Simon Mayo's Books Of The Year
238 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 57 ratingsSimon Mayo and Matt Williams invite the world's finest authors in for a chat.
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Episodes
Catriona Ward
April 12, 2023 07:57 - 41 minutesIn 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 minutesIn 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 minutesHe'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
David McCloskey Q&A
March 08, 2023 08:08 - 21 minutesIn this fascinating Q&A episode, ex-CIA analyst turned author, David McCloskey, tells us about his writing process, routines and why pepperoni pizza and scotch is the dinner of champions. The pod also features a voice note from bestselling author Simon Sebag Montefiore, and takes a surprising turn at the very end when Simon decides to ask our guest about red lines... We hope you enjoy it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m...
David McCloskey talks spies and hot dogs
March 01, 2023 21:18 - 47 minutesFormer CIA analyst, David McCloskey, joins Simon and Matt to talk about his stunning spy novel, Damascus Station. It's already one of Matt's books of the year - and has received great praise from across the spectrum. David talks about his time in the CIA, tells us how much he had to take out of the first draft and why authenticity is so important. Here comes the science bit... A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in Damascus to hunt for a killer. CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched...
Linwood Barclay Q&A
February 22, 2023 10:56 - 17 minutesInternational bestselling author Linwood Barclay answers questions on his writing and reading habits, as well as talking about his love for The Man From U.N.C.L.E Fellow crime author, Mark Billingham, surprises Linwood with a Q about his love of model railways - and we find out whether Linwood is a completist when it comes to books, or not.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Linwood Barclay talks cars, crime and catasrophe
February 15, 2023 10:25 - 42 minutesInternational bestselling author , Linwood Barclay, joins Simon and Matt from his home in Toronto. They discuss his new novel 'Look Both Ways' as well as his passion for cars, the humour in his books and why it takes so long to get an adaptation to the screen. Simon also talks to Linwood about the mysterious balloons which have recently been spotted (and shot down) over North America, and how this (and other news items) can act as inspirations for thriller writers. We also have your missiv...
Cariad Lloyd Q&A
February 01, 2023 08:48 - 19 minutesIn our Q&A episode, writer, comedian and podcaster Cariad Lloyd talks about the bleak joy she finds in the Moomins books. She also talks about her favourite places to write, her routine and the last book she read that she really, really loved. Cariad's new book, 'You Are Not Alone', is inspired by her award-winning podcast, Griefcast, and is out now via Bloomsbury. When Cariad Lloyd lost her father at the age of fifteen, people didn't talk about death. Years later, when she created Griefcas...
Cariad Lloyd talks 'You Are Not Alone"
January 25, 2023 07:57 - 54 minutesPodcaster, Comedian and writer Cariad Lloyd joins Simon and Matt to discuss her new book, 'You Are Not Alone: A New Way To Grieve' They talk about her award-winning podcast, Griefcast, and how she has become the go-to grief expert! We also get some of her tips on grieving, advice on what we can do now for our friends and family, and there's your book correspondence too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Q&A with Jason Mott
January 18, 2023 11:57 - 17 minutesNational Book Award winner, Jason Mott, joins Simon and Matt for a Q&A about his writing and reading habits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jason Mott discusses 'Hell Of A Book' (winner of The National Book Award)
January 11, 2023 08:12 - 47 minutesWe're baaaaaack! And we're kicking off 2023 with HELL OF A BOOK by Jason Mott. This brilliant, humorous, moving, important novel is the winner of the Sir Walter Raleigh Award for Fiction, AND the National Book Award. Jason's surrealist gem centres on a mercurial writer who has visions of a young Black boy who may or may not be the child whose recent murder by a police office has sparked protests across the country. Simon and Matt discuss the novel, book tour nightmares, bad titles and comed...
It's a Books Of The Year Christmas Spesh!
