Review - The Barbecue at No. 9 by Jennie Godfey

  

 

Title: The Barbeque at No. 9

Author: Jennie Godfrey

Pages: 371

Publisher: Penguin

Release Date: 12th February 2026

 

Blurb from Goodreads:

 Set over 12 hours in 1985 the residents of Delmont Close are preparing a neighbourhood barbecue to watch the biggest music event in Live Aid. A day that will end having touched the lives of millions and changed the lives of all in Delmont Close. 
 
Hosted by the Gordon family, Lydia whose idols are Princess Di and Delia Smith, is determined to put on a show that will impress all. As the neighbours flood in, all the secrets that have been kept locked tight come rushing out. 
 
Rita, a new resident from Australia, harbours a shocking event in her past, Steve a young Falklands veteran battles his own demons, and Hanna, the Gordon's young teenage daughter prepares to flee to hide a shocking truth. 
 
The Barbecue at No.9 explores the nature of family and friendship, who we were and how far we have come. Jennie Godfrey returns to her powerful theme of how we are more united in our humanity than divided by our differences. All written with Godfrey’s signature wit, warmth and bite and, if possible, The Barbecue at No.9 surpasses the power and emotional impact of The List of Suspicious Things. 

 

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My Review:

 *I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK*  

 

  

The Gordon family are hosting a barbecue to celebrate Live Aid and have invited their neighbours at Delmont Close. 

There are several people in the Close hiding secrets, many of which will be uncovered as everyone comes together at the barbecue. 

 

Having enjoyed the author's previous book, I was intrigued to try this one. 

There were several protagonists in this novel, the main ones being Hanna (the daughter of the hosts), Steve (a veteran with PTSD), and Rita (who ran away from Australia and her life there). I liked all three and sympathised with them for different reasons. It was interesting to read as they all came together and how they interacted. 

The setting was interesting, and it did feel like things were slowly building up in the lead-up to the barbeque. 

The plot was enjoyable, but I wasn't gripped or itching to read more. There were some surprises, but I wasn't very invested in what was happening. 

 

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.