Reading Between Deadlines Podcast

Hi DeadlinersWe hope you enjoy this latest edition of Reading Between Deadlines.This episode’s pick: HALF HIS AGE - a supposedly funny story about sex, power, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. The story is about Waldo, a teenaged girl who becomes obsessed with her teacher. It’s the debut novel by Jennette McCurdy, child star, now writer, filmmaker and more. Although this is her first novel, her memoir, GLAD MY MOM DIED, was a massive hit!We hope you enjoy our deep dive into this hyped book.Happy Listening and Love lots,Rach and AntheaPS. If you want to watch rather than listen, scroll down.💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry.⏰ Timestamps0:05 — Welcome to the Pod!1:18 — Rach entering witness protection to avoid socialising with Anthea (understandable!)4:55 — We read Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy…but why?6:05 — Hype – has it tricked us again?8:00 — Blurb – a tale as old as time (or if not time, as old as that creepy Russian book..)9:38 — Author bio – Fancy enough for ya?11:50 — Goodreads – Rach gets forensic…13:01 — So – how did it sell? Rach runs the figures – Anthea is impressed!13:20 — Kiss, Kill, Marry! The rules…14:15 — Judging, but in a nice way..14:47 — Rach reports back on her time with Waldo and her creepy boyfriend15:47 — Rach is over stories with older male love interests. (Ageist!) (and she says something about character growth..?)16:11 — Is the older man plot too creepy to enjoy? (Anthea feels bad about Harrison Ford, but not THAT bad..)18:02 — Does anything shock us anymore? Anthea can’t remember..18:17 — Anthea and Rach discuss period sex/bloody penis play – hot or not? (NOT!!!)19:31 — Anthea on kissing Waldo.. (not just after the bloody penis bit, obvs..)21:52 — What makes a good book? Anthea is still confused.24:43 — What makes a book successful? (no, really??!)26:03 — Is Waldo SUPER mature? Or just really into menopause?30:57 — Waldo – lumbered with a middle-aged man. #goals32:55 — Family dinner with a rando kid – weird? Or massively cosy and appropriate?35:06 — Is Jeanette ok? A tough childhood on the page.41:42 — What’s coming next on the podcast (Anthea writes things down..) And we add Yesteryear to the menu…(Anthea thinks it’s about her..)44:15 — Bye!📖 Coming up next: 👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Sara Foster about The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell.In June, we’re diving into Theo of Golden by Allen Levi and chatting to Kate Solly about The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde.For what we’re up to after that, click here. 🛍️ Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Hi DeadlinersWe hope you enjoy this latest edition of Reading Between Deadlines. It’s come to our attention that some of you don’t realise that we still DO post a video but due to something to do with Apple and Spotify we post the audio at the top and the video at the bottom. So if you’d rather watch than listen, scroll to the end of this post. Anthea writes the FUNNIEST timestamps for the show - honestly, we’re not even sure what these are for but the wonderful Virtually Annie told us to do these so we do and I really hope people read them, cos they make me laugh so much! Happy listening/watching. Don’t forget to vote in our Kiss, Kill, Marry poll below.Love lots,Rach and AntheaThis episode’s pick: WILD DARK SHORE by Charlotte McConoghy is the book EVERYONE in Australia (and we think the world - thanks Reese) has been reading and talking about lately, so we thought we’d better see what all the fuss is about. We’re in awe that Charlotte is so accomplished so young and proud she’s Aussie. We rarely read books by Aussie authors because we’d never want to diss a compatriot and we want to talk honestly about our thoughts and feelings here, but because WILD DARK SHORE has been such a HUGE success, we felt it would be remiss of us not to take a read. In this episode, we cover:Climate fiction - is it a thing?Writing style - fancy or over-writtenRomance/love story in lit fictionHow expectations going into a book influence reading experience 💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or MarryLoading...⏰ Timestamps00 – Welcome to a windswept island - where two authors have been swept up on a rocky beach. (and Anthea wonders why she keeps saying yes to Rachael’s crazy schemes..)2.58 - Anthea inserts MAFS into the conversation (any excuse) Rach has no time for the television, because she is classy - and insanely busy!4.04 - Anthea complains about being busy. Rachael nearly passes out - then realises she doesn’t have time.5.12 - Wild Dark Shore, please come to reception! It’s time to be judged. (and bring a couple of fur seals with you..)9.06 - Award nominations for Wild Dark Shore. Who is Booktok Boy anyway? Anthea’s finger creeps further from the pulse every day.10.13 Wake up and smell the turtle-necks - it’s Literary bio time! But does this bio deal in LIES??14.26 - Kiss, Kill, Marry… Anthea does her civic duty and dobs Rachael in for trying to cheat...!15.47 - Anthea’s rollercoaster relationship with Wild Dark Shore. 18.55 - Fancy writing - hot or not? And why Rach is captivated by lyrical renderings and Anthea is looking over Wild Dark Shore’s shoulder to see if ML Stedman is at the bar…21.15 - Was Rach just in a really good mood when she read this novel? And is the honeymoon is over.23.20 - They called it Wild DARK shore for a reason. Murder, suicide, dead penguins in a barrel. Shiz gets DARK. 25.34 - Hank. Your classic narcissist. And then some. Hang on, just how romantic is the love story? Rach wonders if we need the love story at all…30.00 - Rach ponders low expectations and their ability to really make literature sing.36.52 - Rach questions global warming, and likens Dark Shore to a long poem.39.30 - The seed bank question. Which ones get off the island?40.46 - Next month The Only One Left by Riley Sager. Rach reminds Anthea what books she’s read. Anthea is very interested!👉 Watch the episode above and let us know your feelings about WILD DARK SHORE. 📖 Coming up next: 👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Mercedes Mercier about The Only One Left by Riley Sager.In May, we’re diving into Half His Age by Jeanette McCurdy and chatting to Sara Foster about The Hand that First Held Mine by Maggie O’Farrell.For what we’re up to after that, click here. 🛍️ Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch Thanks for following. We love ya! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

A couple of quick announcements from Rach:It’s come to our attention that some of you don’t realise that we still DO post a video but due to something to do with Apple and Spotify we post the audio at the top and the video at the bottom. So if you’d rather watch than listen, scroll to the end of this post.Anthea writes the FUNNIEST timestamps for the show - honestly, we’re not even sure what these are for but the wonderful Virtually Annie told us to do these so we do and I really hope people read them, cos they make me laugh so much!Also, there’s only FIVE MORE DAYS left to claim our deal to upgrade your subscription to PAID for 25% off the full price.Do you get the appeal of Pumpkin Spice?This episode’s pick: The Crash by Freida McFadden is one of her zillions of books. Her biggest hit is The Housemaid, which was recently made into a hit movie. This novel is about a hugely pregnant woman who crashes during a snow-storm is rescued by a scary yeti, but that’s only the BEGINNING of her nightmare.In this episode, we cover:The HUGENESS of Freida McFaddenTwists, wildly improbable plots and stupid main charactersThe two main plots and how/if they related to each otherThe need to move during pregnancyTuna!!💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry⏰ Timestamps00 – Welcome – Rach and Anthea have an Inner circle – and they are as surprised about it as anyone1.19 – Rachael has NO aircon (Anthea decides to tread carefully for episode duration!)2.08 – Rach reports an itchy nose. May be unrelated. This week’s book – The Crash by Freida McFadden.4.50 Freida – what a show off. And The Crash blurb. Don’t drive in blizzards, people!8.16 – Freida’s bio – another chance to show off – Anthea mostly impressed with her house by the ocean. Not the cat part.10. 50 – Kiss, Kill, Marry!? Rachael’s vote possibly affected by heat stress..12.24 – Rachael does NOT respect Tegan’s choices. (too dumb to live??)14.23 – Tegan’s brother. Not awesome.14.27 – Rach and Anthea discuss all the crazy in The Crash. It takes a while.19.04 – Tax fraud and it’s role in modern relationships20.29 – Why Sadie, the kid from next door will never unload the dishwasher21.23 – Is Rach addicted to crack? The role of coincidence and contrivance..25.31 – The Prologue DEALS IN LIES kind of. Who asked to hear from Hank, anyway?28.09 – The importance of Point of View (and air-conditioning!)29.50 – Anthea - pragmatist to the end. Would you TAKE THE MONEY?31.05 – One Star reviews – always fun when it’s someone else!32.32 – Freida – would RBD date her/read her again?34.03 – Contrivance and character motivation, the TED talk.37.36 – Stephen King – would have written the shit out of this! Oh, that’s right – he already did.38.37 – What are we reading next? And will Rach get the air-con working? BYE!!📖 Coming up next:👉Next Ep we’re chatting to John Purcell about The Friend by Sigrid Nunez.In April, we’re diving into Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy and guest author Mercedes Mercier will make us read The Only One Left by Riley Sager. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Do you get the appeal of Pumpkin Spice?This episode’s pick: The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore exploded onto BookTok a few years ago (yes, we know we’re a little behind the times) with its cozy cover and title vibes. It’s a “grumpy-sunshine” romance set in a small town that people are saying is very like Stars Hollow, the fictional town where hit TV series, The Gilmore Girls is set.In this episode, we cover:Pretty covers, sprayed edges and other special editions.The TikTok Bookshop AwardsBelievable conflict and sex scenesGhost and serial killers (spoiler, there are none)Cat behaviourWhat actually is pumpkin spice?💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry⏰ Timestamps00.00 Amazing intro expertly put there by tech genius1.51 – We marvel at how Rachael has her finger on the pulse. (Anthea keeps herhands to herself)4.09 – A brief rundown of The Pumpkin Spice Café..5.25 – Laurie Gilmore bio. Too many awards we haven’t heard of (but wouldprobably like!)8.26 – Who the hell is Melissa and why did she change her name?12.02 – We Kiss, Kill, Marry… and cosy cups of tea are spat out, around the world16.18 – Rach and Anthea search for meaning – and TENSION23.36 – The humble house cat as a literary device24.18 – Pumpkin spice – just smashed up pumpkin, or something a little bit fancy?25.56 – The cover is retro - like Anthea - but cozier, and fonder of cats28.36 – Rachael spills on her new idea for a rom-com in a rage filled diatribe30.36 – Grumpy/sunshine trope – adorable in a novel, annoying in a husband34.08 – Rach goes nuclear37.02 – Chilli rating – Rach calms down – then gets frisky41.25 – There’s a mystery in the book, but what is it? (That’s the mystery..)42.30 – Anthea asks about other books in the series, and Rachael realises she ownsmost of them.44.00 – Substack – Reading Between Deadlines is one of the greatest substacks ofall time according to recent research45.12 What we are reading next – Serial Killers!!47.20 – Bad reviews – not as good as good reviews, but not that bad…?📖 Coming up next:👉Next Ep we’re chatting to Kayte Nunn about My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.In March, we’re diving into The Crash by Frieda McFadden and guest author John Purcell will make us read The Friend by Sigrid Nunez.For what we’re up to after that, click here.🛍️ Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch💎 Did you know we have at least one bonus episode a month for paid subscribers? And every now and then we’ll drop and extra episode when the zeitgeist calls for it.In our regular bonus episode we share what we’ve been reading, watching, writing, listening to, eating, and any other recs or not-reds we see fit. For only $5 a month you can get SO much more out of your RBD subscription and help us with the costs of editing, hosting platforms etc. Thanks for listening. We love ya! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Does CIRCE live up to the hype?This episode's pick: Circe by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written retelling of Greek myth that puts the infamous witch from The Odyssey centre stage. Banished to a lonely island for angering the gods, Circe slowly discovers her own strange, dangerous powers and starts to shape a life on her own terms. Along the way, gods, heroes and mortals drift in and out of her world - including Odysseus - and along the way Circe learns the true extent of her power and strength.This week’s guest is our friend and saviour, superstar virtual assistant, Annie Bucknall. As well as helping us get this pod off the ground, creating our gorgeous branding and rescuing Anthea from many a tech disaster, Annie is a historian/librarian by day and an aspiring writer by night.In this episode, we cover:Greek Gods - our passion or lack thereof for them.Necessity of universal of emotions in fiction.The many loves of Circe.Feminine rage and vengeanceThings Anthea doesn’t believe in💋 And, of course, we rate CIRCE: Kiss, Kill, or Marry.Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen to find out.📚 Books Mentioned in this EpThe Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey NiffeneggerThe Housemaid by Freida McFaddenThe Bronze Horseman by Paulina SimonsRoad to Paradise by Paulina SimonsTully by Paulina SimonsA Tale of Two Cities by Charles DickensAlchemisedSorrow and Bliss by Meg MasonWhat Happened to Nina by Dervla McTiernanCold Truth by Ashley Kaligian BluntOutlander by Diana GabaldonLady of Hay by Barbara ErskineAnd podcasts - Creative Pep Talk and Haptic and Hue.⏰ Timestamps1.0 - Intro our fab guest2.35 - The best eras of history (Anthea’s pretty historical because she can remember the 70’s..)4.30 - Shout out to long suffering Annie our RBD Queen - who managed to teach Anthea about the computer machines7.10 - Zeus, deserted Islands and multiple book blurbs - (Are Greek gods kind of arseholes?)8.56 - Judging Madeline’s bio - Anthea thinks it needs a few chickens.11.24 - Circe, Goddess of magic and sorcery - (probably got her edits in on time…)13.02 - Kiss, Kill or turn some nymph into a sea monster14.18 - Anthea finally finishes CIRCE and enjoys time in Greece with Hermes17.25 - Rach enjoys every one of the 124000 words of Circe as much as Prometheus enjoyed feeding his liver to that eagle.21.14 - Annie loves the language almost as much as Circe loves love (no judgement..)24. - Men are pigs! (Hey, Homer said it in the Odyssey, not us!)27.48 - Circe - kind of epic - congrats, Madeline Miller. (Rach has probably had enough now..!)30. Question Time33.46 - Annie’s hot tip - spending a weekend with a book, then dumping it and never calling again… harsh but fair.36. The fear of re-reading.38. Trigger warnings - yay or nay44.40 Annie recommends a weird podcast. Bring it on!46.10 Rachael has us reading about pumpkins and serial killers. In that order - Goodluck!📖 Coming up next:👉Next Ep, we’re diving into The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore (Feb 14th)On Feb 28th guest author Kayte Nunn will make us read My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.In March we’re reading The Crash by Freida McFadden and our guest John Purcell will make us read The Friend by Sigrid Nunez.🎽 Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Does A MAN CALLED OVE live up to the hype?This episode's pick: A Man Called Ove follows Ove, a rigid and irritable man whose carefully ordered life is disrupted when new neighbours move in next door. As the story moves between present-day encounters and moments from Ove’s past, we begin to understand the experiences that shaped him, including his sad childhood and one great love. It’s a character-driven story about grief, love, and finding community.This week’s guest - is our friend Sally Hepworth (It’s true - Rach even has her phone number). We met Sally in the early days of her writing career and have watched her soar from height to height. Sally has now written TEN novels, including her latest Mad Mabel, hit The New York Times Bestseller list multiple times, and had her novel The Family Next Door adapted for TV, with more projects in the works. She’s based in Melbourne with her family and, despite all her success, is still the same warm, down-to-earth, utterly lovely human we first met all those years ago.In this episode, we cover:How perimenopause wreaks havoc with writing.Is this a quiet novel?How specificity elevates a story.How to write humour that isn’t cruel.Is the setting important?Differences between American and Australian readersSally’s reading loves and hates.