The Barbecue at No. 9

by Jennie Godfrey, Stephen Mangan (Narrator), Raffey Cassidy (Narrator)

FROM THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS . . .

In the summer of 1985, the entire country is poised for the biggest music event in history – Live Aid.

The residents of Delmont Close are preparing for a neighbourhood barbecue to celebrate this historic moment, but someone uninvited is watching them closely, getting ready to make their move. But who are they watching, and why?

The Gordons – Hanna, her high-strung mother Lydia and sweet father Peter – have opened the doors to their home. And when their neighbours flood in, so do all the secrets that have been kept in the close. There is Rita, a new resident from Australia, Steve a young man who is battling his own demons, Aunty Beverley who has come to pass judgment on her relatives.

The Barbecue at No.9 explores family, friendship and love with Jennie Godfrey’s signature wit, warmth and bite.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Crime, Audiobook, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

Audiobook

First published February 12, 2026

Reviews

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two days before Live Aid in July 1985, Hanna’s mum asks her to post barbecue invitations to their neighbours in the close. Her mother, houseproud Lydia, wants to impress the residents (and her sister-in-law) of Delmont Close and she’s not known as Lady Di for nothing. Will the day pan out as she hopes or will it not be the perfection that she aspires to?

I love Jenny Godfrey's smash hit debut The List of Suspicious Things and it’s always a challenge to match the expectations of the follow-up. I’m pleased to say, she does a good job with this as I love the idea/premise of this novel in particular being set around the unforgettable concert. Personally, I’ll never forget Freddie Mercury‘s epic performance (who will?) but the author evocatively reminds me of other great acts of the day, utilising them very effectively as a backdrop to the turbulent events at the barbecue. The mid 80s are depicted well too, not just in the music/fashion etc, but in political events, not least the appalling famine in Africa.

The many and varied characters of Delmont Close are effectively conveyed as are the various issues that they are grappling with. As the day progresses and more people gather at number nine there are plenty of undercurrents and good dynamics between the characters. It becomes increasingly clear that there are a lot of issues and problems, some of which are serious and it serves as a good reminder that things are hidden behind glossy front doors and we can not always be aware of the truth that lies behind.

However, I find the novel takes a little while to get going, but once it does, I’m hooked. This is well worth a read.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to the publishers for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think for those of us who loved Jennie's debut novel, The List of Suspicious Things, we all have high hopes for The Barbecue at No. 9. As an 80s child, discovering it was set mainly on the day of Live Aid, excited me even more.

No. 9 houses the Gordons. Lydia, who is very much a keeping-up-with-the-Joneses type and refuses to be known as "that family", decides to host a barbecue for all of their neighbours. Everything must be perfect, particularly because her brother-in-law and his wife have confirmed their attendance. However, as the day unfolds, not all goes according to plan and as the neighbours arrive and the party gets into full swing, secrets start to be revealed.

Jennie Godfrey has a great insight into character and all of the little foibles that make us human. She invokes a number of emotions and even managed to make me see the hidden soft side of one of the more staunch characters. It fully highlights that there is often a bigger fear in the thought of doing something, rather than the actual doing of it, and that those who care about you will always come through for you, no matter what.

The Barbecue at No. 9 is a wonderful exploration of human interactions and relationships (siblings, friendships, parents and lovers) with some surprising moments. As the colder weather approaches, it's the perfect book to hunker down with and be drawn into the drama and community of Delmont Close.

[Tilly Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this one after falling in love with Jennie’s debut, and thank goodness it lived up to every one of my expectations! Yet again, she’s created a cast of characters who will stay with me long after I put the book down, and it’s another novel filled with kindness and community like I adore.

Whilst it’s definitely a character driven novel, there’s still plenty of drama and surprises to keep the reader hooked, and I loved the Live Aid 80s backdrop to the big day as all these events unfolded - I could absolutely picture all the outfits and hairdo’s 🤣

Is it too soon to say I can’t wait for her next book?! Without a doubt, a new favourite writer who I’ll read anything by!

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who was at Live Aid back in ‘ 85 how could I not read this.

Set against the backdrop of that incredible day, this is the story of a group of residents meeting for a barbecue bringing with them their happiness, fears and idiosyncrasies.

