The List of Suspicious Things, Jennie Godfrey

I found this book quite an emotional read. Whether it is because I can relate to the era that it was set in, but the author captured the time and the characters perfectly (for example, most children at that time wore their clothes until they were too small or wore out). She focuses on friendship and love, loneliness, domestic violence, racism factually, yet sympathetically.

The book is set in the late 1970s, at the time of the Yorkshire Ripper murders. Miv, a lonely little girl with a challenging homelife makes a wish that she will find the Yorkshire Ripper so that she, her dad, her mum who doesn’t speak anymore and her auntie Jean don’t move away. She keeps a notebook and in it writes lists of potential suspects, many of whom she ends up befriending.

I really like the author’s writing style, it’s quite strong, but gentle. This is a debut novel…I can’t wait to read more of Jennie Godfrey’s work. I have thought about this story since finishing it and won’t forget the characters in a hurry.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for a copy of this book, I rate it 5 stars.

A really wonderful read. Beautifully written and very well constructed. I loved how the story unfolded. The two young girls trying to find the Yorkshire Ripper by keeping a list of their suspicions was a little scary at times.. It was a beautiful story of true friendship, love and a dreadful loss. The twists and turns made this a real page turner. I loved all the characters and liked how their stories unfolded. It just got better as I read it.

‘There’ll be trouble at t’mill’, there sure will Aunty Jean. It’s 1979 and Aunty Jean is in full flow about Margaret Thatcher being elected Prime Minister, she’s not happy about the “milk snatcher“, it’ll spell the end for Yorkshire that is if the Ripper doesn’t do that first, our own homegrown West Yorkshire bogeyman. Not that Miv entirely understands what’s going on, especially about his victims, after all, she’s only eleven but when 19-year-old building society clerk Josephine Whitaker from Halifax is killed, she takes more notice as she’s not that many years older than her. The dark cloud of the Ripper looms large over Yorkshire, especially to the west. When it’s mooted that Miv’s family may leave Yorkshire, cricket and all, she is determined to stay especially for her best friend Sharon. What if …. what if… she could solve the murders? So she starts to make a list of the suspicious things she notices around her and ropes Sharon into her investigation. This stunning debut is told over a period of about 2 to 3 years by Miv with alternating chapters from the adults around her, offering some illumination of sharp eyed Miv’s observations.

You know when you just know a book is going to be huge, that a talented new author has burst on the scene?? Well, here we have it. First of all, the characterisation is exemplary. I love Miv and she’s an unforgettable character and yes, you could say she’s obsessive but she’s only looking for distraction from difficulties at home. Miv has good instincts even if she doesn’t entirely understand what she sees which is certainly true at the start when her naivety is clear to see but not at the end. Her friendships are a thing of beauty especially with the lovely Sharon, the “Terrible Twosome” and their friendship is wonderful. It isn’t all plain sailing by any stretch as they witness some cruelty and meanness that beggars belief but sadly is all too believable. All the characters spring to life, even the ones you’d rather didn’t.

The hunt for the evil Yorkshire Ripper inevitably means there are some dark themes and the storyline also includes racism, bullying and some domestic violence too. It captures West Yorkshire to perfection especially in the context of the late 70’s and early ‘80’s with its derelict satanic mills of Blake’s poem, with its ghosts of the past, the attitudes and gossip of a small town with firmly entrenched views. You definitely feel the tension and fear of the hunt for Peter Sutcliffe, I was in Yorkshire at the time though not the West, but we all felt the fear. Yet, despite all the obvious darkness, there’s Miv, wonderful Miv. You watch her grow up and you just know she’s going to be a fine young woman and one you’d most certainly want to know.

This is a superb coming of age story cleverly entwined with the mystery of the identity of a serial killer, it’s a story of unbreakable friendships, a life that is better just for knowing that person and the strength we derive from them. It’s beautifully written and I will not deny I have tears rolling down my face at times, this book is truly an experience and one to savour. It isn’t hard to imagine this will be one of the smash hits of 2024. Highly recommended, obviously!!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House U.K., Hutchinson for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

There was something very special about this book which I can't quite put my finger on. Was it the juxtiposition of the naive voice of Miv, at 12 years old not quite understanding what the adults around her are all hiding? Was it the delightful, if slightly fraught, friendship with Sharon, Miv's anchor that kept the reader from falling knee deep into the horrors of the Yorkshire Ripper killings setting for this story? Was it for me, a child of the late 70s and early 80s, a reminiscence trip into territory that should have been a time of playing and joy and innocence but which was tarnished by the knowledge of how evil adults could be? Suddenly no longer allowed out after dark, adults reminding you that you must stay with friends at all times, tell people where you are going, The curtailing of freedoms, as some characters initially trapped, relinquish their shackles in the story is a piece of genius. Ultimately it is a story of community, empathy, growing up, and learning that nobody is quite what they seem, for better or for worse. I bloody loved it.