💋 And, of course, we rate A MAN CALLED OVE: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen in…📚 Books Mentioned in this EpThe Hiding Place – Kate MildenhallBabysitters Club - Ann M. MartinAnything by Enid BlytonTully – Paullina SimonsAnything by Marian KeyesThe Gambler – JP PomareThe Names – Florence KnappWhere the Crawdads Sing – Delia OwensRed Belly Crossing - Candace Fox⏰ Timestamps1.0 Welcome to Sweden!2.21 Intro Sally Hepworth and her mate, Mad Mabel!4.00 Sally’s bio and her divorce dog.5.58 Fredrik Backman – way funnier than his bio would suggest.8.25 A Man Called Ove – a blurb put together with an Allen key and abit of swearing.9.57 Good Reads – almost 1.2 million people can’t be wrong…10.49 Kiss, Kill, Marry – (just make sure you have consent).12.08 We suspect Sally has a crush on Ove.16.52 Anthea makes a sporting analogy, (because she knows a tonneabout sport and is keen to share).19.12 Hands off, Sally! Rachael loves Ove, too, and shares a beautifulquote for all the handymen out there.25.41 Sally talks about being funny, without actually being funny. AlanisMorrisette would regard that as irony.27.50 Sally recommends…35.40 Reviews – the most fun you can have with your clothes on.37.38 Backman scores a Did Not Finish review. Ikea closes its doors insolidarity.38.00 Sally confirms that Australian audiences are just BETTER. (Notreally, but we knew what she meant)40.36 Rachael tricks Sally into giving us free writing advice. #masterclass42.43 HOMEWORK.. Don’t pack up – the bell hasn’t gone yet…📖 Coming up next: 👉Next Ep (14th Jan) Rach And Anthea grill each other in the way they normally grill their guests. Our first guest for the year is Virtually Annie (Jan 28th) - she’s making us reading Circe by Madeleine Miller and we hope you’ll read it to.In February, we’re diving into The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore (Feb 14th) and guest author Kayte Nunn will make us read My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite (Feb 28th).And here’s our list for the first half of 2026. 🎽 Do you read between deadlines too? Grab the merch☕ If you’re loving the show, we’d be so grateful if you’d buy us a coffee (or a prosecco). It helps keep the pod fun, frequent, and free. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Do all crime novel mysteries need to be resolved?This episode's pick: In the Woods by Tana French, the award-winning, Celtic-mist-soaked psychological mystery that launched the Dublin Murder Squad. When a young girl is found murdered at an archaeological dig, detective Rob Ryan is forced back into the very woods where he once vanished as a child, an incident he has no memory of, except for his blood-soaked shoes. As Rob and his partner Cassie Maddox investigate, the line between past and present blurs. It’s atmospheric, character-driven, and the kind of book that makes you glance over your shoulder at every little noise.This week’s guest - Dervla McTiernan is an internationally bestselling Irish-Australian crime writer and a great friend of ours. She’s the powerhouse behind the Cormac Reilly series, as well as the gripping standalones The Murder Rule and What Happened to Nina?. Her novels have topped bestseller lists around the world and earned shelves of awards, and we’re thrilled to have her with us.In this episode, we cover:Dervla being a superstar. What Dervla loves about Tana French’s writing.The expectations of a crime novel.Unreliable narrators.What makes a great villain.Authors reading their own reviews 📚 Books Mentioned on the PodTanya French – The LikenessTanya French – Secret PlaceTanya French – The Witch ElmStephen King – The OutsiderStephen King – Lisey’s StoryMarian Keyes – This Charming ManRhys Bowen – The Royal Spyness Series💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen in…⏰ Timestamps1.0 Welcome to Only Fans for Middle Aged Ladies in Glasses Cum-unity.2.03 – Meet Dervla McTiernan – Just how many awards is it legal to win??4.35 – Meet Tanya French – Into the Woods (not as many awards as Dervla..!)6.45 – Anthea bans Dervla for all time – serves her right.9.39 – Time to Kiss, Kill, Marry!12.13 – Dervla’s favourite backhanded compliment (looking at you Lit-fic!)13.44 – Rach tries to sort out Rob Ryan’s love life.14.36 – What do you MEAN they don’t solve the crime??18.43 – Just because people have been murdered, doesn’t mean we can’t have fun.20.40 – Is Rob Ryan a bit immature?21.41 – Rosalyn – DO NOT DATE.24.20 – Rob – unreliable narrator? Liar? MURDERERERER??24.40 – Dervla sensationally admits to ripping off Steven King and Marian Keyes.