The List of Suspicious Things is a genre-bending coming-of-age historical mystery, where endearing young protagonists and the innocence of youth collide with a cast of diverse, suspicious characters. The story unfolds in late-1970s Yorkshire, capturing what it was like to grow up in a town shaped by fear and rumor and where childhood curiosity brushes up against very real danger.

The novel starts in Margaret Thatcher’s newly elected Britain, with the real-life terror of the Yorkshire Ripper looming in the background, and follows twelve-year-old Miv. Terrified of being forced to move away from her best friend Sharon and shaken by the murders dominating every newspaper and family conversation, Miv comes up with a desperate plan: if they can catch the Ripper themselves, maybe her family won’t have to leave. Armed with a notebook and an ever-growing “list of suspicious things,” the girls begin investigating everyone from neighbors to shopkeepers—only to discover far more about their close-knit town, and themselves, than they ever imagined.

The story is mostly told from Miv’s point of view, but it also shifts to the perspectives of her dad, the local shopkeeper, and neighbors—which really gives a sense of the community and its fears. Miv is such a lovable protagonist—headstrong, empathetic, and fiercely loyal to her friends and family—and you really feel how hard it is for her to lie while covering up her investigations. Watching her grow from a curious amateur sleuth into a young girl trying to make sense of life in late-1970s Britain is the real heart of the story. Sharon, her best friend, is the perfect balance to Miv’s impulsiveness, always speaking up when they might be heading into real danger or trouble. Their friendship feels so real—full of meaningful conversations, laughs, and shared adventures that make you root for them both. The girls’ interactions with family members and townsfolk show how each are heartfelt and captivating. There’s a real sense of community, but the novel also explores the social realities of the time, including racism and economic decline, making it feel like very real, lived-in late-1970s Yorkshire.

The pacing is mostly slow burn and also feels a bit uneven at times. The first third of the story really immerses readers in Miv’s world and in Yorkshire itself, full of detail about the town and the community. As the girls’ investigations deepen, the story becomes more emotional and introduces some surprising—and sometimes unsettling—revelations. The ending hits hard: it’s emotional, thought-provoking, and will linger long after finishing. This book is perfect for a book club, since there’s so much to discuss, from the characters’ choices to the way real-life events are woven into the story.

Overall, this is a standout debut from Jennie Godfrey, with an authentic portrayal of childhood innocence and a compelling exploration of fear and prejudice in a very different time. Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, layered friendships, historical fiction rooted in real events, and atmospheric slow-burn mysteries will find a lot to love in this book!