Jonathan Posner's Blog

The latest edition of The Thursday Book Club was broadcast on 16th July 2026 at 2pm on Phonic FM. Joining hosts Jonathan Posner and Cathy Dodd were Ruth Foster and Jason Mann. Click the names to find out more about them, and use the audio bar below to listen to the full show.

Our book review was Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.

Our thoughts? Listen below to find out.

Available on Amazon.

 

The second hour featured an interview by Cathy Dodd with author Annabelle Gregory.

Cathy also played some great music – linked to the themes in Annabelle’s memoir, The Art of Becoming.

Listen to the show in full here:

https://jonathanposnerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/TBC-Show-36-16-07-26a.mp3

The next show is at 2pm on the 20th August 2026.

Our book review will be The Parkwood Murders by Chris Chibnall.

Why not read along and send your comments in to The Thursday Book Club? Leave a message on our Facebook page or email jo******@jo******************.com  before 18th August 2026. We’d love to have your comments and have the opportunity to feed them into our discussion.

GUEST NEWS

Ruth Foster‘s book A Perfect Year? is out now.

**WINNER, COMEDY WOMEN IN PRINT PRIZE 2025**

” This captivating read is perfect… we loved it” Closer magazine

**A Yours book club choice**

” A masterclass in comic precision” Comedy women in print judges

 

IN PAPERBACK AND EBOOK, AT BOOKSHOPS AND ONLINE

If you thought the round robin letter was dead, think again… It’s 1990s England. In leafy Upley Rising, Ali and Caroline become neighbours but not friends. Ali has a troubled partner, too many children and never enough money. Next door, Caroline rises seamlessly above everything life throws at her, and always gets what she wants. Then there’s respectable Robert, the third neighbour, whose humdrum life takes an unexpected turn.

Jason Mann writes as J.H. Mann. His latest book is The Silver Tide.

WINNER OF THE 2026 HOLYER AN GOF CORNISH NOVEL OF THE YEAR AWARD (GENERAL FICTION CATEGORY)
SHORTLISTED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL 2026 SELFIES ADULT FICTION AWARDS

Cornwall, 1863. On a windswept beach, Maggie Pascoe watches in horror as her family is lost to the sea. Her father and three brothers are among dozens of fishermen from the town of St Branok who perish in a summer storm.

Destitute and alone, she finds comfort in her friendship with widow Norah Bray, whose young son also drowned in the disaster.

But the tragedy was no accident. As Maggie battles to uncover the truth, she hides a devastating secret – one that could destroy her bond with Norah forever.

Inspired by a true story, The Silver Tide is a powerful tale of love, betrayal and one woman’s courageous fight for justice.

Available on Amazon.

BOOK NEWS THIS MONTH

BOOKS AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD RETAILERS

Out on 16th July from Penguin was The Parkwood Murders by Sunday Times bestseller Chris Chibnall, who is best known as the creator of Broadchurch and was a showrunner on Doctor Who – so he probably knows a thing or two about building a compelling mystery. The Parkwood Murders is book two of his Detective Nicola Bridge series. Book one was Death at the White Hart. This new book begins with the discovery of a body floating in the pool at an idyllic woodland retreat in West Dorset. Between the staff and guests, there are hundreds of potential suspects, and each seems to have their own dark secret. Can Detective Nicola Bridge solve the case quickly, all while taking care of her troubled teenage son? It’s slated to be one of the month’s biggest crime releases, and the books are set to be turned into a major ITV series.

Also published by Penguin (on July 2nd) was It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell, author of the Sunday Times bestselling novels None of This Is True and Don’t Let Him In. In her latest gripping thriller, the main character is Jane. Twenty-five years ago, Jane went to a strange man’s house for a nightcap, when a crashing sound and a scream from upstairs sent her fleeing into the night. Now, she finds herself back to the same house, returning a lost dog. And when she catches sight of a terrified-looking woman in the window, she’s drawn in further, compelled to uncover the house’s mysterious, terrifying secrets.

Out on 16th July from Penguin was The First House by Avni Doshi, the Booker Prize-shortlisted author of Burnt Sugar. When a seemingly perfect marriage suddenly falls apart, buried truths begin to emerge, revealing how fragile even the closest relationships can be. It’s an emotionally charged domestic drama that’s already attracting serious critical attention.

Laura Sims’s new book, The Man came out on July 7th from Verve Books It’s a domestic suspense novel that follows Judith Stanley, a 1960s housewife turned amateur photographer who begins to fear for her life when she notices the dark silhouette of a man in the background of her self-portraits. It’s a chilling psychological thriller about obsession, stalking and the frightening consequences of not being believed. Cleverly plotted and deeply unsettling, it’s the sort of novel that gets readers questioning every character’s motives right until the final pages.

Also published on 7th July by Simon and Schuster, was Helpless by Jessica Knoll, the New York Times bestselling author of Luckiest Girl Alive and Bright Young Women. Helpless is a suspense novel centred on a Hollywood producer whose past refuses to stay buried. Mixing glamour with danger, it’s a twist-filled thriller exploring power, ambition and revenge, making it an ideal summer page-turner. According to her fellow author, Lisa Jewell, it’s ‘a dark, twisty and addictive read that you will struggle to put down.’

