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!