Being Bookish

Rivals by Jilly Cooper

08 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the 1980s, there was nothing like a good old-fashioned bonkbuster to brighten up your bookcases. With their somewhat stylised but garish covers tha...

The book countdown for 2022

30 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This year has been a big one. 130 books, 56 new authors, and only 22 re-reads. I have been introduced to new authors, new genres and some incredible n...

Warhammer The Eisenhorn Omnibus by Dan Abnett

18 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bet you never thought you'd see the day when I read a book in the Warhammer series! Well, today you are going to be surprised. This week I am talking ...

The Body by Stephen King

11 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s 1960, in the fictional town of Castle Rock, Maine. Ray Brower, a boy from a nearby town, has disappeared, and twelve-year-old Gordie Lachance a...

Agatha Raisin and the Busy Body

04 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Agatha Raisin and the Busy Body feels like the perfect start to December. When Health and Safety busy body John Sunday starts to tell people that ther...

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is the first book in her bestselling trilogy (though it has since been added to with a prequel). First released in...

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

30 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Shiver is the first in a YA series by Maggie Stiefvater, originally released in 2009. The book has been on my bookcase since that point and until this...

Flowers in the Attic by Virginia Andrews

16 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Flowers in the Attic is the gothic novel that has it all, some of this all you probably don't want, but over the 43 years since its release it's sold ...

Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House

09 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House sounds as though it should be a great book to talk about in Booktober, right? Spooky, Halloween-like, ghosts, myst...

An Interview with Author Jamie West

02 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jamie West is about to release his first novel, a murder mystery based in 1930s Brighton, Death on the Pier, so of course, I had to speak with him whe...

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

25 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

*WARNING: Talk of suicidal thoughts from minute 25 (I get a bit real in the mental health talk). The Love Hypothesis was released in September 2021 an...

Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie

11 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Hickory Dickory Dock, the clock struck one, the mouse ran down... Who hasn't heard this rhyme? Agatha Christie was a fan of them, even though the rhym...

Wolfsong by TJ Klune

04 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wolfsong is a re-release from author TJ Klune, an author I won't stop recommending. This book was an advanced reader copy I received from the publishe...

Delicacy by Katy Wix

21 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Delicacy by Katy Wix is a memoir with a difference. It's not written in a linear way, but that makes it an interesting read. A comedienne best known f...

The Forbidden Game by LJ Smith

14 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Forbidden Game was originally published as a trilogy in the Point Horror book series in 1994, and was released in 1995 in the UK. The story of a y...

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

07 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Klara and the Sun is the latest novel by Nobel prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. I have to be honest, I am not sure what I should classify it as, b...

Miss Phryne Fisher Investigates by Kerry Greenwood

31 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Miss Phryne Fisher Investigates is an exciting, fast-paced cosy mystery based in the glitz, glamour and adventure of the roaring 20s with a titled, in...

Episode 100 - Must-buy authors

24 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I struggled with what to talk about for my 100th episode. I even contemplated just doing a normal book review, but then I realised that one thing I ha...

An Interview with Author AJ West

17 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Spirit Engineer is the story of Spiritualist William Jackson Crawford. Based in Belfast in the early part of the 20th century, following the trage...

Agatha Raisin - A Spoonful of Poison

10 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A Spoonful of Poison is book 19 in the Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Beaton. Released in 2008, it is a complicated but enjoyable cosy crime that takes ...

An Interview with Author Stacy Gold

29 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week is a little bit different as I had the opportunity to talk to Stacy Gold, author of contemporary, steamy romances about her latest novel, Wi...

Misery by Stephen King (1990)

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Please note this is a HORROR novel and though we don't go into graphic detail, it's likely not one to listen to with anyone of a sensitive disposition...

Misery by Stephen King (1987)

22 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Please note this is a HORROR novel and though we don't go into graphic detail it's likely not one to listen to with anyone of a sensitive disposition....

Call for the Dead by John Le Carré

15 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am talking about the first George Smiley novel by John Le Carré, Call for the Dead with a special guest, Shane from What's Shakin' with S...

Elektra by Jennifer Saint

08 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Elektra, not the best known of the victims of the Trojan War, but she is the title character in the latest novel by author Jennifer Saint. Find out ho...

Belle Nash and the Bath Soufflé by William Keeling

01 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Belle Nash and the Bath Soufflé is the first novel in The Gay Street Chronicles by new author William Keeling. Based in Regency Bath, it's a gentle c...

Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis

24 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Eight Perfect Hours is a contemporary romance written by Hertfordshire based author Lia Louis. It was released in June 2021 and uses one of my favouri...

Paradise by Abdulrazak Gurnah

17 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Paradise was released in 1994, it made the Booker Shortlist and then for some reason my county library had just one copy available county-wide. Since ...

Agatha Raisin - There Goes the Bride by MC Beaton

10 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There Goes the Bride is the 20th book in the Agatha Raisin series by author MC Beaton. What do you get when a determined private detective attends her...

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

03 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It Happened One Summer and Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey are collectively known as The Bellinger Sisters series. Today I am going to be givin...

Chris Evans Season: Knives Out

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Knives Out, a surprise 2019 hit from director Rian Johnson had a massive and incredibly A-List cast including Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don John...

Chris Evans Season: Snowpiercer

27 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Snowpiercer had a limited release in the US in 2013, yet it received critical acclaim, earning 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and is the second film in 2022's...

Chris Evans Season: Scott Pilgrim vs The World

06 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Scott Pilgrim vs the World was released in 2010 and stars a pre-Captain America Chris Evans in a role that many won't associate him with, the bad guy....

The Book Nook - February 2022

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I read so much that I figured I would add in a bonus episode every month to talk about the books that I haven't previously mentioned. So let me give y...

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

27 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am joined by Chance Whitmore from Strive, Seek, Find and his daughter, Erika as we talk about the first in Brandon Sanderson's science fic...

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

20 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After a few weeks of books that weren't quite what I was anticipating, this was very different. A novel about acceptance, with a number of themes that...

Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

An episode in which I make something smutty VERY PG! Believe it or not, all romances are not created equal. At least, that is what I am discovering. O...

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

06 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I am going back to cosy crime again this week with the best-selling debut from TV presenter, Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club. A group of elder...

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

30 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas was a surprise hit when it was independently published last year. In fact, this romantic comedy was picked u...

Easy Connections and Easy Freedom by Liz Berry

16 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This duology had a massive impact on my reading in my tweens and early teens. The series has since become something of a cult hit, especially with gir...

On a Night Like This by Lindsey Kelk

09 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This is a recent read and a brand new author to me. Lindsey Kelk's 17th contemporary romance, On a Night Like This, released in November 2021. In this...

2021 in Review

02 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Taking a look back at the last 12 months, all the books, all the films, all the TV shows. And giving you a glimpse into the future, an idea of what's ...

Disney's Noelle

19 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This film was the first project launched specifically for Disney+ in the US, released on November 12, 2019. A Christmas film with Enchanted vibes star...

Holiday in the Wild

12 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're definitely getting closer to Christmas, so, this week I have a guest, Griff from The Paul and Griff Show. We start off by talking about one of N...

Disney's High School Musical

05 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode was recorded a few weeks ago and in it, I have introduced Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare to a film that is probably more horrific to...

Jennifer Aniston Season: The Break-up

28 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the final episode of Jennifer Aniston season, I am looking at a film that is definitely not all sweetness and light. Witness the breakdown of a rel...

The Bookshop: Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief

21 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today is an extra special Bookshop episode as not only do I discuss the first in the Percy Jackson the Olympians series, but I managed to persuade Kel...

Jennifer Aniston Season: Just Go With It

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's the penultimate episode of Jennifer Aniston Season and I am taking a look at one of her more recent romantic comedies, the first of her two roles...

Jennifer Aniston Season: Along Came Polly

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It had to be on the list somewhere, and what better time than now to talk about one of Aniston's most successful romcoms (at least when it comes to th...

The Bookshop: Pestilence

07 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Set in a future not too far from ours, this dystopian New Adult fantasy from Laura Thalassa. This is the first in a series of four books, with the fou...