Country People came out by Daniel Mason on 7th July. Described as ‘The book of the summer’ by Mick Herron and ‘a joyful book… the deeper you dig, the more joyful it becomes’ by the Guardian, Country People follows Daniel Mason’s acclaimed North Woods with a warm, imaginative novel about a family starting over in rural Vermont. What begins as a fresh start gradually develops into a fascinating mystery rooted in local folklore. It’s already been selected for a major US television book club, which is likely to boost international interest.

The Country Road Murders by James Patterson and Mike Lupica comes out on July 30th from Penguin. This is a fast-paced crime thriller packed with short chapters and relentless suspense. Here’s the blurb:

Cross Rivers is the kind of small town where everyone knows your name – and your secrets. Silas Tucker was destined for glory until a devastating accident brought him back to the place where his life fell apart. His father was gunned down on a deserted country road when Silas was just a boy. The killer was never brought to justice. Now, teenage girls are vanishing and the Southern Mafia’s shadow looms over his hometown. The community is terrified. The police need help. And Silas Tucker has nothing left to lose. When the law isn’t enough, sometimes you have to take justice into your own hands…

If you enjoy books you can race through in a weekend, this is classic Patterson – accessible, entertaining and almost impossible to put down.

Here’s a stunning, unpredictable new thriller with breathtaking twists from the Sunday Times and Number One Irish Times bestselling author Jane Casey. It’s called Everything She Didn’t Say, and it came out on July 16th.

This novel promises an intelligent, character-driven mystery from Jane Casey. Combining emotional depth with expertly constructed investigation, this is one for readers who enjoy thoughtful crime fiction as much as dramatic twists.

LOCAL NEWS

Jonathan was at the Chamber of Commerce Big Bash a couple of weeks ago, and saw a great piece of enterprise by the young people of the Deaf Academy in Exmouth. They have written, illustrated and published a book, called Declan and the Magical Processor. It’s a story based on Jack and the Beanstalk, about Declan, a deaf boy, who meets a magical professor. The professor has created a processor which enables him to hear sound. The students from the Deaf Academy took part in Young Enterprise this year, winning 3 awards and getting all the way to the UK finals. They came up with this idea based on their own personal experiences of missing bedtime stories growing up, due to not having access to sound and parents not knowing how to sign. The book has QR codes which link to videos of the students signing the story in British Sign Language. Their aim is to help break down barriers to communication for deaf people, to improve access to stories for deaf young people and teach British Sign Language. The book is available to buy for £5 on the Deaf Academy website, at the-deaf-academy.sumupstore.com.

 

 

The post The Thursday Book Club – July 26 appeared first on Jonathan Posner.

The latest edition of The Thursday Book Club was broadcast on 18th June 2026 at 2pm on Phonic FM. Joining hosts Jonathan Posner and Cathy Dodd were Helena Dixon and Mary Georgina de Grey. Click the names to find out more about them, and use the audio bar below to listen to the full show.

Our book review was The Final Target by Nora Roberts.

Our thoughts? Listen below to find out.

Available on Amazon.

 

The second hour featured an interview by Cathy Dodd with author Brett Orchard.

Cathy also played some great music – including songs from Devon band Fintan May.

Listen to the show in full here: 

https://jonathanposnerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/TBC-Show-35-18-06-26a.mp3

The next show is at 2pm on the 16th July 2026. Book review – TBC.

GUEST NEWS

Helena Dixon’s Events and Releases:

July 8th Chudleigh Lit Fest and literary supperJuly 26th Whitehill Country Park 2-4August 2nd Whitehill Country Park 2-4August 9th Whitehill Country Park 2-4August 12th and 13th Torbay Lit FestAugust 16th Whitehill Country Park 2-4August 23rd Whitehill Country Park 2-4August 30th Whitehill Country Park 2-4September 29th Dame Hannah’s dinner Boringdon ParkOctober 4th Crime at the Coast Lit Fest

Helena’s sponsored charity for 2026 is Cancer Lifeline South West

Helena’s  Book releases

August 18th Murder in a Yorkshire Village – Miss Underhay seriesOctober 15th The Crossword Murders – The Secret Detective Agency seriesNovember 16th Murder at the Mistletoe Ball – Miss Underhay series

Helena’s website is nelldixon.com

Mary Georgina de Grey latest book is Disappeared, a thriller, and was published on the 1st of May.

Children at risk, snatched from the streets of the capital, Bogotá, and trafficked. The fortunate ones end up as slaves, half-starved, on neighbouring estates within Colombia. But what about the others, those who cross the Caribbean Sea? Is their fate even worse?
Meet investigative journalist, Antonia Brooks, as she strives to penetrate a suspect charity and find out who is behind the gang in this first in the series.

Available on Amazon.

Information about all Mary Georgina’s books is available on her website.

Mary Georgina will be at  a multi-media event which will involve art, music and writing at Birdwood House, 44 High St, Totnes TQ9 5SQ, Sunday 18th to Saturday 24th October 2026, 10am-5pm.

