loading . . . The List Of Suspicious Things ⭐️ Fifteen Stars, Three Editions, One Unforgettable Book Book Review: The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey What It’s About Set in Yorkshire in 1979, The List of Suspicious Things follows 12-year-old Miv as she navigates a world shadowed by fear. With her mum no longer speaking and her dad quietly planning a move down south, Miv clings to her best friend Sharon — and the streets of the only home she’s ever known. While the Yorkshire Ripper dominates the news, the story isn’t about him. It’s about the ordinary people trying to live normal lives under extraordinary pressure. When women start disappearing, Miv and Sharon create a list of suspicious people and things in their neighbourhood, hoping that solving the mystery might be enough to keep them from having to leave everything behind. Why I Bought It Three Times Sometimes a book is more than just words on a page. This one clung to me. I bought it first on Kindle, then as an audiobook, and finally — the paperback. I didn’t even realise I owned three copies until I posted my current read to Instagram. That’s when I knew it was time. I listened to the audiobook while reading along with the paperback, and from the moment I pressed play… I didn’t stop. I’m lucky to have Alexa set up across my flat — four devices in four rooms — so I could keep listening while doing housework or making meals. In truth, I mostly just sat there, completely absorbed. I finished it at 1am, emotionally wired and unable to sleep. The next day, I couldn’t even pick up another book. I had to sit with this one — to feel it, to process it. That’s how much it stayed with me. Audiobook Magic The audiobook deserves a very special mention. Performed by a full cast — Joanne Froggatt, Mark Noble, Asif Khan, Gemma Whelan, and Simon Harvey — each voice brought a different perspective, layered with personality and emotion. This was more than narration — it was an immersive performance. I genuinely felt like I was there with the characters, hearing their inner worlds unfold. It made the story feel real, and the emotions hit even harder. Quiet Power and Real Lives Jennie Godfrey’s writing is exceptional. She didn’t just write characters — she breathed life into them. Especially Miv, who felt so real to me that I could see her, hear her, even feel her fear and determination. The story explores heavy topics through a child’s eyes with grace, empathy, and honesty. It’s set during a frightening time, yet the focus is on the people, not the fear. What I loved most is how it shows the impact of kindness. Miv and Sharon's small, brave acts of care ripple throughout their community. Without them, many lives might have taken a very different path. That subtle touch — the way the girls' empathy changes others — added so much beauty to the story. It’s not loud heroism; it’s quiet, human goodness. And it hit me hard. Final Thoughts This is a book I’ll carry with me. I feel changed by it — truly. The atmosphere, the compassion, the raw honesty of what it means to grow up in a world filled with fear but choose connection anyway... it’s stunning. Jennie Godfrey has written something very, very special. If you’re after a book that resonates beyond the final page — something emotionally rich, beautifully performed, and masterfully written — this is it. My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ + ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Fifteen Stars (One set of stars for each edition I own — Kindle, audiobook, paperback. And it deserves every one of them.) http://momobookdiary.com/2025/04/10/the-list-of-suspicious-things/
