Jonathan Posner's Blog

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: 

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.

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: 

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.

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: 

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.

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: 

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.

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: 

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.

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.

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:

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

The latest edition of The Thursday Book Club was broadcast on 20th November 2025 at 2pm on Phonic FM. Joining hosts Jonathan Posner and Cathy Dodd were Keith Rossiter and Julian Holland. Click the names to find out more about them, and use the audio bar below to listen to the full show.

We reviewed For All Your Endevours by David Sharp.

Available on Amazon.

Our discussion was Book Reviews. Are they good or bad for authors? Do we want more?

The second hour featured an interview with author Julian Holland.

Julian told us about his lifelong passion for railways, and his many books on the subject.

Cathy also played some great music!

Listen to the show in full here:

The next show is at 2pm on the 18th December 2025.

Tony Aston’s new novel was published on Saturday 15th November. Hanukkah to Hell is a hard-hitting WWII novel which brings together an Austrian Jewish family caught up in the annexation of the country by Germany, a rising SS officer who becomes Commandant of Mauthausen concentration camp in Linz, Austria, and the US 11th Armoured Division who come over on D-Day then fight their way across occupied Europe – before being the first Allied group to arrive at, and liberate, the camp.

Available on Amazon.

Kate Rigby’s The House at the End is an eerie short story, now available on Audible, narrated by Pete McGiffen. It’s also available in electronic format. Two party members, Peter and Nick, are canvassing for the upcoming by-election. Peter, the older and less physically fit, takes on the quieter end of Priory Road, with its old Victorian houses. But as Peter advances up the road, the atmosphere becomes more unworldly and unsettling.

What awaits Peter at the end house?

Available as an eBook or Audiobook on Amazon.

Kate’s other news is that she’s had three poems accepted for the winter edition of Jawbone Journal – a Dorset collective.

Rosa’s Cookery Club for Men, the third in The Happy Wanderers series by Sarah Scally, came out on 5th November.

Rosa Roberts, an expert cook with years of experience, has returned to quiet Simonton to care for her poorly mother. She’s secretive about her life in France and in no hurry to return. When she takes on a new project – teaching men to cook at the community hall – she soon looks forward to the weekly lessons. And to seeing one student in particular.

Maurice Longley, newly retired and recently widowed, feels adrift without his old routines and businesses to run. When Mike, his meddling neighbour, signs him up for a new cookery club in town, a long-forgotten dream flickers back to life.

As they connect and form friendships, the future looks brighter for everyone. Until an unexpected visitor arrives and all plans are thrown up in the air.

Rosa’s Cookery Club for Men is a heartwarming novel of unexpected friendships, second chances and finding your way… one recipe at a time.

It is the third novel in The Happy Wanderers series. Both of Sarah’s previous books have been longlisted for the Comedy Women in Print prize 2025, in the self-published category.

Available on Amazon.

Sandbox in Teignmouth, South Devon, is holding an author reader’s evening in front of an audience of book buyers. This is on the 29th November at 6:30pm. No need to get tickets – just turn up.

It’s a rare month here on The Thursday Book Club when we don’t have a new release from Helena Dixon to talk about!

This month, it’s the 22nd Kitty Underhay mystery – Murder at Midwinter Farm…
A frosty country lane, snow-dusted Devon hills as far as the eye can see… and a local farmer vanished without trace. Can Kitty Underhay solve this chilling mystery?
Devon, 1937. Kitty Underhay is enjoying a crisp winter morning walk with her best friend, Alice, and Alice’s fiancé, Robert, who have recently bought the mysterious Midwinter Farm. The previous owner vanished one night, his dinner still on the table and the front door left wide open. But as work is carried out on the farm, a body is found in the grounds. How was the man murdered—and who is responsible?

Fans of Agatha Christie, T.E. Kinsey or Verity Bright will adore this totally charming murder mystery. The perfect treat for cozy crime fans!

