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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
About the author
Jane Riley
3 books62 followersHello, I'm Jane Riley and welcome to my books! My latest, The Mudlarkers' Club is out now. My debut novel, The Likely Resolutions of Oliver Clock came out in 2020 in the UK, Germany and Italy. After that came Geraldine Verne's Red Suitcase.
I write character-based stories that explore serious issues with humour and warmth, touching upon themes of friendship, relationships, love and community.
I'm currently working on my next book and the one after that! If you'd like to say hi, ask me a question or follow me on socials, please do. You can find me on Instagram @janeriley_author and on TikTok @janeriley_author. I'd love to hear from you.
I grew up in New Zealand but now split my time living between Sydney and London, where my two daughters now live. I have a degree in French and English literature and have worked in public relations and publishing. For more than twenty years, I have freelanced as a writer and editor, specialising in architecture and design. I completed the Faber Academy novel-writing course in Australia, which helped set me on the path to becoming an author.
You can find me on TikTok @janeriley_author.
I write character-based stories that explore serious issues with humour and warmth, touching upon themes of friendship, relationships, love and community.
I'm currently working on my next book and the one after that! If you'd like to say hi, ask me a question or follow me on socials, please do. You can find me on Instagram @janeriley_author and on TikTok @janeriley_author. I'd love to hear from you.
I grew up in New Zealand but now split my time living between Sydney and London, where my two daughters now live. I have a degree in French and English literature and have worked in public relations and publishing. For more than twenty years, I have freelanced as a writer and editor, specialising in architecture and design. I completed the Faber Academy novel-writing course in Australia, which helped set me on the path to becoming an author.
You can find me on TikTok @janeriley_author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 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.
July 29, 2026
this is my type of book.
friendships built over common interests, a bit of history, hidden gems in a big city, and a bit of london.
feel good, comfort read.
friendships built over common interests, a bit of history, hidden gems in a big city, and a bit of london.
feel good, comfort read.
May 3, 2026
Cute & uplifting - exactly what I wanted
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...
Did Not Finish
May 18, 2026I don't rate books that I don't finish, but I will say WHY when I've gone past the 20% mark.
1/3 of the way in and she's still wallowing in her sorrow over her husband leaving. I get it, it came out of nowhere, she was blindsided, and she's in shock. But everything she says, does, and thinks is revolving around him leaving.
She finds a sock. She bought him those socks. Did he leave one on purpose as a reminder? She hides it in his empty drawer.
I was getting depressed for her.
If you enjoy a slow burn trek through grief, than this one might be for you.
The author has captured the art of ruminating down to a science.
I'm not one to stick around waiting for it to get better. Life is short and my TBR menu is long.
I hope she found comfort in her new found mudlarking friends and was able to embrace her future.
^Image = my logo of THE DNF Support Group. "Apologies to my friends who loved it. I wanted to like it. It's okay to quit!"
1/3 of the way in and she's still wallowing in her sorrow over her husband leaving. I get it, it came out of nowhere, she was blindsided, and she's in shock. But everything she says, does, and thinks is revolving around him leaving.
She finds a sock. She bought him those socks. Did he leave one on purpose as a reminder? She hides it in his empty drawer.
I was getting depressed for her.
If you enjoy a slow burn trek through grief, than this one might be for you.
The author has captured the art of ruminating down to a science.
I'm not one to stick around waiting for it to get better. Life is short and my TBR menu is long.
I hope she found comfort in her new found mudlarking friends and was able to embrace her future.
^Image = my logo of THE DNF Support Group. "Apologies to my friends who loved it. I wanted to like it. It's okay to quit!"
March 22, 2026
Well research and nicely written - a very enjoyable and interesting read.
May 10, 2026
It's a wonderful book. I loved the characters and was fascinated to read about mudlarking. I will never look at the Thames the same way. There is real history to discover.
I really enjoyed this heartwarming book .
I really enjoyed this heartwarming book .
July 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this story about a disparate group of mudlarkers who become friends, supporting each other through life’s ups and downs. A real heartwarming read.
May 12, 2026
A nice and cozy story about finding community :)
April 19, 2026
I picked this up after getting into mudlarking on YouTube, and that part really worked for me. The idea of pulling pieces of history out of the Thames was easily the highlight.
It follows a group of mudlarkers who form a kind of found family, and that was what kept me reading. Their personal drama didn’t always land. Some of it felt unrealistic, especially the foster child storyline, and Gemma’s situation with her divorce and quick shift toward Nick felt rushed and a little cringey.
I liked the premise more than the execution. It’s a light read that works better if you don’t take it too seriously.
It follows a group of mudlarkers who form a kind of found family, and that was what kept me reading. Their personal drama didn’t always land. Some of it felt unrealistic, especially the foster child storyline, and Gemma’s situation with her divorce and quick shift toward Nick felt rushed and a little cringey.
I liked the premise more than the execution. It’s a light read that works better if you don’t take it too seriously.
April 13, 2026
Liked the descriptions of the “finds” and the histories behind them. Felt that the ending was rushed and the end of the story was predictable. An ok read
Read
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
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
May 22, 2026
The Mudlarkers Club by Jane Riley is a very light positive read. This women's fiction is predictable in many ways with cosy descriptions of friendship and personal growth. This is set in London where our main character, Gemma, learns about trust and self discovery after her husband abandons her.
I'm not usually drawn to cosy type books but I liked the connection with a group who share a passion for mudlarking... which sent me down that rabbit trail.
The topic had me look up mudlarking which led me to follow an Instagram account to see the treasures people find. Here are snaps of two Instagram accounts with their mudlarking finds.
May 14, 2026
3.5 stars
I found the concept of this book so intriguing and loved the focus on friendship.
Our main character loved mudlarking on the banks of the River Thames, she find peace in her hobby and a way to relax from her busy day as a cancer nurse. She bumps into another mudlarker and they decide to create a club. That sounds like a simple plot but this book has multiple threads of relationship and family drama going on in the background, but the mudlarking club takes the forefront.
I enjoyed the friendships built , especially laila and Gemma. I liked learning a bit more about mudlarking and the history that comes with that, I also loved how the club had a range of characters with a range of ages too.
I did feel like the ending was trying to wrap up too many threads in the last 10%, trying to neaten all of them out. Unfortunately, I felt the threads I wanted to know more about were less prominent in the story in favour of one particular relationship.
I enjoyed the idea of the book but there was a lot happening and I didn’t feel completely satisfied with the ending
I found the concept of this book so intriguing and loved the focus on friendship.
Our main character loved mudlarking on the banks of the River Thames, she find peace in her hobby and a way to relax from her busy day as a cancer nurse. She bumps into another mudlarker and they decide to create a club. That sounds like a simple plot but this book has multiple threads of relationship and family drama going on in the background, but the mudlarking club takes the forefront.
I enjoyed the friendships built , especially laila and Gemma. I liked learning a bit more about mudlarking and the history that comes with that, I also loved how the club had a range of characters with a range of ages too.
I did feel like the ending was trying to wrap up too many threads in the last 10%, trying to neaten all of them out. Unfortunately, I felt the threads I wanted to know more about were less prominent in the story in favour of one particular relationship.
I enjoyed the idea of the book but there was a lot happening and I didn’t feel completely satisfied with the ending
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
June 2, 2026
Some people loved this book but for me it was DNF at about chapter 7.
Let's be clear from the start, I had no great expectations for this one. I fully expected the intentional community formed around the mudlarks, the individual stories, the emotional support etc. - a low effort, warm story. And the book has all these things. I've read this genre before and enjoyed it. The problem I had was with the style of writing.
It's 3rd person which isn't problem in itself, but I found it to be very badly done. Rather than involving you, the narration reads like a cold list of actions and events. I found it very off-putting and I just couldn't get into it. There's some interest in the activities of the mudlarks that survives the unemotional treatment but unfortunately the human elements do not.
