The latest edition of The Thursday Book Club was broadcast on 15th May 2025 at 2pm on Phonic FM. Joining host Jonathan Posner were Angie Wooldridge and Keith Rossiter. Click the names to find out more about them, and use the audio bar below to listen to the full show.
We reviewed Washington Black by Esi Edugyan.
When two English brothers take the helm of a Barbados sugar plantation, Washington Black – an eleven-year-old field slave – finds himself selected as personal servant to one of them. The eccentric Christopher ”Titch” Wilde is a naturalist, explorer, scientist, inventor and abolitionist, whose single-minded pursuit of the perfect aerial machine mystifies all around him.Titch”s idealistic plans are soon shattered and Washington finds himself in mortal danger. They escape together, but then Titch disappears and Washington must make his way alone, following the promise of freedom further than he ever dreamed possible.Inspired by a true story, Washington Black is an extraordinary tale of a world destroyed and made whole again.
This month I again carried on for the second hour, playing some old favourite tunes from 1984. So if you love these, keep listening after The Thursday Book Club finishes!
Listen to both parts of the show in full here:
The next show is at 2pm on the 19th June 2025.
The interview was with Pippa Marriott of Word Kitchen.
Word Kitchen’s next event:
June 10th – Summer Stories – Word Kitchen’s Prose Night at the Exeter Phoenix
NEWS
Diana K. Robinson’s book, Don’t Blame Me is about a brave woman’s struggles living with a man with no conscience—a man she once loved but then despises. Dion, the antagonist, is a sociopathic, narcissistic alcoholic who can charm the socks off anyone he wants to, and gets away with it just once too often – that is, until the web of lies finally catches up with him. Diana says, “Many women find themselves trapped in marriages they think they can’t escape from. This book not only offers the reader inspiration, but Elizabeth’s life is a roller coaster of events, some unbelievable, others heartbreaking and some frustrating. It’s an incredible tale of persistence and endurance through a very difficult life, and the crazy decisions she makes. Don’t Blame Me is available on Amazon as an ebook, Paperback, Kindle, and Kindle Unlimited.
Helen Baggott is an author and speaker from Dorset who has just released Memories from the Future.
This is the first in a new series of books exploring the history of Exmoor. Helen usually writes non-fiction books about genealogy and postcards sent before the First World War, but Memories from the Future is a genealogical novel that weaves a plot around people who were in the region in 1911. Whilst all the encounters are fiction, the stories are based on newspaper archives. In the book, a character called Arthur gathers the local stories, which are then discovered more than a hundred years later. The book is
available from Amazon for £7.99 and is published by Stourcastle Books. It is illustrated with black and white images of postcards from the era.
Caro Ayre’s second book in the Detective Inspector Gavin McKay mystery series is out on the 22nd May. The first book was The Mallaig Link, where Gavin’s old enemy becomes his boss. This new one, The Perfect Alibi, is the sequel, and sees DI Mckay taking on two cases – a potential suicide and the kidnap of five-year-old twins, while trying to find a balance between his work and personal life. If you like police procedurals you should enjoy this not too cosy crime novel! Pre-order on Amazon.
An author who we’ve featured before has a new book out. Ebberley Finch, whose novel Lock, Stock and Harold we reviewed last month, has her next novel out on May 20th. It’s called The Seaside Sisterhood. Here’s the blurb: Betrayed by her husband, Kate is determined to rebuild her life and her confidence. Packing up her shattered life and her two children, she abandons London for the Cornish coast. Is her move the first step towards a new and fulfilling future, or a reckless dream destined to fail?
Half a world away in Bangkok, Lawana is swept off her feet by a handsome and charismatic lover. As she follows a man she barely knows into an uncertain future, will she discover the dream life he promised?
In pursuit of security and happiness, both women find themselves caught in a tangled web of love and deception. Unexpected twists change not only their lives, but the lives of those they love. Two women, one husband. What could possibly go wrong? You can pre-order on Amazon.
The Shout, Celia Ann Merrill’s new book of poetry, came out on April 23rd. With many light-hearted poems and some more poignant, it illustrates and celebrates the sights, sounds, emotions and experiences that have been enjoyed in the inspiring and beautiful environment of Appledore. It raises funds for the Appledore RNLI. Available on Amazon.
Brett Orchard’s book, Patriot came out on 20th April. Partly set in Colyton, it tells the story of Rebecca – an ex-spy who’s pulled back into the world of espionage. It’s perfect for fans of fast-paced espionage thrillers and political intrigue. This gripping novel will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Available on Amazon.
The ND Lovers Club: How Neurodivergent Women Lust, Like, and Love by Bontle Senne and Sara-Louise Ackrill was published in February. The book aims to break down the barriers of shame and stereotypes to show that neurodivergent women don’t just deserve love—they excel at it. This unapologetically feminist manifesto-meets-self-help book dives into the messy, magical world of dating, sex, and relationships as experienced by neurodivergent women. With wit, wisdom, and plenty of f-bombs, Senne and Ackrill explore how ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent identities shape how women approach intimacy. It’s available on Amazon.
As part of the South Hams Literary Festival, there’s a Writers’ Day on Saturday 14th June, from 10:30 to 3:30 at the Unit 8 Gym in Ivybridge. Ther’s a drop-in session for writers to get advice, help and inspiration from other writers. There’ll also be guest speakers, a networking lunch, and lots more! Free entry. Free parking. Refreshments available. All welcome. Whatever level of writing you’re at, there will be something of interest to you. Just drop in. No need to book.
Alice Hunter tells us that her 5th novel publishes 22nd May. It’s called The Perfect Psychopath and draws on her own experience working in a prison. She says that she thoroughly enjoyed writing some twisted characters! Go to Amazon to pre-order this gripping, new, edge-of-your-seat crime thriller from the bestselling author of the smash-hit novel The Serial Killer’s Wife, which is now a major TV series.
Mark Norman’s 7th book Hallowed Ground: The Folklore of Churches and Churchyards is coming out in the UK on 17th June, and can be pre-ordered on Amazon. It’s already out in the States. He tells us he has two more titles (one with Harper Collins for the National Trust and one with The History Press) out later this year.
Jenny Scott’s new illustrated children’s book came out on 3rd May. Jenny is the author of the Sammy Rambles and Molly Manila books. This book is called Dasher and Digger the Dogs and Friends, and is part of the 43-book series called Bumper and Friends. Dasher is the quietest dog on the farm and Digger is the loudest. It is their job to round up the sheep and they are very good at it. But when Digger loses his voice on the day of the National Sheepdog Trials, Dasher needs to take his place. Will anyone notice that the dogs have changed places and can Dasher overcome her shyness to take part in the competition? Available from Amazon.
Helena Dixon is appearing at Bristol Crime Fest which starts today and runs to Sunday 18th May, with a host of other fabulous authors. Also book 20 in her bestselling Miss Underhay series, Murder at the English Manor set near Bovey Tracey, is out on May 23rd. Find on Amazon.
