Simon Mayo's Books of the Year
Episodes
Adele Parks
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 nov...
Sebastian Faulks Q&A
05 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Sebastian Faulks
29 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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-dista...
Steve Cavanagh QnA
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Simon and Matt put some questions to bestselling crime author Steve Cavanagh, to find out more about his writing processes, his favourite books and so...
Steve Cavanagh
15 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ex-Barrister turned bestselling crime writer, Steve Cavanagh, joins Simon and Matt in the studio. They discuss his brilliant new thriller - 'Kill For ...
Lisa Jewell Q&A
08 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author Lisa Jewell discusses her processes, reading habits, favourite authors and - thanks to a surprise question from Adele Parks - her f...
Lisa Jewell
02 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Daniel Finkelstein Q&A
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our bonus Q&A episode, journalist and author Daniel Finkelstein answers questions about his research, writing processes and authors that he loves t...
Daniel Finkelstein
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Journalist, author and political commentator, Daniel Finkelstein, joins Simon and Matt to discuss his brilliant new book; 'Hitler, Stalin, Mum and Dad...
Kate Mosse Q&A
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. Ther...
Kate Mosse
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
TJ Newman Q&A
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
TJ Newman
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Flight attendant turned bestselling thriller author, TJ Newman, joins Simon and Matt to discuss her latest novel, "Drowning" TJ wrote her first book ...
S.A. Cosby Q&A
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ap...
S.A. Cosby
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"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 ...
Sadiq Khan Q&A
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, w...
Sadiq Khan
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Joanne Harris Q&A
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Wom...
Joanne Harris
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Former teacher, turned bestselling novelist, Joanne Harris joins Simon and Matt to discuss her writing and her inspirations. Her latest novel is 'Brok...
Cecelia Ahern Q&A
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
International bestselling novelist, Cecelia Ahern, joins Simon and Matt to talk about her writing processes and reading habits. She tells us about he...
Cecelia Ahern
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Simon and Matt chat with multi-million selling author, Cecelia Ahern. They discuss colours, auras, writing post natal and why should always learn to t...
Catriona Ward Q&A
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling and award-winning author, Catriona Ward, joins Simon and Matt to discuss her writing processes, inspirations and reading habits. They tal...
Catriona Ward
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Catri...
Harlan Coben Q&A
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In our bonus Q&A episode, Harlan Coben answers questions about his writing process and reading habits. Harlan famously calls himself a 'street writer...
Harlan Coben
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 thr...
David McCloskey Q&A
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this fascinating Q&A episode, ex-CIA analyst turned author, David McCloskey, tells us about his writing process, routines and why pepperoni pizza a...
David McCloskey talks spies and hot dogs
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Former 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...
Linwood Barclay Q&A
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
International bestselling author Linwood Barclay answers questions on his writing and reading habits, as well as talking about his love for The Man Fr...
Linwood Barclay talks cars, crime and catasrophe
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
International bestselling author , Linwood Barclay, joins Simon and Matt from his home in Toronto. They discuss his new novel 'Look Both Ways' as wel...
Cariad Lloyd Q&A
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In 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 fav...
Cariad Lloyd talks 'You Are Not Alone"
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Podcaster, 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 he...
Q&A with Jason Mott
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
National 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...
Jason Mott discusses 'Hell Of A Book' (winner of The National Book Award)
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We'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 th...
It's a Books Of The Year Christmas Spesh!
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ho 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 s...
Q&A with Sebastian Payne
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In our companion pod, FT Whitehall Editor Sebastian Payne answers questions about his writing, processes and what he's been reading and enjoying recen...
Sebastian Payne: The Fall Of Boris Johnson
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon 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 ...
Q&A with Ben Macintyre
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestseller 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...
Ben Macintyre: Colditz - Prisoners Of The Castle
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling author and Times columnist Ben Macintyre joins Simon and Matt to talk about his brilliant new book, Colditz: Prisoners Of The Castle. The...
Q&A with Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney-Boylan
23 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join 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 fro...
Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan: Mad Honey
16 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bestselling authors Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan join Simon and Matt to discuss their brilliant new novel Mad Honey. Told from alterna...
Q&A with Marina Hyde
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Columnist and writer Marina Hyde answers some in-depth questions from Simon and Matt - as well as from listeners, and a surprise guest! No other writ...
Marina Hyde: What Just Happened?
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Columnist 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 happ...
