Out of Order Book Club

Welcome to the Out of Order Book Club where we take on the pleasure or the challenge of reading book series out of order. Each week we'll choose a random book from a random series and see if it really matters where a story begins.

Welcome to the first episode of Out of Order Book Club. This is our first season, and we're starting strong with Betrayals by the prolific Canadian author Kelley Armstrong. This is the 4th book in the Cainsville series. In this episode, Mal potentially offends many Welsh speakers with her pronunication, she faces down her problem with love triangles and she learns to be a little less anal about genres.Podcast content: Some swearing, mention (but no description) of sex, mention (but no description) of violence against womenThis is where you can find Mal on Blue Sky: @outoforderbookclub.bsky.socialHelpful links and sources for this episode:Kelley Armstrong's websiteBooks That Make You InterviewImagining Success Interview

Welcome to the second episode of Out of Order Book Club. This week we take a look at 'Alex' written by Pierre LaMaitre and translated by Frank Wynne. In this episode, Mal will have her memory tested by the twists and turns in 'Alex', will apologise again (and again) for her poor pronunciation skills, and will constantly change her mind about the themes in the book.Podcast content: Some swearing, mention (but no description) of violence against womenYou can find Mal on Blue Sky: @outoforderbookclub.bsky.socialUseful links and sources for this episode:Oregon State University's video about literary themesThe Strand Magazine 2015 interview with Pierre LeMaitreInterview with Pierre LeMaitre and Frank Wynne for AudibleDoon Mackichan speaks out against crime porn - In the podcast, I said the critiques about violence against women in TV shows had been increasing for 'a year or so'. This was wrong. This comes from nearly a decade ago.Interview with Pierre LeMaitre and Frank Wynne for WHSmiths - I found this after I had finished the podcast, and I think it is worth a look. There is a great bit at the end about the process of translation.

Welcome to the third episode of Out of Order Book Club. In this episode, we will focus on 'The Witch of Lagg' by Ann Pilling. This is the third book in the four book 'Dark Powers' series. Join Mal as she decides not to insult anyone from Scotland by ignoring the phonetic spelling of the Scottish dialogue, goes down a bit of rabbit hole of left and right brain creativity, wonders why she had more stomach for horror as a child than as an adult and asks whether parenting in children's books has improved over time. Note: Only after recording this, and digging out 'The Pit' (so to speak!), did I discover that rather than using the internet to find out that Ann Cheetham was a pseudonym, I could've just looked at the back of the book. You can find Mal on Blue Sky: @outoforderbookclub.bsky.socialHelpful Links and useful sources:Ann Pilling's websiteGoodreads reviews of 'The Witch of Lagg'OED defintions and pronunciation of 'Och'

Welcome to the fourth episode of Out of Order Book Club. In this episode, Mal will be looking at 'I Only Killed Him Once' by New York Times bestselling author Adam Christopher. This is the third book in his LA Trilogy about Ray Electromatic. In this episode, Mal has a problem pronouncing 'tarmacadam', uses the phrase 'ruthlessly efficient' a bit too much, feels a strong connection as an 'out of order' reader with Ray and questions whether she is an 'aspiring writer' or just thinking about being one.Podcast content: Some swearingYou can find Mal on Blue Sky: @outoforderbookclub.bsky.socialUseful Links and helpful sources:Adam Christopher's websitePage One Podcast interview with Adam ChristopherCereal at Midnight interview with Adam Christopher - Short and sweet reminder of a key skill for being a working writer. I need to learn this and I'm sure I'm not the only one!OED definition of 'tarmacadam' - Error Correction: In the podcast I say the first usage of the word was in a Bradford publication, but the OED says the Time of London in 1910s. I have left the error in there out of pure stubbornness (and the rabbit hole I went down)!