(we’ll never tell…)29.43 – The joy of reading to your (disinterested) partner.35.12 – Dervla recommends reading the back of the Cornflake box.39.24 – Demon Copperhead. What a pile of crap!40.34 – Brutal honesty – is the best policy. Sometimes.41.34 – Reading reviews – fun for ALL the family!42.20 – Dervla’s favourites.45.02 – Dust off Persuasion – and drag out your piano forte! Jane Austen rides again. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

How would you survive the apocalypse? Would you need a talking pig?This episode's pick: Set in the near future after a devastating pandemic, How High We Go in the Dark follows a series of interconnected characters as humanity tries to rebuild. From a theme park for terminally ill kids to a talking pig and space travel, the stories explore grief, resilience, and what it means to be human when the world keeps changing. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever read before!This week’s guest - Kelly Rimmer is a bestselling Australian novelist, goat wrangler, and owner of Collins Booksellers Orange in regional NSW. She’s the author of The Midnight Estate as well as international hits The Things We Cannot Say, The Warsaw Orphan, and The German Wife. Her books have appeared on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Todaybestseller lists.In this episode, we cover:Kelly’s green thumb and Rach’s murder of cactiRobodogsBooks about pandemics and dystopian fictionPassion projects - writing a book just for youAnthea’s brief liaison with sci-fi (aka Hans Solo)And of life theme parksGoat-dogsAuthors reading from their own books 📚 Books Mentioned on the PodZ For Zachariah by Robert C O’BrienChildren of the Dust by Louise LawrenceTomorrow When The War Began by John MarsdenMad Mabel by Sally HepworthHeidi by Johanna SpyriA Mother’s Confession by Kelly RimmerThe Things We Cannot Say by Kelly RimmerThe War Nurses by Anthea HodgsonThe Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai. 💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen in…⏰ Timestamps00:00 – The Lucky Sisters releases this week and we intro our guest KELLY RIMMER04:00 – Judging Kelly’s bio - her latest release is THE MIDNIGHT ESTATE (Anthea raves)07:00 – Intro HOW HIGH WE GO IN THE DARK and judging of Sequoia Nagamatsu’s bio10:00 – Kiss, Kill, or Marry verdict13:00 – Why Kelly loves this novel told in short stories16:00 – Anthea marries and chats her thoughts on sci-fi and the human experience18:00 – Rach is surprised by the interconnected stories23:00 – Do we like the world building?27:00 – Title chat - is it good?31:00 – Would we go to space?35:00 – Book recs40.00 - Where Kelly Reads/Book Clubs45 00 - What we’re reading next This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

How far would you go back to save your child?This episode's pick: Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister—a Reese’s Book Club thriller where a mother sees her teenage son commit a murder… only to wake up the next day and realize she’s gone back in time. As each morning takes her further into the past, she pieces together secrets about her son, her husband, and herself. It’s a murder mystery, a time-travel puzzle, and a meditation on motherhood all rolled into one. But did the high-concept premise deliver?This week’s guest: Rebecca Heath —thriller author and laser chemist turned novelist, party wrangler, and dog lover. She’s the author of The Last Encore and three other adult novels (The Summer Party, The Dinner Party, The Wedding Party). She lives in Adelaide with her husband, three children, and border collie.In this episode, we cover:The Reese factor: hype, Lisa Jewell blurbs, and whether the book club pick lived up to expectations.That hook: a mother watches her son stab a man—and then starts living time backwards.The pacing problem: did the constant “one more day back” structure get repetitive, or was it clever plotting?Time travel, fate, and suspension of disbelief—fantasy or crime?Plot twists we didn’t see coming: missing babies, undercover cops, and suspiciously convenient husbands.The emotional punch: how McAllister balanced high concept with heart.Rebecca’s reading habits: auto-buy authors, DNFs, hype regrets, and books that made her cry (one of them was Rach’s latest - out soon!)