Q&A with Anthony Horowitz
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The 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 ...
Anthony Horowitz: The Twist Of A Knife
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Making his 3rd appearance on the pod, best selling author Anthony Horowitz chats about his latest novel. With occasional sound effects from his builde...
Q&A with Robert Harris (Act of Oblivion, Fatherland, Enigma)
13 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The 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...
Robert Harris: Act of Oblivion
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
1660. 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...
Q&A with Simon Mayo: Tick Tock
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the greatest authors of his generation answers questions about his favourite books and authors - including Lee Child, Michael Connelly, JK Rowl...
Simon Mayo gets interviewed by broadcasting legend Tom Bradby
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Best selling author, multi award winning broadcaster and lifelong Torchy fan SIMON MAYO is interviewed by ITN's Tom Bradby about his new thriller Tick...
Jonathan Freedland: The Escape Artist
28 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon 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 Wet...
Q&A with Mick Herron (Slow Horses, Bad Actors)
30 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mick Herron chats about some of his favourite books and authors which include Francis Spufford, John Steinbeck, Gorky Park and The Wind In The Willows...
Mick Herron (Bad Actors)
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In 2010, with Slow Horses, Mick Herron began a spy series, entitled Slough House, featuring MI5 agents who have been exiled from the mainstream for v...
Q&A with Tom Bradby (Yesterday's Spy)
16 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Bradby chats about some of his favourite authors including Len Deighton, Delia Owens, Thomas Harris and Simon Mayo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...
Tom Bradby: Yesterday's Spy
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tom Bradby is a novelist, screenwriter and journalist. He has written nine previous novels, including top-ten bestselling Secret Service, and its two ...
Q&A with Claire Powell (At The Table)
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Claire 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.c...
Claire Powell: At The Table
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
'At the Table is a hugely intelligent, emotionally astute novel about family dynamics, and Claire Powell is an incredible new talent' Marian Keyes 'I...
Q&A with Justin Webb: The Gift Of A Radio
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The 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 ...
Justin Webb: The Gift Of A Radio
01 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon 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...
Q&A with Jo Browning Wroe: A Terrible Kindness
18 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon and Matt chat to debut author Jo Browning Wroe about the books and authors she loves...including John Irving, Joanna Glen, Susanna Clarke and Ma...
Jo Browning Wroe: A Terrible Kindness
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Simon and Matt chat to debut author Jo Browning Wroe. Her book, although beginning with a terrible real life tragedy, is an inspiring, uplifting read....
Q&A with Ed Caesar: The Moth and the Mountain
17 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ed recommends a variety of books including those by Hugh Ruttledge, Sam Knight, JB Priestley, Kingsley Amis and Cheeta! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
Ed Caesar: The Moth & the Mountain
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ed 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 ...
Q&A with John Boyne (The Echo Chamber)
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The multi million best selling author talks us through some of his favourite books and authors which include Joseph Knox, CS Lewis, Peter Caren and Jo...
John Boyne (The Echo Chamber)
04 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
John 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 c...
Q&A with Ragnar Jonasson
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
One 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. H...
Ragnar Jonasson - The Girl Who Died
20 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Iceland'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 t...
Q&A with Mateo Askaripour
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The best selling author of Black Buck talks us through some of his favourite books and authors, which include...Colson Whitehead, Jason Reynolds, Iceb...
Mateo Askaripour (Black Buck)
09 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A fantastically funny interview with Mateo Askaripour about his New York Times bestseller Black Buck - a satirical debut novel about a young man giv...
Q&A with Michael Connelly (Bosch/Lincoln Lawyer)
02 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael 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...
Michael Connelly (The Law Of Innocence)
25 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
When 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 m...
Q&A with Andy Weir (Project Hail Mary/The Martian/Artemis)
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The 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...
Andy Weir (Project Hail Mary)
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The best selling author of The Martian and Artemis returns with a new sci-fi thriller. It has already had its film rights snapped up by Ryan Gosling ...
Q&A with Sarah Pearse (The Sanatorium)
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The best selling author of The Sanatorium chats to Simon and Matt about some of her favourite books and authors - which include Jo Nesbo, Enid Blyton ...
Sarah Pearse (The Sanatorium)
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Pearse lives by the sea in South Devon with her husband and two daughters. She studied English and Creative Writing at the University of Warwic...