This is a wonderful observation on mid eighties living- the social divisions, the fads and fashions and of course the music of that memorable day.

Full of wonderful characters that you will be hooked to in moments … maybe it was a nostalgia read that only those who knew the day will fully appreciate

A really enjoyable read

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook, which was read by Gemma Whelan, Josh Dylan, Raffey Cassidy and Stephen Mangan, who take the narrating roles of Hana (No 9), Steve (No 20), Rita (No 15) and Peter (Hana's dad - also No 9).

Told over the course of 12 hours as the country was held spellbound by Live Aid on 13th July 1985, the story of the barbecue at No 9 follows four of the main players - Hana who has taken to wearing black, ignoring everything her mother says and is planning her escape, Rita who is relatively new to the Close and has done a little escaping of her own in the recent past, Steve whose world seems to be getting smaller as he keeps an eye on the neighbours and anyone else snooping round and Peter, Hana's dad, who has big secrets of his own that he'll do anything to keep from getting out.

I've got to say that List of Suspicious Things was one of my favourite books from last year so this had big shoes to fill. For me it just fell ever so slightly short. However that is because List was very close to my own childhood memories.

The longer No 9 went on the more I enjoyed it. The characters are all engaging and sympathetic with difficulties that could have applied to any one of us. The story has lots of twists that I didnt see coming and the denouement for at least one of the nighbours took me by surprise.

On the whole, another triumph from Jennie Godfrey. It certainly has me wondering which part of recent history she will give us a story from next. I wait with baited breath.

Definitely recommended.

[Bobby W · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to this book as TLOST was great. I struggled with the first 250 pages and found myself skimming through them. I felt no affinity for the characters who really didn’t grab my attention or interest. I enjoyed the last 100 pages when the storyline picked up pace but, sadly for me, it felt a bit too late. The 1980’s nostalgia was the highlight, the best “character”. I was deflated that I didn’t like it more.

[Ross · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was very just okay

[Karen]

Review to follow. This was a super read and definitely recommended.

[Lydia Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah- what to say? Another beautifully written novel from Jennie Godfrey. Full of not only nostalgia but also mystery and mayhem. Reading one of her books is like indulging in several hours of people watching. She has my heart!

It’s July 13 1985- ‘Live Aid Day’ - the sun is high in a cloudless blue sky and Lydia Gordon is hosting a barbecue not just for all the family but for all the neighbours too. Out to impress from her ‘des res’ she promises to be the hostess with the mostest. However, she is totally unaware of the amount of baggage her guests, and her own family, are not only about to bring to her party but also about unpack….

It’s one book set on one day with a multitude of fascinating characters. It has been riveting and kept me guessing until the very last page. Loved it!!

[Rich ✧ ✭ ✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The whole ‘second album’ phrase need not be worried about here. Jennie proves she is a master at her craft, creating a brand new story packed with heart, secrets and a barbecue you’ll not want to miss!

I loved how nostalgic and atmospheric the novel is once again. Jennie has this expert craft of transporting a reader back to the time her stories are set; this time to 1985 with the new barbecue craze sweeping Britain, Brookside dominating Channel 4, C&A clothes shop for the working-class, and buying VHS tapes to record your favourite shows from the telly.

Jennie has a talent for crafting characters and the right amount of depth required for readers to know them well, understand them and fall in love with them. Steve was my standout hero in this book. His character serves as a subtle lesson to not be so judgemental of others. He’s vulnerable, reclusive and mocked. Given the chance and help needed, he can be just as caring, loving and supportive as everyone else. I enjoyed his story the most and he has a little extra something (storyline wise) that I entirely appreciated.

The rest of the neighbours are diverse and the perfect recipe for a juicy, mysterious story. Secrets unravel… lies are exposed… You’ll all know a Lydia Gordon - You’ll all have had a Steve in your school-year group - Hanna might even have been you - and the lady from the shop exists in many villages!

The writing was superb. I felt like a fly on the wall throughout the whole story; a credit to the storytelling. It almost read like a cosy soap-opera - It has Coronation Street’s warmth and tenderness where required, and the secrets worthy of an EastEnders revelation. Perfect for an absolute nosey-Parker like me, who enjoys learning about and watching other people!