Books by Mary Georgina de Grey will be available throughout the week.

Find more information and the full programme at https://www.birdwoodhouse.org.uk/

BOOK NEWS THIS MONTH

BOOKS AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD RETAILERS

One of Britain’s most beloved novelists, Maggie O’Farrell, returns with what could be one of the literary events of the summer. Set in nineteenth-century Ireland, Land came out on June 2nd from Tinder Press. The book follows a family involved in the mapping of a country still scarred by famine and upheaval. Maggie O’Farrell has a remarkable gift for combining history with deeply human stories, and this looks destined to become a major book club favourite.

Also published on June 2nd (by Bloomsbury) is Whistler from Ann Patchett. She has built a huge international following with novels like Tom Lake, Bel Canto and The Dutch House – and particularly novels that that blend family drama with memorable characters. Whistler promises another richly drawn story full of emotional depth and beautifully observed relationships. For readers who enjoyed Tom Lake or Bel Canto, this is one of the season’s biggest releases.

Melissa Harrison has become one of Britain’s finest writers about landscape and community. Her latest novel, The Given World, was published on My 14th by Penguin. This book combines compelling storytelling with a vivid sense of place, exploring how people and the natural world shape each other. The Financial Times says it’s ‘a state-of-the-countryside novel… rich in detail but vast in scope’. The Given World is ideal for readers who enjoy thoughtful fiction that still delivers an engaging narrative.

Fresh from winning the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction, The Correspondent by Virginia Evans has become one of the year’s surprise success stories. Through a series of letters, it tells the story of a woman looking back over her life and trying to put old wrongs right. Warm, funny and moving, it’s attracting readers of all ages.

For listeners who enjoy darker and more dangerous fiction, Headlights combines psychological tension with horror elements to create a genuinely unsettling read. C.J. Leede has developed a reputation for bold storytelling and memorable imagery, and this latest novel looks set to attract plenty of attention. It came out on 18th June – so you can order it on Amazon, although it will probably be in all the bookshops soon.

Known for his sharp wit and bestselling fiction, Andrew Hunter Murray has just returned with Bad Deeds, a story mixing mystery, humour and social observation. His novels have a knack for taking unusual premises and turning them into compelling page-turners, making this an excellent recommendation for mainstream readers. Bad Deeds came out in early June, from Penguin.

Five by Ilona Bannister came out on May 5th, published by Juniper. This is an intriguing new novel where psychological suspense meets family drama. As long-buried secrets begin to emerge, relationships are tested and loyalties questioned. It’s exactly the sort of contemporary thriller that keeps readers guessing, while delivering plenty of emotional stakes along the way.

This book came out last year, published by Macmillan, but we’ve included it as it’s a great summer read. It’s Summer Island by Kristin Hannah. This author has won millions of readers with emotionally rich stories about families, friendships and resilience. Summer Island promises another heartfelt tale full of memorable characters and dramatic turns, making it an ideal if you’re looking for some accessible, uplifting fiction while you’re lying on the beach or by the pool.

 

The post The Thursday Book Club – June 26 appeared first on Jonathan Posner.

The latest edition of The Thursday Book Club was broadcast on 21st May 2026 at 2pm on Phonic FM. Joining hosts Jonathan Posner and Cathy Dodd were Alison Huntingford and David Sharp. Click the names to find out more about them, and use the audio bar below to listen to the full show.

Our book review was Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister.

Our thoughts? Listen below to find out.

Available on Amazon.

 

The second hour featured an interview by Cathy Dodd with author Alison Huntingford about her books

Cathy also played some great music – including new (to Phonic) songs from Nigel Smith and from Start Point.

Listen to the show in full here: 

https://jonathanposnerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/TBC-Show-34-21-05-26.mp3

The next show is at 2pm on the 18th June 2026.

We’ll be reading and reviewing The Final Target by Nora Roberts. Why not read along with us? Comes out on 26th May.

Order your copy now from Amazon.

NEWS THIS MONTH

BOOKS AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD RETAILERS

On May 5th Kathryn Stockett returned with her first novel since the global bestseller The Help, and that alone makes this one of the year’s biggest publishing events. The Calamity Club is set in 1930s Mississippi, and follows a group of unconventional women navigating scandal, friendship, and survival. Described as ‘Pure hell-raising entertainment’ by the New York Times, it’s emotional, funny, hugely readable, and exactly the sort of big conversation you’ll want to get involved with.

Just out recently – Ironwood by Michael Connelly. Sworn to protect a scenic island meant to be far from the evils of the mainland, Detective Sergeant Stilwell can feel danger closing in. Michael Connelly is one of the biggest names in modern crime fiction, and Ironwood delivers exactly what his fans expect: sharp investigations, morally complex characters, and page-turning suspense. If you love fast-paced detective stories with real momentum, this is one of the safest – and strongest – recommendations of the month.

Nora Roberts combines romance, suspense, and high-stakes drama in another major commercial release. The Final Target follows characters pulled into danger while navigating complicated personal relationships, making it exactly the kind of escapist thriller readers race through over a weekend. A young author becomes the object of a fan’s desire – and rage – in the gripping new thriller by the Sunday Times bestselling author. This has huge mainstream appeal and guaranteed bestseller visibility.

