Mercedes Mercier Makes us read THE ONLY ONE LEFT by Riley Sager

Sara Foster Makes us read THE HAND THAT FIRST HELD MINE by Maggie O'Farrell

Listen above or on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or if you want to SEE us in all our glory… watch at the bottom of this post. And if you LOVE the pod, please consider leaving us a review. This episode's book: The Hand That First Held Mine [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e167qX] by Maggie O’Farrell, is a story about two seemingly very unrelated women as they come to terms with new motherhood, love and hidden family secrets. This week’s guest is Sara Foster is an internationally bestselling author known for her gripping psychological thrillers and emotionally rich storytelling. Originally from the UK and now based in Western Australia, Sara is one of our best writing friends and we can’t wait to hang out with her again on retreat later in the year. Most importantly she knows how to party and we were recently luck enough to attend her 50th 70s themed bday on a boat! In this episode, we cover: Maggie O’Farrell’s long, fabulous career (no, we’re not jealous) Authors who write many different types of books Themes of motherhood in fiction. The tenses we like in fiction. Simple but poignant premises Sara’s reading tastes and recommendations 💋 And, of course, we rate THE HAND THAT FIRST HELD MINE: Kiss, Kill, or Marry. Loading... 📚 Books Mentioned in this Ep The Book of Unnamed Midwives by Meg Elison [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/rEDVqj] Story Genius by Lisa Cron [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/0Gjb5N] Anything by Lisa Jewell, Taylor Jenkins Reid and Liane Moriarty Far From The Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/1GP6Qx] Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/OYKXJr] God of the Woods by Liz Moore [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/3kZ23k] The Hush by Sara Foster [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/7XO47d] You Don’t Know Me by Sara Foster [https://www.amazon.com.au/You-Dont-Know-Sara-Foster/dp/1789559774] ⏰ Timestamps 0:00 – Intro to our fabulousness (even if we do say so ourselves) 0:41 – Rach’s disappearing act and all the many luncheons. 2:23 – Introducing our fabulous guest - Sara Foster. She’s been prepping hard but still feels nervous, making Rach feel ALL powerful. 2:56 – The Hand That First Held Mine [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e167qX] by Maggie O’Farrell - Sara beautifully reads the blurb. 4:48 – Judging Sarah’s author bio. She has a PhD AND a very cute dog. We are officially in awe yet Anthea still gives her tips on how to improve it! Rach suggests Sarah write a memoir about the boozy, long-lunch era of publishing. 9:23 – Judging Maggie O’Farrell’s bio - Rach feels she’s a bit of a braggart, then boasts about her own thirty-something books. Sara talks about Maggie’s varied career (spoiler - she loves everything she’s written). 14:49 – Book facts, awards and Goodreads. Goodreads give it the tick of approval but now it’s our turn to Kiss, Kill or Marry. Every gets nervous and Rach no longer trusts her own opinion! 17:15 – Book discussion: Oh Lord, it’s another quiet novel. Lexi vs Elena timelines – which gal was the funnest? Anthea likens the book to eating All Bran. 22.00 - Rach needs a few things explained. She’s really pissed off about a baby with no-name, but aside from that she sounds rather obsessed. 25.12 - Oh Lord, Rach is waxing lyrical about quiet novels again, yet can’t explain what she loves so much about this book. 26.41 - Why on earth is Maggie so compelling? Rach admits she’s really nosey! 29.07 - Sara tells us why Maggie is a literary genius! Speculating on Maggie’s writing process. 33:14 – Whose story is this? (Lexi vs Elena vs Ted debate) Does Ted even HAVE a passport?? Anthea really gets nit-picky, but makes a good point. 39:46 – Time to ask Sarah all the hard questions. Eg. Who are her auto-buy authors?(Rach and Anthea offended not to feature) 40:49 – Sarah’s top book recommendation: The Book of the Unnamed Midwife [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/rEDVqj] – this is the fancy kind of shiz we’ve come to expect from Sara… We can’t believe neither of us have ever even heard of it. 42:50 – Trigger warnings debate – When do we need to know? 44:34 – Classic novel Sarah hasn’t read and overhyped books 49:33 – Sarah’s favourite of her own books and insight into the podcast adaptation of You Don’t Know Me. 52:10 – Reading reviews: do our authors look? 56:03 – What’s next?? 👉 Watch now and tell us - did you love The Hand That First Held Mine? 👉Next Ep, we’re diving into Theo of Golden [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/m4G3BZ] by Allen Levi [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/m4G3BZ] and our June guess is Kate Solly who is making us read The Eyre Affair [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/55VJA3]by Jasper Fforde [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/55VJA3]. July Books: 14th July - Yesteryear [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/E0ekPD] by Caro Claire Burke [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/E0ekPD]28th July - Daddy Long Legs [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/6kdv1m] by Jean Webster [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/6kdv1m] with guest author Tamara Moss [https://open.substack.com/users/113929248-tamara-moss?utm_source=mentions] Exciting NEWS - we’ve pretty much locked in all our books for the rest of the year! You can see them here! [https://readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/p/warning-your-2026-reading-problem] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe [https://readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