But at its heart, it’s a cosy story of family, friendship, regrets and life. It’s warm when it’s needed, with just the right amount of twists and shocks to keep you gripped. Characters stay true to theirselves. They’re sometimes flawed which makes them very relatable and they all make a great placements in this wonderful novel. I enjoyed from start to finish. I was so immersed, I could not put it down.

Jennie’s two novels show she was born to write and her career change was the best decision. 5 stars - no notes.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! I loved this funny/sad book. I really enjoyed Jennie Godfreys first book, The List of Suspicious Things as well.

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Jennie and Hutchinson Heinemann for the gifted proof of this title in return for an honest review.

This has to be the most anticipated second novel of any author at the moment. In my opinion, Jennie's debut novel - The List of Suspicious Things - was beyond words, and so to live up to that could have been a daunting and difficult talk. But she has more than met the challenge.

Where I think she excels the most is in her character creation. She has a gift for giving us relatable, recognisable, familiar characters across a wide range of ages, backgrounds and roles in the story. She's given us heroes and villains as it were, some trustworthy and others you're not quite sure of. Don't get me wrong, the plot is there, but for me, who prefers characters over plot, it is almost second to the characters; they are what hold this story together and what makes you invest in it. She's one of the best at characterisation, in my opinion.

It's another novel that is filled with love and friendship and the importance of a supportive community. It's about what you've done, what you haven't, wat you regret and what you wish for. She really makes it feel like a big family that the reader is immediately a part of.

I was eight years away from being born when Live Aid was on, but like everyone else I have since watched it many times and so I can almost get a feel for what it was like at the end. And Jennie has depicted it to the letter. It is perfect, like you're wrapped up within the fuss around the show, like you're the one sitting down ready to watch it. It's so nostalgic and echoes the 1980s perfectly, down to the hairstyles and the food and the décor.

Now, having not been around in the 80s, I can't say for sure it's accurate, but it reads as if it is. And I know Jennie was around in the 90s but still, the amount of research she would have had to do to get it so accurate, rom the brand of cigarettes to the once loved but forgotten about home gadgets.

It's very different but also similar to TLOST. It's similar in the sense that she has created this multi-layered, multi-character, community who are all not what they seem. But I found TLOST more of a thriller set in a contemporary space, whereas this is mostly told through conversation rather than action, you're not necessarily sure what the secrets are, it's all very hush hush. It's almost like you're a detective trying to look in the gaps that these characters create for you - it's very clever.

It's another one of those books that makes you question whether you should even try to write a book, because it will never been as good as this one.

You wonder how a book of this length can be told over just one day, surely it must get slow? But it doesn't. Somehow she's managed the pace of it perfectly.

I didn't want it to end at all. I felt the same way with TLOST. I flew through that and was then annoyed that I hadn't taken my time with it, but I've done exactly the same thing here. I couldn't help it. It's so fun and natural to read that you just disappear into this world and then all of a sudden you're finished and you want to start again.

I know she's only two books in, but I can say hand on heart that I will read everything she writes - even her grocery list if she'd let me. I sure hope she has a long writing career because I, and everyone else, needs her talent on their bookshelves.

Now all I need to know is, when is book three coming out?

[Amy Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 1985 Live Aid backdrop gives this book a fun nostalgic feel, and the characters all come with intriguing secrets.

Unfortunately, the slow pacing kept the story from really grabbing me. I kept waiting for the tension to build, but it never did.

What I missed most was the character development, I never felt I truly connected to them, which made it hard to care about where their stories ended up.

It’s a good read overall, but not one that will stay with me. I know many readers adore Godfrey’s debut, List of Suspicious Things, but that fell a little flat for me as well. I just don’t think her writing style is for me.

[Kasia Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️. I liked the premise of this - being set over 1 day and at a party. I felt that the Live Aid concert didn’t really add anything and wasn’t necessary for the storyline. I was really interested in the characters though - thought they were written well and thought the ending was great.

[Fran McBookface · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Jennie. Full review to follow

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating 4.5.

🐦‍⬛ I just can’t get enough🐦‍⬛

It’s no secret how excited I was when I received a proof of The Barbecue at No. 9 by @jennie.godfrey a few months ago. In fact, I suspect many of you would have actually heard my gasp and whoops of joy when I opened the parcel 😂 I was also quite nervous. Could this book live up to the brilliance of Jennie’s debut, The List of Suspicious Things? Had I hyped up this book so much in my mind that it couldn’t possibly match my expectations?

