https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5822271092

In this book pre-teen Miv and her best friend Sharon play detective to try to work out who the Yorkshire ripper is, as his murders escalate around them, by reference to their 'list of suspicious things'.

There are many, many good things about it, especially for a debut author - characters who jump off the page, an easy-to-read writing style and a very strong sense of place. I really did feel transported to 1980s Yorkshire while I read, and overall I thoroughly enjoyed this.

The main downside, though, for me, was that it all felt a bit contrived. Miv's persistence with the list regardless of all the usual teenage distractions around her - school, boys, bullying - didn't really ring true to me. It felt like it was really just there to create a framework for the book. And she also seems oddly insensitive at times to the real world consequences of her investigations. At one point her well-intentioned but false accusation appears to result in a suicide, but it is all dealt with at an oddly surface level and she and everyone else quickly moves on (and keeps investigating!). Indeed, many of the difficult themes this book brings up, including racism, radicalisation, murder, domestic abuse and child sex abuse, seemed to me to be dealt with in quite a superficial way. And perhaps there are also just too many of them - I think a little less dealt with with a little more depth would ultimately have had a greater emotional impact on me.

But minor gripes aside, I would definitely read more from this author in future. Thanks to her, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

It’s 1979 in Thatcher’s Britain and the search for the Yorkshire Ripper continues without much success.

Miv and Sharon are best friends, and though coming from very different backgrounds they enjoy doing everything together. Miv doesn’t have many friends, but Sharon is a pretty, popular girl with a kind heart who has taken Miv under her wing. Nearly thirteen, they are growing up quickly, but as yet their parents don’t think the girls are under any threat from the terror stalking the streets so they are allowed to come and go pretty much as they please. Miv is convinced that they could do better than the police in capturing the Ripper, so the girls decide to become more vigilant and start a list of suspicious events about the local men.

This is the author’s debut book and it’s well done. I did enjoy it and found it a quick read. The background was dark, with the Yorkshire Ripper case running throughout, which some will find difficult. There are so many issues covered including racism, domestic abuse and suicide, that all add to the sadness within the book. If it were not for these themes I would have put this down as a YA book, as the writing is naive at times, though that’s possibly to be expected when the POV is written mainly by 12 year old Miv.

This is a coming of age book with a difference. One I would recommend with some reservations.

Thank you NetGalley.

The List of AMAZING Things about...

#TheListOfSuspiciousThings by Jennie Godfrey

- You will never believe that it is a DEBUT! The story flows seamlessly. It is extraordinarily well-written.

- The characters are ones that will live with you forever. I wish I had an Omar where I live.

- The protagonist, Miv, is so strong-willed that it's inspiring, and this provides a unique viewpoint for the story to be told mostly through her lens.

- It is based around the time that the Yorkshire Ripper was at large. This makes it SO interesting that you are on edge every time you turn the page.

- This book will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly, think.

- You will feel bereft once you finish it. It took me a few days to process what an original story this book is, it is an absolute triumph.

Well... the reviews are correct. This is an excellent read, and written by a writer who works, I believe, in my home county of Somerset, UK. A fantastic, extremely accomplished and atmospheric novel.

Miv is the main character, a girl growing up in a working-class Yorkshire town. Along with her best friend Sharon, she sets out to try and discover who the Yorkshire Ripper is - the notorious serial killer who plagued people's lives - particularly women's - in the mid-late 1970s and early 1980s. The list, in the title, refers to the people and places they think are suspicious.

Interesting, Godfrey uses the first-person for Miv's chapters - so readers get a very personal viewpoint - and then third-person for others characters' perspectives. We are not just learning about Miv and Sharon, and the somewhat dangerous exploits they get up to, but also that of her father, Austin, the Pakistani shop keeper, the librarian, Helen. Here, we have a book that is extremely evocative of a particular time and place - a real strength - but also, the writer deals with violence and racism, key blights in society today but not to the same extent as they used to be.

I loved this. It is sad. It is thought-provoking. And - I firmly believe it will be a very popular book when it is published in mid-Feb 2024. It deserves to be very successful.

This book started out quite promisingly with a story set against a backdrop of 1970's Yorkshire during the time of the Yorkshire Ripper. It lost it's way a little in the middle, but picked up again and carried on to a dramatic and poignant ending. It was an interesting idea to have the main narrator as a child. It was very evocative of the streets of the North at the beginning of Thatcher's Britain.

When you start seeing a book cover everywhere, you keep seeing reviews everywhere and you just keep hearing about a book EVERYWHERE then you know you’re going to have to read it too!

In ‘The List Of Suspicious Things’, it is Yorkshire in 1979 when Maggie Thatcher is prime minister and drainpipe jeans are in and the Yorkshire Ripper’s murders are all anyone is talking about. Miv is convinced her Dad wants to move away to get away from the threat but leaving Yorkshire and her best friend Sharon simply isn’t an option as far as Miv is concerned, no matter the dangers lurking. Her plan to solve the murders herself so she can stay put starts the list of suspicious things and along the way their search for the truth reveals more than a few secrets in their neighbourhood, some that may change lives forever.

