In My Good Books

Susie Green
  • 4.6 (21)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

In My Good Books is the podcast for UK readers who love crime fiction, thrillers, and literary fiction. Hosted by Susie Green, each episode features relaxed, in-depth conversations with authors and fellow readers about the stories that stay with us, the books we can’t stop recommending, and the creative process behind the page. Whether you’re looking for your next gripping read or curious about how your favourite authors craft their stories, this podcast is here to inspire, entertain, and help you discover your next great book. New episodes every week, follow to never miss an episode!

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    94: Andrea Mara on Such a Nice Girl, Twisty Psychological Thrillers & Seeing All Her Fault on Screen

    In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by Sunday Times bestselling author Andrea Mara to talk about her latest psychological thriller, Such a Nice Girl. Andrea’s novels are known for their page-turning plots, clever twists, and those unsettling “what would you do?” dilemmas - and this new book is no exception. We chat about the inspiration behind Such a Nice Girl, which started with a very relatable parenting fear and grew into a story about friendship, loyalty, and what happens when trust begins to crack. The novel follows two mothers whose daughters go missing after a wedding, and the terrifying possibility that one of them may be trying to harm the other! Find Andrea here: https://www.instagram.com/andreamaraauthor/ Buy Such A Nice Girl: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/such-a-nice-girl-andrea-mara/a02c3e8b03a30211?ean=9780857505897&next=t Books recommended in this episode: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/untitled-araminta-hall-2025-araminta-hall/7683551?ean=9781035018314&next=t https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/demon-copperhead-longlisted-for-the-women-s-prize-for-fiction-2023-barbara-kingsolver/7425554?ean=9780571376483&next=t https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/long-bright-river-an-intense-family-thriller-liz-moore/3338803?ean=9781786090614&next=t

    39 min

  2. 6 DAYS AGO

    93: Elizabeth Arnott on True Crime, Female Agency & The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives

    In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by Elizabeth Arnott, author of The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives, a bold, character-driven crime novel that flips the traditional serial killer narrative on its head. Some readers may already know Elizabeth as Lizzie Pook, acclaimed for her atmospheric historical fiction. In this conversation, she shares what inspired her shift into crime writing, and how a deeply personal experience led her to create a story that feels both empowering and unexpectedly fun.  The conversation also explores our long-standing cultural fascination with true crime, from public executions to modern documentaries, and why these stories continue to grip us. Find Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabetharnottwrites/ Buy The Secret Lives of Murderer's Wives: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-secret-lives-of-murderers-wives-elizabeth-arnott/0afcec091c1327ff?ean=9780241733622&next=t Books recommended in this episode: The Wedding People: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-wedding-people-the-hilarious-and-moving-million-copy-bestseller-alison-espach/879f21fa6a0d5e2d?ean=9781399622752&next=t Notes on an Execution: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/notes-on-an-execution-the-bestselling-thriller-that-everyone-is-talking-about-danya-kukafka/6daee1c8b6373e8b?ean=9781474625975&next=t

    38 min

  3. 30 APR

    92: Charlotte Robinson on Mars One: Space Thrillers, Reality TV & Writing an Ambitious Debut

    In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by debut author Charlotte Robinson to talk about her brilliantly ambitious sci-fi thriller Mars One. Blending high-stakes space exploration with the dark side of reality TV, Mars One imagines a one-way mission to Mars funded by a televised spectacle - where the line between entertainment and ethics becomes dangerously blurred. Charlotte shares the inspiration behind the novel, including the real-life Mars One project, and how that initial idea grew into a multi-stranded, globe-spanning story. Charlotte also talks about her background working on major TV dramas and how that experience shaped her storytelling, from visual scene-setting to structuring complex plots. We chat about the differences between writing for screen and page, the challenges of writing solo versus in a writers’ room, and why her walls were covered in colour-coded Post-it notes while plotting this novel. Plus, we get into the research behind the book (including some brilliant space facts), her journey to publication, and what readers can expect from her next project. Find Charlotte here: https://www.instagram.com/bycharlotterobinson/ Buy Mars One: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/mars-one-charlotte-robinson/7961777?ean=9780857507341&next=t Books Recommended in this episode: Carrying the Fire: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/carrying-the-fire-an-astronaut-s-journeys-michael-collins/839160?ean=9781509896578&next=t Outlaw Ocean: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-outlaw-ocean-crime-and-survival-in-the-last-untamed-frontier-ian-urbina/1236722?ean=9781529111392&next=t The Book of Strange New Things: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-book-of-strange-new-things-michel-faber/768960?ean=9781782114086&next=t Katabasis: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/katabasis-r-f-kuang/14b1f7ed1933fafe?ean=9780008501860&next=t

