Bestselling novelist and journalist, Andrew O'Hagan, tells us about the last book he REALLY enjoyed reading, as well as revealing some insights into his writing processes. He also answers a question from our special guest, Monica Ali, and reveals who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a…

Bestselling author and journalist, Andrew O'Hagan, joins Simon and Matt to discuss his latest novel, Calendonian Road. They talk about the inspiration behind the book, the ever-changing landscape of British politics and pandemics and why it took a decade to write. Andrew also gives us an insight into the creation of some of his characters, and tell…

Bestselling crime writer, Abir Mukherjee, discusses his favourite authors, books, and tells us about his writing processes. He talks about working to deadlines (or not), how he orders his bookshelves and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Crime writer Abir Mukherjee joins Simon and Matt to discuss his new novel, Hunted. Abir is known for his Wyndham and Banerjee series, set in 1920s India, however this book is his first stand alone. They chat about the importance of writing something contemporary, the issues that he wanted to tackle and why it has taken so long to finish. Here's a l…

Bestselling author and screenwriter, David Nicholls, chats to Simon and Matt about his writing processes, what he's reading at the moment and some of his favourite authors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

A new David Nicholls books is always an exciting event, and his new novel, You Are Here, does not disappoint. He joins Simon and Matt for a chat about the writing process, creating his characters, the latest adaptation of One Day and how he came to the music choices in this new novel. They also discuss the influence and importance of the pandemic o…

Journalist and author Tom Burgis joins Simon and Matt for our bonus Q&A episode. He talks about the authors he admires, the stories and scandals he wishes he had discovered, and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Investigative journalist, Tom Burgis, joins Simon and Matt to discuss his fascinating new book 'Cuckooland: Where The Rich Own The Truth' They discuss the dangers involved in his job, what goes in to researching such incredible stories and why he continues to do it. Here's more info on the book: Everywhere, the powerful are making a renewed claim t…

Bestselling author and journalist, Erin Kelly, joins Simon and Matt to answer some Questions about her writing and reading habits. She also tells us about the last book she really really enjoyed, who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party - and answers a question from fellow author, Jane Casey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm…

Journalist and author Erin Kelly joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her new novel - a follow on from her debut novel, but also a stand alone! Erin discusses her characters, plotting and how Frasier helps her write scenes. They also chat about the email she received from Stephen King, praising her book, and why she has returned to these character…

Who would John O'Farrell invite to his fantasy dinner party? Does he work best to deadlines? Which author always makes him laugh? Find out the answers to these questions, and many more, on this Q&A episode of Books Of The Year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Simon and Matt are joined by screenwriter and author John O'Farrell to talk about his latest novel, Family Politics. They discuss...politics...believe it or not, as well as the humour that can be found in all political parties, Question Time, Mrs Doubtfire the musical and what doesn't always translate from the UK to the US (and vice versa). You cou…

In our bonus Q&A episode, Historian, Broadcaster and Writer, Anna Keay, answers Qs about screen adaptations, writing processes, her research...and who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

We may be a little late to this book, but, we want to shout about it nonetheless! Anna Keay joins Simon and Matt for a deep dive into The Restless Republic, when for eleven years, Britain had no king. In 1649 Britain was engulfed by revolution, but it's not a time in history that we are taught about, certainly in the UK. Anna's book takes as its gu…

Kiley Reid (author of the Booker longlisted novel, Such A Fun Age) joins Simon and Matt for a Q&A. They talk about her favourite writers, deadlines, how she orders her books...and who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Bestselling author, Kiley Reid, joins Simon and Matt to talk about her new novel, Come And Get It. She discusses her fascination with money (those who have it, those that don't and the things people might do to get it) which is a big theme in this book, and what drew her to write what she has coined a 'dorm novel'. The book is set in the University…

Alex Michaelides published his bestselling debut novel 'The Silent Patient' in 2019. His new novel 'The Fury', is out now. In this episode, Alex answers questions about his writing process, characters, authors he admires, books he loves - and - there's a special appearance from a surprise author and fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega…