This is a wonderful book and I loved every line of it. The depiction of childhood love, friendship and growing up was beautifully and cleverly done by giving Miv's childish point of view (PoV) in one chapter followed by a chapter giving the PoV of the adult that she's been musing about. This was such an excellent way of progressing the story and giving a background to the violence, sexism and racism of the times which were hidden under the surface of family lives. All of this under the shadow of the Yorkshire ripper who was dominating the news with his horrific murders.

Miv's coming of age is beautifully described as she grows up gradually over the course of the book, her friendship with Sharon is beautiful, and the whole background of the late 70s and 80s is very accurately portrayed. It is a stunning book and perfect for a book club as there's so much to talk about, so many things to discuss. I couldn't recommend it more highly and it's five stars without a doubt.

A deceptively light book, "The List of Suspicious Things" by Jennie Godfrey is giving off serious Joanna Canon vibes, along with "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" and "What July Knew". If you like this style then I'd strongly recommend this stunning debut. Set in the late 1970s, Miv sets about trying to solve the Yorkshire Ripper case. A wonderful story about friendship with background hits of racism, abuse (child and domestic) and more. Don't let this put you off, it's told in such a great way. One to remember for years to come.

Great book really evoking growing up in the 1970s. Set against the backdrop of the hunt for the Yorkshire Ripper, the plot is really interesting and unexpected.
I really loved reading it and look forward to reading more by this author.

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House for a copy of “ The List Of Suspicious Things” by Jennie Godfrey.

I’m roughly the same age as “Miv” the main character in this book , so this was a really nostalgic read for me , from small things such as the roll -on strawberry lip gloss to the terror that The Yorkshire Ripper brought to the nation.
Although I loved the book , it was not an easy read at times , dealing with the themes of racism, suicide and abuse. Alongside this it was heartwarming to see how different individuals came together as a community at times of crisis.
This was an amazing debut novel by Jennie Godfrey . It was so accomplished a book , with well written and believable characters , that you really grow to care for . I can’t wait to see what her second book will be.

This book is just fantastic. Most definitely in the running for my book of the year. Very nostalgic and brought a smile to my face with some of the remarks. The imagination of Miv and her friends is just so sweet. The story deals with some really serious issues but doesn't feel depressing in the slightest.

I have just finished The List of Suspicious Things and I just have one word - wonderful.
A beautiful story of friendship and coming of age, set during a time of apprehension and fear, and yet this always had love at its heart..
I cried sad and happy tears and happy tears reading to the end..
Some characters you will remember forever and Miv is right up there with Scout, Duchess Day Radley and Cassandra Mortmain for me.
Thank you to Hutchinson Henneman and Netgally for letting me read this - it was an absolute joy.

What a completely and utterly ingenius book this is. I absolutely loved it
Set against the backdrop of Thatcher and The Yorkshire Ripper, The List Of Suspicious Things offers a reall spyhole inot the lives of those living right at the edge of both those major events and really explores through perceptive portrayals, how both of those things could impact the lives of ordinary people.
Told alternately through the eyes of Miv (a pre teen girl, curious about the world she lives in and the things that all the adults around her are whispering about) and various adults with whom Miv and her friend, Shannon, interact, we learn of different people's attitudes, goings on behind closed doors and how the shadow of The Ripper weighs heavily on the small Yorkshire town where Miv resides.
With Miv, a pre adolescent maturing more slowly than her friend, determined to use every clue she can garner about the Ripper tofind him, she and Shannon begin a List of Suspicious things which leads them to explore the lives of notable people in their community and which sets certain events in motion.
This book is really well researched and evoked all the emotions I felt as a teen around Miv's age when the Yorkshire Ripper was active. Although I was in Scotland at the time, Miv's innocent misunderstandings, her fear, the horror all of it was palpable.List of Suspicious Things shows how much hard it was for those living so close to the killings to live their livesunder this cloud.
But List of Suspicious Things is about more than that. It's also a coming of age story of a young girl, with a difficult homelife that she doesn't fully understand and its about the normal highs and lows of a villageadapting to new things.
With themes of grief, domestic violence, adolescence, abuse of power, racism and more List of Suspicious Things has made its way onto my top 3 (which now includes 4 books because I can'r bare to ditch any of the three already on my list)
Beautiful, poignant, thought- provoking and hopeful.

In "The List of Suspicious Things," Jennie Godfrey presents a heart-warming coming-of-age tale that explores the power of friendship, family, and community. This touching story follows a young protagonist as she embarks on a mission to uncover the truth amidst the backdrop of a notorious crime.