    37 min

  4. 27 APR

    91: Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes on Thornby Manor, Gothic Fiction & Dark Victorian History

    In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by debut author Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes to talk about her gothic historical novel Thornby Manor. Stephanie takes us inside the haunting world of Thornby Manor, a mist-shrouded house filled with secrets, where nothing is quite as it seems. We discuss her love of gothic fiction and the classic influences behind the novel, from Jane Eyre to Rebecca, and how setting can become a character in its own right. We also dive into the fascinating and disturbing historical context behind the book, including the treatment of women in Victorian England and how easily people, particularly women, could be institutionalised and silenced. Stephanie shares the real-life cases that inspired her story and how history shaped her protagonist, Briar. As someone who has worked in publishing for over 16 years, Stephanie gives an honest and eye-opening insight into what it’s really like trying to get published - even when you’re already in the industry. We also chat about balancing writing with a full-time job, the realities of being on submission, and what’s next for Stephanie as she begins work on her second novel. If you love gothic fiction, historical mysteries, and behind-the-scenes insights into the publishing world, this is an episode for you. Find Stephanie here: https://www.instagram.com/bramwelllawes/ Buy Thornby Manor here: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/thornby-manor-the-spellbinding-intoxicating-new-debut-historical-mystery-stephanie-bramwell-lawes/6b30e6b7752a8d62?ean=9781917764124&next=t Books recommended in this episode: Falling Angels: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/falling-angels-tracy-chevalier/232392?ean=9780007217236&next=t Life After Life: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/life-after-life-the-global-bestseller-now-a-major-bbc-series-kate-atkinson/ba956f364de24820?ean=9780552776639&next=t The Show Woman: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-show-woman-an-incredibly-gripping-moving-and-inspiring-historical-page-turner-emma-cowing/0e4c75568e3860b3?ean=9781399737395&next=t The Pleasure Palace: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-pleasure-palace-gripping-and-unforgettable-historical-fiction-from-the-acclaimed-author-of-the-show-woman-emma-cowing/2cfe3e9adf35f7f8?ean=9781399737449&next=t

    45 min

  5. 23 APR

    90: Jane Harper on Last One Out, Grief, Community & What Happens After the Drama | In My Good Books

    If you’re looking for a crime novel that goes beyond the mystery, this episode of In My Good Books with bestselling author Jane Harper is an absolute must-listen. Jane joined me to talk about her latest novel, Last One Out, a powerful and atmospheric story that explores grief, community, and the long shadow of loss. At the heart of the novel is Ro, a mother who returns to her hometown each year on the anniversary of her son’s disappearance. In this conversation, we dive into Jane’s fascination with what happens after the central event in a crime novel. Rather than focusing solely on the moment of drama, she’s drawn to the emotional aftermath — how people live with what’s happened, how communities shift, and how grief reshapes relationships over time. Plus, for anyone interested in the craft of writing, Jane opens up about her plotting process — how she structures her novels, balances tension with emotional depth, and keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. If you love crime fiction with heart, rich atmosphere, and complex characters, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and brilliant book chat. Find Jane here: https://www.instagram.com/janeharperauthor/ Buy Last One Out: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/jane-harper-book-6-jane-harper/7832199?ean=9781035033973&next=t Books recommended in this episode: Mad Mabel: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/mad-mabel-sally-hepworth/7971068?ean=9781035096176&next=t The Hiding Place: https://www.amazon.com/Hiding-Place-Kate-Mildenhall-ebook/dp/B0FCSR4NX9

    32 min

  6. 20 APR

    89: Erin White on Like Family, Midlife Friendships, Secrets & the Complexity of Modern Relationships

    In this episode of In My Good Books, I’m joined by author Erin White to discuss her debut novel Like Family, a beautiful story about friendship, family, and what it really means to reach midlife. We talk about why Erin describes the book as a “coming of middle age” novel, and how this often-overlooked life stage can be just as transformative and turbulent as adolescence. At the heart of the story are three interconnected couples whose lives are bound together through friendship, family ties, and shared history, all set against the backdrop of a small rural community. Find Erin here: https://www.instagram.com/erinowhite/ Buy Life Family: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/like-family-erin-white/7981603?ean=9781805229155&next=t Books recommended in this episode: Returns and Exchanges: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/returns-and-exchanges-kayla-rae-whitaker/c0548589ebe6c295?ean=9781917189026&next=t The Bell: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-bell-iris-murdoch/3829885?ean=9780099470489&next=t