In this episode, we'll be looking at 'Full Dark House' by Christopher Fowler from the Bryant and May series. "Why would you choose the first book in this series to focus on?" I hear you ask (or perhaps not.) Well, Christopher Fowler himself suggested that this was not the greatest place to start if you wanted to read or understand the later books and various characters. In this episode, Mal will dip into Christopher Fowler's blog for the reason why he believed this, and she'll take pleasure in the fact she has very few pronunciation issues.You can find Mal on Blue Sky: @outoforderbookclub.bsky.socialUseful sources and helpful links:Christopher Fowler website homepageFowler's blog post: Tips on Reading the Bryant and May NovelsFowler's blog post: How the Bryant and May series works - 1: What am I doing?Fowler's blog post: Interview with Tim Goodman - During the podcast I talk about the narrator of the Bryant and May novels and blanked on the narrator's name. It's Tim Goodman and his work on the novels is, for me, wonderful especially his voicework for the two central characters.

This week, I'll be looking at 'The Loo Sanction' by Trevanian. In this episode, I probably say the word 'smut' a little too much, I wonder why a 'spoof of a spoof' can have a contemplative ending and I think the language on the first page is full of pretentious sexual imagery even though it is a death scene. (Let's not consider what that says about me!)I'd never heard of Trevanian (real name: Rodney William Whitaker) until I picked this book up on a charity bookshelf either this year, which is a huge surprise since he was a very successful author in the 1970s. The first book in this 'series', 'The Eiger Sanction', was even turned into a film by Clint Eastwood, though it's fair to say the author didn't rate it very much.Content Warning: Keep in mind this is a spoof spy novel from the 70s with a lot the sexual and racial language and attitudes that come from that period. This is discussed in the podcast, but it is worth bearing that in mind before you begin listening.You can follow Mal on Bluesky: @outoforderbookclub.bsky.socialUseful links and helpful sources:Trevanian WebsiteTrevanian Website: The Loo SanctionTrevanian Website: The Eiger SanctionTrevanian Website: BioWikipedia: TrevanianFar Out Magazine: The Clint Eastwood movie that tragically killed a stuntman

This week's podcast looks at 'Smoke and Ashes' by Abir Mukherjee, the third book in the very successful Wyndham and Bannerjee series. In fact, the sixth book in the series comes out next month, so it seems like a good time to visit this series as an 'out of order' reader.In this episode, Mal sees connections between the events and themes in this book and 2025. Plus, she goes off on a tangent about the content of her history lessons at school, gets a little obsessed (confused?) with how much research is involved in writing a historical novel, and the importance of historical novels shining a light on things we know nothing about. Spoiler: It's important!Contents: Contains some swearingYou can contact Mal on Bluesky: outoforderbookclub.bsky.socialHelpful resources and useful links:Abir Mukherjee websiteHarrogate Crime Writing Festival Interview (2018)Author Series - Hudson Library and Historical Society (2022)Historia Interview (2019)Les Artisans De La Fiction (2023)Librarie Mollat (2022)The Scoundrel Harry Larkyns and his pitiless killing by the photographer Eadweard Muybridge by Rebecca Gowers (2019): This is a book I mention in the podcast, and it is well worth a read. It is a microscopic study of the life of someone dismissed in favour of the more famous person he 'crossed paths with', to put it politely. It's both a history lesson, and a lesson in how people can be made victims over again by the retelling of history.

