Best Book Off! A literary podcast with a difference Podcasts (2024)

1
Rachel Abbott and Hannah Lynn 43:04

1h ago43:04

43:04

Authors Rachel Abbott and Hannah Lynn go head to head in a war of the words. They talk to Joe Haddow about their self-publishing journeys, the pros and cons and how things have changed on that side of the industry over the last 10 years. They also discuss their new novels, how the weather can influence a chapter and why sometimes you just have to g…

1
Attica Locke and Nick Harkaway 54:24

7d ago54:24

54:24

Bestselling crime author, Attica Locke, goes head to head with John Le Carre's son - Nick Harkaway - in a war of the words. Nick has written a new George Smiley novel, continuing his father's legacy, called Karla's Choice. He chats to Joe Haddow about the pressure he felt to get the character right and how he got himself in the right frame of mind …

1
Rumaan Alam and Tessa Hadley 51:54

13d ago51:54

51:54

Two brilliant authors and humans, Rumaan Alam and Tessa Hadley, go head to head in a war of the words. They talk about the joy of writing about clothes, how money can drive you mad and how some cities are easier to fictionalise than others. As well as discussing their new novels, their writing styles and processes and the difference between writing…

1
Liane Moriarty and Bea Fitzgerald 48:25

28d ago48:25

48:25

Global bestselling author Liane Moriarty goes head to head with author and content creator Bea Fitzgerald. They discuss their new novels, their writing practices and seasonal reading! Bea shares her love of reality TV, which has inspired her new novel, and Liane tells us about her characterisation and plot structures. They both get pretty nervous a…

1
Alan Hollinghurst and Rachel Kushner 52:09

1M ago52:09

52:09

Booker Prize winner, Alan Hollinghurst, and Booker Prize shortlistee, Rachel Kushner, join Joe Haddow for a Book Off! Alan talks about his new novel 'Our Evenings' and the writing processes to create the tempo he wanted. The book follows the life of the actor Dave Win, from 1962 to 2020. Rachel discusses her new novel 'Creation Lake' (her second no…

1
Elif Shafak and Evie Wyld 47:54

2M ago47:54

47:54

On this episode of Book Off, Joe welcomes Elif Shafak and Evie Wyld to the studio. These two fabulous writers talk about their latest novels ("There Are Rivers In The Sky" and "The Echoes") as well as giving us some brilliant reading recommendations. Evie lived in a haunted house, so we explore that and her fascination with ghosts - which are a cen…

1
Nicki Chapman and Simon Raymonde 1:04:19

2M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

TV and Radio presenter, and former record company executive, Nicki Chapman goes head to head in a war of the words with producer, musician and label owner, Simon Raymonde. On this episode of Book Off we delve into two music memoirs, covering two very sides of the music industry and history, but that both have a lot in common. Simon was one third of…

1
Susie Dent and Louise Minchin (flawed characters and tricky scenes) 1:02:28

2M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Susie Dent and Louise Minchin join Joe Haddow this week for a war of the words. Both guests have had incredible careers in TV (Susie recently celebrated 30 years of being on Countdown and Louise spent 20 years on BBC Breakfast's red sofa) and both have written non-fiction before, but have now turned their hand to novels. Susie say's her book, Guilt…

1
Mark Haddon and Clare Chambers (brain fog, short books and the importance of luck) 43:54

2M ago43:54

43:54

Book Off is back! And for the first episode of Series 13, we welcome bestselling authors Mark Haddon and Clare Chambers to the pod. They chat to Joe Haddow about their new books and what they have been reading and enjoying recently. 'Dogs and Monsters' is Mark's latest collection of short stories, where he weaves together Ancient Greek fables with …

1
Sophie Elmhirst and Susan Smillie 51:53

5M ago51:53

51:53

Journalists and authors Sophie Elmhirst and Susan Smillie go head to head in a war of the words. In this nautical themed episode, they discuss their new books (Maurice & Marylin and The Half Bird), the joy (and dangers) of the sea, sailing and leaving work behind and exploring the world. They also share with us some brilliant book recommendations. …

1
Freya North and Matt Cain 1:01:28

5M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Bestselling authors Freya North and Matt Cain go head to head in a War of the Words! They chat to Joe Haddow about their new novels ('The Unfinished Business of Eadie Browne' and 'One Love') which are possibly each author's most personal book to date. Both writers share a love of Manchester, a city they both lived in and that means a lot to them - …

1
Cat Doyle and Justin Somper 42:01

5M ago42:01

42:01

What do you get when you put three children's authors on a podcast? (well, it turns out you get a lovely conversation!) Join Justin Somper and Cat Doyle as they discuss their new pirate books for kids and go head to head in a War of the Words. They also share some great book recommendations with us and tell us about their writing processes. THE BOO…

1
Andrew McMillan and Nathan Newman 40:56

6M ago40:56

40:56

Poet and author, Andrew McMillan, goes head to head with author and screenwriter Nathan Newman in a War of the Words! They chat to Joe Haddow about their new novels ('Pity' and 'How To Leave The House'), chosen family, working class towns, comedy from tragedy and, Margaret Thatcher (yes, really). Nathan and Andrew also recommend some authors and bo…

1
Percival Everett and Andrew O'Hagan 46:20

6M ago46:20

46:20

Bestselling authors Percival Everett and Andrew O'Hagan go head to head in a War of the Words, and discuss their brilliant new novels. Percival's latest novel 'James' is a re-imagining of Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn', but set in 1861, whilst Andrew's latest work is a contemporary tale of class, money, greed and doing the right thing. They discus…

1
Andrew Hunter Murray and Jonny Sweet 50:58

7M ago50:58

50:58

QI Elf, podcaster and author, Andrew Hunter Murray, goes head to head in a war of the words with comedian and writer Jonny Sweet. They discuss their new novels ('A Beginners Guide To Breaking And Entering' and 'The Kellerby Code'), their writing habits, inspirations and how to hide a socially conscious message in a page-turning thriller. We also ge…

1
Kiley Reid and Caroline O'Donoghue 48:21

7M ago48:21

48:21

Superstar authors Kiley Reid and Caroline O'Donoghue go head to head in a war of the words. They chat to Joe Haddow about their latest novels ('Come And Get It' and 'The Rachel Incident'), society's obsession with money, 'the campus novel' and why writing less is sometimes more. We go look back at the financial crash of 2008 and what it meant for a…

1
Jennie Godfrey and Susan Fletcher 57:08

7M ago57:08

57:08

Book Off is back! Welcome to Series 12. And to kick us off, we welcome Jennie Godfrey and Susan Fletcher to the studio to talk about their books and writing, and get some recommendations too. Jennie's debut novel, The List Of Suspicious Things, has been published to great acclaim whilst Susan's new novel, The Night In Question, is hotly anticipated…

1
Dermot O'Leary and Cressida Cowell 44:13

1y ago44:13

44:13

It's a children's book special this week! Former Children's Laureate, Cressida Cowell, goes head to head with broadcaster and author Dermot O'Leary. They chat about their latest novels, their passion for getting books into children's hands, a love of history - and - world building! THE BOOK OFF 'The Power Of The Dog' by Don Winslow VS 'The Joy Luck…

1
Heidi Amsinck and Marisa Haetzman (Danish delights and death) 44:01

1y ago44:01

44:01

Authors Heidi Amsinck and Marisa Haetzman go head to head in a war of the words, just before their appearance at Bloody Scotland. Heidi discusses her latest Jensen thriller, 'The Girl in The Photo' and her love for Denmark. Marisa tells us about collaborating with her husband, Chris Brookmyre (writing as Ambrose Parry) and their new book, 'Voices O…

1
Stig Abell and Jo Spain (Nothing beats Pride & Prejudice) 52:53

1+ y ago52:53

52:53

Journalist, radio presenter and author Stig Abell goes head to head with international bestselling author and screenwriter, Jo Spain in a war of the words. They discuss the politics of blurbing books, where they get their inspirations from, hard-boiled crime and when and where they write. They also recommend us some brilliant books, which they have…

1
Catriona Ward and Mat Osman (Shelve Me!) 1:00:45

1+ y ago1:00:45

1:00:45

Bestselling novelist, Catriona Ward, goes head to head in a war of the words with Suede co-founder, bassist and author, Mat Osman! They discuss their new novels - "Looking Glass Sound" and "The Ghost Theatre" - as well as recommending us some books they have read recently and loved. These include 'Orlando' by Virginia Wolf and 'Wide Sargasso Sea' b…

1
Poorna Bell and Eva Rice (what do you MEAN you haven't read it?) 50:08

1+ y ago50:08

50:08

Authors Poorna Bell and Eva Rice go head to head in a War of the Words! They discuss their love of the 90s and why it's such a rich decade to set fiction in. (*warning - Joe and Eva geek out a little on the music of the 90s just fyi!) We also get some brilliant book recommendations AND some very useful writing tips too. THE BOOK OFF 'Kitchen' by Ba…

1
Georgina Moore and Sophia Money-Coutts (Love, Landscapes and Language) 41:11

1+ y ago41:11

41:11

Publicist extraordinaire and debut novelist Georgina Moore goes head to head with author and journalist Sophia Money-Coutts in a war of the words. They talk to Joe Haddow about siblings, sisterhood, writing women in their thirties and boats! We also delve into literary love, language and landscapes - and the importance of a setting. George and Soph…

1
Jill Mansell and Lucy Diamond ('Riders', Rebels, Romcoms and wRiting) 36:30

1+ y ago36:30

36:30

Bestselling authors Jill Mansell and Lucy Diamond join Joe Haddow for a war of the words! They discuss the brilliance of Elly Griffiths (a previous BooK Off guest) and how hard it is to find the time to start a new series of books. They talk about their new novels ('Promise Me' and 'The Best Days Of Our Lives') as well as giving us some writing tip…

1
Elly Griffiths and Jane Harper (wine tasting is research!) 42:34

1+ y ago42:34

42:34

In this episode, bestselling crime/thriller authors Elly Griffiths and Jane Harper go head to head in a war of the words. The writers discuss their latest novels, 'The Last Remains' and 'Exiles', and give us some writing tips too. They also recommend us some books they have read recently and talk about what it means to take their research seriously…

1
Kirsty Logan and Laura Purcell (I didn't know I was up against the Moomins!) 47:14

1+ y ago47:14

47:14

In the first episode of our new series, authors Kirsty Logan and Laura Purcell go head to head in a war of the words... They discuss their new novels - 'Now She Is Witch' and 'The Whispering Muse' - writing processes and they give us some brilliant book recommendations. THE BOOK OFF 'Moominland Midwinter' by Tove Jansson VS 'The Circus Of Wonders' …

1
Simon Fowler and Daniel Rachel (Is it a quail?) 51:01

2y ago51:01

51:01

Singer/Songwriter and Ocean Colour Scene frontman Simon Fowler goes head to head with music journalist, author longtime friend and collaborator Daniel Rachel, in a war of the words! They talk about collaborating on their new book, their friendship, lost songs, how great the 1990s were and what they have been reading and enjoying recently. The Book …

1
Lindsey Kelk and Beth O'Leary (Well, if Marian Keyes says it's good...) 47:33

2y ago47:33

47:33

We're getting a little Christmassy in this episode, with bestselling authors Lindsey Kelk and Beth O'Leary. They discuss their latest books, their love for Marian Keyes, writing humour and what they love about Christmas. They also recommendation us some books they have been enjoying recently. THE BOOK OFF "Again, Rachel" by Marian Keyes VS "Her Maj…

1
Sally Gardner and Jamie Costello (Look to the weather) 46:04

2y ago46:04

46:04

Sally Gardner and Jamie Costello (aka Laura Wilson) go head to head in a war of the words! They discuss the importance of colour in our lives and in writing, the ever changing weather, and give us some top reading recommendations too! THE BOOK OFF "The Devil In The Flesh" by Raymond Radiguet VS "The Book Of The Most Precious Substance" by Sara Gran…

1
Ken Follett and Greg Mosse (Stand near to suspicious people and see what they do) 51:04

2y ago51:04

51:04

Bestselling author Ken Follett goes head to head in a war of the words, with playwright and debut author Greg Mosse. They discuss their new novels, a dystopian future, how they approach writing and give us some brilliant book recommendations too. The Book Off "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe VS "Opening Night" by Ngaio Marsh Hosted on A…

1
Anthony Marra and Wendy Erskine (Reading too many short stories in a row is like doing a line of shots) 44:21

2y ago44:21

44:21

On the latest episode of Book Off we welcome short story writer Wendy Erskine and novelist Anthony Mara, who get head to head in a war of the words. They discuss their latest work, Hollywood, the impact of short stories...and they give us some great book recommendations as well. The Book Off: "We Are The Animals" by Justin Torres VS "The Age Of Inn…

