Simon and Matt welcome Ian Rankin to the studio for a special Q&A episode. They discuss his love of music, his writing processes, Swedish Death Cleaning (yes really) and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Sir Ian Rankin joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his new book, Midnight And Blue. They discuss the challenges of writing a book from a world inside a prison, and how much Ian had to research to ensure he got the details right. And of course they chat about music (Pentangle even get a mention) and the recent screen adaptation of his book. Lear…

Bestselling author Robert Harris joins Simon and Matt for a Q&A episode. He tells us the last book her really REALLY enjoyed reading, what he learns (and has learnt) from writing each of his books, why he's drawn to WWI and WWII and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Robert Harris returns to Books Of The Year to discuss his new novel, 'Precipice', with Simon and Matt. A new Robert Harris novel is always a big moment - and once again, he hasn't let us down! They chat about the extraordinary letters that were sent from Prime Minister H.H. Asquith to the woman he was besotted with, Venetia Stanley, and how that re…

Ben Macintyre returns to Books Of The Year and answers questions about his craft, research, favourite books and authors. He tells us who he would invited to his fantasy dinner party, and gives us some great book recommendations too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

Ben Macintyre joins us again to discuss his brilliant new book 'The Siege' Simon and Matt chat to him about the incredible research and interviews he undertook to write the account of this incredible historic event. They delve into who carried out The Siege and what the people wanted, and how Ben managed to get so much access to the first hand acco…

Simon Mayo and Matt Williams welcome music journalist and author David Hepworth to the studio, to find out about his favourite authors and books and get a sense of his reading habits. You'll probably be as surprised as us to discover that he only reads standing up! There's also a surprise question from broadcasting legend, Bob Harris, and we find o…

Simon Mayo and Matt Williams welcome music journalist David Hepworth to the studio. His new book - Hope I Get Old Before I Die - looks at how enduring rock icons like Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen and many more have remained in the ever changing music game. They discuss Mick Jagger, Elton John, Paul McCartney and many other rock icons, and just how…

Ragnar Jonasson is a veracious reader and prolific writer. In this Q&A episode, he talks about his writing processes, his favourite authors and how he orders his bookshelves. We also hear from fellow author Vaseem Khan, who poses a question to Ragnar, and discover who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi…

Ragnar Jonasson joins Simon and Matt to discuss his latest novel, 'Death At The Sanitorium' They talk about the influence of Agatha Christie, the Icelandic way of life and how he keeps so many stories in his head at one time. Remember you can get in touch with us any time - to let us know what you're reading, books you have loved (or not) recently …

Former journalist turned author, Chris Brookmyre, joins Simon and Matt for a spot of Q&A. They ask him about the last book he really really enjoyed, whether there's a book or plot her wished he'd written, and who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Chris Brookmyre joins Simon and Matt to chat about his latest novel. You may have heard Mark Billingham on one of our previous Q&A episodes rave about The Cracked Mirror? Well, he did such a good job - we read it, and loved it too! So we had to have Chris on! The idea for the book came from a discussion with his Editor, who was looking for a meta c…

Chris Whitaker joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams for the Q&A episode. He discusses the last book he really REALLy enjoyed reading, his writing routine and who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party. Also, in an exclusive, he reveals us what his next book is about and what we can expect! Author of The List Of Suspicious Things, Jennie Godfrey, sur…

Novelist Chris Whitaker joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new book, All The Colours Of The Dark. Chris worked in the City for many years as a trader, before quitting to write. He talks openly about a traumatic incident which turned him on to writing, as well as how long it takes him to write each novel. (if you're thinking about writing, do…

Comedian and writer David Baddiel shares some of his writing processes and reading traits that he is not a fan of. He also tells us the book he has really enjoyed reading recently and who we would invite to his fantasy dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Ora Et Labora

David Baddiel joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new non-fiction book, 'My Family: The Memoir' He discusses his relationship with his mum and dad, some of the hilarious anecdotes from his childhood that appear in the book and the love that he has for both his parents, despite their quirks and faults. His family life growing up was complicate…

Mark Billingham joins Simon and Matt in the studio to chat about some of his favourite authors, writing processes and research. We surprise him with a question from fellow author and fan, Abir Mukherjee, and also find out which authors he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

Mark Billingham joins Simon and Matt in the studio for a chat about his new character, Detective Miller. They discuss the fine line between comedy and crime, why Mark chose Blackpool as the setting for his new series and why you should always come back to an idea. We also try to find out what advice he gave Richard Osman, before he became an author…

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 …