Our book for review on the June show.

Carley Fortune has become a massive name in contemporary romantic fiction, and Our Perfect Storm looks set to dominate summer reading lists. It was published at the start of the month by Michael Joseph, and it’s a warm, emotional story about friendship, unresolved feelings, and second chances, wrapped in the kind of beach-read atmosphere listeners absolutely love at this time of year.

Elizabeth Strout is renowned for writing beautifully observed stories about ordinary lives and complicated relationships, and she’s the bestselling, prize-winning author of Olive Kitteridge and Lucy By The Sea. Her new standalone novel The Things We Never Say explores loneliness, politics, and unlikely friendships with warmth and emotional precision. It’s thoughtful without being difficult, and ideal for those of you who enjoy intelligent, character-driven fiction with book club appeal.

Author Juno Dawson blends sharp humour, pop culture energy, and darker themes in Survival Show, a young adult story set around a reality television survival competition, which came out at the end of April. It’s witty, contemporary, and likely to connect strongly with younger readers and fans of socially aware commercial fiction. A very modern, conversation-starting book from Simon & Schuster imprint Gallery YA, with strong appeal to older readers as well.

Anthony Horowitz continues his hugely successful blend of classic murder mystery and contemporary fiction with a new book that came out at the end of April from Penguin. A Deadly Episode promises clever plotting, sharp dialogue, and plenty of twists. Sunday Times bestselling author Horowitz has become a trusted name for readers who enjoy intelligent but highly accessible crime fiction with broad mainstream appeal. Hello! Magazine says it’s ‘Perfect for Agatha Christie fans.’

Freida McFadden has exploded in popularity thanks to addictive psychological thrillers packed with shocking twists, and The Divorce looks set to continue that trend. It’s a razor-sharp, subversive thriller where love curdles into vengeance, and survival becomes the most dangerous game of all. Expect unreliable narrators, secrets, betrayals, and a plot designed to keep readers saying “just one more chapter” late into the night.

LOCAL NEWS

Paul Toolan tells us that his 7-book Killing Tree crime mystery series just had a cover revamp. The series features Detective Inspector Zig Batten, and takes place in the real landscape of Somerset in the West Country – famous for its apple orchards and vintage cider-makers – as well as on Greek islands and in southern Spain. All seven books are available on Amazon.

Somerset writer Simon John Parkin has just published his debut collection of short stories called 999. It’s 9 stories at 999 words each. From the grimy canals of the Black Country to Brighton via a launchpad in the Texan desert, this debut collection of stories captures moments of crisis, regret and loss. Available from the Amazon, it’s unsettling, darkly comic and achingly tender.

Multi award winning Bournemouth-based travel writer Jackie Lambert had a book launch on the 1st of May. It was the launch of her latest travelogue: From B to A: Britain to Albania. This is the true story of an overland van life adventure through Europe towards the Balkans – with four dogs – in a 16-tonne truck, known as The Beast. Available on Amazon.

Chip Tolson’s 4th novel The Register Of Joe’s Trees was published on Amazon at the end of 2025. The story is of Alice’s life, including her teenage years in the war, her time in the ATS, and her career in the Civil Service. Throughout, she plants wild tree saplings all across the country in memory of her lost US war time lover. The book takes her story up to her 75th birthday in 2002.

 

The post The Thursday Book Club – May 26 appeared first on Jonathan Posner.

The latest edition of The Thursday Book Club was broadcast on 16th April 2026 at 2pm on Phonic FM. Joining hosts Jonathan Posner and Cathy Dodd were Keith Rossiter and Timothy Neat. Click the names to find out more about them, and use the audio bar below to listen to the full show.

Our book review was It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover.

Our thoughts? Listen below to find out.

Available on Amazon.

 

The second hour featured an interview by Cathy Dodd with author Timothy Neat about his books, and particularly Gaia in Extremis. Find it on Waterstones.com.

Cathy also played some great music!

Listen to the show in full here: 

https://jonathanposnerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/TBC-Show-33-16-04-26.mp3

 

The next show is at 2pm on the 21st May 2026.

We’ll be reading and reviewing Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister. Why not read along with us?

Get your copy now from Amazon.

NEWS THIS MONTH

BOOKS AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD RETAILERS

Caller Unknown — Gillian McAllister
A tense, high-concept thriller built around an impossible moral dilemma from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Wrong Place, Wrong Time. When a mother receives a call that turns her world upside down, she’s forced into a race against time that crosses borders and challenges everything she believes. Described ad ‘gripping, emotional, and designed to spark debate’. Caller Unknown came out a week ago, published by Penguin.

Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief — Benjamin Stevenson
A clever, fast-paced crime novel from the author of Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone and Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect, which was a Times Crime Book of the Month. This one is the latest Ernest Cunningham mystery, set inside a bank, where absolutely everyone is a suspect. With a playful tone and a twisty plot, this is a puzzle-box thriller that doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it a really fun, accessible pick for crime fans. From Penguin – and the eBook came out on 16th April.

Hide and Seek — Søren Sveistrup
From the author of The Chestnut Man, this dark Scandinavian mystery thriller delivers a chilling investigation packed with atmosphere and tension. Expect complex characters, slow-burning suspense, and a mystery that gradually tightens its grip – perfect for readers who love immersive, gritty crime fiction. This came out at the end of last month, also from Penguin.

The Ending Writes Itself — Evelyn Clarke
One of the most talked-about thrillers of the year, this is new twisty and gripping locked room mystery crime thriller. Built around a mysterious premise and big twists, it blends psychological tension with a very modern storytelling style – definitely one to watch! Here’s the hook line: It’s the perfect plot. All it needs is a killer ending: Six authors. One private island. Seventy-two hours to write the ending. Starting is often the hardest part. But getting to the end could be murder…
Evelyn Clarke is the pseudonym for Number One Sunday Times bestselling author V.E. Schwab, and screenwriter and YA author Cat Clarke.

The Midnight Train — Matt Haig
This is the life-changing new novel from Matt Haig, the multi-million bestselling author of The Midnight Library. Haig returns with another emotional, thought-provoking novel that blends everyday reality with a touch of the extraordinary – in this case the chance to relive and change your life. Exploring themes of regret, hope, and second chances, this is the kind of uplifting, accessible fiction that resonates widely and sparks plenty of conversation. It comes out on the 9th May from Canongate Books.

John of John — Douglas Stuart
From Booker Prize-winning author Douglas Stuart, this upcoming novel is already generating major anticipation. Expect powerful storytelling, deeply drawn characters, and an emotionally rich narrative that’s likely to cross from literary acclaim into mainstream book club success when it lands. John of John tells the heartbreaking story of a young man’s return home and shows how the bonds of family life are torn by the weight of expectation. It comes out on May 21st from Picador.

Smallie — Eden McKenzie-Goddard
A highly anticipated debut with strong early buzz, Smallie explores identity, history, and belonging through a fresh, contemporary voice. With its timely themes and engaging storytelling, this is shaping up to be a breakout book that could quickly gain word-of-mouth popularity. It comes out on May 7th from Penguin. It’s described as an exhilarating and expansive tale of a family thrown into collision with the Windrush scandal. This book shows just how easily the past can spill into our lives, even when – especially when – we think we’ve closed the door on it.

LOCAL NEWS

On Sunday 26th April Cancer Lifeline South West will be holding a Family Fun Day in the grounds of Ugbrooke House. It’s going to be a packed day with a dog show; live music; craft fair; zorbing and other games; food court and licensed bar; and a prize draw with some BIG prizes. Plus, this year, they are introducing a sponsored walk around the beautiful grounds of Ugbrooke House. Tickets via www.cancer-lifeline.org.

The South Hams Author’s Network has a Local Writer’s day on Saturday 25th at the Endsleigh Garden Centre from 10:30 to 3:30pm, with a Publishing Forum and a chance to chat with fellow writers. Free entry and free parking.

Mark Blackburn has a limited edition illustrated hardback edition of his travelogue memoir, Final Approach coming out, with a launch event at Brendon Books, Bath Place, Taunton on Thursday 26th April. Go to ticketsource/brendonbooks for tickets.

 

Chudleigh Writers are holding a Meet the Authors event on 23rd April at 7pm for World Book Night. Four authors will be talking about their work across a number of popular genres. Tickets are £3 from three shops in Chudleigh; Dandelion, Chudleigh DIY and Off the Peg. The authors are: Elizabth Ducie, Madeline Dyer, Sarah Boner and Sharon Cook.

 

The post The Thursday Book Club – Apr 26 appeared first on Jonathan Posner.

The latest edition of The Thursday Book Club was broadcast on 19th March 2026 at 2pm on Phonic FM. Joining hosts Jonathan Posner and Cathy Dodd were Jason Mann and David Sharp. Click the names to find out more about them, and use the audio bar below to listen to the full show.

Our book review was Her by C.M. Serpell.

Our thoughts? Listen below to find out.

Available on Amazon.

 

The second hour featured an interview by Cathy Dodd with author Robbie Stienhouse about his thriller The Process.

Available on Amazon.

Cathy also played some great music!

Listen to the show in full here: 

https://jonathanposnerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TBC-Show-32-19-03-26.mp3

The next show is at 2pm on the 16th April 2026.

We’ll be reading and reviewing It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover. Why not read along with us?

Get your copy now from Amazon.

NEWS THIS MONTH

 

The launch for Alison Huntingford’s fourth historical novel Beyond the Dark Oceans will be on April 16th.

The launch event is at the Ivybridge Bookshop at 5:30pm. All are welcome. Beyond the Dark Oceans is a historical fiction tale of family, emigration, love and warmth set in England, Canada and France. It’s based on Alison’s family history from 1904 to 1923. Alison’s other books are available on Amazon, including Dance a Fearful Jig.

 

The post The Thursday Book Club – Mar 26 appeared first on Jonathan Posner.

The latest edition of The Thursday Book Club was broadcast on 19th February 2026 at 2pm on Phonic FM. Joining hosts Jonathan Posner and Cathy Dodd were Cathie Hartigan and Bob Fairbrother. Click the names to find out more about them, and use the audio bar below to listen to the full show.

Our book review was The Sweetshop of Second Chances by Hannah Lynn, on the basis that a cozy romance would be great for Valentines Day.

Did we think it was? Listen below to find out.

Available on Amazon.

 

The second hour featured an interview by Cathy Dodd with author Jay Jacobs about her book Back for Good, a novel dealing with near-death experiences.

Cathy also played some great music!

Listen to the show in full here: 

https://jonathanposnerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/TBC-Show-31-19-02-26.mp3

The next show is at 2pm on the 19th March 2026.

We’ll be reading and reviewing Her, by C.M. Serpell. Why not read along with us?

Get your copy now from Amazon.

NEWS THIS MONTH

Helena Dixon’s latest book is released on 23rd February. Murder at Sea is book 23 of the Kitty Underhay Mysteries. If you’re a fan of the cozy crime genre, then this one is definitely for you. Here’s what it says about the book on Amazon.

A glorious ocean liner setting sail, sunset on the horizon, and champagne on deck. All seems shipshape… until Kitty discovers a body on board. Time for some sleuthing!

Devon, 1938. Kitty Underhay is enjoying a well-deserved rest when her very upset cousin Hattie suddenly bursts in. She sobs that the gentleman she had been seeing, Richard Westonholme, seems to have vanished, taking all of her jewellery with him. As Hattie describes Richard, he sounds eerily familiar, and Kitty and her husband Matt board a ship in hot pursuit – only to find him lying in a lifeboat… dead.

As they’ve set sail, the murderer has to be on board too, but there are suspects as far as the eye can see. Could Richard’s wife have something to do with the murder? What about the rich heiress and her guardian? And is the steward hiding something fishy?

Kitty and Matt are all too aware that the clock is ticking while the suspects are trapped with no escape. Can they net the killer before the ship docks? Or will one of them be dead in the water before they reach dry land?

Preorder (or order after the 23rd Feb) on Amazon.

While we’re on the subject of cozy mysteries by the sea, Riptides, Rivalries and Rigor Mortis, Book 3 of the Jane Austen Tearoom Mysteries by Suzy Bussell, came out at the end of January. Here’s the Amazon blurb:

Cold water. Warm scones. And a corpse that won’t stay quiet.

Trinity Bishop thought wild swimming with her Aunt Ruby’s club would be the perfect stress relief. Instead, she finds herself shivering over a dead body—again. When Pauline, a fellow swimmer, is found poisoned in her beach hut, Trinity discovers she can now see Pauline’s ghost. And Pauline isn’t going anywhere until her killer is caught. Armed with five Regency-era ghosts, one swaggering pirate captain recently released from his enchanted ring, and a growing attraction to the dangerously handsome DI O’Malley, Trinity must navigate a swimming club full of secrets, and a murderer who’s already killed twice.

As Trinity gets closer to the truth, she realizes the cold Devon waters aren’t the most dangerous thing in Sidmouth. With a poisoner still at large and her ghostly companions offering more chaos than clues, Trinity must solve the case before she becomes the next victim.

Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist, Jane Austen charm, and a heroine who attracts both handsome detectives and dead people in equal measure. Available on Amazon.

Helena Dixon isn’t just launching another book. On Thursday Feb 26th she will be at Churston Library with Hannah Dennison, giving a talk. The event runs from 4pm till 5.30. There will be chat, laughs and a high probability of cake. Tickets are available from the venue, Churston Library.

The launch for Alison Huntingford’s fourth historical novel Beyond the Dark Oceans will be on April 16th.

The launch event is at the Ivybridge Bookshop at 5:30pm. All are welcome. Beyond the Dark Oceans is a historical fiction tale of family, emigration, love and warmth set in England, Canada and France. It’s based on Alison’s family history from 1904 to 1923. Alison’s other books are available on Amazon, including Dance a Fearful Jig.

On the 27th and 28th February and 1st March, Mary Elizabeth Earle will be at the Totnes Wellbeing Show in the Civic hall. She’ll be promoting her memoir The Longing. She’s keen for people to come along and hear why she wrote this story. She also says she will be signing each book with a joyful clairvoyant message!

She’ll be giving the same talk at The Mind, Body, Spirit and Craft Weekend on the 7th and 8th March in Woolwell, Plymouth, and at the Tavistock Well Being event on the 14th and 15th March. Finally, she’ll be at Hawthorn House, Ivybridge, presenting and reading from her book on 28th March at 11am. The Longing is available on Amazon.

The post The Thursday Book Club – Feb 26 appeared first on Jonathan Posner.

The latest edition of The Thursday Book Club was broadcast on 15th January 2026 at 2pm on Phonic FM. Joining hosts Jonathan Posner and Cathy Dodd were Jason Mann and Su Bristow. Click the names to find out more about them, and use the audio bar below to listen to the full show.

Our book review was Midnight in Vienna by Jane Thynne, billed as a tense and atmospheric thriller told against a backdrop of uncertainty and fear as World War Two threatens.

Did we agree? Listen below to find out.

Available on Amazon.

 

The second hour featured an interview by Cathy Dodd with author Geoff A. Wilson who lives in a small village on the south coast of Devon, UK. Geoff retired in 2019 to become a full-time fiction writer. He specialises in psychological thrillers, children’s fantasy books, short stories and dystopian novels.

Cathy also played some great music!

Listen to the show in full here: 

https://jonathanposnerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/TBC-Show-30-15-01-26.mp3

The next show is at 2pm on the 19th February 2026.

We’ll be reading and reviewing The Sweetshop of Second Chances, by Hannah Lynn. Why not read along with us?

Get your copy now from Amazon.

NEWS THIS MONTH

Exeter Writers are hosting A celebration of words on 24th January at the Exeter Customs House on the Quay. This is a day-long event for local writers in partnership with Literature Works. There’s going to be sessions for writers, such as a panel on plotting your novel, one on how to get happily published, and a great session on forensics for crime writers. The keynote speech will be given by Michael Jecks, intriguingly titled ‘Editors, Agents and other Reptiles’. Tickets are limited so booking is essential. You can get tickets from the Literature Works website.

Denise Smith released her third murder mystery novel on Christmas Eve. Her novels are set in Lincolnshire, where she used to live, and feature a private detective called Beatrice Styles. This book is called Never Really Knew You, and features Beatrice’s latest client being tormented by anonymous letters accusing her dying husband of infidelity. When he dies suddenly, and not for the reasons expected, there are whispers of foul play. As the police turn their attention to his death, Beatrice suspects the letter writer may have crossed a dangerous line. Where will they stop? A determined Beatrice follows the evidence into a world of grudges and buried secrets. But someone is watching, and they’ve already decided she knows too much. Beatrice must decide how much she is willing to risk to expose the truth, but revealing secrets can have unintended, dangerous consequences. Who will pay the ultimate price?

All Denise’s books are available on Amazon.

 

Local author Graham Reynolds has brought the rich and often surprising history of Brixham vividly to life with his acclaimed books Brixham Unseen and Brixham Uncovered, launched in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

The two books offer a fresh, contemporary, and informal exploration of Brixham’s past and recent history, revealing the town’s lesser-known stories, unusual characters, and intriguing heritage. Blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling, the books present factual, captivating, and remarkable true stories that appeal to both residents and visitors alike. The books are available on Etsy and eBay, or locally from Another Chapter on The Quay, Brixham, and from Reception at the Berry Head Hotel.

Word Kitchen is creating an anthology of new writing about the East Devon Landscape. They are accepting short prose pieces (fiction, memoir, nature writing) up to 800 words or up to 80 lines of poetry. Pippa Marriott is running two free online workshops. The first was on Monday – so that’s already happened – but the second is on 20th January. The email address for more information is wordkitchencomms@gmail.com.

Alison Huntingford’s new book Beyond the Dark Oceans is nearly finished and will be published this spring. It’s a historical fiction based on family history from 1904 to 1923, set in England, Canada and France. It’s a tale of family, emigration, love and warmth. Alison other books are available on Amazon, including Dance a Fearful Jig.

The Plymouth Literary Festival takes place on the weekend of the 14th and 15th February. There are lots of great events happening, but we thought we would highlight this one:
From Pen to Publication – this is a panel discussion that features several of our previous guests and featured authors. The panel will be Terri Nixon, Cathie Hartigan, Elizabeth Ducie, William Telford and David Sharp, and it is chaired by Louise Sharland. The discussion will ask the question: What does it take to turn a first draft into a published book? The panel will share their experiences of writing, publishing, and everything in between. Expect practical tips, honest insights, and inspiration for writers at every stage. It’s on Sunday 15th February, from 10.30am to 11.30am at the Portland Square Building in Plymouth. Book your tickets here.

Rebecca Southgate Williams’s new book The Lies That Find Us came out on 15th December. It’s a contemporary family saga of love, loyalty, betrayal and loss set in Cornwall. Here’s the blurb: Chi An Mor has been in Lowenna’s family for generations, its stories and secrets etched into its salt-swept, weathered walls. Overlooking a bustling cove on the North Cornwall coast, the old cottage has become her cherished holiday retreat – a place for her own family to unwind, recharge, celebrate, and forge memories of their own. Now, as the Petersen clan gathers for a week-long celebration of Lowenna and Ed’s Ruby Wedding Anniversary, she starts to question whether inviting all three of her children and their families was a wise decision. As old wounds fester, tempers flare, and family secrets seethe beneath the surface, the ties that bind them together also threaten to tear them apart. The Lies That Find Us is a saga of love, loss, loyalty, and the dangerous weight of untold stories. Is it possible for them all to survive the week unscathed?

Available on Amazon.

Helena Dixon tells us that she will be giving a talk at the Churston library on Thursday Feb 26th. It’s from 4pm to 5.30pm. Tickets can be had from the library. Helena says she believes there will be cake!