1
Graham Norton and Dawn O'Porter (No offence, but you're not too clever for me...which I like!) 48:18

2y ago48:18

48:18

Author, broadcaster and comedian Graham Norton goes head to head in a war of the words with writer, director and television presenter Dawn O'Porter. They discuss freeze drying cats (yep), writing strong supporting casts, writerly looks and pet grief. They also recommend some books that they have read and enjoyed recently. The Book Off: "Kindred" by…

1
Kamila Shamsie and Tahmima Anam (Friendships, Fondness, Seinfeld and Bum Injections) 45:03

2y ago45:03

45:03

This week, the brilliant authors Kamila Shamsie and Tahmima Anam go head to head in a war of the words. They discuss their novels "Best Of Friends" and "The Startup Wife" as well as their own friendship, Seinfeld and bum injections! Plus, they recommend some books they have been reading and enjoying recently. ("A Manuel For Cleaning Women" by Lucia…

1
Jason Reynolds and Joseph Coelho (When the twist happens, it smacks you like a truck!) 45:59

2y ago45:59

45:59

The amazing authors and children's literature champions, Jason Reynolds and Joseph Coelho, go head to head in a war of the words. They discuss the importance and brilliance of libraries, the role of the Children's Laureate, the beauty of tower blocks and much much more. Both authors recommend us some books they have been reading and enjoying recent…

1
Ricky Ross and Emma Forrest (Mansions, Mayhem, Movies and Memoirs) 48:56

2y ago48:56

48:56

Singer/Songwriter Ricky Ross goes head to head with screenwriter and novelist Emma Forrest in a war of the words. They discuss their new memoirs ("Walking Back Home" and "Busy Being Free"), living in LA, touring, families, good memories and what they have been reading and enjoying recently. In the Book Off, they put "Eve's Hollywood" by Eve Babitz …

1
Charlie Higson and Alex Michaelides (A man out of time, with a ratty old jumper) 45:51

2+ y ago45:51

45:51

Author, actor and comedian Charlie Higson goes head to head with bestselling screenwriter and author, Alex Michaelides, in a war of the words! The guests discuss their new novels, writing for screen, the crime genre, finding ideas and how much of yourself you should put in a book. They also give us some brilliant book recommendations, including a d…

1
Karin Slaughter and David Koepp (All stories appear to me as movies...) 49:37

2+ y ago49:37

49:37

Screenwriting legend David Koepp (Jurassic Park / Death Becomes Her / Carlitos Way / Panic Room) goes head to head with international bestselling author Karin Slaughter (Pieces Of Her / The Silent Wife / Last Breath / Blindsighted) in a war of the words. They discuss adapting books for the screen, picking apart twists, their new novels and their wr…

1
Ardal O'Hanlon and Rev. Richard Coles (The perks of wearing a dog collar) 47:35

2+ y ago47:35

47:35

Have you heard the one about the priest, the vicar and the podcast host? Comedian and writer Ardal O'Hanlon goes head to head with popstar vicar and author Rev. Richard Coles in a war of the words. They discuss their new novels, their writing, getting the tone right, the perks of wearing a dog collar and #taskmaster. They also give us some brillian…

1
Jarvis Cocker and Baxter Dury (Proustian madeleines and TV meetings) 43:20

2+ y ago43:20

43:20

Two brilliant songwriters, Jarvis Cocker and Baxter Dury, go head to head in a war of the words. They talk about how their books came into being, holding on to things from childhood, their writing processes and recommend us some books they have read and enjoyed recently. In the Book Off, they pit Haruki Murakami's "Hard Boiled Wonderland And The En…

1
Ruth Ware and Gillian McAllister (Marian Keys could write the phone book and we'd all buy it!) 33:14

2+ y ago33:14

33:14

Bestselling thriller writers Ruth Ware and Gillian McAllister go head to hear in a war of the words. They discuss their latest novels and writing, as well as sharing some fabulous book recommendations. In the Book Off, they pit Oyinkan Braithwaite's "My Sister The Serial Killer" against "Impossible" by Sarah Lotz, but which one will win...??? Hoste…

1
Tara M Stringfellow and Dolen Perkins-Valdez (Porches, Poems, Prose and Presidents) 48:48

2+ y ago48:48

48:48

Authors Tara M Stringfellow and Dolen Perkins-Valdez go head to head in a war of the words. They discuss Memphis, writing in anger, music on the back porch, making readers think, the importance of women's stories, poetry and lyrical prose. In the Book Off, they pit Octavia Butler's "Kindred" against "Oh, You Thought This Was A Date?" by C Russell P…