📚 Books Mentioned on the PodAnne of Green Gables by L.M. MontgomeryBoy Swallows Universe by Trent DaltonThe Lucky Sisters by Rachael JohnsAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid1984 by George OrwellRebecca’s auto-buy authors:Liane MoriartyTaylor Jenkins ReidJane HarperGillian McAllistarLucy FoleyEvery author Rebecca knows 😊💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen in…⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: meet guest author Rebecca Heath04:00 – Setting up Wrong Place Wrong Time (and the Reese factor)08:00 – Gillian McAllister’s bio and book accolades11:00 – Kiss, Kill, or Marry verdict14:00 – Clever concept vs. pacing problems19:00 – Time travel, disbelief, and the “mum strength” theory24:00 – Plot Twists29:00 – Craft chat: avoiding clever-for-clever’s-sake32:00 – Rebecca’s reading life: DNFs, recommendations, hype regrets37:00 – Crying at Rachael Johns and TJR41:00 – What we’re reading next This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Jungle fever or just fever dream?This episode's pick: State of Wonder by Ann Patchett—a literary thriller set in the Amazon, complete with pharmaceutical intrigue, moral dilemmas, and one very unfortunate snake encounter. It’s lush, layered, and filled with anacondas, tarantulas, and questionable fertility science. But did it live up to the hype?This week’s guest: Pamela Cook —author, podcaster, and teacher. Pam writes contemporary women’s fiction that digs into relationships and psychology. She’s published six novels (traditionally and indie), hosts the Writes4Women podcast, and teaches through her business Wild Words. She also rides horses, wrangles dogs, and somehow finds time to keep her TBR stack alive.In this episode, we cover:Why State of Wonder felt both “plotty” and literary—and why that’s rare for Patchett.The infamous anaconda boat scene (aka: the nightmare fuel we’ll never forget).Fertility science, pharmaceutical greed, and the ethics of 73-year-olds having babies.The big twist: Anders is alive (!), but was it too convenient?The controversial ending—trauma sex, bark chewing, and possible surprise pregnancies.The unanswered question: who’s the father of Dr. Svensson’s baby?Desert Island picks, DNFs, hype regrets, and why Pam cries at Emily Henry.📚 Books Mentioned on the PodAnn Patchett:State of WonderTom LakeThe Dutch HouseCommonwealthBel CantoOther fiction faves:The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley HellerWhere the Crawdads Sing by Delia OwensThe Lost Flowers of Alice Hart by Holly RinglandBook Lovers by Emily HenrySeven Skins of Esther Wilding by Holly RinglandAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins ReidThe Nightingale by Kristin HannahRebecca by Daphne du MaurierPam’s Auto-buy Authors:Emily HenryHannah RichellAnn PatchettTaylor Jenkins Reid💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen in…⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: meet Pamela Cook, our guest author04:00 – How State of Wonder came to be (and the Big Magic story)08:50 – Kiss, Kill, or Marry verdict13:00 – Fertility, pharma, and Patchett’s plot power18:00 – Anacondas, tarantulas, and nightmare fuel22:00 – The Anders twist—too neat or just right?25:00 – The controversial ending (trauma bonding or life affirmation?)28:00 – Who’s the father? Milton, Easter… frozen sperm??32:00 – Writing craft: seamless backstory, moral dilemmas, and jungle research37:00 – Pam’s DNF rules, hype regrets, and wish-I’d-written titles42:00 – Guilty pleasures, crying at Emily Henry, and auto-buy authors45:00 – What we’re reading next—and why no one’s going to the Amazon anytime soon This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Maeve Binchy’s Evening