Initially I really enjoyed this story, it’s the tale of a daring Yorkshire teenager, Miv, who thinks if she investigates everything suspicious around her, she may be able to identify the Yorkshire Ripper. However, Miv is somewhat naïve and her escapades lead to sadness and tragedy.

I didn’t feel this was going to be the way the story went, all the info I’d read talks about it being funny and heartwarming – yes, it is at times but overall I would call it overwhelmingly sad.

Although a bit bit of slow burner, it is well worth sticking with this book. Beautifully written and truly a masterpiece.

"The List of Suspicious Things" by Jennie Godfrey is a coming-of-age story set in 1970s Yorkshire, UK. The story revolves around a 12-year-old girl named Miv, who lives in a community where women are afraid of the serial killer known as the Yorkshire Ripper. As the Ripper's attacks grow more frequent, Miv's family talks about moving down south. When the police urge civilians to note anything suspicious and look closer at their neighbours, Miv begins her investigation. The story is about family, friendship, and community, and how sometimes the most vital connections are found in the most unlikely of places.

The author's attention to detail brings the era to life, and her writing style is both funny and poignant. The story is told from the perspective of a 12-year-old girl named Miv, who is navigating the complexities of family, friendship, and a nervous and worried community. Miv's investigation into suspicious things in her neighbourhood is a clever plot device that reveals the complexity of the adult world around her.

There are several memorable characters in this novel. Miv's best friend Sharon is a central character in the story, as the two girls set out on a quest to catch the Yorkshire Ripper. The contrast between the two girls is a useful device - Miv is introverted, insatiably curious, shy and feels that no one notices her! Whereas Sharon is pretty, popular and extroverted! Other memorable characters include Ishtiaq and his father, who experience racism in their community, It is a vivid reminder of how extreme the racism and violence were in the 70s. In addition, Miv is trying to cope with her own family struggles. The author expertly captures the concerns of a young mind, and the characters are vividly drawn.

The book deals with tragedy and grave topics, but it is also a touching and heartwarming story about growing up, family, and community. The final conclusion is memorable, heartfelt, and marvellous. Overall, "The List of Suspicious Things" is a beautifully written and engaging novel that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and of course the author for gifting me this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was epic, such an enjoyable and adventurous read. Set in 1979 when the new Prime Minister had come into power, our Maggie Thatcher, that the Yorkshire Ripper was up to his tricks terrorising and murdering the young women of Yorkshire - however little 11 year old Miv takes it upon herself to find a way to 'catch' the killer by writing her list of suspicious things.

Brilliant book, so heartwarming and really makes you think about how awful it must have been for the women of Yorkshire to not only live in fear to be have been robbed of their safety by this awful man.

The list of Suspicious Things is a captivating read set against the backdrop of the Ripper murders in Yorkshire.
Miv narrates the story, and through her and Sharon’s hunt for the Ripper. they gain an insight into life and the individuals within their community.
An amazing debut!

This book deals with some terrible times through the eyes of the main character, a young girl. It manages this sensitively and with some humour. I found it warmed my heart, which is testament to the quality of the writing.
Would definitely recommend.

This may be called a list of suspicious things but it’s a story of friendship and community. Set in Yorkshire at the end of the 1970s, two almost teenage girls try to see if they can capture the Yorkshire Ripper. Their suspicions fall on their local community and as they do so, they find out what the locals are really about.

Written with a Yorkshire humour and wit, this book is funny, sad, poignant and uplifting.

This was a fantastic read. Set in Yorkshire during the 1970’s and at the height of the Yorkshire Ripper investigations its the story of one young girls obsession with the case. So intrigued is she that she start to investigate her local neighbours, a course of action that has some tragic consequences. Evocative of the period this novel is not just a mystery novel but one of coming of age.

⭐️ 4 ⭐️

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Eyup, that wer a reyt good book, it wo!

The List of Suspicious Things is a brilliant read and a beautifully written, stellar debut from Jennie Godfrey.

Set in West Yorkshire in 1979, I got a real sense of time and place from Godfrey’s descriptions, and her attention to detail brought the era to life.

I loved the cast of characters, particularly eleven-year-old Miv. Jennie Godfrey captured Miv's young voice and mannerisms perfectly. Being a proud Yorkshire lass mi'sen, I loved seeing the regional words and expressions used, which made the dialogue between the characters even more authentic.

The story is set when the Yorkshire Ripper was carrying out his reign of terror in the area. I was only young in 1979; we didn’t live close to where Sutcliffe carried out his horrendous crimes, but I can still remember my mum and aunties talking in whispers about it and the sense of fear and unease they felt. This part of the story is very well written, and I could sense the community's fear through the pages of the book.

