Bestsellers & Brews

Tang Seng

Join me on Bestsellers & Brews, where I dive deep into today’s chart-topping novels to uncover what makes them unputdownable. Whether you’re a dedicated writer, an aspiring author, or simply someone who loves exploring great stories, pull up a chair - we’re about to get into the craft of bestselling fiction. Each episode, I break down a recent bestseller, examining everything from character development to plot structure, while keeping things conversational and engaging. I’ll explore what makes these books rise to the top and share writing insights that you can apply to your own work. Through careful analysis of successful novels, you’ll gain practical understanding of storytelling techniques that capture readers’ hearts and minds. This isn’t your typical dry, academic analysis - think of it more like those late-night conversations at your favorite café, where ideas flow freely and books come alive through discussion. I’ll dive into the good, the great, and yes, sometimes even the not-...

  1. Her First Mistake - Kendra Elliot

    08/28/2025

    Her First Mistake - Kendra Elliot

    ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of domestic violence, psychological abuse, and gaslighting Discover why Kendra Elliot's latest psychological thriller has readers divided—achieving a 4.50-star Goodreads rating while critics question whether franchise ambitions overshadow mystery construction. This deep-dive review examines how a bestselling author with 13 million books sold tackles domestic abuse through the cold case thriller framework. Episode Highlights: Why this #21 Amazon Suspense Thriller succeeds as character study but struggles as mystery Spoiler-free recommendation section for potential readers In-depth analysis of Elliot's three-timeline narrative structure Critical examination of convenient plot devices and passive protagonist problems Constructive suggestions for story improvement and missed thriller opportunities Key Timestamp: 13:36 - ⚠️ SPOILER SECTION BEGINS - Full plot breakdown and writer's craft analysis Resources Mentioned: Her First Mistake by Kendra Elliot on Goodreads Mystery and Suspense Magazine's 4.25-star review Kirkus Reviews critique of franchise-building priorities Elliot's Mercy Kilpatrick series (Warner Bros. Television option) Comparison titles: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins Trigger Warning: This episode includes detailed discussion of psychological manipulation, emotional abuse in relationships, and domestic violence themes. Join our book review community for weekly deep-dive discussions and honest literary analysis. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more thriller breakdowns and psychological suspense explorations. Join the FREE Skool Community to get good at writing

    42 min
  2. All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries - Martha Wells

    08/16/2025

    All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries - Martha Wells

    Discover why All Systems Red swept every major science fiction award and launched Martha Wells from struggling author to genre superstar. This deadpan, TV-obsessed security android who'd rather watch soap operas than interact with humans has become the most relatable AI protagonist in modern sci-fi. Episode Highlights: Martha Wells' inspiring career resurrection after nearly quitting writing Complete breakdown of the book's unprecedented award sweep (Hugo, Nebula, Locus, Alex) Why Murderbot resonates so deeply with anxious and neurodivergent readers Spoiler-free assessment: Is this novella worth your time? Deep writer's craft analysis of what works and what could be improved How the Apple TV+ adaptation with Alexander Skarsgård changes the story Resources Mentioned: All Systems Red by Martha Wells on [Goodreads/Amazon] The Murderbot Diaries series (6 books total) Apple TV+ Murderbot series (96% Rotten Tomatoes) Comparison titles: The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, Ancillary Justice, Project Hail Mary Hugo, Nebula, and Locus Award winners 2018 Books & Media Referenced: Battlestar Galactica, I Robot, The Matrix (AI comparison) Sanctuary Moon (fictional show within the book) The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Marvin comparison) Join our writing community for weekly deep-dive discussions and craft analysis. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more award-winning book breakdowns and hidden gem discoveries. Connect with us: Join the FREE Skool Community to get good at writing Find Bestsellers and Brews on: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube

    49 min
  3. Foreign Affairs - Alison Lurie

    07/18/2025

    Foreign Affairs - Alison Lurie

    ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of suicide, drunk driving fatality, mortality themes Discover why Foreign Affairs won the 1985 Pulitzer Prize and became a groundbreaking portrayal of middle-aged romance. Alison Lurie's sophisticated comedy of manners follows two American academics in London finding unexpected second chances at life. Episode Highlights: Complete breakdown of the novel's prestigious awards (Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award finalist) Why this pioneering work changed how literature portrays middle-aged women Spoiler-free recommendation section for potential readers In-depth analysis of Lurie's narrative techniques and character development Critical examination of the novel's structural weaknesses and convenience plotting Constructive suggestions for strengthening character arcs and thematic coherence Key Timestamp: 25:55 - ⚠️ SPOILER SECTION BEGINS - Full plot breakdown and detailed analysis Resources Mentioned: Foreign Affairs by Alison Lurie on Goodreads 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction Comparison to Henry James's "The Ambassadors" David Lodge's campus novels 1993 NBC adaptation starring Joanne Woodward Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation, drunk driving resulting in death, and mortality themes. Join our book review community for weekly deep-dive discussions and honest literary analysis. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more Pulitzer Prize winner breakdowns and hidden gem discoveries. Join the FREE Skool Community to get good at writing

    1h 14m
  4. Shield of Sparrows - Devney Perry

    07/10/2025

    Shield of Sparrows - Devney Perry

    Why Shield of Sparrows became the #1 New York Times bestseller that pulled TS back into romantasy after swearing off the genre. This comprehensive review compares Perry's monster-hunting debut against Fourth Wing and Quicksilver to see what works—and what definitely doesn't. Episode Highlights: Why this book convinced a reluctant reader to try romantasy again Complete commercial success breakdown and industry impact Spoiler-free recommendation: who should and shouldn't read this Shadow daddy comparison: Guardian vs. Xaden vs. Kingfisher The Witcher connections and missed monster-hunting opportunities Character motivation breakdowns that don't make sense Writing style issues and repetitive middle section problems Game of Thrones arranged marriage comparison and what went wrong Key Timestamp: 20:04 - ⚠️ SPOILER SECTION BEGINS - Full plot breakdown and detailed craft analysis Resources Mentioned: Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry (available on Kindle Unlimited) Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros comparison throughout Quicksilver by Callie Hart shadow daddy analysis The Witcher series parallels and monster-hunting concepts Game of Thrones arranged marriage execution comparison Red Tower Books publishing strategy discussion This is TS's third romantasy review on Bestsellers and Brews. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more honest book breakdowns and writing craft discussions. Next Episode: Foreign Affairs by Alison Lurie Connect with us: Join the FREE Skool Community to get good at writing: https://www.skool.com/get-good-at-writing

    1h 7m
  5. The Lost Bookshop - Evie Woods

    07/03/2025

    The Lost Bookshop - Evie Woods

    ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: Discussion of domestic violence, mental health institutionalization, and infant loss Discover why The Lost Bookshop became a global phenomenon, selling over 1 million copies in just 11 months. Evie Woods' debut magical realism novel weaves together 1920s Paris and contemporary Dublin through a vanishing bookshop that appears only to those who need it most. Key Timestamps: [17:33] - ⚠️ MAJOR SPOILERS BEGIN - Complete story breakdown and analysis Resources Mentioned: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods on Goodreads Shortlisted for 2024 British Book Award (Page-Turner of the Year) Nielsen Gold Bestseller Award 2025 Author's influences: Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Emily Brontë About This Episode: This comprehensive review examines both the magical charm and structural flaws of Woods' bestselling debut. We explore how a book about books captured readers worldwide while analyzing specific craft elements that could have elevated it from commercial success to literary masterpiece. Perfect for aspiring writers seeking to understand what makes bestsellers work—and how they could work better. Trigger Warning: This episode discusses domestic violence, asylum abuse, and infant loss as portrayed in the novel. Join our book review community for weekly deep-dive discussions and honest literary analysis. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more bestseller breakdowns and writing craft insights. Next Week: We'll be diving into Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry! Connect with us: Join our FREE Skool Community to get good at writing: https://www.skool.com/get-good-at-writing

    55 min

Ratings & Reviews

3.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join me on Bestsellers & Brews, where I dive deep into today’s chart-topping novels to uncover what makes them unputdownable. Whether you’re a dedicated writer, an aspiring author, or simply someone who loves exploring great stories, pull up a chair - we’re about to get into the craft of bestselling fiction. Each episode, I break down a recent bestseller, examining everything from character development to plot structure, while keeping things conversational and engaging. I’ll explore what makes these books rise to the top and share writing insights that you can apply to your own work. Through careful analysis of successful novels, you’ll gain practical understanding of storytelling techniques that capture readers’ hearts and minds. This isn’t your typical dry, academic analysis - think of it more like those late-night conversations at your favorite café, where ideas flow freely and books come alive through discussion. I’ll dive into the good, the great, and yes, sometimes even the not-...