Welcome to the first bitesize edition of Out of Order Book Club! It's about half the size of our usual podcast and the aim is to take a quick look at a book that has been recommended from a listener, a book that came up in a previous podcast or a book that has been suggested in real life.In this bitesize edition, I'll be taking a look at 'Save the Cat' by Blake Snyder, as this was recommended by multiple authors at a crime writing festival earlier this year. In this episode, I will focus on the importance of beats, wonder whether this book is useful for a new writer and go on a minor rant about mumbo jumbo and petit women in crime fiction.You can contact Mal on Bluesky: outoforderbookclub.bsky.socialUseful links and helpful sources:Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody: Here's the 'Save the Cat' version that I mentioned in my prologue. It is definitely on my list and I'll definitely be doing a follow up episode about this.Harrogate Crime Writing Festival Website: This is where I heard about 'Save the Cat' by Blake Snyder.Oliver Harris Website: During the podcast, I kept blanking on the name of Oliver Harris' police officer character who I thought was a great example of character that 'saves the cat'. The character is Nick Belsey and I'd really recommend the series. It's certainly a series I'm considering doing an episode on since I'm 100% reading it out of order!Save the Cat Website: Full disclosure I didn't do any research for this podcast other than read the book, as I just wanted to share my responses to it and provide my own analysis. However, afterwards I discovered there is a website with coaching etc. I don't know if this was set up by Blake Snyder, who died in 2009 but I thought I'd just share the link for the curious. This is not an endorsement. This is not advertising.Save the Movie! by Peter Suderman (2013): This article from Slate gives you an idea of the 'controversy' or problems people see in this book. His argument, which I don't think I have enough knowledge to either agree or disagree with regarding films, is that the beat structure has actually turned screenwriting formulaic.

In this episode, we'll be arriving very late to an epic story by looking at the fifth and final book in the Sir Benfro series, 'The Obsidian Throne' by J. D. Oswald.I am a person who reads more crime fiction than fantasy, so it may seem strange to dive into Oswald's fantasy epic rather than his McLean crime series. However, that's all part of the fun of being an 'out of order' reader. This episode will take you through a short rant about which McLean novels are in my local library, then on to how much emotional commitment can carry you through a novel so late in a series. I'll do this while reminding you (repeatedly) that I unknowingly decided to read the fifth book in a five book series. What could possibly go wrong?Content warning: Some swearing!You can find Mal on Bluesky: outoforderbookclub.bsky.socialUseful links and helpful sources:James Oswald's websiteInterview with Civilian Reader: A really interesting interview about this book which I quote in the episode because it focuses on the publication of this final part in the series.Page One Interview: There is a lot here about how Oswald used Amazon to start his career success and bypass traditional publishing in the inital stages of his crime writing career.Book Witch InterviewInterview Room InterviewThe Courier Interview: Not only an interesting interview, but it also contains shots of some very lovely cows. I'm not being sarcastic, the cows look amazing.

In this week's episode, we'll be looking at 'Death Shall Overcome' by Emma Lathen. Emma Lathen was the creation of two writers: Martha Henissart and Mary Jane Latsis. This episode involves me discovering who this "Agatha Christie of Wall Street" was, and dealing with the fact that the key sleuth/hero is the Vice President of Sloan Guaranty Trust. This shows how much times have changed since a Wall Street hero seems unimaginable at this point in time.Content Warning: I'll be looking at the themes of racism within this book which directly deals with that topic. This books was published in 1966, so although the writers clearly don't agree with the racist behaviour in their book the language and attitudes they use can be patronising and very problematic. However good this book is, it is a product of it's time.Email: outoforderbookclub@outlook.comSocial Media: Since recording this podcast, I have deactivated my Blue Sky account so I am less distracted. This means at the moment, you can't find me and follow me on Blue Sky. Hopefully, I'll be back there some day!Helpful links and useful sources:Mount Holyoke Alumni BlogThe Passing Tramp: This is really helpful about the background of Emma Lathen, but also the suspicious nature of the most recent additions (post-1997) to the Emma Lathen series.Neil Nyren - Crime Reads: I used this before and during the podcast, it is a great read for anyone like me who had no idea about Emma Lathen.Mystery - Death by Committee Blog

In this week's episode, we'll be looking at 'Queen B' by Juno Dawson. It's the prequel to the Sunday Times Bestselling Her Majesty's Royal Coven series. In this podcast, we'll ask whether dipping into a prequel after reading only one book in a trilogy is an advantage, a disadvantage or it doesn't matter. In addition, we'll look at the themes of revenge and how the persecution of these Tudor witches matches attacks on trans communities in 2025. Finally, Mal takes time to recommend visiting Haworth and Hebden Bridge if you're in the vicinity. It's a busy episode!Content: Contains swearingEmail: outoforderbookclub@outlook.comSocial Media: Since recording this podcast, I have deactivated my Blue Sky account so I am less distracted. This means at the moment, you can't find me and follow me on Blue Sky. Hopefully, I'll be back there some day!Useful links and helpful sources:Juno Dawson's websiteIndependent article by Juno Dawson: This was written earlier this year and was quoted in the podcast. This is a personal article rather than about her writing career.The books of my life - Juno DawsonBBC Doctor Who - Interview: If you're interested in the Whoniverse and/or you are a fan of the Eurovision Song Contest and are curious about how it could play out on an intergalactic level, then this is for you.Behind the Words with Juno Dawson: I shared this on Bluesky as well as here, as I quoted it several times in the podcast. This focuses directly on 'Queen B'.Bookseller Interview from 2024The Word is Out: Val McDermid selects Britains 10 most outstanding LGBTQ writers

In this bitesize episode, we'll be taking a look at 'Rosy and John' by Pierre Lemaitre and translated by Frank Wynne. Earlier this season I took a look at 'Alex' from the Camille Verhoeven trilogy that's when I 'discovered' that this novella existed. This means in this episode we will be taking a look at where this book sits as the fourth book in a trilogy (!), and what that means in practice and whether it makes sense! In addition, we'll think about whether it provides any fresh insights into Camille Verhoeven and if this time Camille can be the hero of his own story especially one this stressful. A big thank you to Frank Wynne for suggesting, on Blue Sky, that I give the book a try.Content: Contains swearingYou can find Mal on Blue Sky: outoforderbookclub.bsky.socialUseful links and helpful sources:Shelf Awareness interview: I used this interview quite a bit and it provided quite a lot of the structure for this episode.There are lots of useful sources and links in my previous episode on Alex, but I've put a few those below dealing with the translating process, since I'm reading the novels translated by Frank Wynne.Interview with Pierre LeMaitre and Frank Wynne for AudibleInterview with Pierre LeMaitre and Frank Wynne for WHSmiths - I found this after I had finished the podcast, and I think it is worth a look. There is a great bit at the end about the process of translation.

In this week's episode, we'll be taking a look at the award winning 'Wash this Blood Clean from my Hand' by Fred Vargas translated by Sian Reynolds. It was originally published in France in 2004, and translated in 2007. In this episode, Mal will take a look at how deceptive first impressions can be, will wonder whether you need to spend time with a detective right from the start so you can recognise if he is having an epiphany or just "a bit of a moment", and how going a little deeper in your usual your research can cause a bit of a revelation.Content: Contains swearingYou can contact Mal on Blue Sky: outoforderbookclub.bsky.socialHelpful links and useful sources:London Review of Books - Lorna Scott Fox- This is a fascinating analysis of Vargas' writing as sometihng that is more playful and fantastical within crime writing. (Apologies, I think I go through this podcast saying 'Lorna Scott' for some reason!)Hungry Unlike the Wolf: Ecology, Posthumanism, Narratology in Fred Vargas’ Seeking Whom He May Devour - John Parham - Did I fully understand this research? Not 100%, but it is a great insight to Vargas' social purpose and the use of nature in her writing.It’s not all about the crime but it’s also about the food: translating references to French regional food in Fred Vargas' Adamsberg novels - Marjorie Huet - A really interesting read into the choices that translators make when working, the choices made on behalf of those reading who are not part of this culture. This is best read with the two part interview below with Sian Reynolds.Detectives Beyond Borders Interview with Vargas translator Sian ReynoldsDetectives Beyond Borders Interview with Vargas translator Sian Reynolds Pt. IILiterary Review ReviewBook Group of One