We Read HALF HIS AGE by Jennette McCurdy

Hi Deadliners We hope you enjoy this latest edition of Reading Between Deadlines. This episode’s pick: HALF HIS AGE [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/X4421G]- a supposedly funny story about sex, power, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. The story is about Waldo, a teenaged girl who becomes obsessed with her teacher. It’s the debut novel by Jennette McCurdy, child star, now writer, filmmaker and more. Although this is her first novel, her memoir, GLAD MY MOM DIED, was a massive hit! We hope you enjoy our deep dive into this hyped book. Happy Listening and Love lots,Rach and Anthea PS. If you want to watch rather than listen, scroll down. 💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry. ⏰ Timestamps 0:05 — Welcome to the Pod! 1:18 — Rach entering witness protection to avoid socialising with Anthea (understandable!) 4:55 — We read Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy…but why? 6:05 — Hype – has it tricked us again? 8:00 — Blurb – a tale as old as time (or if not time, as old as that creepy Russian book..) 9:38 — Author bio – Fancy enough for ya? 11:50 — Goodreads – Rach gets forensic… 13:01 — So – how did it sell? Rach runs the figures – Anthea is impressed! 13:20 — Kiss, Kill, Marry! The rules… 14:15 — Judging, but in a nice way.. 14:47 — Rach reports back on her time with Waldo and her creepy boyfriend 15:47 — Rach is over stories with older male love interests. (Ageist!) (and she says something about character growth..?) 16:11 — Is the older man plot too creepy to enjoy? (Anthea feels bad about Harrison Ford, but not THAT bad..) 18:02 — Does anything shock us anymore? Anthea can’t remember.. 18:17 — Anthea and Rach discuss period sex/bloody penis play – hot or not? (NOT!!!) 19:31 — Anthea on kissing Waldo.. (not just after the bloody penis bit, obvs..) 21:52 — What makes a good book? Anthea is still confused. 24:43 — What makes a book successful? (no, really??!) 26:03 — Is Waldo SUPER mature? Or just really into menopause? 30:57 — Waldo – lumbered with a middle-aged man. #goals 32:55 — Family dinner with a rando kid – weird? Or massively cosy and appropriate? 35:06 — Is Jeanette ok? A tough childhood on the page. 41:42 — What’s coming next on the podcast (Anthea writes things down..) And we add Yesteryear to the menu…(Anthea thinks it’s about her..) 44:15 — Bye! 📖 Coming up next: 👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Sara Foster about The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e167qX]. In June, we’re diving into Theo of Golden [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/m4G3BZ] by Allen Levi [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/m4G3BZ] and chatting to Kate Solly about The Eyre Affair [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/55VJA3]by Jasper Fforde [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/55VJA3]. For what we’re up to after that, click here [https://readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/p/warning-your-2026-reading-problem]. 🛍️ Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch [https://rachaeljohns.theprintbar.com/shop/view_product/24245671/Reading-Between-Deadlines-Podcast] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe [https://readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Mercedes Mercier Makes us read THE ONLY ONE LEFT by Riley Sager

