The List of Suspicious Things
- Judith D Collins
- Dec 30, 2025
- 8 min read
By: Jennie Godfrey
Narrators: Joanne Froggatt, Mark Noble, Asif Khan, Gemma Whelan, Simon Harvey
Tantor Media
ISBN: 9781464249051
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication Date: 12/30/2025
Format: Paperback
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC) (ALC)
TOP BOOKS OF 2025
"What could be more magical than a writer who can flip from hilarity to darkness and back on the same page? Jennie Godfrey does this and more...in a voice that is as authentic as it is unforgettable." —Jenny Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Pineapple Street
"We'll make a list. A list of all the people and things we see that are suspicious. And then… we'll investigate them."
Twelve-year-old Miv is panicking. Life has been complicated since her mom got sick, and now her dad is talking about wanting to move their family away from the town Miv has lived in her whole life—because of the murders. Young women are dying, everyone is afraid, and no one knows who the culprit might be.
But as far as Miv is concerned, leaving Yorkshire and her best friend Sharon simply isn't an option, no matter the dangers lurking round their way; or the strangeness at home that started the day Miv's mum stopped talking. Perhaps if she could solve the case of the disappearing women, they could stay after all?
So, Miv and Sharon decide to make a list: a list of all the suspicious people and things on their street. People they know. People they don't. But their search for the truth reveals more secrets in their neighborhood, within their families—and between each other—than they ever thought possible. What if the real mystery Miv needs to solve is the one that lies much closer to home?
My Review
THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS by Jennie Godfrey is an engrossing coming-of-age mystery that unfolds against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of 1979 Yorkshire.
This richly atmospheric narrative invites readers into a world where the shadows of adolescence intertwine with the eerie tension of a community on edge. As the story progresses, it intricately explores the turbulent emotions of youth, personal growth, and the pervasive dread that lingers in the air during the harrowing period of the Yorkshire Ripper murders.
Each page is steeped in intrigue, evoking a sense of urgency and curiosity that keeps readers deeply engaged in the characters’ journeys of self-discovery amidst an unsettling reality.
About...
This captivating story revolves around 12-year-old Miv, a perceptive and determined young girl who finds herself caught in a web of fear and uncertainty as the notorious Yorkshire Ripper murders loom over her community.
The setting with the backdrop of the Yorkshire Ripper murders severely impacts Miv's family life, introducing fear, economic anxiety, and emotional distress that drive the novel's central conflict. The "pervading terror" of the Ripper meant a sudden restriction on the freedom typically afforded to children in the 70s. The town, once her playground, is now perceived as a dangerous place, and parents are overprotective, using the killer's name to ensure children are home safely.
To prevent her family from uprooting their lives and leaving the only home she’s ever known, Miv embarks on a bold mission: she creates a list of suspicious individuals with the help of her friend Sharon, in her neighborhood, convinced that solving the mystery will protect those she loves.
As Miv delves deeper into her investigation, she uncovers dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of her seemingly ordinary town—issues of racism, domestic abuse, mental health, and hidden lives that challenge her understanding of friendship and the complexity of growing up.
In addition, 1979 marked the beginning of Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister, a period associated with industrial decline in Yorkshire. The local mills were closing down, leading to rising unemployment and financial strain for working-class families like Miv's. This economic anxiety contributes to the general sense of instability and is another factor in her father's desire to move for a fresh start.
Miv's journey takes her through poignant interactions with her enigmatic, silent mother, an opinionated aunt who has come to live with them due to her mom's illness, her father’s palpable anxiety about their safety, and the steadfast support of her best friend, Sharon. Along the way, she encounters figures like the local shopkeeper Omar, whose warmth masks his own struggles, and the wise librarian Helen, who becomes a source of comfort and insight.
Through these interactions, Miv peels back the layers of her community, revealing the hidden struggles that often go unnoticed behind the facade of normalcy.
My thoughts...
THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS not only immerses readers in a pivotal moment in history but also invites deep contemplation of the intricate web of human relationships. It deftly explores the immense courage required to confront the shadows of our existence in the relentless quest for truth and understanding.
Miv’s personal life unfolds amidst the turmoil of her mother’s unexpected silence and illness, adding a poignant layer to her relentless investigation. The narrative deftly navigates mature themes such as domestic abuse, racism, mental health, and violence, along with the media's problematic portrayal of victims, all while maintaining a tone of sensitivity. The story captures the palpable atmosphere of fear, pervasive community suspicion, and the ordinary yet profound details of life in a small English town gripped by terror.
The author masterfully crafts an atmospheric and historical setting that is both vividly alive and terrifyingly real. Set against the backdrop of the real-life Yorkshire Ripper terror, drawn from actual events and the author’s own experiences, it encapsulates the overwhelming sense of dread and tension permeating a close-knit community. With grace, the narrative confronts sensitive subjects, prioritizing the impact on the community over sensationalism.
At the heart of the story lies the intricate friendship between Miv and Sharon, as they navigate the often awkward transition from the carefree innocence of childhood to the stark realities of adolescence. Their journey is imbued with moments that oscillate between witty banter and heartbreaking revelations, capturing the bittersweet essence of growing up.
THE LIST delves deep into the intricate themes of friendship, the tumultuous nature of family drama, the sorrow of innocence lost, and the dark undercurrents of community secrets. It bravely navigates the harsh realities of racism, domestic abuse, fear, and the bittersweet journey of growing up, crafting a must-read coming-of-age narrative that resonates profoundly.