Alex Michaelides returns to Books Of The Year to chat with Simon and Matt about his new novel, 'The Fury'. The screenwriter turned author talks about his inspirations (Patricia Hysmith), his love of film, putting humour into thrillers and how to try and write a twist like Agatha Christie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic…

David McCloskey is an ex-CIA analyst, turned bestselling novelist. He joined us on the pod last year, to talk about his debut novel 'Damascus Station', but now he's back - quite quickly! - with 'Moscow X'. On this episode he answers questions about his writing process, favourite authors and who would be at his fantasy dinner party. Learn more about…

David McCloskey is an Ex-CIA analyst and a bestselling author. He's also finished writing his third novel and has started his fourth. But, he's a nice guy, so we forgive him! This is David's second appearance on Books Of The Year. In this episode, he talks to Simon and Matt about his latest novel Moscow X, his inspirations, what he can and can't wr…

In this Q&A episode, Simon Mayo and Matt Williams talk to journalist and author Araminta Hall about her writing process and literary loves. We learn which books and authors she has been reading and enjoying recently, how she gets into the minds of her characters...and who she wold invite to her fantasy dinner party! Learn more about your ad choices…

Araminta Hall joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams for a chat about her new novel, 'One Of The Good Guys'. They talk about her inspirations for the book, her character creation and why she feels disappointed about the current state and impact of the #metoo movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Simon Mayo and Matt Williams look back on some of our favourite books of 2023. This episode features SA Cosby, Louise Doughty, David McCloskey, Daniel Finkelstein and Cecelia Ahern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Simon Mayo and Matt Williams chat to Simon Sebag Montefiore about the books and writers he loves, his writing processes, his research and much more besides... We also learn who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Simon Mayo and Matt Williams welcome Author and Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore to the podcast. They chat about TWO of his books, which are both very relevant at the moment. Firstly, 'Jerusalm: The Biography', which Simon is currently updating....and secondly, 'The World: A Family History'. These two books are humungous in both scope and size - bu…

Simon and Matt ask John Boyne about his writing processes, favourite authors, reading habits, book shelves and inspirations. There's also a guest question from the brilliant Irish writer, Donal Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

International bestselling author John Boyne joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his new book. 'Water' is the first of a Quartet of books, which will also include Fire, Air and Earth. John talks about his inspirations, why he writes the characters he does and what drew him to the elements in the first place. Here comes the science bit: From mill…

I Am Pilgrim author, Terry Hayes, answers questions about his process, who and what he likes to read, and the authors he'd have at his fantasy dinner party! There's also a question courtesy of author, screenwriter and playwright, Anthony Horowitz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Terry Hayes' debut novel, I Am Pilgrim, was published in 2013. Ten years later, he has returned with his second novel. In this episode, Simon and Matt chat to him about what has taken him so long, how he feels now it's out in the world and what is happening with the film of his first novel. Terry also talks about the highs and lows of Hollywood, hi…

Bestselling author Victoria Hislop answers some questions about her processes, reading habits, favourite authors and...dancing! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Victoria Hislop joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams for a natter about her latest novel. They discuss the draw of Greek islands, the history of Figurines and what inspired her for this latest book. The history of Greece is vast - and Figurines are a small, but important and fascinating part of it. They're mysterious and beautiful - and they're very …

Simon Mayo and Matt Williams have taken a break from usual proceedings, to look back on some of the books we have featured this year so far. They pick out some of their favourite books that we have featured (and some we haven't) and we feature a few suggestions from some of our guests too. In case you were wondering which books and authors we have …

The bestselling author of 'Apple Tree Yard' and 'Platform Seven', Louise Doughty, joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams to answer some questions. She talks about some of the books she has really really enjoyed recently, her research process and who she'd invite to a fantasy dinner party! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Bestselling novelist Louise Doughty joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her new novel, 'A Bird In Winter' She talks about going on the run herself to get into the mind of her character and meeting a real-life spy in a hotel lobby. Louise also talks about her TV adaptations and who she'd love to play Bird, if this latest book were to be adapted. H…

Bestselling author Adele Parks chats about her writing process, her characters, her reading habits and who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Bestselling novelist Adele Parks joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams to talk about her latest novel, 'Just Between Us'. This book is, like all her novels, a stand-alone...but also a sequel. Confused? Well, luckily Adele explains all! She also tells us about the exciting new film adaptation of an earlier book, which she is involved in producing. Here…

Sebastian Faulks tells Simon and Matt about the books and authors he loves to read, the London Library and the worst piece of advice he ever received about writing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Bestselling author, Sebastian Faulks, joins Simon and Matt for a chinwag about his latest novel, 'The Seventh Son'. The book is set in a not-too-distant future, which is a departure for Sebastian who we know mainly for his historical fiction. In this episode we discuss this brilliant new novel (without spoilers, we think) and where his inspiration …

Simon and Matt put some questions to bestselling crime author Steve Cavanagh, to find out more about his writing processes, his favourite books and some sage advice! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Ex-Barrister turned bestselling crime writer, Steve Cavanagh, joins Simon and Matt in the studio. They discuss his brilliant new thriller - 'Kill For Me Kill For You' - his love of James Lee Burke and how this latest book was inspired by Hysmith and Hitchcock. Here comes the science bit: One dark evening in New York City, two strangers meet by chan…

Bestselling author Lisa Jewell discusses her processes, reading habits, favourite authors and - thanks to a surprise question from Adele Parks - her favourite karaoke songs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Simon and Matt are joined in the studio by multi-million selling author, Lisa Jewell. They discuss why her new novel, 'None Of This Is True', was the quickest book she has ever written, and how she leaves her readers guessing until the very end. They also talk a little about her process, how the book was influenced by an academic and author who fol…

In our bonus Q&A episode, journalist and author Daniel Finkelstein answers questions about his research, writing processes and authors that he loves to read. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Journalist, author and political commentator, Daniel Finkelstein, joins Simon and Matt to discuss his brilliant new book; 'Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad' He talks about his fascinating family history, the stories he was told growing up, how he researched the book and what it means now it's finally out in the world. This is the book Daniel has always …

Simon and Matt throw questions at bestselling author Kate Mosse, to find out more about her craft, writing processes and what she likes to read. There's also a guest appearance from Louise Minchin... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Kate Mosse is busy, really busy! Not only has she just published her new novel, The Ghost Ship, but has recently been on tour with her one woman show - AND - has been running the Women's Prize For Fiction (which she founded in 1996) In this episode, the bestselling author talks to Simon and Matt about her research, her fascination with the history …

TJ Newman knows how to write a page-turner! And in this episode, she talks about her writing processes, her love of books, who she likes to read and why she prefers to write at night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Flight attendant turned bestselling thriller author, TJ Newman, joins Simon and Matt to discuss her latest novel, "Drowning" TJ wrote her first book on red eye flights when she was working, sometimes jotting ideas on napkins or scraps of paper. This formed her first book, which received 41 rejections. She talks about her writing journey and why "fa…

Simon and Matt put some questions to S.A. Cosby. They discuss his reading habits, where he writes best and his inspirations. There's also a cameo appearance from bestselling author, Ruth Ware! Remember you can get in touch with us at anytime by emailing booksoftheyear@yahoo.com And follow us @booksoftheyear on twitter / @pickanypage on instagram Le…

"It's our favourite book so far this year" Simon and Matt have called it! And with good reason, S.A. Cosby's new novel - 'All The Sinners Bleed' - is fantastic! Shawn joins us from New York to discuss his inspirations, his made-up town of Charon, the role of Sherifs and the messages he wants readers to take from his novels. *Please note that there …