Simon Mayo's Books Of The Year artwork

Simon Mayo's Books Of The Year

234 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 57 ratings

Simon Mayo and Matt Williams invite the world's finest authors in for a chat.

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Episodes

John O'Farrell Q&A

March 27, 2024 00:01 - 20 minutes

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/adchoices

John O'Farrell

March 20, 2024 00:01 - 42 minutes

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 could say it's a cornucopia of an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna Keay Q&A

March 13, 2024 00:00 - 18 minutes

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/adchoices

Anna Keay

March 06, 2024 07:33 - 41 minutes

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 guides the people who lived through these years of restlessness. Among them is Anna Trapnel, the daughter of a Deptford shipwright whose visions tran...

Kiley Reid Q&A

February 28, 2024 00:00 - 19 minutes

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/adchoices

Kiley Reid

February 21, 2024 10:48 - 40 minutes

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 of Arkansas, so we learn why that setting was important for Kiley, and Matt has a rant about dancers...of course he does. Learn more about your ad...

Alex Michaelides Q&A

February 14, 2024 00:01 - 18 minutes

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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Michaelides

February 07, 2024 09:24 - 38 minutes

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/adchoices

David McCloskey Q&A

January 31, 2024 06:52 - 17 minutes

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 your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David McCloskey

January 24, 2024 15:43 - 38 minutes

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 write about, and who advised him on the use of ceiling fans in Cornwall! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Araminta Hall Q&A

January 17, 2024 14:00 - 22 minutes

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. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Araminta Hall

January 10, 2024 22:55 - 42 minutes

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

The Books Of The Year Books Of The Year (as it were)

December 27, 2023 13:10 - 29 minutes

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/adchoices

Simon Sebag Montefiore Q&A

December 20, 2023 02:00 - 19 minutes

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/adchoices

Simon Sebag Montefiore

December 13, 2023 07:38 - 42 minutes

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 - but they are fantastic and well worth your time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Boyne Q&A

November 29, 2023 03:00 - 27 minutes

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/adchoices

John Boyne

November 22, 2023 16:21 - 38 minutes

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 million-copy-bestselling author John Boyne comes a masterfully reflective story about one woman coming to terms with the demons of her past and findin...

Terry Hayes QnA

November 15, 2023 00:01 - 22 minutes

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

November 09, 2023 00:29 - 42 minutes

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, his editors notes and what he's going to work on next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Victoria Hislop Q&A

November 01, 2023 00:00 - 17 minutes

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/adchoices

Victoria Hislop

October 26, 2023 14:28 - 41 minutes

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 sought after too. Here comes the science bit: In her irresistible new novel, Sunday Times No 1 bestselling author Victoria Hislop shines a lig...

Books Of The Year (2023 so far...)

October 18, 2023 13:30 - 29 minutes

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 featured on the pod this year so far - here's a full list to jog your memory... Jason Mott – “Hell Of A Book” Cariad Lloyd – “You Are Not Alone”...

Louise Doughty Q&A

October 04, 2023 14:22 - 19 minutes

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

Louise Doughty

September 27, 2023 10:44 - 41 minutes

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. Here comes the science bit: Bird is a woman on the run. One minute, she's in a meeting in her office in Birmingham - the next, she's walking out...

Adele Parks Q&A

September 19, 2023 23:01 - 19 minutes

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/adchoices

Adele Parks

September 13, 2023 08:55 - 44 minutes

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 comes the science bit... Lost. Missing. Murdered? And both her husbands are suspects. Kylie Gillingham's disappearance has gripped the nation: ...

Sebastian Faulks Q&A

September 05, 2023 23:01 - 14 minutes

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/adchoices

Sebastian Faulks

August 29, 2023 23:01 - 40 minutes

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 for it came from. We learn about the incredible amount of research he had to undertake to be able to write the book, and see if we can guess who so...

Steve Cavanagh QnA

August 22, 2023 23:01 - 22 minutes

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/adchoices

Steve Cavanagh

August 15, 2023 23:01 - 41 minutes

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 chance. Over drinks, Amanda and Wendy realise they have so much in common. They both feel alone. They both drink alone. And they both desperately want...

Lisa Jewell Q&A

August 08, 2023 23:00 - 20 minutes

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/adchoices

Lisa Jewell

August 02, 2023 14:45 - 44 minutes

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 followed Lisa's writing journey for a year - and - why she prefers instant coffee to something, well, decent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...

Daniel Finkelstein Q&A

July 20, 2023 23:01 - 17 minutes

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/adchoices

Daniel Finkelstein

July 19, 2023 08:28 - 47 minutes

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 wanted to write and hopes one day it might even make it on to the screen. Here comes the science bit... From longstanding political columnist and ...

Kate Mosse Q&A

July 11, 2023 23:01 - 16 minutes

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/adchoices

Kate Mosse

July 04, 2023 23:01 - 44 minutes

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 of France, continuing a series and why she finds ships so fascinating. Here comes the science bit... THE GHOST SHIP Piracy. Romance. Revenge. A...