Available on Amazon

Last month we mentioned that Lin Treadgold is holding a launch event for her new novel The Trail to Freedom, on 27th November at the Exeter Library, from 4pm to 6pm.

Lin says she is hoping to have a singer and some WWII songs to invoke the atmosphere of the book.

There’s more information on Lin’s website – https://lintreadgold.co.uk/.

Lin’s book is on Amazon.

AA Abbott tells us that her latest psychological thriller set in Bristol, Lies Between Friends, was published in October. Here’s the blurb:

She can’t trust her husband. She can’t trust her friends. Can she trust herself?

Gail puts up with her toxic marriage. She accepts it’s the price of giving her kids a perfect childhood. Then her controlling husband is exposed as a fraudster, and her life falls apart.

A desperate Gail flounders to keep her family together. But she puts her faith in the wrong friends, and finds herself alone on a remote island with a killer. Can she escape, or will she never see her children again?

If you like simmering secrets, puzzling murder mysteries and resourceful women turning their lives around, you’ll love AA Abbott’s tense psychological thriller.

Available on Amazon.

The post The Thursday Book Club – Nov 25 appeared first on Jonathan Posner.

The latest edition of The Thursday Book Club was broadcast on 16th October 2025 at 2pm on Phonic FM. Joining hosts Jonathan Posnwr and Cathy Dodd were Bob Fairbrother and Jason Mann. Click the names to find out more about them, and use the audio bar below to listen to the full show.

We reviewed Orbital by Samantha Harvey.

Available on Amazon.

Our discussion was What makes an author achieve longevity?

The second hour featured a n interview with author Elizabeth Ducie.

Bob Fairbrother introduced us to the new South Devon Book Festival, coming on 22nd November 2025.

Cathy also played some great music!

Listen to the show in full here:

The next show is at 2pm on the 20th November 2025.

A few months ago, Jonathan interviewed Ruth Foster when she launched her book,
A Perfect Year. Ruth has told us that the book has been shortlisted for the national Comedy Women In Print Prize. Naturally, Phonic FM was ahead of the curve, as we scooped the first radio interview on the book! It’s a fun read that makes a perfect seasonal gift.

The book is available on Amazon,

Ruth’s website.

Comedy Women In Print Prize.

Call of the Sandpiper is Kathryn Haydon’s latest romance, published by Blue Poppy. It’s set in rugged, beautiful North Devon. It’s available on Amazon or can be ordered from the Waterstones online.

Readers say: it is “romantic to the core, emotionally resonant – this romance had me rooting for Sam and Poppy all the way through.” And “A real page turner. I couldn’t put it down!”

F. H. Petford’s new Falmouth-set historical crime thriller is called  A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Solving a Murder. It’s billed as ‘Cozy crime meets historical fiction’, and ‘a brand-new quirky and gripping paranormal murder mystery’. It features Alma Timperley, who can run a hotel, solve a mystery and… talk to ghosts. Inspired by the surge in spiritualism that occurred during WW1, it begins when Alma inherits the Timperley Spiritualist Hotel, where guests are offered an extraordinary service – the chance to speak to the dead….

It was published by Hodder & Stoughton on October 2nd and is available on Amazon.

Ali Simpson’s second novel in her murder mystery series – ‘The Markham Twins Investigate’ – is a deliciously twisted tale set in 1930s Torquay. It’s called Death By Misdirection and is out at the end of October.

Here’s the outline: ‘A mysterious telephone call. A cast iron alibi. A family secret. A brutal murder. Could a meek and mild insurance salesman really be such a heinous killer?’ For more information go to Ali’s website.

Calling all short story writers in Cornwall: there’s a call out for short stories for a new anthology, to be called Cornwall Salt & Stone. It will be published by Hermitage Press, now the home of Cornwall Writers. Cornwall Salt & Stone will be a short story anthology that seeks to capture the raw essence of Cornwall – its weathered coastlines, tight-knit communities, quiet storms, and enduring beauty. The title evokes contrast: the shifting, fluid nature of life (salt), and the hard, unmoving truths we carry (stone). Stories may be contemporary, historical, speculative, or surreal, but all must be rooted in the atmosphere of Cornwall and its emotional terrain. Submissions close on 31st December 2025.

They’re looking for fiction that explores what it means to endure: people shaped by isolation, erosion, tradition, change, or the power of place. Whether set by windswept harbours or within crumbling granite walls, these stories should feel grounded in Cornwall’s spirit, even when the setting isn’t literal – tales of people enduring, transforming, or confronting the forces that shape them. Interpret the theme broadly, but all submissions should feel emotionally or atmospherically grounded in Cornwall.
It’s open to writers over 18 born in Cornwall or currently living/working in Cornwall.
The work must be original and unpublished elsewhere.
For more info and how to submit see here.

Georgia Hill’s next book in her Lullbury Bay series of contemporary romances is now out.

New Beginnings at the Little Christmas Inn tells the story of Livvy’s struggles to launch a gastropub in the Dorset seaside town of Lullbury Bay. It features a cast of eccentric locals who have slightly different ideas about what makes the perfect pub! Full of Christmas tinsly cheer and romance, it’s the perfect book to curl up with. Available on Amazon.

Author Helena Dixon has a new book out. Called Murder Most British, it’s a totally addictive cozy historical English murder mystery (The Secret Detective Agency Book 3).

Here’s the blurb:
Big Ben chiming in the distance, chilly walks along the river Thames, cocktails at the Ritz… and a government secretary dead? Only Jane Treen can solve the case! It’s set in London in 1941. Miss Jane Treen is faced with another mysterious disappearance within her Secret Detective Agency’s team. Tabitha Moore, a government typist, was on her way to meet Jane with vital information about some secret codes. But she didn’t turn up for work and has seemingly vanished without trace. Then Jane and her colleague, handsome codebreaker Arthur Cilento, receive a call: a body has been found, and it matches Tabitha’s description…  Available on Amazon.

Lin Treadgold is holding a launch event for her new novel The Trail to Freedom. This is on 27 November at the Exeter Library, from 4pm  to about 6pm.  Lin says she is hoping to have a singer and some WWII songs to invoke the atmosphere of the book.

There’s more information on Lin’s website – https://lintreadgold.co.uk/.

Annabelle Gregory is launching her new memoir, The Art of Becoming, in Modbury on the 14th November.  The Art of Becoming is an extraordinary and memorable journey through a gritty, glamorous and gloriously unpredictable life.

From her beginnings as a model working with legendary directors Cy Endfield and Dick Lester, to navigating the shadowy nightclub scene of Soho where her husband’s path crossed with the notorious Kray twins, Annabelle’s life has been anything but ordinary. Whether she’s crashing a flame-painted hearse into a post box or appearing in five different television adverts during a single commercial break, her stories pulse with the energy of someone who has truly lived.

Hardback copies will be available via the Winter & Drew website after the launch, and the paperback later on Amazon.

Martin Kiszko is fondly known as the ‘UK’s green poet.’ His one man-show, based on his first two books Green Poems for a Blue Planet and Verse for the Earth, illustrated by four-time Oscar winner Nick Park, has been performed from Los Angeles to China, Dubai to India, and from the Edinburgh Fringe to the Royal Albert Hall. In 2024 he launched his debut novel The Great Riverbank Robbery. Booking is now open for the launch of Martin’s seventh book (and fifth collection of poetry) of seventy-two poems – HEARTCHERY.

He will be joined by pianist Colin Smith and will be interviewed by one of Bristol’s ‘Young Heroes’ 2025′ – Aliese Chydzhan. The evening promises to be entertaining and fun, and includes performance, music, readings, interview, Q&A, and signing. It’s on Thursday 6th November at St. Mary’s Church, Stoke Bishop, Bristol. Doors open 7.00 pm – with free drinks on arrival. Tickets are free.
Martin’s website is here.
BOOK FREE TICKETS HERE

The post The Thursday Book Club – Oct 25 appeared first on Jonathan Posner.