Bookseller Reviews
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This Barbecue is a Drama Masterclass!
A character driven and drama filled masterpiece filled with suspense and razor sharp tension, which had me totally addicted and second guessing everyone at... READ MORE
A fabulous read with oodles of charm and nostalgia!
Having loved The List of Suspicious Things, I couldn't wait to read this latest offering from Jennie Godfrey.
Set in a close where everyone knows who's wh... READ MORE
Wonderful characters, lots of nostalgia and beautiful writing
Jennie Godfrey is the master at creating complex and nuanced characters that feel central to the plot. Each character has their own mystery to unravel, and... READ MORE
A pleasure to read!
I loved Jennie’s debut novel, The List of Suspicious Things, and with a few words, The Barbecue at No 9 whisked me away and set me down firmly in the summe... READ MORE
Another wonderful book by Jennie Godfrey!
I loved how quickly I grew to care about our characters even though I only got to spend one hot summer afternoon with them.
The cast of characters is mad... READ MORE
Godfrey strikes Gold again!
Having named The List of Suspicious Things my Book of the Year for 2024 my hopes were sky high for 2026s follow-up. I am not in the least disappointed!
T... READ MORE
Fabulous!
As a huge fan of The List of Suspicious Things, I was very lucky to be sent an advanced copy of this, and I'm so glad I was!
Jennie Godfrey creates perf... READ MORE
Another great offering from Jennie Godfrey!
I was super excited to read this and it did not disappoint. Set in the summer of 85, The Barbecue at No.9 follows the residents of a newly built housing es... READ MORE
AMAZING!!!
After the List of Suspicious Things I was unsure how Jennie was going to top it, but, The Barbecue at No.9 is just phenomenal and I couldn’t put it down. I... READ MORE
A truly enjoyable read!
The Barbecue at No. 9 is a quietly compelling, character-driven novel set over a single summer day in 1985, where the warmth of a neighbourhood barbecue si... READ MORE
She Returns with Gusto!
I was very lucky to receive a proof copy, hand delivered by the author herself as the lovely Jennie Godfrey works with us at Waterstones Taunton over the f... READ MORE
Jennie does it again!
I absolutely loved ‘The List of Suspicious Things’ but I think this tops it, which I didn’t think was possible! Jennie has an amazing way of story telling ... READ MORE
Lovely blend of 80s nostalgia and character driven storytelling.
I absolutely loved Jennie Godfrey’s debut, The List of Suspicious Things, so of course was thrilled to receive a proof copy of her next book. It is set ove... READ MORE
An 80s Slice of Life
It is the summer of 1985 and the Gordons at number 9 are hosting a barbecue for the much anticipated LiveAid Concert. Everyone on the new street is invited... READ MORE
Wonderful!
I miss these characters already, what a fabulous book. I loved The List of Suspicious Things so had high hopes for this one and Jennie hasn’t let me down! ... READ MORE
Highly Entertaining
I thoroughly enjoyed this; a small neighbourhood barbecue to celebrate Live Aid brings together the community but it turns out that more than one person ha... READ MORE
A marvel of storytelling, web weaving and nostalgia.
Once again, Jennie Godfrey’s brilliant writing and marvellous story telling held me captive throughout the whole book.
Set during the Live Aid concert ... READ MORE
Jennie does it again!
absolutely brilliant! as a 14 year old when live aid took place this book made me reminisce so hard! Taping the top 40 without the DJ, ra-ra skirts and bo... READ MORE
A wonderful nostalgia-packed read!
As a huge fan of Godfrey's debut The List of Suspicious Things, I was so excited to receive a copy of The Barbecue at No.9.
We are transported to 1985 and ... READ MORE
Brilliant characters and a story you can't put down
Set across the afternoon of the iconic 1985 Live Aid concert, the novel explores the secrets of families living in a suburban street. I really love a novel... READ MORE
amazing!!
After reading A List of Suspicious Things last year and having it in my top reads for 2025 I was so exciting for this book and it did not disappoint! Set o... READ MORE
Synopsis
In the summer of 1985, the entire country is poised for the biggest music event in history – Live Aid.
The residents of Delmont Close are preparing for a neighbourhood barbecue to celebrate this historic moment, but someone uninvited is watching them closely, getting ready to make their move. But who are they watching, and why?
The Gordons – Hanna, her high-strung mother Lydia and sweet father Peter – have opened the doors to their home. And when their neighbours flood in, so do all the secrets that have been kept in the close. There is Rita, a new resident from Australia, Steve a young man who is battling his own demons, Aunty Beverley who has come to pass judgment on her relatives.
The Barbecue at No.9 explores family, friendship and love with Jennie Godfrey’s signature wit, warmth and bite.
Publisher information
- Publisher: Cornerstone
- ISBN: 9781529155013
- Number of pages: 400
- Dimensions: 224 x 145 x 35 mm
- Weight: 499g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allGreat nostalgic read
The Barbecue at No. 9 is a warm and engaging novel set against the backdrop of the Live Aid concert of 1985. Jennie Godfrey cleverly uses the order and tim... READ MORE
A peek behind the curtains on Live Aid day
4.5* The Barbecue at No 9 by Jennie Godfrey - another 5* character led exploration of the difficulties of family life, set to the backdrop of Live Aid. A s... READ MORE
No. 9 invites you to a Barbecue that you will not forget.
Wow!!
This book is worth more than 5*****
I loved Jennie Godfreys debut novel, The list of suspicious things and I pre-ordered The Barbecue at N0.9. fr... READ MORE
Verified Purchase
Tight thriller with an iconic setting
The Barbecue at No. 9 is a suspenseful tale told from the perspectives of different residents of Delmont Close as they are all invited together to 'celebra... READ MORE
It is a really beautiful story of family, community, friendship and love. Highly recommended.
I was lucky enough to read a very early copy of Jennie Godfrey's debut novel; The List of Suspicious Things and reviewed it on Random Things in December 20... READ MORE
Summer secrets and nostalgia
It is Summer 1985, and to celebrate the day of Live Aid, the Gordons are aiming to impress their neighbours by hosting a barbecue for the residents of thei... READ MORE
A beautifully written, character-driven novel
Having loved 'The List of Suspicious Things' by this author I was eager to see if her second book could hit the same levels - it certainly did!
The Barbec... READ MORE
Another surefire bestseller!
Jennie Godfrey is a joy! Her writing is sublime and ‘The Barbecue at No. 9’ is sure to be yet another smash hit (pun intended). The book brought back SO MA... READ MORE
Wonderfully nostalgic and emotionally engaging
It’s no secret how excited I was when I received a proof of The Barbecue at No. 9 by @jennie.godfrey a few months ago. In fact, I suspect many of you would... READ MORE
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Barbecue at no 9
Once more one of the characters whose inner thoughts and feelings we are privileged to is a teenager, 16 year old Hanna. Similar to the way in her debut no... READ MORE
Live Aid flashback
Part mystery, part whoDunnit, and a wonderful stroll down memory lane as I relived the live aid concert day in England with ‘ the neighbours’ of No. 9
Lyd... READ MORE
Loved it!
I eagerly anticipated Jennie Godfrey’s second novel after hearing about her idea for her next book at her author event last year at my local bookshop.
‘... READ MORE
A wonderful read!
This wasn’t the exciting thriller that I was hoping for but I really enjoyed it. Interesting and unusual characters, all with their own secrets and trauma... READ MORE
Another beautifully written story with perfect period details
Set mostly over one day, the day of the Live Aid Concert in 1985, and the social climbing Lydia Gordon, mother of Hanna, has decided to hold a barbecue for... READ MORE
Another brilliant read
Well, there is no doubt about this at all. Jennie Godfrey is one heck of a writer. She just has a knack for drawing me into her writing, and into the lives... READ MORE
Nostalgic
It’s 1985, and the Gordons at No 9 Delmont Close are hosting a BBQ for all the neighbours to watch the biggest musical event in history - Live Aid.
As eve... READ MORE
Cooky Cast of Characters
Very similar nostalgic atmosphere compared to A List of Suspicious Things.
A genuinely interesting cast of cooky characters.
Absolutely blasted thro... READ MORE
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Everyone invited to NO.9
I was looking forward to Jennie Godfreys second novel and it did not disappoint!
Jennie Godfrey has a huge talent of creating characters that we all can ... READ MORE
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Smart
It's a boiling hot day in the summer of 1985, Live Aid is due to broadcast across the globe and the Gordons are hosting a barbecue to bring the neighbourho... READ MORE
80s Nostalgia
Set over 12 hours in the 80s, specifically around the day of the Live Aid event, the story explores friendship and family relationships of the residents on... READ MORE
An enjoyable read
This wasn’t the exciting thriller that I was hoping for but I really enjoyed it. Interesting and unusual characters, all with their own secrets and traumat... READ MORE
A wonderful emotional and entertaining novel
I struggled with what to write for this review. No not because I didn’t like but because I did. I didn’t want to give any spoilers and I’m not in the habi... READ MORE
Highly recommended
A brilliant book with an amazing cast of characters. I loved the backdrop of Live Aid - it really brought back memories. Highly recommended.
A lovely trip back to Live Aid day
I started this much anticipated second book by Jennie Godfrey, knowing it was set during Live Aid day, July 13th 1985. I remember this day so well, I was g... READ MORE
Gripping and intense
The Barbecue at No 9 is a gripping, intense and twisty story set over a single day in the eighties. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives and focus on... READ MORE
The BBQ at No. 9
The action in this book takes place over one day. The day the Gordon family are hosting a neighbourhood BBQ. To coincide with the biggest concert ever - Li... READ MORE
A fun read with plenty of 1980s nostalgia and unfolding secrets
This was a fun read with plenty of 1980s nostalgia as it's set in July 1985 on the day of the Live Aid concert in aid of children who were starving in the ... READ MORE
The Barbecue At No 9 by Jennie Godfrey
My thanks to Random House Publishers for a copy of “ The Barbecue At No.9 “ for an honest review .
Jennie Godfrey’s previous book “ The List of Suspicio... READ MORE
Perfect!
I loved the barbecue at no.9. A great bit of nostalgia integrating the barbecue on the day of live aid and where neighbours all meet, all with their own se... READ MORE
Terrific
It's the day of Live Aid 1985 and the family at number 9 is hosting a barbecue for all the residents of the housing estate. We meet the people in each hous... READ MORE
Well worth reading
Two days before Live Aid in July 1985, Hanna’s mum asks her to post barbecue invitations to their neighbours in the close. Her mother, houseproud Lydia, wa... READ MORE
Warmth, humour, 1980s nostalgia - and drama!
After The List of Suspicious Things, I was really eager to read this book.
It's another powerful story from Jennie Godfrey, full of engaging characters as... READ MORE
Interesting info about LiveAid
I seem to be a bit of an outlier on this book but I'm afraid I found it rather dull despite it having an interesting premise. Jennie Godfrey's gift is fo... READ MORE
Summer fun
It's the summer of 1985, the day of the Live Aid concert, and the neighbours are getting ready for a barbecue at the Gordon's house.
As we meet each of ... READ MORE
A great read set on the day of Live Aid
The Barbecue at No. 9 takes place on the day of the Live Aid concert in July 1985, an event that I think turned out to be more momentous than most people c... READ MORE
slow-burn storyline with intriguing characters
In The Barbecue at No.9, Jennie Godfrey skillfully recreates the heady summer of July 1985, as the Live Aid concert is approaching and emotions are running... READ MORE
A gorgeous novel that will steal your heart
If you read Jennie Godfrey’s previous book, The List of Suspicious Things, you must read this one too. She has the uncanny knack of being able to weave a t... READ MORE
Gripping
The Barbecue at No 9 is a gripping, intense and twisty story set over a single day in the eighties. I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives and focus on... READ MORE
Novel set in a "small country town" in ENGLAND
I read this novel for Grazia Book Club, March 2026.
The scene is set just a couple of days before the iconic Live Aid Concert on 13 July 1985, and then ... READ MORE
Funny ad poignant
I adored Jennie Godfrey’s debut, The List of Suspicious Things and have bought copies for others, and told everyone who loves reading to make sure it’s in ... READ MORE
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Irresistible and nostalgic
Atmospheric, nostalgic, suspenseful and heartwarming, Jennie Godfrey had me in her thrall from the first page of this mesmerising story. This was such a ri... READ MORE
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Thought-provoking, heart-warming and uplifting, Godfrey’s second novel is a winner.
The Barbecue At No.9 is the second novel by British author, Jennie Godfrey. It’s July, 1985, the day of the Live Aid concert at Wembley, and Lydia Gordon h... READ MORE
a heart breaking story that will reaffirm your belief in love
Set against the backdrop of the live aid concert and the running order of the performances giving the timeline of the day.The new close on a wimpey housing... READ MORE
Brilliant addictive read
I whooped with joy when I received a copy of The Barbeque at No 9 by Jenny Godfrey, I loved her debut novel, and I couldn’t wait to read this if it is anyt... READ MORE
Godfrey Scores Again!
The author acquits herself well with this fine sophmore offering, in which a 1985 Live Aid watch party reveals neighborhood secrets. Fab!
Loved this book!
Having loved The List is Suspicious Things, I couldn’t wait to see what Jennie Godfrey would do next — and The Barbecue at Number 9 didn’t disappoint. She ... READ MORE
Character driven novel
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of The Barbecue at No. 9 by Jennie Godfrey
This was a warm, thoughtful and quietly engaging novel that drew me in wit... READ MORE
Really enjoyable
I enjoyed this book very much - I liked the background of the 1985 Live Aid concert and thought all the stories weaved together really well. I also enjoyed... READ MORE
A wonderful nostalgic read
Set in my favourite decade because of the music I was really looking forward to Jennie Godfrey’s follow up to her List of Suspicious Things and I wasn’t di... READ MORE
Brilliantly nostalgic
I loved The List of Suspicious Things and have been eagerly awaiting Jennie’s next novel so I so pleased to be able to read The Barbecue at No 9 and it was... READ MORE
Five stars!
The Barbecue at No. 9 is one of those books that quietly pulls you in and then, before you realise it, you are completely wrapped up in the lives of its ch... READ MORE
Secrets, Neighbours, and One Unforgettable Barbecue
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 ... READ MORE
The Barbecue at Number 9
It’s 1985, the biggest music event in history is about to be shown on tv, and the residents of Delmont Close are preparing a neighbourhood bbq to celebrate... READ MORE
Secrets among neighbours
This book focuses on a barbecue held by the Gordon family in a suburban close on a hot day in the summer of 1985 on the day of the Live Aid concert.
Eve... READ MORE
The Barbecue at No9
It's 1985, the biggest music event in history is about to be shown on tv, and the residents of Delmont Close are preparing a neighbourhood bbq to celebrate... READ MORE
Interesting goings on in the close
It's the day of Live Aid and number 9 Delmont Close are holding a barbecue "for Africa".
The various residents of the close have been invited alongside fa... READ MORE
Fantastic read
I whooped with joy when I received a copy of The Barbeque at No 9 by Jenny Godfrey, I loved her debut novel, and I couldn’t wait to read this if it is anyt... READ MORE
Fantastic characterisation
This was an absorbing read set on Delmont Close, a fairly new street with a diverse mix of residents. Set over the course of one day - that of the Live Ai... READ MORE
Where were you when Live Aid happened?
Set within the timescales of a biggest music event ever, Live Aid, the book follows the inhabitants of Delmont Close, who take part in the party thrown by ... READ MORE
An enjoyable read
An interesting take on what we really don't know about our neighbours. The characters were all intriguing and well written; and I enjoyed the flashback to ... READ MORE
Nostalgic and intriguing. Some triggering parts.
Set in the summer of 1985 when residents on a new estate get together for a barbecue at number 9. Live Aid is a main feature with the whole day being telev... READ MORE
The Barbecue at No. 9 by Jennifer Godfrey
The Barbecue at No. 9 by Jennifer Godfrey is set in the summer of 1985, when the residents of Delmont Close, come together over a 12 hours period to liste... READ MORE
second ones another winner
another great read from Jennie! love the time era and the build up to each story
Oh wow! What a read – I absolutely loved this book
Oh wow! What a read – I absolutely loved this book. The catalyst for the BBQ is the Live Aid concert of 1985, and the story is mainly told by 16-year-old H... READ MORE
The barbecue to impress
This is a real page turner. I was hooked on the first page but then it did slow for me a little as I tried to remember who all the characters were - until ... READ MORE
Domestic drama set in the 1980's
Set in the summer of 1985 when residents on a new estate get together for a barbecue at number 9. Live Aid is a main feature with the whole day being telev... READ MORE
Did not disappoint
I can’t imagine the pressure of following up ‘A list of suspicious things’ but Jennie Godfrey did not disappoint. A sensationally written book which is so ... READ MORE
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