It's the penultimate episode of season one, and it's a longer episode than usual. We're looking at two books from the prolific children's author Enid Blyton and her series The Famous Five. In this episode, Mal takes a look at the themes of freedom and bloody awful parenting and how much Dick is ill-served in one book vs. another. There are lashings of other stuff too!Note: For some reason, I keep calling a character called 'Lou' Joe all the way through this, I don't know why, it's so embedded in all of this episode rerecording did not feel like an option! My apologies to anyone who remembers Lou/Joe and feels I am disrespecting that character. Let's not get into how I call 'Five are together again', well, 'Five are thrown together again'...that seems to be a slip that gives a lot away about my own feelings about the book!Content warning: Contains swearing and a discussion on racial and social stereotypes.Email: outoforderbookclub@outlook.comSocial Media: Since recording this podcast, I have deactivated my Blue Sky account so I am less distracted. This means at the moment, you can't find me and follow me on Blue Sky. Hopefully, I'll be back there some day!Useful links and sources:Michael Rosen websiteThe lasting legacy of Enid BlytonThe Enid Blyton SocietyEnidBlyton.netLoved by children and derided by the high-minded: Understanding Enid Blyton and her appeal - Jenny Byrne - University of SouthamptonEnid Blyton: The Famous Five Books - Peter Cash

"Never judge a book by its cover", isn't that the old saying? Well, on the final episode of our first season, I'll be looking at a book that I absolutely judged by it's cover - 'The Wizard of Whitechapel'. A jaunty cover and the word 'Whitechapel' certainly set off a mix of alarm bells and curiosity in my brain. In this episode, I'll be looking at a mash up of Arthurian legends and sci fi (with a splash of Victorian serial killer). It isn't a spoiler to say that the contents of the book did not in any way reflect what was happening on the cover, and I go off on many tangents about Hallie Rubenhold's 'The Five' and Peter Ackroyd's 'London: A Biography'. However, I should apologise here for my attempt at a Cockney accent, I have no excuse.Content warning: Some swearing, plus reference to 1980s gay panic joke about a man being a fairy when he literally is fae or a fairy. This will be dealing with the Jack the Ripper murders, but it doesn't go into details about the murders either in real life or in the book.Email: outoforderbookclub@outlook.comSocial Media: Since recording this podcast, I have deactivated my Bluesky account so I am less distracted. This means at the moment, you can't find me and follow me on Blue Sky. Hopefully, I'll be back there some day!Useful links and helpful sourcesSimon Hawke's Goodreads Blog: As mentioned in the episode, this blog didn't last long but it is worth dipping into especially if you're a wannabe writer. You may not agree with his perspectives on writing, but it's interesting to know the realities of a writer's precarious existence and how committed you ned to be to writing to write over a long period.Hallie Rubenhold's The Five: I went on such a tangent about this, but it is an extraordinary book that changes your perspective on the women killed by Jack the Ripper, while ignoring that dipshit entirely.Londonist Time Machine Substack: I discovered this after finishing the episode. I thought I loved Peter Ackroyd's 'London: A Biography', but here is someone who mapped it. A fascinating read.

In January, Out of Order Book Club will be back with a new (mini) season. I'll be dipping my toe into the water of TV tie-in novels. I hope to answer some burning questions, at least for me, about:What makes a good TV tie-in novel?Do you need to know anything about the series in order to understand what is going on?Are there any common elements in TV tie-ins?Does being a fan ruin your enjoyment of TV tie-ins?Should I even attempt to do an episode on Doctor Who novels? Is that the Mount Everest of tie-ins?Plus, anything else I can think to add to the list.So join me, Mal Bernhardt, as I spend some time with Mulder, Scully, Fletcher, Solo (not that one) and many others for our TV tie-in season.

We're starting this mini-season with a bit of a bitesize (though not as bitesize as I intended!) episode laying the groundwork for the TV tie-in season. In this episode, we're not looking at any particular book but at the complex world of TV tie-in novels, and some of the challenges involved in writing them. In this episode, I will try to answer the following questions:What exactly is a TV tie-in novel?Why might fandom be a double edged sword for a TV tie-in author?What are the things that make TV tie-in writing difficult? (If you thought it was easy...)This episode also introduces some key sources used as research and referred to throughout the season. You can find the links below:M.J. Clarke - The Strict Maze of Media Tie-In Novels (2009)Matt Hills -Torchwood's trans-transmedia: Media tie-ins and brand 'fanagement' (2012)Filipo Gilardi and James Reid - Transmedia storytelling: Paradigm shift in literary studies, narrative, adaptation, teaching and learning (2014)Shaun Duke - Fan Fiction vs. Tie-in Fiction: A Framework (2023)Karen Raugust - Tie-ins Attract TV viewers to the mystery genre (2012)

In the second episode of this season, we'll be taking a look at a novel tied to a series Mal is legitimately a fan of - Murder, She Wrote. The TV tie-in novel we'll be looking at is 'Murder on Parade' by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain. Join me for a trip to Cabot Cove where we'll dealing with these questions, amongst many others:Could you read this novel without knowing anything about Murder, She Wrote? (Is there anyone out there who doesn't know anything about Murder, She Wrote?!)How is this novel balancing the need to provide a good mystery while not changing or extending beyond the expectations of fan? Is it even trying to do that?Does this novel standalone as a mystery?Is Jessica more outspoken in the TV series than in this novel?Please note: I rerecorded large chunks of this because I kept calling Donald Bain 'Douglas' for reasons I can't imagine. However, a couple have slipped through because they were part of some adlibbing that I liked, and I wasn't sure I'd remember make the same points again if I rerecorded it! My apologies.Email: outoforderbookclub@outlook.comSocial Media: Since recording this podcast, I have deactivated my Blue Sky account so I am less distracted. This means at the moment, you can't find me and follow me on Blue Sky. Hopefully, I'll be back there some day!Useful links and sources:Cozy Mystery List: Interview with Donald Bain (n.d.)Complete List of Murder, She Wrote novels from Cozy Crime Reads (2026)Wikipedia's Murder, She Wrote novel list: In the podcast, I slipped and said Donald Bain wrote 'nearly 40' of these novels, when I meant 'over' 40. The numbered list is here. and include contibutions from other Jessica Fletcher co-authors.M.J. Clarke - The Strict Maze of Media Tie-In Novels (2009

In this week's episode of the the TV tie-in mini-season, we'll be taking a look at 'Shadow of the Sphinx' by Carla Jablonski, which is a Charmed novel. My knowledge of this series is based on watching a few episodes here and there when it was originally broadcast back in the late 90s and early 00s. Will it impact my understanding of the novel? Well, it is certainly a risk!If you mix that lack of knowledge with the fact that this is a novel that is linked to a particular series (sorry!) season of Charmed, and it's a great chance to see whether this TV tie-in can standalone which is what we're really interested in on this podcast.Email: outoforderbookclub@outlook.comSocial Media: Since recording this podcast, I have deactivated my Blue Sky account so I am less distracted. This means at the moment, you can't find me and follow me on Blue Sky. Hopefully, I'll be back there some day!Useful links and helpful sources:Carla Jablonski's websiteM.J. Clarke - The Strict Maze of Media Tie-In Novels (2009)The Big Megillah interviewA great interview called 'The collaboration between author and illustrator' which tells you all about that, and gives some idea about how Jablonski approaches the creative process.Charmed List of novels (Wikipedia)This was truly helpful in giving me an overview of the novel series and how they relate to the TV series.The House of Halliwell podcastI was right! In the podcast, I guessed that there was a podcast with the original cast members talking about the series, and here it is!