Being Bookish

This week, I'm venturing into the chaotic and sometimes hilarious world of the LitRPG phenomenon that's taken the book world by storm. I'm talking about Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, the first book in a (currently) 7-book series that's grown from a self-published cult favourite into a global bestseller.
If you have no idea what I'm talking about, then this episode is a great place to start (as until a few months ago I didn't have a clue either). Dungeon Crawler Carl is genre-bending fiction that refuses to be pinned down. It moves from the fast-paced action of a role-playing game into a pitch-black satire of reality TV and corporate greed, all whilst balancing comedy with moments of genuine cosmic horror.
It follows Carl and his ex-girlfriend’s prize-winning cat, Princess Donut, as they're forced to compete in a deadly, televised crawl for an alien audience. Whether you're a fan of gaming or just enjoy satirical sci-fi, this is a series you need on your radar.
As always, I'll be sharing my personal thoughts as well as looking to other reviews to provide a balanced perspective because we can't all like everything. I'll also be keeping it completely spoiler-free because you may want to dive into the dungeon for yourselves at some point.
So, get your refreshments ready and dive into this episode of Being Bookish.

Join me this week for the third in my 2026 author interviews. This time I'm talking with Venetia Constantine about her captivating debut fantasy novel, The Last Starborn Seer.
Released by Aria on the 5th of March, it is a sweeping, high-stakes journey through a world of ancient prophecies and celestial magic. It follows Leilani, a young woman whose volatile magic grants her visions of the future while slowly taking a toll on her mind. It is a brilliant read for anyone who loves epic world-building and high-stakes quests.
We talked about everything from her inspiration, an incredibly fascinating (and terrifying) story about how she came to write the book when she did (honestly, it is incredible), and her journey to traditional publication.
As always, we both did our best to avoid revealing any spoilers, because the book should be enjoyed without spoilers!
So, get yourself a cup of something hot and warming or cool and refreshing and settle down to enjoy the latest episode of Being Bookish.

Venetia's Links
Instagram
Website
Buy the Book

This week, I had the pleasure of talking with author and Guardian Columnist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett about her latest brilliant novel, Female, Nude.
Released on the 12th of February by Tinder Press, it is an exploration of the female gaze, set against a stunning Grecian backdrop.
Sophie, an artist, is contemplating her life when she spends time with university friends in the run-up to a wedding. In relation to a study of female self-portraits, she analyses her life, the choices she must make, and what it means to be a woman of a certain age under the pressures of societal expectations.
We talked about everything from her inspiration and the research that went into the book to the writing process and her ideas behind the narrative.
So, boil your kettle, make a cup of something hot and settle down with the latest episode of Being Bookish.

Rhiannon's Links
Guardian Column
Instagram
Buy the book

This week is the first of my author interviews for 2026, and I am chatting with Hannah Brohm about her debut STEM romance, Love and Other Brain Experiments.
Released by Head of Zeus on the 12th February, this novel is the ideal read if you love Ali Hazelwood. The story is one of fake dating, forced proximity, a great deal of chemistry and academic enmity!
We talked about everything from inspiration, dream TV show/film casting and the writing process.
As always, we don't cover any spoilers, because the book should be enjoyed without spoilers!
So, boil your kettle, make a cup of something hot and settle down with the latest episode of Being Bookish.
Hannah's Links
Website
Instagram
Buy the Book

In this episode of Being Bookish, I am heading to the tranquil banks of the Thames to visit with Judith, Becks and Suzie as they investigate two unfortunate deaths in Marlow while dealing with personal issues in The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood.
As the creator of the hit TV show Death in Paradise, Thorogood knows exactly how to craft a brilliant mystery. This latest release, which hit shelves on January 15th, 2026, marks the fifth book in the popular Marlow Murder Club series.
As always, I will be sharing my personal thoughts as well as looking at other reviews to provide a balanced perspective because we cannot all like everything. I will also be keeping it completely spoiler-free because you may want to visit Marlow for yourselves at some point, and you know I don't like to spoil books for anyone!
If you enjoy a classic cosy mystery with a sharp-witted protagonist, a touch of eccentricity, and a puzzling case that keeps you guessing, this episode is definitely for you. It is the perfect recommendation for fans of cosy crime and amateur sleuths looking for their next favourite read. Can you solve the mystery before the trio of friends does?
To round things off, my second, shorter review is for Esther is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeney. This is a far more unsettling and contemporary read that not only explores the dark side of social media obsession and parasocial relationships but also tackles deeper, moving themes of mental health issues and grief. It offers a sharp contrast to the charming, community-driven sleuthing in Marlow and is a must-read for fans of character-driven stories with real heart.
So pop the kettle on, get comfy, and let’s talk books.

Featured Episodes
Death in Paradise S1
The Marlow Murder Club
Hickory Dickory Dock
Evil Under the Sun
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death
Cosy Mysteries Playlist