Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

Yann Martel Q&A

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Booker Prize winning author, Yann Martel, joins Simon and Matt for a bit of Q&A. He reveals his quirky writing routine, who he'd invite to his fan...

Yann Martel

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Booker Prize winning author, Yann Martel, chats to Simon and Matt about his new novel 'Son Of Nobody'. They talk about The Iliad - one of his inspirat...

Francis Spufford Q&A

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Author Francis Spufford joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his processes, favourite authors, the ordering of his bookshelves and much more. We al...

Francis Spufford

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Francis Spufford joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his new novel, 'Nonesuch'. They talk about his fascination with The Blitz, his inspirations f...

Kathy Reichs

11 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

International bestselling crime writer, Kathy Reichs, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her latest Temperance Brennan novel. They discuss taxiderm...

Jennifer Niven Q&A

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author, Jennifer Niven, joins Simon and Matt to talk about the authors she admires, her writing process and the job she would have liked t...

Jennifer Niven

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jennifer Niven (bestselling author of 'All The Bright Places' joins Simon and Matt for a natter about her first adult fiction novel. 'Meet The Newmans...

Ann Cleeves Q&A

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling crime author, Ann Cleeves, answers questions about her writing processes and some of her favourite authors and books.Simon and Matt also s...

Ann Cleeves

18 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ann Cleeves - crime novelist, library advocate and creator of best-loved characters Vera Stanhope, Matthew Venn and Jimmy Perez - joins Simon and Matt...

Jonathan Freedland Q&A

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author and journalist, Jonathan Freedland, discusses some of his favourite authors, The Beatles, his writing process - and - gives us some...

Jonathan Freedland

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Journalist and bestselling author, Jonathan Freedland, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his latest book - 'The Traitor's Circle' They chat abou...

Ken Follett Q&A

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

International bestselling author, Ken Follett, joins Simon and Matt for a bit of a Q&A. He talks about his writing process, books he has loved readin...

Ken Follett

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Multi-million bestselling author, Ken Follett, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his latest novel 'Circle Of Days'. They discuss skeletons, St...

Callie Hart Q&A

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Simon and Matt learn more about the fantasy and romantasy genres, from bestselling author Callie Hart. She also shares some of her favourite books a...

Callie Hart

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Simon and Matt welcome international bestselling author Callie Hart to the pod, to learn more about the genre of Romantasy. Never ones to stay in th...

William Boyd Q&A

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

International bestselling author and screenwriter, William Boyd, joins Simon and Matt for a bit of Q&A. He talks about his favourite authors, how h...

William Boyd

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sunday Times bestseller, William Boyd, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his latest novel - 'The Predicament'. This is the second of a trilogy...

Ian McEwan Q&A

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

International bestselling author, Ian McEwan, joins Simon and Matt for a little bit of Q&A. He talks about his favorite places to write, being inter...

Ian McEwan

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

International bestselling author, Ian McEwan, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new novel 'What We Can Know'. Optimistic manifesto? Or a caut...

Laura Shepherd-Robinson Q&A

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Crime author, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about the authors and books she loves - and her writing process. We also su...

Laura Shepherd-Robinson

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Author Laura Shepherd-Robinson joins Simon and Matt for a natter about her latest historical crime novel - 'The Art Of A Lie' They discuss conmen, i...

Lucy Foley

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author Lucy Foley joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her latest novel, 'The Midnight Feast' (which has just come out in paperback) Sh...

Nick Harkaway Q&A

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author Nick Harkaway joins Simon and Matt for our Q&A episode. He talks about books and authors he loves, his writing process, adaptatio...

Nick Harkaway Q&A

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Author Nick Harkaway answers our Q&A questions! He talks to Simon and Matt about his reading habits, authors he loves, whether he always finishes a ...

Nick Harkaway

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

John Le Carre's son, Nick Harkaway, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new Circus novel. They discuss the challenges (and joys) of taking on ...

Andrew Hunter Murray Q&A

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Hunter Murray joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams for our Q&A episode. They chat about some of his favourite authors, his love of 'cosy crime'...

Andrew Hunter Murray

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Author, podcaster and QI legend - Andy Hunter Murray - joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his latest novel, 'A Beginner's Guide To Breaking And E...

Abigail Dean Q&A

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author Abigail Dean joins Simon and Matt for a Q&A. She talks about some of her favourite authors, gives us some book recommendations - ...

Abigail Dean

17 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling thriller writer, Abigail Dean, joins Simon and Matt to discuss her latest novel, 'The Death Of Us' This has been an idea she's been thin...

Robert Crais Q&A

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Screenwriter and novelist, Robert Crais, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his processes, favourite authors, screen adaptations - and who he'd inv...

Robert Crais

03 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

International bestselling author and screenwriter, Robert Crais, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new novel 'The Big Empty'. They chat abou...

Elif Shafak Q&A

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author and essayist, Elif Shafak, answers questions about her writing process, inspirations and favourite authors. She also tells us the...

Elif Shafak

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

International bestselling author, essayist and activist - Elif Shafak - joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her novel, 'There Are Rivers In The Sky'...

Scott Turow Q&A

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Simon and Matt ask lawyer turned bestselling author, Scott Turow, questions about his processes and favourite authors. As well as learning about how...

Scott Turow

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lawyer turned bestselling author, Scott Turow, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new novel, 'Presumed Guilty' (the sequel to his 1987 masterpi...

