Biscuit Break: What We’ve Been Reading and Watching
Books, films, and shows that have been keeping us entertained (and talking) at Biscuit
At Biscuit, we love nothing more than sharing what we’ve been watching and reading — often over a cuppa and, naturally, a biscuit or two. From cosy mysteries and hard hitting police dramas, to period dramas, teenage romances and comedies, here are the stories that have been making us laugh, cry, and keep saying “just one more chapter” (or episode).
WATCHING
The Thursday Murder Club
After a limited cinema release in late August, The Thursday Murder Club is now finally streaming on Netflix — and we couldn’t wait to press play.
Based on Richard Osman’s bestselling series, the film introduces us to four unlikely detectives living in a retirement village who stumble into solving a real-life murder. With its witty script, stellar cast (Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie!), and that perfect balance of cosy charm and genuine mystery, it’s a crowd-pleaser for fans of the books and newcomers alike.
It's the kind of film that makes you want to grab a blanket, put the kettle on, and settle in for a good whodunnit.
The Buccaneers
Opulent ballrooms, elaborate gowns, forbidden romances — The Buccaneers season 2 continues to give us a frothy yet thoughtful take on Edith Wharton’s unfinished novel. At its heart, it’s about a group of spirited American women navigating the rigid, class-obsessed world of British high society.
The second season leans into the conflicts between duty and desire, exploring what women of the time were expected to sacrifice in the name of marriage. It’s gorgeous to look at, but beyond the glamour, it asks some sharp questions about freedom, identity, and love. If you love Bridgerton, this should be next on your list.
Too Much
Lena Dunham’s return to TV encapsulates all the familiar rom‑com tropes—and then adds a deliciously messy spin. The series follows Jessica (played by Megan Stalter), a workaholic New Yorker whose life unravels after a painful breakup. She impulsively moves to London and lands in a council flat, only to meet Felix (Will Sharpe), a quirky indie musician. Their connection isn’t usual—it’s tender, awkward, and beautifully real.
From improbable meet‑cutes, to clashing cultural expectations and romantic baggage, Too Much captures the false grace of rom‑coms and then gently unravels it. As Lena Dunham—who co-created the series—puts it, it’s about layering in “the jagged edges of life” to the genre she grew up adoring. If you are a fan of Girls, this is a must-watch!
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Is it even summer if you’re not watching Jenny Han’s coming-of-age saga?
Season 3 of The Summer I Turned Pretty brings back all the sun-soaked romance and nostalgia we loved in the first two. Belly finds herself caught (still!) between Conrad and Jeremiah, but the story dives deeper into themes of growing up, heartbreak, and finding your own path. It’s dreamy and tender, but also bittersweet — reminding us that first loves are rarely simple.
Dept. Q
We’ve been buzzing about this one for months — especially since it was filmed right here in Edinburgh! Seeing familiar streets, closes, and skylines pop up on screen only adds to the thrill.
Dept. Q follows DCI Carl Morck (played by Matthew Goode), a detective haunted by a traumatic case, who gets reassigned to a newly formed cold-case unit tucked away in the police basement. Alongside his unconventional team — including Akram, Rose, and therapist Dr. Rachel Irving — he starts digging into unsolved crimes.
What makes Dept. Q stand out isn’t just the mysteries (though they’re gripping) but the characters. It’s as much about trauma, friendship, and unlikely partnerships as it is about crime-solving. The Scottish setting gives it a brooding, atmospheric edge — think Nordic noir with a local twist.
We’ve been eagerly awaiting it since filming, and now that it’s finally on Netflix, we can confirm: it was worth the wait. Dark, gripping, and beautifully shot, it’s exactly the kind of drama you’ll want to binge… and maybe spot a landmark or two along the way.
Wednesday
We couldn’t hit play fast enough when season 2 of Wednesday landed on Netflix, and it was just as deliciously dark and witty as we’d hoped. Jenna Ortega continues to be pitch-perfect in the role — her deadpan delivery, icy glares, and unexpected flashes of vulnerability make Wednesday Addams one of the most compelling TV characters around.
This season raises the stakes, taking us deeper into the gothic world of Nevermore Academy with creepier mysteries, sharper twists, and even more of that offbeat humour we loved in season 1. There' a balance of eerie atmosphere and laugh-out-loud moments — one minute you’re unsettled, the next you’re giggling at Wednesday’s savage one-liners. It’s stylish, smart, and completely binge-worthy.
READING
Atmosphere - Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid has done it again. Atmosphere is everything we love about her writing — glamorous on the surface, but with real emotional weight underneath. The story sweeps you into a world of ambition, fame, and complicated relationships, but it’s the flawed, vulnerable characters that keep you turning the pages.
Much like Evelyn Hugo and Daisy Jones and The Six, it’s stylish and addictive, but also quietly moving. Reid captures that tension between the lives people present to the world and the private truths they carry, making it both page-turning and thought-provoking. It’s one of those books you race through, then immediately want to talk about with a friend.
Madonna In a Fur Coat - Sabahattin Ali
First published in 1943, this Turkish classic has found a whole new audience in recent years — especially on BookTok, where it’s been trending as one of those quiet novels that completely wreck you in the best way.
Set in 1920s Berlin, Madonna in a Fur Coat follows Raif, a shy and overlooked man, whose life changes when he meets Maria Puder, a fiercely independent artist. Their relationship is tender, fragile, and achingly human — not a grand sweeping romance, but something more intimate and bittersweet.
Ali’s writing is deceptively simple yet deeply moving, exploring themes of loneliness, longing, and the pain of missed chances. It’s a short read, but it lingers — the kind of book you finish in an afternoon, then find yourself thinking about for weeks afterwards.
44 Scotland Street Series - Alexander McCall Smith
Set in a quirky Edinburgh townhouse, this long-running series is like a warm cup of tea in book form. With short, serialised chapters and a cast of eccentric characters — from precocious child prodigy Bertie to the endlessly anxious Matthew — it’s witty, gentle, and full of small everyday dramas that somehow feel big in the moment.
What makes it extra special for us is spotting the familiar streets and landmarks woven into the stories — McCall Smith captures Edinburgh with so much warmth and affection. It’s the perfect pick if you’re after light, clever comfort reading, and once you’ve met the residents of 44 Scotland Street, you’ll find yourself coming back to them again and again.
Ferment - Tim Spector
Tim Spector has become one of the most trusted voices on food and health, and his new book Ferment is both fascinating and surprisingly practical. It’s all about the power of fermented foods — from kimchi and kefir to sourdough and sauerkraut — and how they can transform our gut health and overall wellbeing.
What we love is that Spector takes complex science and makes it completely digestible (no pun intended). He explains why fermentation matters, but also gives plenty of tips and recipes so you can bring it into your own kitchen. It’s part cookbook, part science lesson.
Whether you’re already a kombucha fan or just curious about what fermentation could do for you, this is a book that leaves you inspired to experiment.
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