I was invested in this character-driven, coming-of-age story from start to finish. It's well-plotted and nicely paced; the heart-wrenching, darker parts of the narrative are balanced out with humour that wer reyt up mi gennel. I thoroughly enjoyed my nostalgic journey back to the 1970s.
 
The List of Suspicious Things wo a belter of a book, tha’nos!

I can’t Believe this is a debut, because it seemed so well elaborated and created. The whole style of the author took me a while to enjoy because my first lenguage isn’t English but I adore the fact that is a clear representation of the 80s in Yorkshire. I loved the characters, I loved the ambiance and I think it was a bit powerful start for the author. Is a book I would recommend to people often

I loved the concept and the relationships between the characters were so intriguing - special mention for Aunty Jean! A competent debut and a sweet take on a very dark tale.

It took me a while to warm to this book, I think having lived through the search for the Yorkshire Ripper and living very close to where he was found will always add a different element to a story. I enjoyed the author's style of writing ( although I was fed up with "ey up") and liked the gradual realisation of the characters that their focus needed to be closer to home and on the people they loved, but in the end it just didn't quite come together for me.
thank you to netgalley and Random House for an advance copy of this book

This is a little gem of a book that encapsulates not only the trials and tribulations of growing up but also the late 70s/early 80s depression.
Miv is a 12 yr old living with her Dad, Aunt Jennie and a mother suffering from mental health issues, in Yorkshire during the time of the Yorkshire Ripper murders. There is talk of them moving and this doesn’t go down well with Miv so she decides she should try to solve the case and find out who is murdering these women. She enlists the help of her friend and they befriend the son of the local shopkeeper of Pakistani descent which brings a touch of racism to the story.
I really don’t want to say too much about the story as I think everyone should read this book. It brings back a time that was difficult for a lot of people, after all Thatcher was in power, but as it’s told from a 12 yr olds point of view it has a different slant. Perhaps unsurprisingly the same issues such as racism and mental health still exist today.

Read it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for this honest review

5 stars! Loved this evocative coming-of-age novel set in 1980's Yorkshire. The shadow of the Ripper hangs over Miv's hometown but danger may be much closer to home.... A brilliant debut novel from Jennie Godfrey. I expect this will make the bestseller lists in 2024!

The premise of the book was really interesting, and the setting is something I like a lot:the effect of
Thatcher on industry in the North, against the backdrop of the murders by the Yorkshire Ripper. The
protagonist/catalyst of the story is 12 year old Miv. She’s being raised by her father and aunt; Miv’s
mother has debilitating mental illness. So many situations feel out of control for her, and Miv decides
that one thing she’s going to help with, is to try to catch the Yorkshire Ripper. She goes about it in
‘Harriet the Spy’ fashion-maintaining a list of people she thinks are suspicious and snooping about on
them, with her best friend Sharon. In typical YA novel fashion, Sharon is pretty and popular, MIv is not. I
don’t mind that as a narrative trope, however, it’s how young girls navigate their growing up years-we
all think we’re the ugly best friend ,whether you really are or not! The book starts off well, and I like the
multiplicity of narrative voices-the author manages to make them all unique, and each deal with a
different facet of being human-the excellently-written Mr. Omar, dealing with the grief of losing his wife
and raising his son Ishtiaq away from their native Bradford, Mr.Ware, the schoolteacher who’s
completely misguided in his attempts to be a good instructor and his reasons, Helen and Archie, with
their own problems to deal with. They all feel believable, and their stories are woven in excellently into
the narrative. This book doesn’t get a higher rating though, because Miv is quite badly-written. You’re
expected to think of her as an introspective, sensitive girl, when she’s extremely selfish and Sharon’s the
far more empathetic character. I don’t mind unlikeable protagonists, but Miv isn’t supposed to be one!.
She constantly leads other characters into danger, and even when it has terrible effects, she seems to
absolve herself very easily. I also find authors who use the death of a child for shock value emotionally
manipulative, and this author resorts to that quite a bit. The book requires a lot more editing, and is
allowed to go on for much longer than it should have. This was ultimately a disappointing read.

I normally write notes as I go along to assist with my reviews however I must say this one got me so hooked from the start and I didn't have chance to make many as I was too busy turning the pages. I loved this book.

The story begins with us meeting Miv, 12 years old in a town in Yorkshire where the Yorkshire Ripper is just starting out on his spree. The book is everything I was expecting it to be, in a good way! It has humour, murder, religion, friendship, love and racism all mixed in but never feels too heavy - a mean feat in itself with serious topics covered like this.