December 22, 2022 15:27 - 34 minutesHo Ho Holy Moly it's nearly the end of 2022! And to celebrate, Simon and Matt have put together a bonus Christmas ep, for all our Books Of The Year stalwarts. Join us for some pretty lame Christmas jokes and clips of some of our favourite bits of the pod from the year gone by...because...that's what everyone does at Christmas right? Happy Holidays from all of us at BOTY!!!! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/...
Q&A with Sebastian Payne
December 21, 2022 00:59 - 18 minutesIn our companion pod, FT Whitehall Editor Sebastian Payne answers questions about his writing, processes and what he's been reading and enjoying recently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sebastian Payne: The Fall Of Boris Johnson
December 14, 2022 00:01 - 43 minutesSimon and Matt welcome the former Whitehall Editor of the FT (now Director of the Think Tank, Onward), Sebastian Payne, to discuss his book 'The Fall Of Boris Johnson' We recorded this one quite late at night in a bar, so you'll also get to enjoy some thumpin' tunes in the background too, mixed in with a bit of Simon's cough, A delightful cacophony we think you'll agree! Sebastian talks about the 'three Ps' in his book (Patterson, Pincher and Partygate). as well as how well respected Johnson...
Q&A with Ben Macintyre
December 07, 2022 09:36 - 16 minutesBestseller author and journalist Ben Macintyre joins us for a Q&A about his writing and reading habits. He discusses the brilliance of 'In Cold Blood' and why he loves writing on planes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ben Macintyre: Colditz - Prisoners Of The Castle
November 30, 2022 10:20 - 43 minutesBestselling author and Times columnist Ben Macintyre joins Simon and Matt to talk about his brilliant new book, Colditz: Prisoners Of The Castle. They discuss some of the incredible characters who frequented the prison, and the range of extraordinary escape plans which took place...and mainly failed. Here's the bumf: In a forbidding Gothic castle on a hilltop in the heart of Nazi Germany, an unlikely band of British officers spent the Second World War plotting daring escapes from their Naz...
Q&A with Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney-Boylan
November 23, 2022 00:01 - 15 minutesJoin Simon and Matt, and the two bestselling authors Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney-Boylan, for a quick fire Q&A! We also have a guest question from the novelist Joanne Harris. You can hear more about Jenny and Jodi's new novel, "Mad Honey", on our previous episode where we discuss it at length... About the book: Olivia McAfee knows what it feels like to start over. Her picture-perfect life—living in Boston, married to a brilliant cardiothoracic surgeon, raising a beautiful son, Asher—wa...
Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Mad Honey
November 16, 2022 00:01 - 42 minutesBestselling authors Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan join Simon and Matt to discuss their brilliant new novel Mad Honey. Told from alternative narratives, the book is a suspenseful, unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become our authentic selves. The authors talk about the highs and lows of their collaboration, and why they think this book is going to be banned in some US States. Hosted on Acas...
Q&A with Marina Hyde
November 09, 2022 00:01 - 20 minutesColumnist and writer Marina Hyde answers some in-depth questions from Simon and Matt - as well as from listeners, and a surprise guest! No other writer is more suited to chronicling the absurd times in which we live. In What Just Happened?! Marina Hyde slashes her way through the hellscape of post-referendum politics, where the chaos never stops. From David Cameron to Theresa May to Boris Johnson. Marvel at the sights, from Trumpian WTF-ery to celebrity twattery. And boggle at the cast of ch...
Marina Hyde: What Just Happened?
November 02, 2022 00:01 - 36 minutesColumnist and writer Marina Hyde joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams to talk about the news, politics, her columns and...what the hell is going to happen next!? We're all trying to keep up with the news at the moment and it seems that every day, there's another crisis, resignation or flummoxed MP trying to change the narrative. In her latest book, Marina tries to make some sense of these turbulent times, whilst offering us some humour and valuable insight along the way. On this episode of Bo...
Q&A with Anthony Horowitz
September 13, 2022 17:53 - 14 minutesThe last book you really, really enjoyed? Which idea in a book do you wish you’d come up with? Do you work best with deadlines? Which books stand out from your childhood? Short chapters v long chapters. Discuss! Favourite TV or film adaptation of a book? How many books do you read a month? If you could go back to university, what would you study? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Anthony Horowitz: The Twist Of A Knife
September 13, 2022 17:52 - 35 minutesMaking his 3rd appearance on the pod, best selling author Anthony Horowitz chats about his latest novel. With occasional sound effects from his builders. Anthony has written two highly acclaimed Sherlock Holmes novels, The House of Silk and Moriarty; three James Bond novels, Trigger Mortis, Forever and a Day and With a Mind to Kill; the acclaimed bestselling mystery novels Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders and the Detective Hawthorne novels, The Word is Murder, The Sentence is Death, A Li...
Q&A with Robert Harris (Act of Oblivion, Fatherland, Enigma)
September 13, 2022 17:52 - 18 minutesThe last book you really, really enjoyed Which idea in a book do you wish you’d come up? Do you work best with deadlines? Short Chapters v Long Chapters. Discuss! Favourite TV or film adaptation of a book? How many books do you read a month? If you could go back to university, what would you study? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Robert Harris: Act of Oblivion
September 07, 2022 10:39 - 40 minutes1660. Colonel Edward Whalley and his son-in-law, Colonel William Goffe, cross the Atlantic. They are on the run and wanted for the murder of Charles I. Under the provisions of the Act of Oblivion, they have been found guilty in absentia of high treason. In London, Richard Nayler, secretary of the regicide committee of the Privy Council, is tasked with tracking down the fugitives. He'll stop at nothing until the two men are brought to justice. A reward hangs over their heads - for their captur...
Q&A with Simon Mayo: Tick Tock
August 24, 2022 09:58 - 23 minutesOne of the greatest authors of his generation answers questions about his favourite books and authors - including Lee Child, Michael Connelly, JK Rowling and Philip Pullman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Simon Mayo gets interviewed by broadcasting legend Tom Bradby
August 17, 2022 09:42 - 37 minutesBest selling author, multi award winning broadcaster and lifelong Torchy fan SIMON MAYO is interviewed by ITN's Tom Bradby about his new thriller Tick Tock. It starts quietly enough. A tick-tick-ticking you can hear in your ear. Tinnitus, you think. It will pass. But it doesn't. It gets worse - and then you pass it on. Before you know it, it spreads. Elsewhere across the globe, it emerges: small outbreaks at first, but then suddenly it's a plague - and only days later it is killing people. In...
Jonathan Freedland: The Escape Artist
July 28, 2022 19:07 - 52 minutesSimon and Matt chat to Jonathan Freedland about his new book The Escape Artist. In April 1944 nineteen-year-old Rudolf Vrba and fellow inmate Fred Wetzler became the first Jews ever to break out of Auschwitz. Vrba's mission: to reveal to the world the truth of the Holocaust. In the death factory of Auschwitz, Vrba had become an eyewitness to almost every chilling stage of the Nazis' process of industrialised murder. The more he saw, the more determined he became to warn the Jews of Europe wha...
Q&A with Mick Herron (Slow Horses, Bad Actors)
May 30, 2022 13:47 - 12 minutesMick Herron chats about some of his favourite books and authors which include Francis Spufford, John Steinbeck, Gorky Park and The Wind In The Willows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mick Herron (Bad Actors)
May 23, 2022 13:44 - 32 minutesIn 2010, with Slow Horses, Mick Herron began a spy series, entitled Slough House, featuring MI5 agents who have been exiled from the mainstream for various offences. With the follow up Dead Lions, he won the Crime Writers' Association 2013 Gold Dagger award. It has recently been turned in to a series on Apple TV featuring Gary Oldman. Bad Actors is the latest in the series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Q&A with Tom Bradby (Yesterday's Spy)
May 16, 2022 12:50 - 20 minutesTom Bradby chats about some of his favourite authors including Len Deighton, Delia Owens, Thomas Harris and Simon Mayo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Tom Bradby: Yesterday's Spy
May 12, 2022 16:15 - 30 minutesTom Bradby is a novelist, screenwriter and journalist. He has written nine previous novels, including top-ten bestselling Secret Service, and its two sequels, Double Agent and Triple Cross. As a broadcaster, he is best known as the current Anchor of ITV's News at Ten. He has been with ITN for thirty years and was successively Ireland Correspondent, Political Correspondent, Asia Correspondent (during which time he was shot and seriously injured whilst covering a riot in Jakarta), Royal Corresp...
Q&A with Claire Powell (At The Table)
April 20, 2022 09:37 - 14 minutesClaire Powell tackles our Q&A about the books she loved as a child, books that cheer her up and her favourite book shops. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Claire Powell: At The Table
April 13, 2022 08:41 - 34 minutes'At the Table is a hugely intelligent, emotionally astute novel about family dynamics, and Claire Powell is an incredible new talent' Marian Keyes 'I hate the artwork on my kitchen wall' Matt Williams Set in 2018, Claire Powell's beautifully observed debut novel follows each member of the Maguire family over a tumultuous year of lunches, dinners and drinks, as old conflicts arise and relationships are re-evaluated. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more abo...
Q&A with Justin Webb: The Gift Of A Radio
February 08, 2022 08:04 - 24 minutesThe host of Radio 4's flagship Today programme chats about some of his favourite books which include Landslide, Stig of the Dump, Light Perpetual and Knights of the Cardboard Castle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Justin Webb: The Gift Of A Radio
February 01, 2022 12:51 - 46 minutesSimon and Matt chat to presenter and journalist Justin Webb. He has been a mainstay on BBC Radio 4's Today programme since 2009. His childhood was far from ordinary. Between his mother's un-diagnosed psychological problems, and his step-father's untreated ones, life at home was dysfunctional at best. But with gun-wielding school masters and sub-standard living conditions, Quaker boarding school wasn't much better. And the backdrop to this coming of age story? Britain in the 1970s. Led Zeppeli...
Q&A with Jo Browning Wroe: A Terrible Kindness
January 18, 2022 11:08 - 15 minutesSimon and Matt chat to debut author Jo Browning Wroe about the books and authors she loves...including John Irving, Joanna Glen, Susanna Clarke and Maggie O'Farrell. Plus tips on how to squeeze extra reading time in to your day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jo Browning Wroe: A Terrible Kindness
January 11, 2022 11:54 - 39 minutesSimon and Matt chat to debut author Jo Browning Wroe. Her book, although beginning with a terrible real life tragedy, is an inspiring, uplifting read. Among other things, they chat about the embalming process, choral music and the cost of using famous lyrics in print. Tonight nineteen-year-old William Lavery is dressed for success, his first black-tie do. It's the Midlands Chapter of the Institute of Embalmers Ladies' Night Dinner Dance, and William is taking Gloria in her sequinned evening g...
Q&A with Ed Caesar: The Moth and the Mountain
December 17, 2021 17:14 - 19 minutesEd recommends a variety of books including those by Hugh Ruttledge, Sam Knight, JB Priestley, Kingsley Amis and Cheeta! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ed Caesar: The Moth & the Mountain
December 13, 2021 17:05 - 44 minutesEd tells the amazing story of Maurice Wilson, who planned to be the first person to scale Everest. His plan was to crash a plane in to it! What could possibly go wrong? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Q&A with John Boyne (The Echo Chamber)
August 11, 2021 11:24 - 16 minutesThe multi million best selling author talks us through some of his favourite books and authors which include Joseph Knox, CS Lewis, Peter Caren and John Irving Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John Boyne (The Echo Chamber)
August 04, 2021 12:25 - 38 minutesJohn Boyne returns to the pod for his hat-trick appearance. He has written 13 novels for for adults, 6 novels for younger readers, and a short story collection, including The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas which was a New York Times no.1 Bestseller and was adapted for a feature film, a play, a ballet and an opera, selling around 11 million copies worldwide. As of 2021, it has spent 15 years in the New York Times Top 10 Bestsellers Chart. His latest novel The Echo Chamber looks at the effects of s...
Q&A with Ragnar Jonasson
July 27, 2021 13:47 - 17 minutesOne of the world's great crime writers takes our Q&A about his favourite books and authors...which include Ian Rankin, PD James and Agatha Christie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ragnar Jonasson - The Girl Who Died
July 20, 2021 09:43 - 43 minutesIceland's Ragnar Jonasson is a crime writing phenomenon - and it's not even his main job. He works as an investment banker in Reykjavik, in addition to teaching law at Reykjavik University. But is also a bestseller in Germany, France, the UK and Australia. From the age of 17, Ragnar translated 14 Agatha Christie novels into Icelandic. Ragnar is the co-founder of the Reykjavik international crime writing festival Iceland Noir. He has also been shortlisted for Novel of the Year in Sweden, The ...
Ragnar Jonasson - The Girl Who Died
July 20, 2021 09:43 - 41 minutes - 57.7 MBIceland's Ragnar Jonasson is a crime writing phenomenon - and it's not even his main job. He works as an investment banker in Reykjavik, in addition to teaching law at Reykjavik University. But is also a bestseller in Germany, France, the UK and Australia. From the age of 17, Ragnar translated 14 Agatha Christie novels into Icelandic. Ragnar is the co-founder of the Reykjavik international crime writing festival Iceland Noir. He has also been shortlisted for Novel of the Year in Sweden, T...
Q&A with Mateo Askaripour
June 16, 2021 10:00 - 14 minutesThe best selling author of Black Buck talks us through some of his favourite books and authors, which include...Colson Whitehead, Jason Reynolds, Iceberg Slim, John A Williams and Candice Carty Williams Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mateo Askaripour (Black Buck)
June 09, 2021 13:51 - 37 minutesA fantastically funny interview with Mateo Askaripour about his New York Times bestseller Black Buck - a satirical debut novel about a young man given a shot at stardom as the lone black salesman at a mysterious, cult-like, and wildly successful startup where nothing is as it seems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Q&A with Michael Connelly (Bosch/Lincoln Lawyer)
June 02, 2021 11:52 - 16 minutesMichael is the bestselling author of thirty-six novels and one work of non-fiction. With over eighty million copies of his books sold worldwide and translated into forty foreign languages, he is one of the most successful writers working today. His very first novel, The Black Echo, won the prestigious Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 1992. In 2002, Clint Eastwood directed and starred in the movie adaptation of Connelly’s 1998 novel, Blood Work. In March 2011, the...
Q&A with Michael Connelly (Bosch/Lincoln Lawyer)
June 02, 2021 11:52 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MBMichael is the bestselling author of thirty-six novels and one work of non-fiction. With over eighty million copies of his books sold worldwide and translated into forty foreign languages, he is one of the most successful writers working today. His very first novel, The Black Echo, won the prestigious Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 1992. In 2002, Clint Eastwood directed and starred in the movie adaptation of Connelly’s 1998 novel, Blood Work. In March 2011, th...
Michael Connelly (The Law Of Innocence)
May 25, 2021 17:40 - 39 minutesWhen defence attorney Mickey Haller is pulled over by police, the body of a client is discovered in the trunk of his Lincoln. Haller is charged with murder and can't make the $5 million bail slapped on him by a vindictive judge. Haller knows he's been framed and elects to defend himself. Best selling author Michael Connelly chats to Simon and Matt from Las Vegas. He is perhaps best known for his books featuring LAPD Detective Hieronymus "Harry" Bosch and criminal defence attorney Mickey Halle...
Q&A with Andy Weir (Project Hail Mary/The Martian/Artemis)
May 18, 2021 10:16 - 16 minutesThe king of sci-fi talks about his favourite books and authors - which include Douglas Adams, Isaac Asimov, Lee Child and Iain M Banks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices