In My Good Books

In this episode of In My Good Books, Susie is joined by debut novelist Silvia Saunders to talk about her beautifully observed first novel, Homesick. Set during the uncertain years of early adulthood, the book explores friendship, love, jealousy and mental health through the eyes of Mara, a librarian trying to navigate adulthood while living with her childhood best friend.
Silvia discusses how Homesick captures that messy in-between stage of life where nothing feels settled. The novel examines what happens when long-standing friendships are tested, particularly when money, grief and unspoken resentment enter the picture. When Mara unexpectedly receives a financial windfall following her father’s death, it creates emotional ripples that force her to reassess her relationships and her sense of self.
The conversation also delves into Silvia’s writing journey, including the years she spent continuing to write despite rejections and setbacks. She shares how winning the Comedy Women in Print Unpublished Prize proved to be a turning point, not only validating the work but giving her the confidence to follow up with agents who were yet to read the manuscript — ultimately leading to representation and publication.
Throughout the episode, Silvia speaks candidly about balancing humour with serious themes, the importance of authenticity on the page, and how vital the writing community has been to her development as an author. She also shares book recommendations that have inspired her along the way, celebrating the joy of reading and the connections it creates.
You can find Silvia here: https://www.instagram.com/silvsaunders/
You can buy Homesick here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/homesick-silvia-saunders/7730365?ean=9780008667047&next=t
Books recommended in this episode:
Black Milk by Elif Shafak
My Work by Olga Ravn
Palava by Brian Washington

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by bestselling author and former police detective Caroline Mitchell to talk about her remarkable writing career and her latest psychological thriller, The Ice Angels.
Caroline has published an astonishing 23 novels since leaving the police, and in this conversation she shares how her background in law enforcement shapes her crime writing, from authentic investigative detail to the emotional realities behind the cases. We discuss her writing process, including her hybrid approach to plotting, and why strong character development sits at the heart of everything she writes.
We also talk about the challenges of the publishing journey, the importance of resilience, and why writing has been such a therapeutic outlet for Caroline after her time in the police. She offers honest and encouraging author advice, especially for writers facing rejection or self-doubt, and explains why simply refusing to give up has been key to her success.
A must-listen for fans of psychological thrillers, crime writing, and anyone curious about what it really takes to build a long-term writing career.
You can find Caroline here: https://www.instagram.com/caroline_writes/
You can buy The Ice Angels here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-ice-angels-caroline-mitchell/7869999?ean=9781804955284&next=t

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by bestselling author Laura Pearson to talk about her latest novel, What Happened That Summer.
We discuss the inspiration behind What Happened That Summer, including how the idea came to Laura unexpectedly while travelling, and why she knew this was a story she had to tell. Laura also explains the unique podcast-style format used in the novel and how it allowed her to explore character, memory and truth in a fresh and engaging way.
Laura shares her publishing journey, including what it was like to secure an eight-book deal, how flexibility from her publisher has given her the freedom to experiment across genres, and the challenges she’s faced along the way. We talk in depth about character development, how Laura decides when an idea is strong enough to become a full novel, and why writing what excites her remains central to her process.
We also touch on Laura’s future projects, the books that have inspired her as a writer, and why she loves exploring emotional depth through contemporary fiction. If you’re interested in writing inspiration, the realities of the publishing journey, or discovering your next great read, this episode is for you.
What Happened That Summer by Laura Pearson is out now: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/rollercoaster-brand-new-from-laura-pearson-author-of-the-number-one-sensation-the-last-list-of-mabel-beaumont-laura-pearson/0964676e78a5aded?ean=9781836034872&next=t
Books recommended in this episode:
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Five by Ilona Bannister

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by novelist Carole Hailey to talk about her gripping debut novel, Scenes From A Tragedy.
We discuss how Carole was drawn to writing about a devastating plane crash in the Lake District and how her background in law shaped the way she approached research, investigation and storytelling. Carole shares her fascination with exploring the aftermath of tragedy rather than the moment itself, and how the ripple effects of loss can be just as compelling as the event.
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation is Carole’s decision to write about psychopaths who aren’t murderers - the people we work with, live with and sometimes love, and how that choice adds an unsettling realism to the novel.
Carole also offers brilliant advice for writers, particularly around the idea of “writing what you don’t know”, and how curiosity, research and empathy can help bring unfamiliar worlds convincingly to the page.
You can find Carole here: https://www.instagram.com/carolehaileyx/
You can buy Scenes From A Tragedy here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/scenes-from-a-tragedy-carole-hailey/a713f711130c9596?ean=9781805461562&next=t
Books recommended in this episode:
Biography of X by Katherine Lacey
True Crime Story by Joseph Knox

In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by award-winning author D.V. Bishop to talk about his brilliant historical crime series set in Renaissance Italy. We explore the world of Cesare Aldo, a crime investigator navigating a corrupt justice system while living as a gay man in a deeply repressive society.
David shares how his fascination with historical criminal justice led to the creation of the series, and why Carnival of Lies feels like such a pivotal novel. We talk in depth about character development, including the moral complexity of Aldo himself and the intrigue added by the Contessa, one of the most compelling characters in the series.
One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation is David’s honesty about the writing journey - including the fact that his first book was 20 years in the making. He offers thoughtful and practical writing tips for anyone thinking about starting their first novel, from the importance of finishing a draft to knowing your genre and being a voracious reader.
Whether you love historical fiction, are already a fan of the Cesare Aldo series, or are looking for encouragement and advice on creative writing, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration and brilliant book recommendations.
You can find out more about David here: https://www.instagram.com/cesarealdo/
You can purchase Carnival of Lies here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/carnival-of-lies-d-v-bishop/7709825?ean=9781035041961&next=t
Books recommended in this episode:
Staring at Craft by Ursula La Guin
Refuse to be done by Matt Bell
On Writing by Stephen King
Into The Woods by John York
Spider Spider by LC Winter
The Wise Witch of Orkney by Anna Caig