The Barbecue at No. 9 (Kindle Edition) by Jennie Godfrey

I hadn’t read anything by Jennie Godfrey before, but when this book landed in my hands the premise immediately caught my attention. I wasn’t entirely sure at first, yet as the story unfolded, I found myself increasingly drawn in. Before I knew it, I was completely absorbed and raced through it far quicker than I expected.

In 1985, the Gordon family decide to host a barbecue to celebrate Live Aid, inviting everyone from Delmont Close along with a scattering of relatives and friends. But behind the cheerful gathering, each household on the close is carrying its own secrets — and secrets have a way of surfacing at the worst possible moment. As the day unfolds, every revelation ripples through the community, intertwining the neighbours’ lives in unexpected ways and building into a compelling, surprise‑filled story.

What truly elevates the novel is the way Jennie Godfrey brings each character to life with such clarity and compassion. Every neighbour on Delmont Close feels distinct, believable, and wonderfully human, their flaws and hopes woven into the story with real care. It’s this richness of character — the sense that you’ve stepped into a fully lived‑in community — that makes the book so engaging and leaves you thinking about its people long after the last page.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8261690734