Month: March 2026

A Family Matter by Claire Lynch

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I picked up ‘A Family Matter’ by Claire Lynch in one of my recent visits to an independent bookshop. This treat came home with me from ‘Heron Books’ in Clifton (this is also a happy coincidence as one of the main characters in this book is called Heron). And, as I purchased it, the booksellers only had good things to say about the author and the book. Since then, it has also won gold prize at the Nero Book Awards, which I think it very well-deserved.

‘A Family Matter’ is told in a dual timeline. In 2023, we meet Heron and his daughter Maggie as they deal with a recent health diagnosis, that also makes them face the past. And we are also in 1983, as we learn about Dawn, who is dealing with the end of her marriage as she enters into a relationship with Hazel and all that this goes on to cost her.

It is a short but special read. I found myself surprised when it came to an end, as I think I wanted a little more, which is the sign of a very good book, in my opinion. You are left, as this book ends, wanting more and still thinking about it. I like to think that, as I have thought a little more about this book, that as it came to end for us as a reader, the characters continued to live on and take the chances that they have been given.

This is also a fascinating study of relationships. And it will be no surprise that it is an interesting study of family relationships, in all the different forms that they take.

If you have read this book, I have thoughts about the actions of Heron in 2023, and what they mean for his daughter Maggie. I am absolutely convinced that what he does, he does so in order to know, as life changes, she will have the chance of something new. I would love to know if you have read it, and if you have the same ideas. Or even if you are inspired to go and read it – let me know if you have the same ideas as you get to the end of the book.

But, most importantly, read this book because it is a complete gem!

The Barbecue at No.9 by Jennie Godfrey

by Bookworm&TheatreMouse

I have been counting down the days until this book was released; I was looking with a little envy at some of the Bookstagram community that had proofs of ‘The Barbecue at No. 9’, so I ensured I picked it up as soon as it was released. And, thank goodness, it did not disappoint (which is no surprise).

The family at No.9 are having a barbecue, for the children, on the day/night of ‘Live Aid’. One summer day/night that wont be forgotten by many but especially won’t be forgotten by the households of Delmont Close. As the residents come together in the summer of 1985, suspense is built as we meet them and are gradually introduced to their secrets – some darker than others. The tale is told from multiple viewpoints, which means we also see how they view each other and this potentially leads the reader to play a little bit of armchair detective as they try to work out what their secret may be.

This story and its excellent character creation is also done with a reflection of the social attitudes and political situation of the time. Which may be something that does not offer us the same nostalgia as the music and popular culture of the time. But it is still a reflection of the time, and I am glad some progress has been made – but there is, of course, always more that can be done. I realise that is quite a cryptic set of sentences, but, as you know, it is a spoiler-free review here, so it will have to be cryptic until you pick it up and read it yourself.

I heard Jennie Godfrey speak about this book at ‘The Book Taster Live 2025’, and I love the dedication she had for making sure the right bands were on the TV at the right time as she told her story. And, I loved how the book is broken down hour by hour, reflecting the acts that were on the stage at the time. I mean it was quite a collection of the musical royalty of 1985. I would certainly reread this book with a playlist of the artists as I read the sections, to transport me even more to the summer of 1985. Although, I am not going to lie, whenever an artist or song was mentioned, they were on repeat in my head from that moment on.

So, if you enjoyed ‘The List of Suspicious Things‘, you will enjoy ‘The Barbecue at No. 9’. Jennie Godfrey, again, creates fantastic characters, and places them in a setting in such a way you feel like you are there with them. I am certain I could smell barbecue as I was reading the book. I am excited to see where Jennie Godfrey takes us next!