Fear not, my friends. I needn’t have worried. Jennie Godfrey has done it again.

There’s something deceptively simple about The Barbecue at No. 9 - a neighbourhood gathering, a hot summer day, a street full of familiar faces. Yet Jennie turns this ordinary setting into a story packed with tension, humour and surprising emotional depth.

Set against the backdrop of Live Aid in the summer of 1985, the novel introduces us to the residents of Delmont Close, each carrying their own worries, histories and private truths.

I loved how the shifting points of view gradually peeled back the layers of each household, in turn revealing aspects of their own story while also creating a three-dimensional view the others. This was one of the triumphs in TLOST, and I was happy to find that in TBAN9 Jennie manages it again.

Engaging, emotional and full of sharply observed moments, this is the kind of book that pulls you into its world and makes you care about the people living there. Beneath the wonderful nostalgia, humour and neighbourhood drama is a thoughtful look at the ways people show up for one another. Sometimes imperfectly, sometimes too late, but ultimately in ways that matter. It’s absorbing, emotionally layered, and a reminder that even the most ordinary streets are full of stories waiting to unfold.

Thank you very much to Jennie Godfrey and Hutchinson Heinemann for the opportunity to read this prior to publication, it was a privilege. I loved it so much I pre-ordered a special edition for my bookshelf. It’s a beaut!

[Emily Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited for this after Jennie Godfrey’s incredible debut, The List of Suspicious Things. Her writing is beautiful, and her ability to create a cast of characters who will stay with you for a long time is remarkable. I didn’t love this quite as much as Suspicious Things — it took a while to settle into the story and get to grips with the different characters — but the second half more than made up for that. I can’t wait for whatever she writes next.

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Alyce King · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt the characters were a little short of imagination and mostly stereotypes. Easy read, but not quite at the level of The List of Suspicious Things.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atmospheric, nostalgic, suspenseful and heartwarming, Jennie Godfrey had me in her thrall from the first page of this mesmerising story. This was such a ride. A story that offers us a glimpse into the complicated, layered and messy lives of the residents of one street, told over the course of one historic day.

We are transported back to the summer of 1985; a time when everyone was gearing up for the biggest event in music history: Live Aid. On Delmont Close, Lydia Gordon, the house-proud mother at number 9, decides this is the perfect opportunity to throw a barbecue for the neighbours. But what this Lady Di loving perfectionist doesn’t foresee, is that as the guests arrive they bring with them the secrets, lies and traumas they each have hidden. And then there’s the person that seems to be watching them. It’s the recipe for the perfect storm. And as the clock ticks down to the event’s finale, Lydia must confront the awful truth that her family aren’t as picture-perfect as she believed.

Jennie’s debut was one of my favourite books of 2024 so I had high hopes for this book. I wasn’t disappointed. Setting this story to a backdrop of Live Aid was a stroke of genius and I loved how Jennie used the concert as a countdown to the finale. As a child of the 80s I was here for all of the 80s nostalgia. It was a fun walk down memory lane merged with a mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was hooked and devoured the book in just two sittings.

Skillfully written, expertly choreographed and perfectly paced, she has delivered another flawless tale. Jennie’s strength lies in how she takes the ordinary and mundane and makes it extraordinary. She writes people and situations we can all relate to and weaves in timely, important topics, making us feel every emotion alongside them while keeping us on the edge of our seats with anticipation. I liked these people and cared about them. I felt like they could be my friends or neighbours, making me feel even more invested in the story and what happened to them.

So, step back in time with this gripping and irresistible read.

[Nia Parry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited for the publication of this book, as the author’s debut novel was a 5⭐ read for me a couple of years ago. But this one just didn’t convince me, which I’m so gutted about 😢

One of my biggest pet hates in historical fiction is when a book is marketed around a specific historical event, but that event adds nothing to the plot. This could have been set at any kind of gathering; birthday, housewarming, anything. Setting it around Live Aid felt pointless, as it was barely mentioned and, when it was, it was only in passing (e.g. “Elton John is singing on the telly in the background now”). If you’re going to centre a book around an event like Live Aid and use it as the focal point to market the book, I expect it to actually matter to the story.