    31 min

  7. 16 APR

    88: Angela Flournoy on The Wilderness, Friendship & Life in Your 40s | In My Good Books

    If you’re looking for a book about friendship, identity and what life really looks like between your 20's and your 40s, this episode of In My Good Books with Angela Flournoy is one you won’t want to miss. Angela joined me on the podcast to talk about her brilliant novel The Wilderness, which follows four Black women as they move from their 20s into their 40s, navigating shifting friendships, class, politics and the realities of modern life. We also got into how The Wilderness reflects contemporary life, from social media to political divisions, and why that has sparked different reactions from readers in the US. Angela talks openly about the criticism she’s faced for including so much of the present day in her work, and why she felt it was important to keep the story grounded in the world we’re actually living in. Alongside all of that, we discussed class, identity, and the importance of friendship as a kind of chosen family – especially during periods of change and uncertainty. Find Angela here: https://www.instagram.com/angelaflournoy/ Buy The Wilderness: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-wilderness-angela-flournoy/93de185ec182f0f9?ean=9780857309525&next=t Books recommended in this episode: Lightbreakers: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/lightbreakers-aja-gabel/7900173?ean=9780349725437&next=t Loved & Missed: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/loved-and-missed-susie-boyt/4957456?ean=9780349015033&next=t

    33 min

  8. 13 APR

    87: Hannah MacDonald from A Pair of Bookends on Podcasting Disasters, Reading Habits & Book Recommendations | In My Good Books

    If you’re looking for a brilliant mix of book recommendations, honest chat about reading habits, and a behind-the-scenes look at book podcasting, this episode of In My Good Books is such a fun listen. I’m joined by Hannah from A Pair of Bookends podcast, and we talk about her journey as a reader, from childhood shopping trips with her nana to building a podcast and community around books. We get into how those early experiences shaped her love of reading, why escapism still plays such a big role in her life, and how she’s managed to keep reading a priority even alongside a busy schedule. Hannah also shares some of her funniest podcasting disasters (and there are a few!), giving a really honest insight into what goes on behind the scenes when you’re creating content and putting yourself out there. Of course, there are plenty of book recommendations too. From childhood favourites like Jacqueline Wilson to the emotionally rich novels of Jodi Picoult, Hannah talks about how her reading taste has evolved over time. And if you’re looking for a strong recommendation, she makes a very convincing case for picking up anything by Emma Hinds. If you enjoy author interviews, book recommendations, and conversations about the reading life, this episode of In My Good Books is definitely one to add to your list. Find A Pair of Bookends podcast here: https://linktr.ee/apairofbookendspod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5580f967-4286-449f-b5ea-75159f45f286 Books recommended in this episode: My Women: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/my-women-yuliia-iliukha/41761dba4eecda9e?ean=9781917378284&next=t Female, Nude: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/female-nude-the-smouldering-and-propulsive-new-literary-read-for-2026-rhiannon-lucy-cosslett/f34d2575d5926d34?ean=9781035413812&next=t Minbak: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/minbak-ela-lee/7901404?ean=9781787303683&next=t The Wreck: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-wreck-lizzy-stewart/7923882?ean=9781787335318&next=t The Knowing: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-knowing-an-intoxicating-gothic-historical-fiction-debut-emma-hinds/ac52ac98d2434f47?ean=9781915798145&next=t The Quick & The Dead: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-quick-and-the-dead-emma-hinds/7741316?ean=9781915798916&next=t

    38 min
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4.6
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

In My Good Books is the podcast for UK readers who love crime fiction, thrillers, and literary fiction. Hosted by Susie Green, each episode features relaxed, in-depth conversations with authors and fellow readers about the stories that stay with us, the books we can’t stop recommending, and the creative process behind the page. Whether you’re looking for your next gripping read or curious about how your favourite authors craft their stories, this podcast is here to inspire, entertain, and help you discover your next great book. New episodes every week, follow to never miss an episode!

Information

  • Creator
    Susie Green
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Susie Green
  • Show Website
    In My Good Books

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