Jennie Godfrey on The Barbecue at No. 9 | Author Interview
Fri Feb 06 2026
In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by bestselling author Jennie Godfrey to talk about her wonderful new novel, The Barbecue at No.9.
Jennie’s debut, The List of Suspicious Things, became a word-of-mouth sensation, and her second novel is just as joyful, moving and addictive.
Set over the twelve hours of Live Aid in 1985, The Barbecue at Number Nine follows the residents of a new-build estate as secrets unravel, tensions rise, and lives change forever. Somebody is watching them — and by the end of the day, nothing will be the same again.
In this warm, funny and fascinating conversation, Philippa and Jennie discuss:
Second-book nerves and writing under pressureWhy writers should finish book two before book one is publishedLiving and writing in rural SomersetWhy Live Aid became the backdrop to the novelNostalgia, secrets and the endurance of the human spiritCharacter inspiration and the joy of fictional neighboursJennie’s whirlwind publishing journeyReading habits, audiobooks and Kindle lifeThe importance of maps in novelsThe ultimate biscuit discussion (including M&S biscuity clouds)Preorder here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781529155013
📚 Books mentioned in this episode:The Barbecue at No 9 – Jennie GodfreyThe List of Suspicious Things – Jennie GodfreyDead Heat – Sabine DurrantThe Shock of the Light – Laurie Inglis HallNightwatching – Tracy SierraJennie also shares what she’s currently reading, her dream and nightmare writing locations, and the two moments in her career that truly took her breath away.
The Barbecue at No 9 is published next week.
Pre-orders are now open.
Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes.
📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com
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In this episode of Quick Book Reviews, Philippa is joined by bestselling author Jennie Godfrey to talk about her wonderful new novel, The Barbecue at No.9. Jennie’s debut, The List of Suspicious Things, became a word-of-mouth sensation, and her second novel is just as joyful, moving and addictive. Set over the twelve hours of Live Aid in 1985, The Barbecue at Number Nine follows the residents of a new-build estate as secrets unravel, tensions rise, and lives change forever. Somebody is watching them — and by the end of the day, nothing will be the same again. In this warm, funny and fascinating conversation, Philippa and Jennie discuss: Second-book nerves and writing under pressureWhy writers should finish book two before book one is publishedLiving and writing in rural SomersetWhy Live Aid became the backdrop to the novelNostalgia, secrets and the endurance of the human spiritCharacter inspiration and the joy of fictional neighboursJennie’s whirlwind publishing journeyReading habits, audiobooks and Kindle lifeThe importance of maps in novelsThe ultimate biscuit discussion (including M&S biscuity clouds)Preorder here: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/16356/9781529155013 📚 Books mentioned in this episode:The Barbecue at No 9 – Jennie GodfreyThe List of Suspicious Things – Jennie GodfreyDead Heat – Sabine DurrantThe Shock of the Light – Laurie Inglis HallNightwatching – Tracy SierraJennie also shares what she’s currently reading, her dream and nightmare writing locations, and the two moments in her career that truly took her breath away. The Barbecue at No 9 is published next week. Pre-orders are now open. Follow Quick Book Reviews for book recommendations, author interviews, and weekly podcast episodes. 📧 Email: quickbookreviews@outlook.com 📸 Instagram & Threads: @quick_book_reviews 🎵 TikTok: @quickbookreviews Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.