Given that, I wasn't prepared to suffer through the writing for a story where I pretty well knew what was going to happen. Having given up on the story I skipped ahead and confirmed it is pretty much as expected. So a good decision. YMMV.
Let's be clear from the start, I had no great expectations for this one. I fully expected the intentional community formed around the mudlarks, the individual stories, the emotional support etc. - a low effort, warm story. And the book has all these things. I've read this genre before and enjoyed it. The problem I had was with the style of writing.
It's 3rd person which isn't problem in itself, but I found it to be very badly done. Rather than involving you, the narration reads like a cold list of actions and events. I found it very off-putting and I just couldn't get into it. There's some interest in the activities of the mudlarks that survives the unemotional treatment but unfortunately the human elements do not.
Given that, I wasn't prepared to suffer through the writing for a story where I pretty well knew what was going to happen. Having given up on the story I skipped ahead and confirmed it is pretty much as expected. So a good decision. YMMV.
March 16, 2026
When Gemma's husband leaves her for another woman, she finds solace in her hobby as a Mudlarker, seeking out spoils from the river Thames that have been buried in the mud weeks, months, years or centuries. It's a solitary hobby, but as Gemma meets other Mudlarkers, they decide to form a club to share news of their finds. Friendships are formed, relationships develop and issues and challenges are resolved for each member with the help and support of the group.
As well as looking for "treasure", Gemma is also looking for anwers about her past, They won't be found in the river. But can her fellow Mudlarkers help out?
This was a lovely, gentle listen. The story isn't overly dramatic, but the characters are fun and empathetic and I was swept along on the tide of friendship, and very intrigued by the idea of Mudlarking. I'd definitely recommend this one.
This is a review of the audiobook.
As well as looking for "treasure", Gemma is also looking for anwers about her past, They won't be found in the river. But can her fellow Mudlarkers help out?
This was a lovely, gentle listen. The story isn't overly dramatic, but the characters are fun and empathetic and I was swept along on the tide of friendship, and very intrigued by the idea of Mudlarking. I'd definitely recommend this one.
This is a review of the audiobook.
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.
May 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this book!
A misfit group of people who had a common interest, mudlarking, came together to share their interest. They formed a close bond. Each was dealing with significant life issues, but their hobby proved to help in their healing.
The historical tidbits were interesting, and I learned a bit about mudlarking (something I had never heard about before).
Good characters and a very satisfying ending.
Highly recommend!!
A misfit group of people who had a common interest, mudlarking, came together to share their interest. They formed a close bond. Each was dealing with significant life issues, but their hobby proved to help in their healing.
The historical tidbits were interesting, and I learned a bit about mudlarking (something I had never heard about before).
Good characters and a very satisfying ending.
Highly recommend!!
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.
April 22, 2026
Mudlarkers Club is a light feel good read. I really enjoyed this book. Maybe because my husband is a metal detectorist and there are many similarities. The main characters are likeable and well developed. I miss Maeve Binchy books, I found this book to be in the same style. Note to author I would enjoy this as a series of books.
May 8, 2026
Wonderful book
This was such an interesting read. Coming from an Caribbean island without rivers it is so nice to read about the historical significance of a river like the Thames.
How I wish I would get a chance to go on a mudlarking spree .Thank you for this wonderful sharing.
This was such an interesting read. Coming from an Caribbean island without rivers it is so nice to read about the historical significance of a river like the Thames.
How I wish I would get a chance to go on a mudlarking spree .Thank you for this wonderful sharing.
September 1, 2026
I so enjoyed this book and how well things worked out for each of the characters. I have always been a 'fan' of the Thames, having lived close to it all my life. I now have a new aspect of the Thames to get to know. I finished this book a couple of days ago and I miss these mudlarkers as though they were my friends 🧡
March 24, 2026
[3.5 stars]
It started off well! It was a good book, but due to some circumstances, I had to pause it in the middle. Now I'm having trouble picking it back up. This is not the book's fault; it's on me.
It started off well! It was a good book, but due to some circumstances, I had to pause it in the middle. Now I'm having trouble picking it back up. This is not the book's fault; it's on me.
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