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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
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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.
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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!)
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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
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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
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There is something I can't help but love about cosy mysteries. The genre is probably the second best represented on my bookcase (after historical romances - represented purely because of my love for Johanna Lindsey).
So, what is it about the genre that I enjoy so much? Why am I always on the lookout for more, and where did my love of them come from? Was it the David Suchet show when I was in my 20s, or did my love stem from something much further back in my past?
This week I am going to take a look at a few of my recent (and not so recent) favourites and dig into what I enjoy so much about the genre that is Cosy Mystery. -
We're almost halfway through the year so I figured it was time for a bit of a check-in. I have read a pretty decent number of books and while some have been incredible, others have not been quite so impressive.
I am also taking a look at the upcoming releases that are on my 'most anticipated' list, between now and the end of September, and there are some really great books on that list (let me tell you).
Clytemnestra
Silver in the Bone
Ruthless Vows | Divine Rivals
Argylle
DONATE TO LIVESTREAM FOR THE CURE
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Have you ever just read a truly hyped up book and wondered what you were missing?
Maybe it was Fourth Wing or Twilight, or Harry Potter?
The Ministry of Time was so hyped before it was released that the BBC in the UK purchased the rights to make it into a TV series...
As with every episode, I am not going to spoil the ending, but I am going to talk about my feelings as I read and finished this time-travelling debut by British-Cambodian author, Kaliane Bradley.
Did I like it? Did I rate it? Find out.
Don't forget, if you want to find out more about Livestream for the Cure, or donate to the event, check out the site now:
https://donate.tiltify.com/d788c5ca-1b84-42f1-a41a-ab715c2ce57e/details
The event starts on Wednesday 29th of May and I will be on livestream myself from 4pm EST/9pm BST on Thursday 30th May here: https://www.twitch.tv/livestreamforthecure
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This week I am heading all over the country with Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare as we follow Hercule Poirot on one of his toughest early investigations, The ABC Murders.
Not only does he have to contend with a serial killer who seemingly has no discernable MO, but he is up against the clock as this murderer is putting a timer on it all.
Will he solve the case? Will he beat the killer at his own game? We will reveal some, but not all of this, this week in the usual Being Bookish spoiler-free fashion.
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As you may know, there are few genres I enjoy more than cosy mysteries, so when this one kept on popping up on my Insta feed I knew that I had to give it a whirl.
Based in 1795, this novel follows one of my author idols, Jane Austen as she navigates social niceties, attends balls, spends time with her friends and...solves the murder of a milliner from whom she once purchased a hat in Basingstoke.
As always, I won't be spoiling the ending, revealing the murder or unveiling their motive...but I will be letting you know whether I enjoyed it or not!
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Not all monsters are what they seem...This week I am taking a look at probably one of the most famous 'monsters' in Greek Mythology, Medusa, with Natalie Haynes' mythological retelling of the story, Stone Blind. So, does this book live up to the hype I have heard from fans over the last couple of years? Is the book as amazing as the stunning cover would have it appear? Join me to find out what I thought, during my spoiler-free review. As ever, I will be completely honest as I take the story apart, and despite pretty much everyone knowing how the tale of Medusa ends, I am not going to reveal the unexpected twists and turns that Haynes uses in the book.
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Most of you will easily remember the 1996 film starring the iconic trio that is Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton. But did you know that before it was a movie it was a book written by socialite and author Olivia Goldsmith?
Released in 1992, the book is a study in society, in revenge and this book is probably what Shakespeare meant when he said 'Hell Hath No Fury Like a Woman Scorned'. For these women are 100% vindictive and out for blood. Unlike the film, this is not all sweetness and light with cute little moments such as the teasing about Elise's overdone lip implants, or the scene with the legendary Maggie Smith where she is mentoring the naive and money hungry Sarah Jessica Parker. So...what did I think when I read this for the first time? Listen on to find out!
Episode links
Livestream for the Cure
F.T. Lukens interview (YouTube)
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Sit back, relax and enjoy this incredible chat with author F.T. Lukens as we talk about their new YA Fantasy novel, Otherworldly (due for release on the 2nd of April 2024). Otherworldly is the story of non-believer Ellery who moved from their family farm to the city when the winter didn't end five years previously, destroying the family's livelihood. When they meet Knox, a familiar who has been living in the mortal realm for five years, they find themselves involved in things they don't believe and don't want to. The story has some incredibly strong themes, such as the environment, LGBTQ+ identity and underlying mythology.
Of course, there is also talk about post-it notes, storyboards and stationery!
Episode links
F.T. Lukens on Instagram
F.T. Lukens' website
Book launch at Malaprop's Bookstore
Special Editions from Dazzling Bookshop
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A compelling combination of Six of Crows and Peaky Blinders is the way that book promoters have been selling the third novel by American author Hafsah Faizal. As someone who has never seen Peaky Blinders, but loved Six of Crows (see my review of that from 2021), does this claim actually ring true?
Enter White Roaring, a town that is full of intrigue and insurrection. A town under the tyrannical rule of the mysterious Ram and meet Arthie and Jin Casimir, proprietors of Spindrift, a charming tea room with a secret. All is not as it seems on the surface, and that becomes much clearer when you realise that Arthie is a schemer, going after what she wants whatever the cost...and right now what she wants is in the Athereum; a ledger that can help her and others to take down the powers that rule so unfairly...but will they succeed?
Before I read this book I had heard so much about it, the reviews are mixed, so which side of the track will mine fall? And more importantly...I won't spoil it to reveal my thoughts!
Featured Episodes
Six of Crows
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This one book is not like the others...and that is certainly true where The Secret Adversary is concerned. With a career spanning more than 50 years, Agatha Christie created and wrote about a lot of different characters, though her most well-known and most beloved are an elderly woman who loves to knit and observe and a rotund Belgian who knows and sees everything!
In 1922, Christie wrote about Tommy Beresford and his friend Tuppence Cowley for the first time. Though they would only appear in a few books, their tales are very different from others that she wrote...in fact, I would go so far as to say that they are more spy novels than mysteries! But that's just me...So, join me this week on my first adventure with the Young Adventurers Ltd and see what kind of trouble they get into, and whether I like it or not!
Featured episodes
Cosy Crime Playlist
Featured links
Spybrary's recommended spy novels
Raye on YouTube
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