Jojo Moyes Q&A

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The international bestselling author Jojo Moyes joins Simon and Matt for a Q&A. She gives us some great book recommendations, tells us a little abou...

Jojo Moyes

12 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

International bestselling sensation, Jojo Moyes, returns to the podcast to tell us about her new novel. Simon and Matt talk to her about writing nas...

Simon Mayo Q&A

05 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we put broadcasting legend and bestselling author Simon Mayo under the Q&A spotlight. Marianna Spring joins Matt Williams as our guest ho...

Simon Mayo

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, it's that time again, where the the tables turn and the Host becomes the Guest on Books Of The Year. This week we welcome a superstar co-host M...

Miguel Delaney Q&A

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Simon and Matt put a range of questions to our special guest, the author and sports journalist Miguel Delaney. They ask about his favourite authors,...

Miguel Delaney

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Miguel Delaney is no stranger to writing about sport, or indeed football, as he is the Chief Football Writer for The Independent. In his new book, S...

Michael Connelly Q&A

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Connelly joins Simon and Matt for a bonus Q&A episode. He talks about his writing processes, inspirations, favourite authors -and who he woul...

Michael Connelly

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Simon and Matt welcome international bestselling author Michael Connelly to Books Of The Year. They discuss his new book The Waiting, as well as his i...

Matt Haig Q&A

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Haig joins Simon and Matt for a little does of Q&A. He gives us some great book recommendations, talks about his writing process, the power of wa...

Matt Haig

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

International bestselling author Matt Haig drops by the studio for a chat with Simon and Matt. His new novel, The Life Impossible, is - in his words -...

Jodi Picoult Q&A

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Simon and Matt welcome international bestselling author, Jodi Picoult, back to the studio for a slice of Q&A. She talks about some of her favourite au...

Jodi Picoult

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jodi Picoult is baaaack! And she joins Simon and Matt in the studio to discuss her new novel. They chat about the myths surrounding Shakespeare and hi...

Ian Rankin Q&A

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Cleani...

Ian Rankin

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ins...

Robert Harris Q&A

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 (...

Robert Harris

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 momen...

Ben Macintyre Q&A

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 invi...

Ben Macintyre

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

David Hepworth Q&A

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 g...

David Hepworth

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ragnar Jonasson Q&A

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ragnar Jonasson

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ragnar Jonasson joins Simon and Matt to discuss his latest novel, 'Death At The Sanitorium' They talk about the influence of Agatha Christie, the Icel...

Chris Bookmyre Q&A

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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, w...

Chris Brookmyre

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Chris Whitaker Q&A

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 routin...

Chris Whitaker

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

David Baddiel Q&A

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 re...

David Baddiel

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 d...

Mark Billingham Q&A

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Mark Billingham

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 an...

Andrew O'Hagan Q&A

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling novelist and journalist, Andrew O'Hagan, tells us about the last book he REALLY enjoyed reading, as well as revealing some insights into h...

Andrew O'Hagan

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author and journalist, Andrew O'Hagan, joins Simon and Matt to discuss his latest novel, Calendonian Road. They talk about the inspiration...

Abir Mukherjee Q&A

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling crime writer, Abir Mukherjee, discusses his favourite authors, books, and tells us about his writing processes. He talks about working to ...

Abir Mukherjee

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ind...

David Nicholls Q&A

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

David Nicholls

16 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Tom Burgis Q&A

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 wi...

Tom Burgis

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Investigative journalist, Tom Burgis, joins Simon and Matt to discuss his fascinating new book 'Cuckooland: Where The Rich Own The Truth' They discuss...

Erin Kelly Q&A

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author and journalist, Erin Kelly, joins Simon and Matt to answer some Questions about her writing and reading habits. She also tells us a...

Erin Kelly

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

John O'Farrell Q&A

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

John O'Farrell

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Simon and Matt are joined by screenwriter and author John O'Farrell to talk about his latest novel, Family Politics. They discuss...politics...believe...

Anna Keay Q&A

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In our bonus Q&A episode, Historian, Broadcaster and Writer, Anna Keay, answers Qs about screen adaptations, writing processes, her research...and who...

Anna Keay

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 Rep...

Kiley Reid Q&A

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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, h...

Kiley Reid

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Alex Michaelides Q&A

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alex Michaelides published his bestselling debut novel 'The Silent Patient' in 2019. His new novel 'The Fury', is out now. In this episode, Alex answe...

Alex Michaelides

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

David McCloskey Q&A

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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'...

David McCloskey

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Araminta Hall Q&A

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

Araminta Hall

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

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

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Simon Sebag Montefiore Q&A

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 be...

Simon Sebag Montefiore

13 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

John Boyne Q&A

29 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Simon and Matt ask John Boyne about his writing processes, favourite authors, reading habits, book shelves and inspirations. There's also a guest ques...

John Boyne

22 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 wi...

Terry Hayes QnA

15 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Terry Hayes

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Victoria Hislop Q&A

01 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author Victoria Hislop answers some questions about her processes, reading habits, favourite authors and...dancing!

Victoria Hislop

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Figuri...

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

18 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 pic...

Louise Doughty Q&A

04 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The bestselling author of 'Apple Tree Yard' and 'Platform Seven', Louise Doughty, joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams to answer some questions. She ta...

Louise Doughty

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Adele Parks Q&A

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Bestselling author Adele Parks chats about her writing process, her characters, her reading habits and who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party!