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The Mudlarkers’ Club
Five mudlarkers. One community. Countless unexpected discoveries… Pre-order now!The day Adam leaves her, Gemma takes her heightened emotions, her now-ex-mother-in-law’s hot pink wellies, and a pair of yellow Marigold gloves down to the River Thames. She thinks finding historical objects in the hotchpotch of pebbles, rocks and mud is the only way to distract from her heartbreak. Until she meets an eclectic group of people who love to do the same thing.
As the mudlarkers begin to open up to each other, Gemma realises that they are not just bonding over the wonders of the past, because what’s in the present might be more important. And perhaps friendship is not the only treasure to be found on the banks of the river…
As the mudlarkers begin to open up to each other, Gemma realises that they are not just bonding over the wonders of the past, because what’s in the present might be more important. And perhaps friendship is not the only treasure to be found on the banks of the river…
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
7 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 18, 2025
3.5 🌟
The Mudlarkers Club pretty much does what it says on the tin. An uplifting feel good novel. That for me sits firmly in the women’s fiction category.
I did really enjoy the story it was sweet, wholesome funny in parts sad in others and there’s a lot to be learned about mudlarking which is something I only learned about in the last few years. For most readers I’m sure this won’t be an issue for most readers, especially if you pick the book up looking for something feel good, but it felt a bit tropey for me the characters were nothing new I’ve met them all before in some shape or form and to be honest the only real difference was the mudlarking hobby. None of this is to say I didn’t like the book or the writing, I really did, there was just nothing different about it.
The narration was nice 🎧
I’m sure this will be a big success!
Huge thanks to HarperCollins U.K. audio for the opportunity to review this ALC via NetGalley.
The Mudlarkers Club pretty much does what it says on the tin. An uplifting feel good novel. That for me sits firmly in the women’s fiction category.
I did really enjoy the story it was sweet, wholesome funny in parts sad in others and there’s a lot to be learned about mudlarking which is something I only learned about in the last few years. For most readers I’m sure this won’t be an issue for most readers, especially if you pick the book up looking for something feel good, but it felt a bit tropey for me the characters were nothing new I’ve met them all before in some shape or form and to be honest the only real difference was the mudlarking hobby. None of this is to say I didn’t like the book or the writing, I really did, there was just nothing different about it.
The narration was nice 🎧
I’m sure this will be a big success!
Huge thanks to HarperCollins U.K. audio for the opportunity to review this ALC via NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoyed this book, especially learning about mudlarking which I had never heard of before. I thought the plot was okay, but a bit predictable and I liked the combination of characters. I loved the stories for each character, but there were probably too many different stories and so they weren't developed enough.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance audiobook.
I might try mudlarking now...
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance audiobook.
I might try mudlarking now...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gemma is completely blindsided when her husband tells her that their marriage is over. To take her mind off things, she throws herself into her hobby of mudlarking and makes some new and supportive friends along the way.
In the depths of winter, the bright and cheerful cover, along with the hint at an uplifting story, meant that The Mudlarkers' Club by Jane Riley really appealed to me. As I listened along to the excellent narration from Lucy Hilton-Jones, I found pure escapism as I was sucked into the fascinating world of mudlarking and the lives of the people Gemma met.
Being a big fan of thrillers, I was aware of the existence of mudlarkers; most crime readers will have read a book that featured a mudlarker uncovering a body, or a body part, as they scour the banks of the Thames. It was fascinating to see the enjoyable side of this hobby.
Very little time is spent on Gemma's disastrous relationship at the beginning of the story. This means we quickly meet the other members of The Mudlarkers' Club. The author has ensured the club members are from a variety of backgrounds, with a wide spread of ages. Each one of them has a personal issue they are struggling with. This complete spread gives readers/listeners something we can all probably identify with, even if it's just to appreciate how lucky we are. The mix of secretiveness brought on by shame, a reluctance to ask for help, or just sheer pigheadedness really helped me to understand why some people struggle with problems and end up in a downward spiral.
As the club members get to know each other, they are able to open up and share their troubles. There's a complete lack of judgment, and, as you would expect, the adage "A trouble shared is a trouble halved" is used to great effect.
Alongside the interpersonal relationships, we also learn some riveting information about mudlarking. From the thrill of the find, right through to the disappointment of discovering that the "treasure" uncovered is worthless modern junk. I did enjoy the section that poses the question about what future generations will think as they uncover our discarded trash.
This isn't one of those books that grips you from the start and has an earth-shattering conclusion. It slowly draws you into the lives of the group of friends, filling you with hope, in a genuinely heart-warming tale.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
In the depths of winter, the bright and cheerful cover, along with the hint at an uplifting story, meant that The Mudlarkers' Club by Jane Riley really appealed to me. As I listened along to the excellent narration from Lucy Hilton-Jones, I found pure escapism as I was sucked into the fascinating world of mudlarking and the lives of the people Gemma met.
Being a big fan of thrillers, I was aware of the existence of mudlarkers; most crime readers will have read a book that featured a mudlarker uncovering a body, or a body part, as they scour the banks of the Thames. It was fascinating to see the enjoyable side of this hobby.
Very little time is spent on Gemma's disastrous relationship at the beginning of the story. This means we quickly meet the other members of The Mudlarkers' Club. The author has ensured the club members are from a variety of backgrounds, with a wide spread of ages. Each one of them has a personal issue they are struggling with. This complete spread gives readers/listeners something we can all probably identify with, even if it's just to appreciate how lucky we are. The mix of secretiveness brought on by shame, a reluctance to ask for help, or just sheer pigheadedness really helped me to understand why some people struggle with problems and end up in a downward spiral.
As the club members get to know each other, they are able to open up and share their troubles. There's a complete lack of judgment, and, as you would expect, the adage "A trouble shared is a trouble halved" is used to great effect.
Alongside the interpersonal relationships, we also learn some riveting information about mudlarking. From the thrill of the find, right through to the disappointment of discovering that the "treasure" uncovered is worthless modern junk. I did enjoy the section that poses the question about what future generations will think as they uncover our discarded trash.
This isn't one of those books that grips you from the start and has an earth-shattering conclusion. It slowly draws you into the lives of the group of friends, filling you with hope, in a genuinely heart-warming tale.
If you enjoyed my review please check out my book blog, Reading For Leisure
https://readingforleisure.blogspot.com/
or follow me on:-
Twitter; @Debbie_Hart_UK
Instagram; @reading_for_leisure_blog
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A warm and charming read. I was drawn in by the title, and am walking away with a new found fascination with Mudlarking!
This is a lovely story of friendship, and the way that hobbies can draw together people from all different walks of life, The characters are endearing and their enthusiasm for mudlarking is contagious, and I loved the little touches of history that were brought in through the everyday objects that they found. It made me look at London in a different light - from the muddy banks of a river, in the trinkets the provide glimpses in to lives long past.
A great read for anyone who enjoys Claire Pooley's work - while a very different story, Riley has the same engaging and pithy writing style, and gift for ensemble characterisations. It made for an excellent audiobook. At first it's a bit tricky to keep the cast of characters in line, but their unique storylines start to wind together to make for an entertaining read. This is enhanced by the animated characterisations and accents which bring the whole crew to life.
I'd recommend for anyone looking for an uplifting, warm and entertaining read, full of friendship, connection and passion - excellent as an audiobook.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.
This is a lovely story of friendship, and the way that hobbies can draw together people from all different walks of life, The characters are endearing and their enthusiasm for mudlarking is contagious, and I loved the little touches of history that were brought in through the everyday objects that they found. It made me look at London in a different light - from the muddy banks of a river, in the trinkets the provide glimpses in to lives long past.
A great read for anyone who enjoys Claire Pooley's work - while a very different story, Riley has the same engaging and pithy writing style, and gift for ensemble characterisations. It made for an excellent audiobook. At first it's a bit tricky to keep the cast of characters in line, but their unique storylines start to wind together to make for an entertaining read. This is enhanced by the animated characterisations and accents which bring the whole crew to life.
I'd recommend for anyone looking for an uplifting, warm and entertaining read, full of friendship, connection and passion - excellent as an audiobook.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Mudlarkers' Club is a good introduction to mudlarking for those inquisitive about the subject, with found-family vibes as the characters bond around their shared hobby.
However, for those who have any previous experience of mudlarking, the book appears rather condescending, rattling off about permits and restrictions as if the reader is ignorant about the topic.
The book starts rather depressingly, and whilst the mood does pick up, it's not the most captivating of beginnings. The different characters all have their different storylines with their independent issues, but all are stretched rather thin and feel like they were never properly developed. The main character, Gemma, is irksome at times, as if she is incapable of rational thought. And the plot line, even with no foreshadowing, was highly predictable. I was never at a point where I was genuinely wondering what was going to happen next.
I desperately wanted to enjoy this novel as I feel there is a distinct lack of the topic in literature, but this book just wasn't suited to me; it would probably be well-suited to those wanting to learn more about what being a mudlark entails and the joys of finding hidden treasures washed up by the tides.
Thank you to Harper Collins for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
However, for those who have any previous experience of mudlarking, the book appears rather condescending, rattling off about permits and restrictions as if the reader is ignorant about the topic.
The book starts rather depressingly, and whilst the mood does pick up, it's not the most captivating of beginnings. The different characters all have their different storylines with their independent issues, but all are stretched rather thin and feel like they were never properly developed. The main character, Gemma, is irksome at times, as if she is incapable of rational thought. And the plot line, even with no foreshadowing, was highly predictable. I was never at a point where I was genuinely wondering what was going to happen next.
I desperately wanted to enjoy this novel as I feel there is a distinct lack of the topic in literature, but this book just wasn't suited to me; it would probably be well-suited to those wanting to learn more about what being a mudlark entails and the joys of finding hidden treasures washed up by the tides.
Thank you to Harper Collins for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Mudlarkers' Club by Jane Riley
I requested The Mudlarkers Club because it looked like an excellent cosy mystery.
*aside* I'd heard of Mudlarking from an author I follow on Instagram (waves to @brookehardwickwriter ), though I'm not 100% sure she called it mudlarking.
Mudlarking is searching a riverbank during low tide for historical relics such as coins, jewellery, porcelain, or bottles. It is also the perfect backdrop for a cosy mystery.
The Mudlarkers' Club is about Gemma, who, on the day her husband leaves her, takes her now-ex-mother-in-law's hot pink wellies and a pair of yellow Marigold gloves down to the River Thames, thinking mudlarking will distract her from her heartbreak. Instead, she meets an eclectic group of people, and a gang, I mean club, is formed.
If you are a fan of warm, cosy mysteries packed with lovable characters, like those by Milly Johnson or Kate Solly, then I think you'll like this one.
The audiobook is narrated by Lucy Hilton-Jones, who does an excellent job voicing the book's widely different characters.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for the audioARC of The Mudlarkers' Club by Jane Riley. The audiobook is out tomorrow (12 Feb 2026)
#Thumbsup. Bodycount = 0.
#booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf @janeriley_author @harpercollinsuk #TheMudlarkersClub #NetGalley @NetGalley
I requested The Mudlarkers Club because it looked like an excellent cosy mystery.
*aside* I'd heard of Mudlarking from an author I follow on Instagram (waves to @brookehardwickwriter ), though I'm not 100% sure she called it mudlarking.
Mudlarking is searching a riverbank during low tide for historical relics such as coins, jewellery, porcelain, or bottles. It is also the perfect backdrop for a cosy mystery.
The Mudlarkers' Club is about Gemma, who, on the day her husband leaves her, takes her now-ex-mother-in-law's hot pink wellies and a pair of yellow Marigold gloves down to the River Thames, thinking mudlarking will distract her from her heartbreak. Instead, she meets an eclectic group of people, and a gang, I mean club, is formed.
If you are a fan of warm, cosy mysteries packed with lovable characters, like those by Milly Johnson or Kate Solly, then I think you'll like this one.
The audiobook is narrated by Lucy Hilton-Jones, who does an excellent job voicing the book's widely different characters.
With thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for the audioARC of The Mudlarkers' Club by Jane Riley. The audiobook is out tomorrow (12 Feb 2026)
#Thumbsup. Bodycount = 0.
#booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf @janeriley_author @harpercollinsuk #TheMudlarkersClub #NetGalley @NetGalley
January 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio | HQ Digital for this ALC, out February 12th.
This is a quietly sweet, emotionally grounded story about Gemma, a cancer nurse whose life has been turned upside down after her husband leaves her for another woman. Struggling to find her footing, she discovers comfort in mudlarking along the Thames - and, unexpectedly, in the small community she finds through the Mudlarkers’ Club.
Set in London, the novel introduces the culture of mudlarking, something I was completely unfamiliar with before reading this book, and I really enjoyed learning about it. What begins as a solitary pastime becomes a meaningful way for Gemma to reconnect with herself while she searches for her roots and her birth parents.
The strength of this story lies in its emotional honesty. It explores self-discovery, found family, and the quiet power of forming new friendships later in life. The writing is gentle but assured, emotional without tipping into melodrama, and filled with warmth and compassion.
Overall, this is a well-written, heartfelt story about healing, connection, and starting over - sometimes in unexpected places, with people you never planned to meet.
This is a quietly sweet, emotionally grounded story about Gemma, a cancer nurse whose life has been turned upside down after her husband leaves her for another woman. Struggling to find her footing, she discovers comfort in mudlarking along the Thames - and, unexpectedly, in the small community she finds through the Mudlarkers’ Club.
Set in London, the novel introduces the culture of mudlarking, something I was completely unfamiliar with before reading this book, and I really enjoyed learning about it. What begins as a solitary pastime becomes a meaningful way for Gemma to reconnect with herself while she searches for her roots and her birth parents.
The strength of this story lies in its emotional honesty. It explores self-discovery, found family, and the quiet power of forming new friendships later in life. The writing is gentle but assured, emotional without tipping into melodrama, and filled with warmth and compassion.
Overall, this is a well-written, heartfelt story about healing, connection, and starting over - sometimes in unexpected places, with people you never planned to meet.
November 13, 2025
My mom first introduced me to the world of mudlarking, so when I came across this book, I was very excited to read it.
It's a very easy read and I'm sure you'd enjoy it if you're a mudlarker yourself. It follows a lot of the basic women's fiction/romance tropes and clichés which made me roll my eyes at times, but expected in this kind of novel. I did find myself loving the other characters more than the main character Gemma, but I'm glad there is plenty of character development.
A 4-star cozy read and thank you HQ for allowing me to read and review!
It's a very easy read and I'm sure you'd enjoy it if you're a mudlarker yourself. It follows a lot of the basic women's fiction/romance tropes and clichés which made me roll my eyes at times, but expected in this kind of novel. I did find myself loving the other characters more than the main character Gemma, but I'm glad there is plenty of character development.
A 4-star cozy read and thank you HQ for allowing me to read and review!
February 17, 2026
This is a lovely, if somewhat complex book about 5 strangers, that share a common past time, who build lasting friendships and between them deal with love, loss, addiction, illness and adoption.
After Adam leaves her for his physio, Gemma throws herself into her passion of mudlarking on the Thames Foreshore. At first she finds solace in her own company but over time she builds some wonderful friendships with an eclectic bunch of people who become known as The Mudlarkers' Club. Who knows, she may even find love along the way.
This is a review of the audiobook.
After Adam leaves her for his physio, Gemma throws herself into her passion of mudlarking on the Thames Foreshore. At first she finds solace in her own company but over time she builds some wonderful friendships with an eclectic bunch of people who become known as The Mudlarkers' Club. Who knows, she may even find love along the way.
This is a review of the audiobook.
February 23, 2026
I have to be honest this wouldn’t be my usual choice of book however I really enjoyed it. It followed Gemma who enjoys mudlarking on the Thames and following separation from her Husband she meets other likeminded people of all ages and friendships grow. I enjoyed learning a little history on items that can be found and the growing friendships being built. I usually find it difficult if I can’t visualise characters but on this occasion it didn’t seem to matter. An uplifting read. Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for the advance copy of this book however the opinion is all my own.
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January 1, 2026There is real potential buried in this book but like the mudlarkers' club you have to sift for it. Too much effort was wasted trying to give every character a problem to solve; which ended up making all of the narrative arcs feel quite superficial, disconnected and at times quite repetitive. The descriptions of mud larking and the Thames were wonderful though.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was a fun, uplifting read. I learned about mudlarking in London. 5 individuals form a group that participate in this hobby together. It was a joy to see them start to connect and all the adventures and discoveries they made. Uplifting. Stupendous narrator. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley and HQ Digital. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you NetGalley and HQ Digital. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
February 19, 2026
A brilliant novel which balances the curiosity of historical discovery with the realities of modern relationships, set in the unique atmosphere of London’s riverbeds
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I went into this book not knowing anything about mudlarking, and I feel like I’m coming out of it a bit more knowledgeable about this fascinating hobby. Isn’t that part of the joy of reading? Learning about things you didn’t even know existed, understanding the hows and whys, and discovering why people are so passionate about certain hobbies.
Time and time again, we also see that hobbies and the human connections formed through them can be life-changing. I particularly enjoyed how Riley portrayed this because it mirrors real life perfectly. Through my own reading hobby, I’ve met people I can converse with about everyday life, not just the books we share.
My only quirk is that I felt the FMC, Gemma, didn’t seem as emotionally affected by her failed marriage as I would have expected.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Time and time again, we also see that hobbies and the human connections formed through them can be life-changing. I particularly enjoyed how Riley portrayed this because it mirrors real life perfectly. Through my own reading hobby, I’ve met people I can converse with about everyday life, not just the books we share.
My only quirk is that I felt the FMC, Gemma, didn’t seem as emotionally affected by her failed marriage as I would have expected.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews