's death.

Louise shares insights into her writing process, character development, and the challenges of addressing grief in literature. The discussion also touches on her transition from short stories to novels, the aesthetic choices behind her book, and her reading preferences, culminating in recommendations for fellow readers.

Books recommended in this episode:

Idle Grounds by Krystelle Bamford

A Fan's Notes by Fredercik Exley

Kala by Colin Walsh

In this episode, Kingsley Pearson discusses his debut novel, Flat 401, a psychological thriller that explores themes of guilt, shame, and identity. As a clinical psychologist, he shares insights into character development and the writing process, including the importance of tension and the role of editing. Kingsley also reflects on his journey to publication, the experience of seeing his book in stores, and offers tips for aspiring writers. The conversation concludes with book recommendations and a glimpse into his upcoming work.

Books recommended in this episode:

No Safe Place by Hannah Brennan

Notes On An Execution by Danya Kakaufka

56 Days, The Trap & The Nothing Man by Catherine Ryan Howard

This episode of In My Good Books features four incredible writers. Non-fiction author Sacha Coward, and poets Mae Diansangu, Rhian Elizabeth, and Robert Hamberger. All of whom recently decided to withdraw from this year’s Polari Prize longlists.

Mae Diansangu recommended the book Monstrilio by Gerargo Samano Cordova. You can find Mae on Instagram @vavapoetry and https://www.tapsalteerie.co.uk/product/bloodsongs-by-mae-diansangu/

Sacha Coward recommended the book The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon. You can find Sacha on Instagram @sachacoward and https://www.sachacoward.com/

You can find Rhian Elizabeth on Instagram @rhianelizabeth_poet and https://www.brokensleepbooks.com/product-page/rhian-elizabeth-girls-etc

You can find Robert Hamberger on Instagram @hambergerrobert and https://www.roberthamberger.co.uk/

In this episode, award-winning author Kate Kemp discusses her debut novel 'The Grapevine,' which explores the intricacies of community life in a 1979 Australian cul-de-sac following a murder. The conversation delves into character development, particularly focusing on Guan Yu, a culturally different character, and the dynamics between younger characters like Tammy and Colin. Kate shares insights into her writing process, the significance of setting, and her journey to becoming a published author, including winning literary prizes. The episode concludes with book recommendations that resonate with the themes of connection and identity.

Books recommended in this episode:

The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li

Devotion by Hannah Kent

This Bright Life by Karen Campbell

The Best Way to Bury Your Husband by Alexia Casale

Elaine Sinclair, owner of Daydreams Bookshop, shares her journey from being a lawyer to opening her own independent bookshop. She discusses the challenges and joys of running a bookshop, the importance of community engagement through events, and offers valuable insights for aspiring booksellers. The conversation also includes book recommendations that highlight the diversity and richness of literature.

Books recommended in this episode:

Kitten Heels by Maureen Cullen

Enchanted April by Elizabeth Von Armin

The Blackbirds of St. Giles by Lila Cain

The Gosling Girl by Jacqueline Roy

https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/daydreamsbookshop

Broadcaster and author Steph McGovern discusses her journey from journalism to writing fiction, focusing on her debut novel 'Deadline'. She shares insights into the writing process, character development, and the challenges of becoming a bestseller. Steph also offers advice for aspiring authors and shares her thoughts on the importance of dialogue in storytelling. The episode concludes with her recommendations for must-read books.

Books recommended in this episode:

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

A Neighbour's Guide to Murder by Louise Candlish

The Final Act Of Juliette Willoughby by Ellery Lloyd

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Botanist & The Mercy Chair by M.W. Craven

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Hunted by Abir Mukherjee

Kelly Mullen discusses her debut novel 'This Is Not a Game', a locked room mystery featuring a grandmother and granddaughter detective duo. She shares insights into her writing process, character development, and the humour woven throughout the narrative. Kelly also reflects on her career in film and television, the transition to writing novels, and the importance of creative writing courses. The conversation touches on the challenges of getting published, the promotional aspects of being an author, and her upcoming book featuring a cocktail motif!

Books recommended in this episode:

Come Closer by Sarah Graham

Pure by Andrew Miller

The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey

The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr

Book reviewer Stu Cummins shares his journey into the world of book reviewing, discussing his love for crime fiction and the importance of community in the literary world. He reflects on the pressures of reviewing, the joy of promoting lesser-known authors, and the balance between personal reading and reviewing obligations. The discussion also covers practical tips for aspiring reviewers, insights into attending book festivals, and a variety of book recommendations that highlight the richness of the crime fiction genre.

Books recommended in this episode:

Do No Harm by Jack Jordan

None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

Human Remains by Jo Callaghan

Some Of Us Are Liars by Fiona Cummins

Daniel Aubrey discusses his latest novel, 'The Dying Light', the challenges of writing a second book in a series, and the impact of his experiences with autism and ADHD on his writing process. He shares insights into the characters and themes of his work, offers book recommendations, and reflects on the publishing industry. The discussion highlights the complexities of being an author and the importance of representation in literature.

Books recommended in this episode:

Song of Ravens & Wolves by Cara Devlin

Whiteout by Rob Burnett

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

Into The Fire by G.D. Wright

Susie interviews Chris Bridges, the author of 'Sick to Death', a psychological thriller that explores themes of invisible illness and moral complexity. Chris shares insights into his writing process, character development, and the importance of accurately portraying illness in fiction. The discussion also touches on the public reception of his work, the challenges of writing a second book, and recommendations for other literary works that address similar themes.

Books recommended in this episode:

The Night Lagoon by Jo Morey

The Unwilding by Marina Kemp

The Darkest Night by Victoria Hawthorne

The Book of Guilt & Pet by Catherine Chidgey

Article by Julia Kelly: https://bit.ly/juliakellyarticle

Chris's substack: https://sickwordsblog.wordpress.com/about-2/