I also found the book quite dull, if I’m honest, and I just didn’t buy the premise. I’m not convinced that a barbecue would suddenly prompt all the neighbours to confront their pasts and start confessing to things like murder 🙈

I’ve seen other reviews say the strength of this book is its sense of nostalgia, but I didn’t feel that at all. It could easily have been set at any point in the last 50 years.

Absolutely gutted, but this one just didn’t work for me 😢

[Jacki (Julia Flyte) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Barbecue at No 9 is set over the course of one day against the backdrop of Live Aid. We’re in a suburban cul de sac, where the residents of Delmont Close have gathered for a BBQ while watching Live Aid on TV. At first I thought the large cast might be overwhelming, but it didn’t take long to have them all sorted in my mind. It particularly focuses on three residents: teenage Hanna who is planning to run away from home, a mysterious Australian called Rita and Steve who is suffering from PTSD after serving in the Falklands.

It’s a very easy, warm hearted read, You care about all the main characters and I loved the way their secrets were gradually revealed. Plus the way she captures the day is just brilliant. I laughed out loud at times remembering very specific things about 80s life that I had long forgotten. Even though several of the themes are dark, the tone stays fairly light throughout. I’ve been reading quite a few darker books lately about unlikeable people and this was just a delight.

[Sarah Faichney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennie Godfrey is a joy! Her writing is sublime and ‘The Barbecue at No. 9’ is sure to be yet another smash hit (pun intended). The book brought back SO MANY memories of growing up in a new-build housing estate and of the Live Aid era. It's a beautiful, compelling read with some very impactful scenarios unfolding within the narrative. I bawled reading the final page! Having ripped through it, I now feel somewhat bereft and I'm really going to miss the residents of Delmont Close. Another surefire bestseller. All hail Queen Jennie Godfrey!

Edit: I can't believe I forgot to mention the playlist!!! Book playlists are my favourite thing ever and this one is a belter. You can find it here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/16K...

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audible is very good with multiple narrators- it was just what I needed as a break from the women’s prize for fiction. Although very accessible with good use of humor, it encompasses some serious themes. I remember the live aid concert very well, not a happy day for me at the time, but I look back with nostalgia. I admire the way the author uses it as a central point. There are rather too many characters and I know some will say there’s not enough detail, but at the same time it keeps the book a manageable length. Many readers and book groups don’t want over 300 pages. The characters are flawed and believable but not stereotypes. Themes of PTSD, homophobia, religion and domestic abuse set in Thatcher’s Britain, and Australia.

[Amelia Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In many regards very similar to her last book, even to the point of having someone observing the road they live on, with just as much if not more cultural references to ensure you know when the book is set (but when it’s Band Aid who can complain?!) But the characters were really nice and compelling and I cared about all of their stories, shed a few tears at the end. Definitely more uplifting than her last. Sparked joy.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author acquits herself well with this fine sophmore offering, in which a 1985 Live Aid watch party reveals neighborhood secrets. Fab!

[JAYNE ROSCAMP · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 !

[Michelle Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book feels similar to Jennie Godfrey's first book in that it's very character based, set in the UK decades ago and is written in such a way that it's easy to read.

I liked the large character variety and the singular event setting. The barbecue was interesting and fun, I loved the suburban environment and the pressures of the 'perfect family'. I loved the judgement of the 'unusual' people who lived there like the divorced ladies - especially since this was set in the 80s. The multiple viewpoints were great, it kept it interesting and the backstories of some of the characters was fascinating.

I found the background of the band aid interesting especially since none of the people really seemed to care about the children in Africa (except for that one crying lady). I also found it funny when they made that snarky comment about Freddy Mercury's sexuality even though they'd all gathered around the television to watch Queen.

I really enjoyed this, it was nice and easy to read, I binged it in one go which I haven't done in a while. Huge thank you to NetGalley, Jennie Godfrey and Random House UK for this ARC.

[Rosie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured the authors first book but this took me a while to get into but I’m glad I perceived a good ending plus if
You like nostalgia then this the book for you

[Ellie novellittlelady · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5 but I was a little disappointed by this one sadly. I was really looking forward to this as I loved her debut novel, but for me, not enough actually happened until the very last part of the book. That said, it was an easy listen and I enjoyed the setting of the 1980s.