Class—comfort fiction or structural masterclass?This week, bestselling author Tess Woods joins us to discuss her all-time favourite Maeve Binchy novel: Evening Class. It’s a quiet, sprawling book with no clear protagonist, barely a plot, and somehow...it works.In this episode, we explore:- Why “quiet” doesn’t mean boring- The weirdly satisfying moment when a character locks her mum in the bathroom- How Maeve’s “everyday” prose masks big emotional arcs- What makes a book comforting enough to reread- The surprising real-life person Tess became friends with because of this novelPlus:💋 We rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?📚 Book recs from Tess, including The Bridges of Madison County, Looking for Alibrandi, and The Paper PalaceNext up: The Names by Florence Knapp This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Maeve Binchy’s Evening Class—comfort fiction or structural masterclass?This week, bestselling author Tess Woods joins us to discuss her all-time favourite Maeve Binchy novel: Evening Class. It’s a quiet, sprawling book with no clear protagonist, barely a plot, and somehow...it works.In this episode, we explore:- Why “quiet” doesn’t mean boring- The weirdly satisfying moment when a character locks her mum in the bathroom- How Maeve’s “everyday” prose masks big emotional arcs- What makes a book comforting enough to reread- The surprising real-life person Tess became friends with because of this novelPlus:💋 We rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?📚 Book recs from Tess, including The Bridges of Madison County, Looking for Alibrandi, and The Paper PalaceNext up: The Names by Florence Knapp This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Reading Between Deadlines, the podcast where we read with the same chaotic energy we usually reserve for missed deadlines, burnt toast and re-reading our own bios in horror. This week continues our new format—where a guest author brings a book they adore, and we read it for the first time (sometimes very reluctantly).Our guest this episode? The always delightful and impressively multi-hyphenate Sophie Green bestselling author of Lessons in Love at the Seaside Salon and creator of The Sunshine Society Substack and Sunburnt Country Music Substack.This month’s pick: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld—a book inspired by Laura Bush, drenched in domestic detail, and long enough to qualify as weight training. Was it a hit? Or did someone yell “kill” during the Kiss-Kill-Marry rating?In this episode, we cover:👑 What even is a “plotless novel,” and does American Wife qualify?🥪 Can we survive one more description of a sandwich? (Asking for Anthea.)💔 Is Charlie Blackwell a swoon-worthy presidential husband or just a charming alcoholic in a good suit?🛏️ The ethical can of worms: how does one fictionalise the very real, still-living First Lady?📚 Archetypes, agency, and how women shape power without always being seen.🤯 Why the ending sparked a podcast existential crisis.And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry?⏰ Timestamps00:00 – Meet your hosts: Rachel Johns & Anthea Hodgson, chaos queens of literary chat02:00 – Special guest Sophie Green and the great bio rating debate05:00 – This week’s pick: American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld06:40 – The Kiss/Kill/Marry showdown: who said what (and who changed their mind!)10:00 – Sophie explains her fascination with first ladies, feminine archetypes, and political wives15:00 – Anthea confesses: “I would’ve DNF’d it if it weren’t for the podcast”20:00 – Rachel says: “It was a French kiss...but I’m not putting a ring on it”24:00 – Charlie and Alice: toxic, tragic, or just realistically complex?30:00 – The risk (and craft) of writing fiction about living people36:00 – When you’re moderately famous and still have to go to Woolies40:00 – Books about fame: Jackie, Rodham, and Monica Ali’s Untold Story📚 Recommendations from Sophie GreenRodham by Curtis SittenfeldJackie by Dawn TrippUntold Story by Monica AliRomantic Comedy by Curtis SittenfeldPlain Jane and the Birthday Party by Ruth Park (a childhood favourite)👉 Listen now, subscribe, and tell us—did you swoon for American Wife? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe