Jennie Godfrey – författare

FROM THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS . . .In the summer of 1985, the entire country is poised for the biggest music event in history – Live Aid.The residents of Delmont Close are preparing for a neighbourhood barbecue to celebrate this historic moment, but someone uninvited is watching them closely, getting ready to make their move. But who are they watching, and why?The Gordons – Hanna, her high-strung mother Lydia and sweet father Peter – have opened the doors to their home. And when their neighbours flood in, so do all the secrets that have been kept in the close. There is Rita, a new resident from Australia, Steve a young man who is battling his own demons, Aunty Beverley who has come to pass judgment on her relatives.The Barbecue at No.9 explores family, friendship and love with Jennie Godfrey’s signature wit, warmth and bite.

"The List of Suspicious Things somehow manages to be heartwarming yet heartbreaking, a story of innocence lost that will make you feel innocent again, and beautifully nostalgic while being an unflinching portrait of the past. I loved it."

—Tracy Sierra, author of Nightwatching

"We'll make a list. A list of all the people and things we see that are suspicious. And then… we'll investigate them."

Eleven-year-old Miv is panicking. Life has been complicated since her mom got sick, and now her dad is talking about wanting to move their family away from the town Miv has lived in her whole life—because of the murders. Young women are dying, everyone is afraid, and no one knows who the culprit might be.

But as far as Miv is concerned, leaving Yorkshire and her best friend Sharon simply isn't an option, no matter the dangers lurking round their way; or the strangeness at home that started the day Miv's mum stopped talking. Perhaps if she could solve the case of the disappearing women, they could stay after all?

So, Miv and Sharon decide to make a list: a list of all the suspicious people and things on their street. People they know. People they don't. But their search for the truth reveals more secrets in their neighborhood, within their families—and between each other—than they ever thought possible. What if the real mystery Miv needs to solve is the one that lies much closer to home?

Brought to you by Penguin.A BEST DEBUT OF 2024 BY BBThe instant Sunday Times bestsellerYorkshire, 1979Maggie Thatcher is prime minister, drainpipe jeans are in, and Miv is convinced that her dad wants to move their family Down South.Because of the murders.Leaving Yorkshire and her best friend Sharon simply isn''t an option, no matter the dangers lurking round their way; or the strangeness at home that started the day Miv''s mum stopped talking.Perhaps if she could solve the case of the disappearing women, they could stay after all?So, Miv and Sharon decide to make a list: a list of all the suspicious people and things down their street. People they know. People they don''t.But their search for the truth reveals more secrets in their neighbourhood, within their families - and between each other - than they ever thought possible.What if the real mystery Miv needs to solve is the one that lies much closer to home?THE PERFECT DEBUT NOVEL TO DISCUSS IN BOOK CLUBS''To read it is to feel that little bit better about life''ELIZABETH DAY''A beautiful mystery with heart''ROB RINDER''This is a heart-warming book''EMMA HEALEY''A gorgeous, page-turning book''I PAPER©2024 Jennie Godfrey (P)2024 Penguin Audio