TJ Newman Q&A

June 27, 2023 23:01 - 12 minutes

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/adchoices

TJ Newman

June 21, 2023 06:08 - 42 minutes

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 "failure" is a positive thing. She also discusses her writing processes and why she thinks her books will be sold in airports - despite the subject ...

S.A. Cosby Q&A

June 13, 2023 23:01 - 12 minutes

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 [email protected] And follow us @booksoftheyear on twitter / @pickanypage on instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S.A. Cosby

June 09, 2023 06:31 - 40 minutes

"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 are some themes discussed which listeners may find triggering or difficult to hear. Here comes the science bit: A BLACK SHERIFF. A SERIAL KILLER....

Sadiq Khan Q&A

May 31, 2023 08:07 - 20 minutes

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, answers questions about his reading habits and writing processes. It turns out he's a big Richard Osman fan (well, who isn't?) and a big champion of libraries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sadiq Khan

May 24, 2023 07:32 - 37 minutes

In this episode, Simon and Matt are joined by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. They discuss his new book, 'Breathe', and his passion and determination to change the air pollution in London - and tackle climate change in the wider world. Simon gets 'a bit 5 Live' and Matt asks if it's too late! (so, nice and light) Here comes the science bit: A seven-step guide to winning support for tough action on climate change - the first book from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. For many years, Sadiq wa...

Joanne Harris Q&A

May 17, 2023 08:28 - 23 minutes

In our bonus Q&A episode, Joanne Harris answers questions about her reading and writing habits. We hear from bestselling author, and Chair of the Women's Prize For Fiction, Kate Moss, as well as discussing the British Library, scents and how a you don't need a physical writing shed, to have a writing shed. (eh!?) Joanne talks about some of the authors she loves, including Shelley Parker-Chan, whose novel 'She Who Became The Sun' is the last book she really really enjoyed reading. Learn mor...

Joanne Harris

May 10, 2023 08:28 - 37 minutes

Former teacher, turned bestselling novelist, Joanne Harris joins Simon and Matt to discuss her writing and her inspirations. Her latest novel is 'Broken Light', and Joanne tells us how she came up with the idea for this new book, which in her words is 'a strange and unexpected book'. We discuss the influence of Stephen King, the joy of magic and why this is an angry book. "Here comes the science bit!" A tragic incident unlocks the slumbering talents of the fifty-something Bernie Moon in this...

Cecelia Ahern Q&A

May 03, 2023 08:17 - 16 minutes

International bestselling novelist, Cecelia Ahern, joins Simon and Matt to talk about her writing processes and reading habits. She tells us about her rigid schedule, why she has to write in the mornings and recommends us some great books too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cecelia Ahern

April 26, 2023 16:04 - 38 minutes

Simon and Matt chat with multi-million selling author, Cecelia Ahern. They discuss colours, auras, writing post natal and why should always learn to turn your computer alerts off. Cecelia tells us the inspiration behind her new novel and how she came to name her main protagonist. Here comes the science bit... Finding your way is never a simple journey... Alice sees the worst in people. She also sees the best. She sees a thousand different emotions and knows exactly what everyone around her i...

Catriona Ward Q&A

April 19, 2023 05:55 - 17 minutes

Bestselling and award-winning author, Catriona Ward, joins Simon and Matt to discuss her writing processes, inspirations and reading habits. They talk about 'Watership Down', the genre of Horror, why getting on trains is a good thing for writers and how Cat's brief spell as an actor has helped her as a writer. We also hear from fellow author - and Suede guitarist - Mat Osman! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catriona Ward

April 12, 2023 07:57 - 41 minutes

In this episode of Books Of The Year, Simon and Matt discuss the book sequels they would love to read. They're also joined by bestselling author Catriona Ward to discuss her new novel, 'Looking Glass Sound'. They talk about Stephen King country, what really scares us and why Matt just won't go in the sea. We always love to hear from you and what you have been reading and enjoying! Get in touch via email - [email protected] Or you can send us a message on twitter or instagram Here come...

Harlan Coben Q&A

April 05, 2023 07:11 - 16 minutes

In our bonus Q&A episode, Harlan Coben answers questions about his writing process and reading habits. Harlan famously calls himself a 'street writer' because he can write anywhere (even in the back of an Uber!) He's a big Dennis Lehane fan and gives us a little teaser of Dennis' new novel, which will be out soon. We also surprised Harlan with questions from some fellow fans, Richard Armitage and Richard Osman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harlan Coben

March 28, 2023 23:01 - 41 minutes

He's done it again! Another Sunday Bestseller... One of our favourite authors, Harlan Coben, joins us to talk about 'I Will Find You' - his latest thriller. He talks about his processes, his inspirations and why he admires Lee Child and Ian Rankin, but won't write the way they do. We also discuss his screen adaptations and why it's so important not to write a novel with a TV series in mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guests

Michael Lewis
2 Episodes
Malcolm Gladwell
1 Episode

Twitter Mentions

@booksoftheyear 1 Episode