Listen above or on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or if you want to SEE us in all our glory… watch at the bottom of this post. This episode's book: The Only One Left by Riley Sager, a gothic thriller packed with family secrets, dodgy characters, and a creepy old-mansion. The story follows a home health aide caring for a woman accused decades earlier of murdering her family. This week’s guest is Mercedes Mercier (otherwise known as Rach’s co-writers). Mercedes is a crime and thriller author known for her fast-paced, twist filled novels. When she’s not writing or looking after her twin daughters, she works in the criminal justice system - no wonder her crime novels are so realistic! Her latest book is The Couple’s Retreat. In this episode, we cover: Bios - men vs women. Creepy, gothic settings. Is Riley the male Frieda McFadden? Materialism and old houses. Co-writing and more! 💋 And, of course, we rate THE ONLY ONE LEFT: Kiss, Kill, or Marry. Loading... 📚 Books Mentioned in this Ep Anything by Robin Hobbs The Baby-Sitters’ Club series Goosebumps series IT by Stephen King Sophie Kinsella’s novels DOVE by Georgia Harper Harry Potter series The Lord of the Rings ⏰ Timestamps 1.0 – Welcome, and feel free to be intimidated 2.19 – Mercedes Mercier – pretty much James Bond but a lady 3.57 – The Only Once Left – Tik Tok hype at work 4.43 – Mansions, murder and cliff tops – the blurb is a total vibe 8.28 – The male bio – fewer dogs and kids than you’d think 9.51 – Mercedes shamelessly (and quite correctly) brags that she has kept Rach to a95 000 word count! Anthea passes out…! 11.09 Mercedes and Rach celebrate their (reading) promiscuity 12.31 – Kiss, Kill, Marry – it’s unanimous! 13.45 – Anthea says it’s crazy at the end. FIFTY YEARS CRAZY! 16.15 – Rach loves the crazy – but she doesn’t want to marry it 18.43 – Riley Sager – how to fit a whole lot of crazy into one book at a time 20.39 – Themes - Rach wonders what her books are about?? 21.43 – Anthea goes postal about 50 years of arse-wiping 23.40 – Why 1983? Does this novel really need to be set in Dark Ages?? 25.57 – We question Mercedes about her personal choices – and find out she’s a crier! (and a nerd) (both of which we wholeheartedly support!) 28.54 – DNF – is it our right? Or our DUTY? 31.22 – Fantasy novels and Sophie Kinsella – because dragons like Jimmy Choo’s, too? 33.18 – Reviews – the work of the Devil, and dummies with no taste…! 33.48 – Co-writing – a brief masterclass from Rach and Mercedes 37.46 – Book recommendations. 41.22 – Harry Potter – divisive? Or still magical? 43.11 – Rach tells Anthea what she’s reading next – Anthea writes it down. 44.57 – See you next time! 👉 Watch now and tell us - did you love The Only One Left? 👉Next Ep, we’re diving into Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/X4421G] and our May guest is Sara Foster who has chosen to make us read The Hand that First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell. June Books: 14th June - By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult28th June - Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster with guest author Tamara Moss [https://open.substack.com/users/113929248-tamara-moss?utm_source=mentions] Exciting NEWS - we’ve pretty much locked in all our books for the rest of the year! You can see them here! [https://readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/p/warning-your-2026-reading-problem] 🎽 Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch [https://rachaeljohns.theprintbar.com/shop/view_product/24245671/Reading-Between-Deadlines-Podcast] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe [https://readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

We Read WILD DARK SHORE by Charlotte McConaghy

Hi Deadliners We hope you enjoy this latest edition of Reading Between Deadlines. It’s come to our attention that some of you don’t realise that we still DO post a video but due to something to do with Apple and Spotify we post the audio at the top and the video at the bottom. So if you’d rather watch than listen, scroll to the end of this post. Anthea writes the FUNNIEST timestamps for the show - honestly, we’re not even sure what these are for but the wonderful Virtually Annie told us to do these so we do and I really hope people read them, cos they make me laugh so much! Happy listening/watching. Don’t forget to vote in our Kiss, Kill, Marry poll below. Love lots,Rach and Anthea This episode’s pick: WILD DARK SHORE by Charlotte McConoghy [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Wy1o6G] is the book EVERYONE in Australia (and we think the world - thanks Reese) has been reading and talking about lately, so we thought we’d better see what all the fuss is about. We’re in awe that Charlotte is so accomplished so young and proud she’s Aussie. We rarely read books by Aussie authors because we’d never want to diss a compatriot and we want to talk honestly about our thoughts and feelings here, but because WILD DARK SHORE has been such a HUGE success, we felt it would be remiss of us not to take a read. In this episode, we cover: Climate fiction - is it a thing? Writing style - fancy or over-written Romance/love story in lit fiction How expectations going into a book influence reading experience 💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry Loading... ⏰ Timestamps 00 – Welcome to a windswept island - where two authors have been swept up on a rocky beach. (and Anthea wonders why she keeps saying yes to Rachael’s crazy schemes..) 2.58 - Anthea inserts MAFS into the conversation (any excuse) Rach has no time for the television, because she is classy - and insanely busy! 4.04 - Anthea complains about being busy. Rachael nearly passes out - then realises she doesn’t have time. 5.12 - Wild Dark Shore, please come to reception! It’s time to be judged. (and bring a couple of fur seals with you..) 9.06 - Award nominations for Wild Dark Shore. Who is Booktok Boy anyway? Anthea’s finger creeps further from the pulse every day. 10.13 Wake up and smell the turtle-necks - it’s Literary bio time! But does this bio deal in LIES?? 14.26 - Kiss, Kill, Marry… Anthea does her civic duty and dobs Rachael in for trying to cheat...! 15.47 - Anthea’s rollercoaster relationship with Wild Dark Shore. 18.55 - Fancy writing - hot or not? And why Rach is captivated by lyrical renderings and Anthea is looking over Wild Dark Shore’s shoulder to see if ML Stedman is at the bar… 21.15 - Was Rach just in a really good mood when she read this novel? And is the honeymoon is over. 23.20 - They called it Wild DARK shore for a reason. Murder, suicide, dead penguins in a barrel. Shiz gets DARK. 25.34 - Hank. Your classic narcissist. And then some. Hang on, just how romantic is the love story? Rach wonders if we need the love story at all… 30.00 - Rach ponders low expectations and their ability to really make literature sing. 36.52 - Rach questions global warming, and likens Dark Shore to a long poem. 39.30 - The seed bank question. Which ones get off the island? 40.46 - Next month The Only One Left by Riley Sager. Rach reminds Anthea what books she’s read. Anthea is very interested! 👉 Watch the episode above and let us know your feelings about WILD DARK SHORE. 📖 Coming up next: 👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Mercedes Mercier about The Only One Left by Riley Sager. In May, we’re diving into Half His Age [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/X4421G]by Jeanette McCurdy [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/X4421G] and chatting to Sara Foster about The Hand that First Held Mine [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e167qX] by Maggie O’Farrell [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/e167qX]. For what we’re up to after that, click here [https://readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/p/warning-your-2026-reading-problem]. 🛍️ Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch [https://rachaeljohns.theprintbar.com/shop/view_product/24245671/Reading-Between-Deadlines-Podcast] Thanks for following. We love ya! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe [https://readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