Jennifer Aniston Season: Rumor Has It

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's 1997 and Sarah Huttinger is returning home to Pasadena for her younger sister's wedding. While there she discovers the scandal that she believes ...

The Bookshop: All the Feels

31 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

There is another book with this same title, but I am not looking at a psychology text in this episode. In fact, I am going to be looking at the sequel...

Blended (2014)

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a fan of The Wedding Singer, or maybe 50 First Dates, then chances are that you've also seen the film I am taking a look at for this episode...

The Bookshop: The Murder at the Vicarage

24 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In my last Bookshop episode, I took a trip to the Cotswolds and introduced you to Agatha Raisin. So I figured that now would be a great opportunity to...

The Ugly Truth

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am taking a look at the war of the sexes, and no, I am not referring to the tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs. Katheri...

The Bookshop: Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death

17 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you love Miss Marple or Murder, She Wrote, you'll be familiar with the genre of cosy mysteries. And if you, like me, love them, then you'll pr...

The Other Woman

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am going to be talking about the 2014 romCom The Other Woman starring Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton. The last thing you expect ...

The Bookshop: Wendy, Darling

03 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In my latest episode, I am taking a look at a brand new author's debut novel, one that digs into childhood memories and turns a favourite on its head....

How to be Single

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join me as I navigate the single life in New York through the eyes of recent singleton and grad Alice. So, what did I think? Was it a good film? Was i...

The Bookshop: Good Omens

26 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm talking about one of my favourite books with someone who also loves it, Chance from the fantastic Strive Seek Find. We're talking about ...

Disney's National Treasure

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This is unlike the other Disney films I have reviewed as it's not a Disney Channel Original. This time I am looking at a massive cinema release that m...

The Bookshop: The Silver Linings Playbook

19 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am taking a look at the 2008 novel by Matthew Quick that inspired the 2012 Oscar-Nominated movie of the same name. Was this book the first...

Lucifer: The Final Season

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's finally happened. The last ever season of Lucifer, Season 6, has been released and I spent a few evenings over the last week watching it and tryi...

The Bookshop: Spoiler Alert

12 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm taking a look at a contemporary romance by American author Olivia Dade. In Spoiler Alert we meet actor Marcus Caster-Rupp and geologist ...

Disney's Camp Rock

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I am back with my first Thursday episode of Season 3 and it's all about the 2008 Disney Channel Original Movie, Camp Rock. So get dancing and singing ...

The Bookshop: The Martian

05 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Until about a year ago I didn't even know that this was a book, I just assumed it was a film and that was it. However, now I am aware I am pleased tha...

Stranger Things

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I've been joined by a very special guest, Lorraine from Once Upon a Nightmare and we're talking about a show that was based during our formative years...

The Bookshop: A Room with a View

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This 1908 classic is one of my favourite novels. Set in beautiful Florence at the turn of the 20th Century and following the slow but emotional story ...

The Fast and the Furious

27 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

For this, my 50th episode, I am going to be going back to the origins of the podcast and looking at a film. Yes, it's about cars. No, Chris Evans isn'...

The Bookshop: Me Before You

18 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I had planned to talk about a book by the ever-wonderful Terry Pratchett, unfortunately, time somehow escaped me (the Masterchef Australia g...

The Finder

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am travelling to 2012 via the Florida Keys with a review of the sadly short-lived Bones spin-off, The Finder. I have to be honest I was re...

The Bookshop: Ariadne

11 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another episode in my cosy little bookshop. In this episode, I am going to talk about a debut. book by a new author, Jennifer Saint's Ariad...

The Golden Girls

08 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It arrived on Disney Plus in the UK last week and if you had any idea how much of a fan of the show I was I you wouldn't even need to guess. This week...

The Bookshop: Firestarter

04 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am traversing back in time to 1980 and reviewing a book that I read in my childhood - however inappropriate that may now happen to be. Yes...

Dollface S1

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am taking a look at Dollface which arrived on Disney Plus earlier this year. Starring Kat Dennings, Brenda Song and Shay Mitchell it's a s...