The narrative centres around a determined young girl who is inspired to catch the Yorkshire Ripper, despite the scepticism of those around her. With her friend's support, they devise a plan to create a list of suspicious people and things and investigate them, bringing structure to their quest for answers.

Godfrey expertly captures the innocence and curiosity of youth, and the strength of the bond between the two friends shines through the pages. As they navigate their way through their investigation, the story highlights the importance of trust, resilience, and the unexpected connections that can be formed along the way.

The author's writing style is both engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the world of the characters and immersing them in the emotional journey. The story unfolds with a gentle pace, allowing readers to savour the relationships and themes explored.

"The List of Suspicious Things" not only serves as a captivating tale but also explores deeper themes of friendship, family dynamics, and the power of determination. It reminds readers that even in the face of daunting challenges, the bonds we form can be a source of strength and support.

Overall, "The List of Suspicious Things" is a touching and heartfelt story that resonates with readers of all ages. Jennie Godfrey's ability to blend themes of friendship, mystery, and personal growth creates an endearing narrative that will leave a lasting impression.

It's 1979, and there's a lot going on for twelve year old Miv. Her mother's mystery illness means she barely leaves her bedroom, Auntie Jean has come to stay, ruling the household with an iron fist, and Miv's best friend Sharon seems ever more on the verge of outgrowing their friendship. To eke back some control, Miv takes it upon herself to investigate suspicious figures in her town - ostensibly in the hopes of catching the Yorkshire Ripper before the police can, but her strong sense of social justice means she isn't afraid to get involved when she encounters racism, abuse, or members of the community in need.

I thought this novel was fantastic. Jennie Godfrey depicts the bleakness of being twelve so well - it reminded me of What July Knew by Emily Koch, only against a sinister 1970s true crime backdrop. I did cry at the end, too.

Thank you for to Random House and #NetGalley for the opportunity to review #TheListOfSuspiciousThings.

Despite the fact its not published for months, the buzz I've seen on social media for this book, meant I jumped right into it.

There was a lot to relate to here for me, I grew up in a small village where everyone knew everyone's business, and whilst it wasn't in Yorkshire, I remember the fear The Ripper cast as the police searched for him.
This whole book is full of characters I could imagine living in the same village as me.
I remember how much the best friend meant , and how you would always be together...
There were phrases here I hadn't heard in YEARS and I just felt hugely nostalgic for the whole thing.
Well, not the murders.
So many secrets and lies in this book, and my eyes were a little bit damp by the end of it all.
For all those characters I'd come to love, and all their back stories.
I know already this is going in my top books of the year, and I'll be buying it for others.

Thank you for the advanced copy.

OMG what can I say, where do I start. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time, it has left it's mark and truly touched me.
Set in the 1970s - Yorkshire Ripper and Margaret Thatcher and is about two young girls, one is called Miv and you are drawn into their world.

Well written, what an amazing debut.

Cannot recommend this highly enough

I'd heard a lot about The List of Suspicious Things on social media and so was thrilled to get the opportunity to read it. It's set in Yorkshire in 1979, Margaret Thatcher is Prime Minister and women are living in fear of the Yorkshire Ripper. When 12 year old Miv's family begin to talk of moving down south, Miv, with the help of her best friend Sharon, is determined to find the Yorkshire Ripper so her family can remain in Yorkshire.

This is a beautifully written novel and the author brings the 1970s and the characters to life. Miv is a wonderful character and all the supporting characters are so well drawn. It covers topics such as mental health and racism with sensitivity and from the point of a view of a 12 year old in the 1970s. I was about the same age as Miv in the 1970s and even though I lived in the South West of the UK I can remember the sense of fear felt amongst myself and my friends when we heard the news coverage of the Yorkshire Ripper.

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.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

In 1970s Yorkshire, when the actions of the Ripper brought fear into the lives of women, the police urged civilians to take a look at their neighbours and note down anything suspicious.

Something which 12 year old Miv embraces all too readily. Together with her best friend Sharon, they star taking a good, hard look at the lives of the people around them.

A superb look at childhood, at growing up, at starting to see the world around you. These characters really draw you into their world

The List of Suspicious Things left a lump in my throat and a hole in my heart. I struggle to believe it’s a debut. It’s about so much more than the devastating time of the Yorkshire Ripper. It’s about friendship in the unlikeliest of places. It’s about the effects of racism and domestic abuse during the closed off world of the 1970s. It’s about two young girls trying to help catch a dangerous man.

I won’t be forgetting inquisitive Miv and her pals. It’s a touching tale, told beautifully.

I am pretty much the same age as Miv and grew up in the North during The Ripper (and Thatcher) era so a lot of the background information did bring back memories, this is a book I won’t forget for a while