John Purcell Makes THE FRIEND by Sigrid Nunez

Listen above or on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or if you want to SEE us in all our glory… watch at the bottom of this post. This episode's book: The Friend [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bOEdDP] by Sigrid Nunez [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/bOEdDP] is a quiet novel about a woman who inherits the dog owned by her best friend when he dies. Not just any breed of dog but a MAMMOTH Great Dane, oh and her rental agreement is NO DOGS. Although a novel about grieving a friend, it also offers a lot of insight into a writers life as both the MC and her friend are writers. This week’s guest is John Purcell, who we think might be one of the most well-read authors in Australia. While still in his twenties, John Purcell opened a second-hand bookshop in Mosman, Sydney, in which he sat for ten years reading, ranting and writing. He’s currently Head of Books at The Nile Australia and his latest book, The Amateur's Guide to Killing Bad Guys, will release in August this year. Shoutout to our inner circle - aka our paid subscribers. We LOVE you and we LOVE our bonus episodes that we do JUST for you!! If you’re not already inner circle, you can join for only $5 a month and you’ll get our monthly Recs and Not Recs ep as well as a surprise chat every second month. In this episode, we cover: Re-reading old faves Writing classes and the writing advice in this novel This dangerous profession and the risks of having a writer in your family Is telling really a sin? Dogs vs Cats 2nd person point-of-view The movie adaptation, which John refuses to watch. 📚 Books Mentioned in this Ep Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/0GGRYO] A Room With a View by E.M. Forster [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/zzznj0] The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/VOO2Z6] Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/k44Jz0] A Gentleman of Moscow by Amor Towles [https://www.booktopia.com.au/a-gentleman-in-moscow-amor-towles/book/9780099558781.html] Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/E00R9W] Lee Child’s Jack Reader novels. [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/2RRVj0] Brave New World by Aldous Huxley [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/3kkmjr] Dracula by Bram Stoker [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/vDDEy3] Books by Bryce Courtenay, Colleen McCullough, Agatha Christie, Thomas Hardy, Deborah Levy, Rachel Cusk, Ali Smth. ⏰ Timestamps 1.0 Intro 1.25 – John apologises for loving Brother of the More Famous Jack, as well he should. 1.30 – Rachael cranks the handle on her feminine wiles. Anthea settles in to learn from the master 3.21 – John refers to Rachael as a wonderful author and Rach responds with a comment about John’s top-notch erotica. 5.20 Anthea reads the blurb in an attempt to bring down the spice! 7.21 John complains that Rach and Anthea kind of ruined his re-read of The Friend. Anthea refuses to feel bad about it. 9.33 Rach adds background info about The Friend. Anthea starts thinking about tea. 10.53 Rating time – Kiss, Kill or Marry? 12.07 Anthea goes first, and makes some excellent points 14.34 John doubles down on The Friend. Rachael captivated, Anthea suspects he’s a cat person. 18.56 Rach agrees with John about everything – but she does mention Anthea’s latest book, so Anthea agrees with herself that they can still be besties! 22.06 There’s some nonsense conversation about cats and dogs. Anthea wonders if she can make it to the kettle.. 27.05 Not naming characters – cool literary device – or just a bit wanky? 27.39 Writing in second person. Pointless? Wanky? Is the kettle on? 29.44 John discusses self-publishing and AI. A cup of tea is delivered to Anthea by an 83 year old ghost. Nice! 34.10 John loves Room With A View. Anthea wonders about the cat thing. 35.27 Rach tells John he has picked a novel that’s TOO good, with TOO much to discuss! Anthea bows to the master, and realises she still has much to learn. 36.40 Rach and John discuss the issue of offending modern audiences, and modern sensibilities. 41.40 John disses tonnes of hyped books – Rachael and Anthea are in awe. 46.37 John disses Dame Agatha Christie, which Anthea thinks is a bridge too far. 47.07 Rachael enthuses about John’s Nile posts (Anthea wishes they would get a room already..) 47.36 Thomas Hardy – John’s wingman – and one of the greatest reading experiences of John’s life 49.50 Rachael asks – are all writers monsters?? 54.23 John has lost three dogs, and has chosen to replace them with cats. Enough said. 55.25 Next book – Wild Dark Shore (and a super fond farewell from Rach!) 👉 Watch now and tell us - did you love The Friend? 👉Next Ep, we’re diving into Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/Wy1o6G] and our April guest is Mercedes Mercier [https://open.substack.com/users/321550670-mercedes-mercier?utm_source=mentions] who will make us read The Only One Left by Riley Sager [https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-only-one-left-riley-sager/book/9781399712378.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21611718891&gbraid=0AAAAA-Ia9hMMHfwelMfUrE1SU1ug3MJ9f&gclid=Cj0KCQiApL7KBhC7ARIsAD2Xq3Asdtu8LTQ6DFHNPTYnOHd24lD3GPUTSSOdPr5r-C2CQBnNf2CdcHoaArP_EALw_wcB]. May Books: 14th May - Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/X4421G]28th May - Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster [http://booktopia.kh4ffx.net/oNNono] with guest author Tamara Moss [https://open.substack.com/users/113929248-tamara-moss?utm_source=mentions] Exciting NEWS - we’ve pretty much locked in all our books for the rest of the year! You can see them here! [https://readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/p/warning-your-2026-reading-problem] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe [https://readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]