The Bookshop: Someone I used to know

27 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am reviewing a book that is only a few days old -in fact, it was released in the UK on 24th June 2021. I am revisiting a favourite author ...

The Bookshop: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

20 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I have moved away from the YA, the magical and the mystical and taken a trip to the world of old Hollywood glamour, courtesy of Taylor Jenki...

Death in Paradise S1

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm taking you to the Caribbean and the fictional island of St Marie, where having a secret can be murder! This British series has been a lo...

The Bookshop: Lore

13 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am heading into mythological territory (yes, again), with the latest novel from American author, Alexandra Bracken. Lore, which was releas...

Black Books

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am introducing you to Bernard Black and his amazing collection of books in a small shop near Bloomsbury. Yes, I am taking you on a trip to...

The Bookshop: Cursed Luck

06 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am taking a look at a relatively recent release in the form of the first book in a new series by Canadian author, Kelley Armstrong. The bo...

Netflix's Lucifer Season 5 part B

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I am revisiting Lucifer and looking at the most recent episodes released on Netflix as of the 28th of May 2021. This review is as spoiler-f...

The Bookshop: Six of Crows

30 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this, the first-ever episode of The Bookshop I look at the first book in Leigh Bardugo's Six of Crows Duology, appropriately titled Six of Crows. I...

Spaced

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to season 2, brand new format, brand new concept, same old Raye! This week I am talking about the 1999-2001 TV show, Spaced. I also tell you a...

Netflix's Shadow and Bone

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the finale of Season 1, I am talking about the new Netflix series, Shadow and Bone. Starring Jessie Mei Li and Ben Barnes, this is an adaptation of...

Clueless

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am looking at another 1995 film in Clueless. Has it stood the test of time? Will I find it creepy watching as a fully grown adult who is a...

Empire Records

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am looking at 1995's other teen comedy, Empire Records, starring Renee Zellweger, Liv Tyler and Debi Mazar. I also take a look at a new no...

Just Friends

18 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week it's another trip back to 2005 as I look at the Ryan Reynolds film, Just Friends, also starring Amy Smart, Anna Faris and Chris Klein. I als...

The Wedding Date

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I have a guest, Griff from the Paul and Griff Show as we talk about 2005's The Wedding Date. We also cast the remake - you know, just in cas...

Easy A

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're out of March, which means that Chris Evans Season is over. So, this week I am talking about 2010's Easy A, starring Emma Stone and Stanley Tucci...

Chris Evans Season: Avengers Assemble

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week, in a departure from most of the films I have done, I am looking at a blockbuster. Yes, for the last episode in 2021's Chris Evans Season I ...

Chris Evans Season: The Losers

18 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's the third week of Chris Evans Season and I am looking at his fourth comic book outing, this time he's special ops with an interesting taste in T-...

Chris Evans Season: The Perfect Score

11 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We're in week two of Chris Evans season and this week I am looking at his second starring role in the film The Perfect Score from 2004. I also review ...

Chris Evans Season: What's Your Number?

04 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In the first of four episodes focusing on films starring Chris Evans, I talk about the second of two film projects from 2011, What's Your Number? whic...

Mr. Right

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am talking about the hidden 2015 gem, Mr. Right starring Anna Kendrick and Sam Rockwell. I also talk about my 22 years of writing fanficti...

He's Just NOT That Into You

18 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week it's all about the 2009 film He's Just Not That Into You, the 2007 book Bite Me If You Can by Lynsay Sands and my mental health. You can fin...

Muriel's Wedding

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week is a special one for me, as I get another year older, so after asking what you, the listener, wanted to hear I am talking about 1994's Austr...

Fright Night (1985)

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I'm doing something a little bit different this week...no, your eyes do not deceive you, that is a horror film title you spy. I am looking at Tom Holl...

The Proposal

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I am taking a look at the 2009 hit RomCom, The Proposal starring Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds and the inimitable Betty White. I am also rev...

This Means War

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm looking at the 2012 film This Means War, I read Rumour Has It by Jill Mansell and as well as an update on streaming services in the UK t...