The Barbecue at No.9, The List of Suspicious Things 2 Books Collection Set - Fiction - Mixed Format

Titles in This Set:
The Barbecue at No.9
The List of Suspicious Things

Format: Mixed Format

Overview:
Dive into two linked, intimate novels by Jennie Godfrey in this compelling two-book collection. The Barbecue at No.9 transports readers to a 1985 neighbourhood gathering that promises a night of laughter, elegance, and flawless front doors—until the secrets behind the perfect façade begin to crack. Lydia Gordon hosts a high-spirited barbecue in her pristine Delmont Close home, inviting neighbors who each carry a private truth that could topple the glossy image she’s built. Against the backdrop of Live Aid’s global spectacle, the gathering becomes a pressure cooker of memory, motive, and the quiet heartbreak of revelation. The List of Suspicious Things shifts the lens to childhood and community, where two girls, drawn to mischief and curiosity, compose a list of “suspicious” neighbors and happenings. What begins as playful cataloguing blooms into a poignant meditation on loyalty, courage, and the ways innocence can survive—and perish—in plain sight. Together, these novels offer warm charm, keen observation, and a heartbeat under every page.

What Makes This Collection Worth Owning:
This set presents a powerful, authorial duo that fans of contemporary fiction will savor. Both titles—though distinct in mood—share Jennie Godfrey’s signature blend of warmth, wit, and an unflinching eye for family dynamics and social nuance. Read back-to-back for a seamless, binge-worthy journey through neighbours, secrets, and the pull of memory. Owning the two together also creates a richer reading rhythm: one night you’re peering into the polished surface of a seemingly perfect home; the next you’re revisiting the reckoning of childhood friendships. The collection is perfect for gifting to book clubs, to readers who love character-driven drama with emotional depth, and to anyone who relishes a slow-burn suspense built around everyday lives. It’s a thoughtful, complete experience that feels both intimate and expansive in scope.

Books Included in This Collection:
The Barbecue at No.9
The Barbecue at No.9 follows Lydia Gordon, who prides herself on a spotless home, a stylish TV setup, and a perfectly curated family. As guests arrive for a neighbourly soirée, hidden histories begin to surface, turning a night of celebration into a test of trust and truth. With sharp humour and keen social observation, the narrative explores how easily a cultivated image can crumble when ordinary people confront the extraordinary truths that live just beneath the surface. Expect vivid characters, a tight, hour-by-hour structure, and an ending that lingers long after the final page. This hardback edition invites readers to lose themselves in a vividly rendered 1980s setting and a suspenseful, resonant emotional arc that stays with you well after you close the cover.

The List of Suspicious Things
The List of Suspicious Things centers on two girls who map the quiet perils and wonders of their street by compiling a list—an archive of neighbours, oddities, and moments that feel just a touch off. What begins as a game grows into a tender, sometimes painful look at friendship, growing up, and the ways small decisions can alter a community. Godfrey’s debut novel pulls you into the nostalgia and texture of a close-knit locale while probing themes of trust, loyalty, and the moral weight of curiosity. It’s a luminous, heartfelt read that rewards patient immersion and invites discussion about memory, truth, and the costs of innocence lost.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This collection is ideal for adults who enjoy character-driven domestic fiction with an undercurrent of suspense and nostalgia. It will appeal to readers who loved The List of Suspicious Things and are curious to follow the same author into a new, emotionally rich landscape. It’s also a superb pick for book clubs seeking thoughtful, conversation-starting reads about family, neighbors, and the secrets we keep. Gift buyers will find a dual-title collection that feels premium and complete, while collectors will appreciate the cohesive voice and shared thematic threads across two distinct but complementary narratives.

Key Benefits:

• Two complete, standalone novels by the same author in one value-packed set
• Delightfully immersive, character-driven stories with emotional resonance
• Engaging 1980s atmosphere in The Barbecue at No.9 and relatable modern community dynamics in The List of Suspicious Things
• Great for binge-reading or reading aloud with a book club
• Mixed Format edition offers flexible ownership across hardcover and paperback
• Perfect gift for fans of contemporary fiction and thoughtful family drama

About the Author:
Jennie Godfrey is the British author behind The List of Suspicious Things and The Barbecue at No.9. Her work centers on intimate, character-rich stories that examine family ties, friendship, and the small but telling moments that shape a community. The List of Suspicious Things marked Godfrey’s breakthrough in contemporary fiction, earning praise for its warmth, nuance, and keen social observation. The Barbecue at No.9 builds on that foundation with a brisk, heartfelt pace and a vividly drawn 1980s setting. Readers appreciate Godfrey’s approachable voice, astute social insight, and ability to blend humor with “quietly devastating” revelations. Her books invite reflection on the masks we wear and the truths we finally reveal, making her work a reliable choice for readers seeking relatable, humane storytelling with lasting emotional impact.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This two-book collection delivers two distinct, memorable reading experiences that sit beautifully side-by-side. You’ll enjoy the momentum of both narratives—one grounded in a single night’s unravelling, the other anchored in childhood memory and communal atmosphere. The author’s voice remains consistently warm, insightful, and humane, making the collection a trustworthy, engaging addition to any bookshelf. Whether you’re seeking a thoughtful gift, a satisfying reading stretch, or a way to explore two closely related themes—appearance versus reality and the quiet power of friendship—this set offers a complete, cohesive, and deeply rewarding reading journey.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.