I really adored the main character and was instantly taken to her. We follow Miv as she starts to list suspicious people and things in the hope of catching the Ripper so she doesn't have to move away. But she realises the more she starts to take notice of things everyone suddenly seems suspicious and that list just keeps getting longer I read this over two days, I couldn't put it down.

I will be recommending this book to everyone! I will be looking out for more from this author.

Oh my goodness such a fantastic read. I wasn’t 100% sold on it at the beginning but as I got into it I appreciated how beautifully it was written. I think it’s a very clever book which draws you in and whilst you think you’re ready about one thing (ie the Yorkshire ripper) it’s so much more than that. It’s fantastic and I think it will stay with me for a long time. As an aside I was a teenager in the 1970s in Lancashire and remember the police driving around the bus station asking all the girls where they were going and warning us not to be alone). Brilliant!

I have just finished The List of Suspicious Things, Jennie Godfrey’s powerful debut. I am feeling so many emotions right now.

The List of Suspicious Things is essentially the story of Miv, a 12 year old girl, with insatiable curiosity. She is on the cusp of leaving childhood, of having to learn hard unpleasant lessons about people, life, and how cruel it can be. The book encompasses so much, that it will be hard to do it justice in this review.

Miv and her friend Sharon are living in 1979, in a small Northern town, which is long past it’s heyday, under the dual shadows of Maggie Thatcher and The Yorkshire Ripper. Miv has already had a tough life, something she is unaware of, though it’s a somewhat open secret in her community. Miv’s world is further threatened by the possibility of moving away, the only logical way for her to tackle this, in her mind, is to solve the case of The Yorkshire Ripper.

Miv and Sharon are a little older than I am, and I lived in “The South”, much loathed by Aunty Jean; but I found so many familiar things in the pages. The joy of a 10p mix up, the comfort found in the pages of Enid Blyton, the cloying sweet smell of Impulse, the nervousness felt on the corridor in a Comprehensive, when you weren’t part of the popular group.

My previous read had tried to be shocking, dramatic, thrilling. It tried so hard, that it failed on all counts, so I was desperate to read a good book. I needed a genuine, honest book, where the characters felt real and relatable. Thankfully, I stumbled upon this gem at the right moment, it is everything I hoped for and more.
This book is quiet and thoughtful, but shocking too, in a very understated manner. In the way that all of our lives can be.

I found this book so moving, tender and heart-warming. The story shines through Miv, through her innocence, the understanding of the unpleasantness of life starting to pull at the edges of her. The book manages to cover so much, so many social issues distilled into her investigations. She thought her investigations were fruitless, that she wasn’t making progress; but all the while she saw so much, and unwittingly helped so many.

By the end of the book, I wanted to hug most of the characters, with a few obvious exceptions. I felt so proud of their courage, and their determination to move forward, while keeping alive the past, and those who will forever live forever only in that time.

This is the author’s debut, and I am writing this review extremely early, the book doesn’t publish for another 5 months; but I am already incredibly eager to read whatever Jennie writes next.
Without a doubt, this is a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for me, I thought it was wonderful. I hope you will love it too.

From The Cover📖

Yorkshire, 1979

Maggie Thatcher is prime minister, drainpipe jeans are in, and Miv is convinced that her dad wants to move their family Down South.

Because of the murders.

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 down their street. People they know. People they don't.

But their search for the truth reveals more secrets in their neighbourhood, 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?

Review⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to review this beautifully written novel. Funny, poignant written with real compassion and a tender voice. A superb look at childhood, at growing up, at starting to see the world around you isn’t all that seems or all good. Jennie Godfrey is such a talented new voice in fiction, her writing is brave and unexpected and reminded me of Joanna Cannon. whose work I adore. A beautiful and emotional debut that I know will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommended. This was not at all what I expecting from the cover but it is all the better for it.

Told in first person POV with the wonderfully unique Miv and in the second person POV from the other well written brought to life touching cast of characters we travel to 1970’s Yorkshire in the mist of the hunt for the Yorkshire ripper, this is not only a well plotted story of family life but a tribute to the victims. Whist it is set in the 1970’s a lot of the topics and the thinking around them are very still topical and relevant for today, Jennie has weaved a dark subject matter into a heartwarming, tender and a some what uplifting story full of hope. I found this book really engaging, I liked the slight mystery within, I found the Yorkshire ripper element fascinating, I loved the innocence and unique voice of Miv and the nostalgia throughout.

A surprising must read novel that will stay with you long after. Fabulous debut

A lovely story set in Yorkshire during the time of the Ripper murders. Anyone who was a youngster in the 70s will recognise so much of the detail.
Miv is a great character. She tells the story and through her investigations into the case learns so much about life and the people around her in her community.
Recommended.