At its heart lies the personal mystery that Miv must unravel, drawing her closer to home and demanding that she confront the complexities of adult life. Through this challenging journey, she faces the painful loss of innocence, discovering the unmatched resilience of friendship and community in a time fraught with difficulties.
As Miv and her friend Sharon embark on their quest to unmask an ordinary man disguised as a murderer—hidden in plain sight among their familiar surroundings—their innocent curiosity becomes a window into the hidden truths of their community. Each whisper of suspicion allows them to peer behind closed doors, revealing the buried secrets that lie within.
However, the narrative transcends the mere pursuit of solving a real-life serial murder case; it pivots around the myriad socially relevant issues, community secrets, and personal dramas that the girls uncover during their naive investigation. Each revelation serves as a testament to the struggles faced by those they thought they knew.
The poignant takeaway from THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS is the unsettling realization that the most perilous secrets often lurk not in sensational news stories, but within the everyday lives of ordinary people residing in unassuming communities.
As society becomes increasingly preoccupied with monstrous external fears, such as the infamous Yorkshire Ripper, everyday individuals might be grappling with more insidious and common evils behind a facade of normalcy.
Ultimately, the book serves as a profound exploration of the loss of innocence, illustrating how the unbreakable bond of friendship and the relentless curiosity of youth compel children to confront, address, and sometimes bring healing to the very real traumas that adults around them would rather ignore.
The audiobook...
I recently had the pleasure of immersing myself in both the book and its accompanying audiobook, which features a talented ensemble of narrators. Their performances breathed new life into the narrative, transforming it into an even more engaging experience.
Joanne Froggatt, with her velvety tones, brought warmth and depth to her characters, while Mark Noble infused his narration with a compelling energy that drew me in. Asif Khan’s voice resonated with authenticity, adding a rich layer to the storytelling, while Gemma Whelan captivated me with her dynamic range, expertly portraying a variety of personalities. Simon Harvey, with his clear and expressive delivery, rounded out the cast beautifully, enhancing the overall experience. Together, they elevated the story to breathtaking heights, crafting a truly enchanting auditory journey that kept me spellbound throughout.
Recs...
For readers who enjoyed the blend of a coming-of-age story with elements of mystery and social commentary found in THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS, here are several similar books
~*Nothing More Dangerous by Allen Eskens (highly recommend)
~The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
~The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon
~Boys' Life by Robert McCammon
~The Little Friend by Donna Tartt
Moreover, readers who appreciate the heartfelt narratives of authors like Fredrik Backman, the poignant storytelling of Catherine Ryan Hyde, and the charming prose of Elizabeth Berg will undoubtedly find this book to be a delightful addition to their literary collection!
Special thanks to Sourebooks Landmark for graciously sharing advanced digital and paperback reading copies, and a delightful, creative, and fun swag box (loved), as well as NetGalley and Tantor Audio for an advanced listening copy. I can't wait to read more by this talented, fun author.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Dec 30, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
Praise
"A 12-year-old girl determines to unmask a serial killer in this extravagantly ambitious story of small-town Britain in 1979....Imaginative, impressive, and illuminating."
―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review
"What could be more magical than a writer who can flip from hilarity to darkness and back on the same page? Jennie Godfrey does this and more in The List of Suspicious Things, all told in a voice that is as authentic as it is unforgettable."
―Jenny Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Good Morning America Book Club pick Pineapple Street
"The List of Suspicious Things somehow manages to be heartwarming yet heartbreaking, a story of innocence lost that will make you feel innocent again, and beautifully nostalgic while being an unflinching portrait of the past. I loved it."
―Tracy Sierra, author of Nightwatching
"Absolutely loved it―it is so engrossing, utterly heartbreaking (made me cry!) but also redemptive and hopefully at the same time."
―Sophie Hannah, international bestselling author
"Heartbreaking yet heartwarming, with compassionate characters you can’t help but root for, The List of Suspicious Things is an unforgettable book on friendship and the power of human connection. I felt like I was in 1970s Yorkshire, investigating with Miv and Sharon, unearthing the secrets of their neighbourhood. A splendid debut."
―Costanza Casati, international bestselling author of Clytemnestra and Babylonia
"A touching paean to lost innocence and the comfort of friendships, its dark undertow leavened by stout Yorkshire humour."
―The Times
"Godfrey succeeds brilliantly in fitting a gripping and moving story in the interstices of a horrific episode in recent history, without ever trivialising, taking focus from, or minimising the lasting impact of the original crimes."
―The Guardian
"There's been buzz around this novel―for good reason. Endearing characters and nostalgic details make this a must-read."
―Good Housekeeping
"One of the buzziest debuts of 2024, and deservedly so….prepare to have all the feelings."
―Red magazine
"The real murders that are the basis for Godfrey’s coming-of-age historical mystery are never trivialized here, and her characters are written with depth and richness. Miv learns lessons that readers will wish they could shield her from, but there is a redemptive arc."
―Library Journal
About the Author
Jennie Godfrey is a British author whose debut novel, The List of Suspicious Things, was a Sunday Times #1 bestseller. Raised in West Yorkshire, she left a long career as an HR director for a FTSE 100 company in 2020 to pursue writing full-time. The debut novel, which is inspired by her childhood in 1970s West Yorkshire, was partly influenced by her father having worked alongside Peter Sutcliffe, the Yorkshire Ripper. Godfrey is also a part-time bookseller and a PhD student in Creative Writing at the University of Bristol. SUBSTACK