I sometimes feel like you shouldn’t always follow the crowd with book hype but THIS is a book that you should pick up, read, absorb and hug close and never let go! It’s THAT good! With the Yorkshire Ripper series ‘The Long Shadow’ currently airing, the content is indeed relevant but this is a book that will be timeless no matter when you read it. Written from a young girl’s point of view the innocence of a child’s outlook of such awful events is so cleverly written and the subjects of racism, chauvinism and of course the effects on women in society with these murders are covered tenderly but with the importance very evident.

This is a heartwarming, coming of age story that will resonate with you for the family life, appall you with the attitudes of some (that unfortunately we do still at times have to tolerate today), thrill you with the threat of living in the shadows during the hunt for Peter Sutcliffe as well as sharing the emotions of Miv growing up and the encounters life throws at her along the way. This book is already one of my favourites of this year and I have no doubt that this will be one of THE books of 2024 when released. Seriously, add this book to your TBR list now and patiently count down the days till you can welcome Miv into your life. This is a debut author I can’t wait to read more from in the future, Jennie Godfrey, thank you for such an incredible journey!

As a child of the seventies myself, and an avid reader of The Famous Five, I was immediately hooked by the storyline of The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey. Miv is a young girl who is starved of affection and her home life is overshadowed by her mum’s unexplained silence. Trying to establish some kind of meaning in her life, she clings to the friendship of Sharon – a beautiful and loyal schoolfriend – and hopes that she can bring reason back to her life by solving the biggest puzzle of her times – the identity of the Yorkshire Ripper. Together they make a list – of people who behave oddly and might just be the Ripper, the brutal killer who, it is said, is living in plain sight in their community. Many of their neighbours come under suspicion. Soon Miv realises, “Behind every grown-up was a story I knew nothing about”. Before long, their investigation takes on new meaning, as it coincides with tragic events in their community. Are they to blame?

Jennie Godfrey describes the Yorkshire landscape of the 1970s in perfect detail, from the popular fashions and music to the most desirable chocolate bars and perfumes at the time. The plot of The List of Suspicious Things hinges on the secrets that the characters keep from each other. Even, in the case of Miv, secrets that are kept from herself, as a youngster struggling to make sense of the adult world around her. The novel beautifully describes the sudden restriction of freedom that she experiences, brought about in a society that’s fearful of the attacks on women by the so-called Yorkshire Ripper. The author conjures what it is to be a powerless youngster perfectly. Miv’s desperate need for affection is set against the mysterious and unexplained silence of her mother, which adds a poignant tension to her home life.

Miv is just one of many strong voices that Jennie Godfrey deploys to tell the story of a Yorkshire community torn apart by unemployment, political change and the fear or violence against women. It’s easy to see why this book has been compared with A Kestrel For A Knave, with its similar setting and youthful protagonist. The community is typical of its time, with the need to maintain appearances trumping the need for emotional honesty and closeness.

The story unfolds at a gentle pace, but the author builds involvement and empathy with the characters so skilfully that the final scenes are still shocking and emotionally harrowing. A truly involving and emotional read.

This was a surprisingly warm story given the subject matter, although it did pack some extra punches towards the end that I wasn't expecting. I loved the characters and the strong sense of time, place and community. A memorable and poignant book.

An extraordinary story about several friends but mainly Miv & Sharon who live in a small town in Yorkshire when all their worlds seemed to be falling apart from the Cuts to industry by the Thatcher Government, to The Yorkshire Ripper Murders & Racism stirred up by the National Front. It is a story about love, adolescence, special friendships & community plus grief. This story grips your heart makes you laugh, feel angry & also very sad at times too & I highly recommend it. #NetGalley, #GoodReads, #FB, #Instagram, #Amazon.co.uk, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/8a5b541512e66ae64954bdaab137035a5b2a89d2" width="80" height="80" alt="200 Book Reviews" title="200 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.

"The List of Suspicious Things" by Jennie Godfrey is an intriguing mystery that keeps readers guessing. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and complex characters, making it a suspenseful and engaging read.

What an atmospheric and accurate depiction of life in the north during the reign of terror by The Yorkshire Ripper. Being just a few years older than the fictional ‘Miv’ and her friends I was totally transported back to my teenage years. The references to the importance and joy of scented, rollerball lipgloss sparked particular memories for me! Something you could get away with wearing to school!!

The story describes the highs and lows of teenage friendship and life in a close knit community, with all the secrets it hides. This is perfectly depicted and is a great snapshot of the issues of the time. As another reviewer remarked, I can see this being a school text to look at the social issues of the time. The prose seems to improve as the book goes on, the author really getting into her stride.It is very hard to believe this is a debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

As someone who was growing up at the time of the Yorkshire Ripper, this book, struck a chord, many of the minor details, dragging me straight back into my childhood.. I inhaled it in a few settings, it’s not the kind of book to be rushed. This will be a huge success.. Best to beat the rush.

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.