1
Joanna Cannon and Carrie Hope Fletcher (Twitchy curtains and fantasy novels) 33:28

2+ y ago33:28

33:28

Actress, singer and author Carrie Hope Fletcher goes head to head in a War Of The Words, with bestselling novelist Joanna Cannon. They discuss their new books, the joy of fantasy novels, writing whilst doing other jobs, the importance of character led fiction and also recommend us some books they have read and enjoyed recently. In the Book Off, the…

1
Kasim Ali and Okechukwu Nzelu (If a story gets rejected, I just put it in a draw and move on) 43:10

2+ y ago43:10

43:10

Debut novelist Kasim Ali goes head to head with author and teacher Okechukwu Nzelu in a war of the words... They discuss their publishing journeys, how they approach rejection, "messy" romcoms, queerness and the joy in "simple writing". They also recommend us some books they have read and loved recently - and give us some tips for getting books bac…

1
Harriet Tyce and Amy Mcculloch (I'm very partial to a penguin!) 55:18

2+ y ago55:18

55:18

Authors Harriet Tyce and Amy Mcculloch go head to head in a war of the words! They talk about mountaineering, foxes, the Marathon des Sables, Edinburgh, long baths and give us some brilliant reading recommendations. In the Book Off, they pit Andrew Kurkov's "Death And The Penguin" against Lizzie Pook's "Moonlight And The Pearlers Daughter" - but wh…

1
Sarah Pinborough and Sarah Vaughan (We all need a bit of quirk!) 52:45

2+ y ago52:45

52:45

Bestselling authors Sarah Pinborough and Sarah Vaughan go head to head in a War Of The Words. They discuss their Netflix adaptations, writing for TV, lack of sleep in lockdown, the genius of Marian Keyes and...their new novels. We also get some great book (and TV) recommendations - and in the Book Off, they pit Hilary Mantel's "Bring Up The Bodies"…

1
Ruth Ozeki and Cathy Rentzenbrink (Would you stare at your own face for three hours?) 1:03:10

2+ y ago1:03:10

1:03:10

Authors Ruth Ozeki and Cathy Rentzenbrink join Joe Haddow for a war of the words and to discuss their new novels. Ruth explains how she came to stare at her face in a mirror for 3 hours and then write a book about it, whilst Cathy talks about the joys of sea swimming and how anyone can write a book if they want to. They also talk about the joy of l…

1
Damon Galgut and Adrian Nathan West (Dogs, Diets and Death) 37:30

2+ y ago37:30

37:30

Booker Prize winning author Damon Galgut goes head to head with author and translator Adrian Nathan West in a war of the words. Damon discusses his Booker winning novel, The Promise, and how he reached a point in his career where he didn't care what anyone else thought. Nate talks about the relationship between author and translator, and how he nav…

1
Marian Keyes and Nina Stibbe (I'd like to live in a cave, covered in fur) 1:03:57

2+ y ago1:03:57

1:03:57

Bestselling authors Marian Keyes and Nina Stibbe go head to head in a war of the words in a bumper episode of Book Off. They shower admiration on to each other and their new books, "Again, Rachel" and "One Day I Shall Astonish The World" which they discuss with Joe Haddow. They also talk about their writing, inspirations, friendship, sex in older a…

1
Charlotte Mendelson and Liz Hyder (Ever been to Twatt?) 1:01:16

2+ y ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Authors Charlotte Mendelson and Liz Hyder go head to head in a war of the words. It's been 9 years since Charlotte published a novel - and on this episode she tells us all about her new book - "The Exhibitionist" - and how she feels now it's finally being published. The novel is an exploration of art, sacrifice, toxic family politics, queer desire …

1
David Baldacci and Linwood Barclay (The wrong guy in the trunk) 33:55

2+ y ago33:55

33:55

International bestselling novelists David Baldacci and Linwood Barclay go head to head in a war of the words. They discuss writing themselves into corners, how they scare themselves to write better books and tell us about their brand new novels, "Take My Breath Away" and "Dream Town". They also talk about their shared loved of the author Ross MacDo…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Book Off! A literary podcast with a difference

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide