An important part of being an author is not just writing your own stories but experiencing those of others. Whether you’re reading, watching, listening, chatting, or exploring, they’re all stories that go into refilling that creative well – you can’t have output without input!

With that in mind, I recently flicked through the past six months of emails to my mailing list and found I’ve talked about shows I’ve seen, author events I’ve been to, my research outings, etc, but none of the books I’ve read, or TV shows and movies I’ve watched. So, today I thought I’d highlight a few of the recent reads I’ve enjoyed the most, and in the coming days I’ll do a similar wrap-up for things I’ve watched.

Let me know what you’ve enjoyed reading recently! Whether that’s something I’ve included below, or something else. Just drop me a message or find me on the socials – I’d love to hear from you.

I’ve got so many books on my Kindle I’m desperate to read, but I keep getting distracted by library books and audiobooks (which I often listen to while walking and driving). Here are nine of my favourite recent reads:

Murder mysteries

• Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson. I’m currently reading this (paperback borrowed from the library) and I am obsessed! It’s just so clever and so much fun.
• The Bullet That Missed (Thursday Murder Club #3) by Richard Osman. I listened to the audiobook (via Audible) – Fiona Shaw is the perfect voice for this series!

Cosy fantasies

• A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher. I was gifted a paperback copy for Christmas as part of a bookish Secret Santa. Such a delicious read!
• The Lord of Stariel (Stariel #1) by A.J. Lancaster. This book was a delight, and I’ll definitely be diving into the rest of the series (book #5 is MM, can’t wait!). I listened to the audiobook (if you’re an Audible subscriber, this is included in your membership so doesn’t even cost a monthly credit).
• The Ghost of Ivy Barn (Witches of Woodville #3) by Mark Stay. I enjoy each of these books even more than the last, and Candida Gubbins’ narration of the audiobooks is a real treat.

The best of the rest

• Children of Ruin (Children of Time #2) by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Spiders, octopi and humans in space – I know, sounds bonkers, but I was 100% there for it!
• Scattered Showers by Rainbow Rowell. A collection of short stories (including a Simon Snow story!). My partner bought me a signed hardback for Christmas.
• A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers. A gentle, reflective story about a monk and a robot who strike up a friendship, described by some as cosy scifi. Wonderful reads!

Keen for more stories?

Of course, if you’ve already powered through all those, you can check out my cosy mystery series – The Milverton Mysteries (the first book, Murder on Milverton Square, is out now!) – or my completed series of light, fun, and very gay romcom novellas – the Rise and Shine series (get started with Duck and Dive!).

I’ve also got a big bunch of short stories available on my website and through my mailing list, all for free.