Jill McRae-Spencer is working on the sequel to her first novel, What Kathleen Did and features Kathleen’s daughter, who has much to discover about her parents. The new book is provisionally called Living in the Dark and is set in south Devon. Jill says she is about half way through.

What Kathlen Did is available on Amazon.

The post The Thursday Book Club – Jan 26 appeared first on Jonathan Posner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever wanted to be an Elizabethan Intelligence Agent?

Now, here’s your chance!

Sir Francis Walsingham is Queen Elizabeth’s spymaster. He’s discovered a new plot against her – and he needs YOU to help him foil it!

To find out more, and to sign up – see more here.

The post Become an Intelligencer (Agent) for Sir Francis Walsingham appeared first on Jonathan Posner.

If you’re like me – a fan of time-travel stories where the hero (or more usually the heroine) goes back to Tudor England – then you’ll love this list of titles I have compiled for your reading enjoyment.

Why time-traveling to Tudor England, you ask? Because I have written a trilogy starting in 2015 that sends a modern girl spinning back to 1565, so I have skin in this particular game. Indeed, since I first published my book, I’ve kept an eye on the genre – and am constantly amazed at how many books it has! (Or possibly it’s that thing that when you are alerted to something, you start to see it everywhere…).

Maybe it’s the romance of Tudor England (all that swashbuckling, intrigue, courtly love and great costumes – what’s not to love?) – that draws writers and readers alike. And what better way to experience it, than through the eyes of a modern-day protagonist?

So welcome to the world of modern-day / Tudor crossover. There’s lots of romance, danger, action and plenty of royalty. Does the heroine travel back and forward? Or is her time travel a one-way trip? Does she find love – or the need to survive? All the authors in this list have faced these challenges – and their different solutions give you lots of great stories to enjoy.

For all that, it’s still small compared to the main genres, so if you love it, you can fill your TBR fairly easily. To that end, here are my suggestions (in no particular order). Click on the images to go through to the Amazon page for each book:

A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux

Modern heroine encounters a Tudor nobleman in a graveyard. A romance with emotional depth and sweeping adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

The Elizabethan Time Travel Series by Morgan O’Neill

This series (a trilogy plus prequel) is an ideal way to get absorbed into the genre. The Thornless Rose is Book 1, but you can start with Begun by Time, the prequel. Then crack on with the rest of the series, as Catherine Hastings pursues her lover through Tudor England.

 

 

 

 

The Timeless Falcon Series by Phillipa Vincent-Connolly

A modern-day history student finds herself pulled back to the 1520s when she puts on a historical ring. There she becomes involved with the young Anne Boleyn, and faces choices that could affect history.

 

 

 

The Phantom Tree by Nicola Cornick

This is a tme-slip story featuring Mary Seymour, the child of Queen Katherine Parr who supposedly died – but who is apparently brought up an orphan in Wolf Hall. Combining a modern story with Mary’s tale, this novel brings the two eras together in an intriguing way – in that the time traveller comes from the past to our time and is trying to return.

 

 

 

Timeless Love by Judith O’Brien

I haven’t read this one, and it only has a few reviews, but I’ve included it her as it seems to fit the genre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Traveller in Time by Alison Uttley

One for the younger reader. First published in the 1930s, this time-slip novel features a girl falling back to Elizabethan times when she visits an old country house. There she encounters Mary Queen of Scots, and tries to save her from her fate.

 

 

 

 

When Love Unlocks Time by Camilla Cornish

I read this book many years ago, so I went back to my review. Here’s what I said:

“Strong plot and characters

I thought the plot was very strong, with a neat device regarding the ‘mechanics’ of time travel that meant Miranda was able to try out different scenarios. This reminded me of Groundhog Day, and I thought it worked well. The characters were well drawn and I warmed to them all (although I felt Miranda was a little too ready to switch her deep and heartfelt love from one powerful man to another).
What let this down for me, and the reason for 3 stars, was the style of writing. In particular it was the use of comma splices instead of full stops. I found myself grimacing every time a disconnected phrase was followed by a disconnected phrase, separated by a comma not a full stop. The writing would have been so much clearer, more descriptive, and so much more engaging, if this simple grammatical error had been corrected throughout. In the end I found myself mentally adding the full stops, so I could concentrate on the story.
I did enjoy this book, and would recommend it as good read if you like time travel, Tudors and a strong plot, but can only say that if it were edited to remove the frequent comma splicing, then it would have had 5 stars from me.”

Note: I am not a fan of comma splices…

In case you’re wondering – I decided not to include my own book in this list – this post is about other authors not me.

Jonathan Posner, Exeter, December 2025.

 

 

The post Link List – Tudor Time Travel Books appeared first on Jonathan Posner.

The Lights Up! show on 14th December was presented by the wonderful Cathy Dodd, with John Sherratt as producer. Cathy played a great selection of Musical showtunes.

Many thanks to Cathy and John for a great show!

Listen again using the bar below:

 

 

https://jonathanposnerauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-12-14-Sun-1600.mp3

The post Lights Up! Radio Show 14-12-25 appeared first on Jonathan Posner.