Q&A with Abigail Dean (Girl A)
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The best selling author of Girl A talks about some of her favourite books and authors - which include Gone Girl, A Little Life and Never Let Me Go Hos...
Abigail Dean (Girl A)
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Abigail Dean studied English Literature at Cambridge University, and graduated with a double first in 2011. Her first job was as a bookseller at Water...
Q&A with David Baddiel (Jews Don't Count)
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The multi million selling author and comedian chats about his favourite books and authors which include Alan Partridge, Nick Hornby and John Updike Ho...
David Baddiel (Jews Don't Count) EXPLICIT
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
David Baddiel is an author, comedian and screenwriter. He has written and performed in a series of highly successful TV comedy shows, including Fantas...
Q&A with Jeanine Cummins (American Dirt)
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The author of the US best selling novel American Dirt tells Simon and Matt about her favourite books and authors - which include Colson Whitehead, Gab...
Jeanine Cummins (American Dirt)
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jeanine Cummins chats about her US best selling novel. American Dirt follows the path of a Mexican woman who survives an attack by a drug cartel - and...
A Q&A with Jon Sopel (BBC News)
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The BBC's man in Washington talks us through his favourite books and authors - which include John Le Carre, Hugo Young, Joseph Heller, Robert Caro and...
Jon Sopel - UnPresidented
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The BBC's North America Editor chats about his diary of the 2020 US Presidential Election. It was an incredible year, which started with Joe Biden get...
Q&A with Ian Rankin
19 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The award winning, best selling author talks about his favourite books and authors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ian Rankin (A Song For The Dark Times)
19 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When his daughter Samantha calls in the dead of night, John Rebus knows it’s not good news. Her husband has been missing for two days. Rebus fears t...
Q&A with CK McDonnell (The Stranger Times)
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian and author CK McDonnell tells us about some of his favourite books and authors - which include Simon Mayo, Terry Pratchett, Simon Mayo, Gary ...
CK McDonnell (Stranger Times)
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What if the weird news was the real news?! There are dark forces at work in our world (and in Manchester in particular), so thank the Lord The Strang...
Q&A with Grace Dent (Hungry)
29 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hungry author Grace Dent chats about her favourite authors which include Rupert Everett, Kenneth Williams, Nancy Mitford and Nigel Slater Hosted on Ac...
Grace Dent (Hungry)
22 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Angel Delight, Cadburys and Carlisle. A very funny episode featuring restaurant critic Grace Dent. Hungry traces Grace's story from growing up eating ...
Simon's Itchcock Moment
17 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Thanks for all your correspondence. You may hear some of it discussed in this special show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio...
Some nice bits from previous shows you may have missed
07 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Simon and Matt chat to Graham Norton, Heather Morris, Robbie Williams, John Simpson, John Boyne, Ben MacIntyre and Robin Ince - among others. Hosted o...
Q&A with Andrew Child (The Sentinel)
03 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The new author of the Jack Reacher series takes our book Q&A - discussing the likes of Alistair MacLean, Ben MacIntyre and Genghis Khan. Hosted on Aca...
Andrew Child & Lee Child (The Sentinel)
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
For Jack Reacher's 25th adventure, author Lee Child brings in his younger brother Andrew to help. Here they chat about the process, the Chuckle Brothe...
Q&A with Ben MacIntyre
21 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Best selling spy author Ben MacIntyre turns his attention to our Q&A on his favourite books, authors and spy films Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv...
Ben MacIntyre (Agent Sonya)
13 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben MacIntyre writes fantastic books about real life spies. Agent Sonya is another one. Ursula Kuczynski Burton was a spymaster, saboteur, bomb-maker ...
Q&A with Robert Harris (V2)
07 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The author of V2, Fatherland and Munich tells us about about his favourite books and authors...which include Just William, Maigret, Kingsley Amis and ...
Robert Harris (V2)
30 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Simon and Matt chat to the best-selling author of Fatherland and Munich. Robert Harris's new novel is a WWII thriller about a German rocket engineer, ...
Q&A with Alastair Campbell
23 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
One of the key figures in British politics for the past 30 years, Alastair Campbell tells us about his favourite books and authors. Alastair is a Brit...
Alastair Campbell (Living Better)
16 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
"Last Christmas I almost killed myself. Almost. I've had a lot of almosts. Never gone from almost to deed. Don't think I ever will. But it was a bad a...
Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club)
01 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders. But when a brutal killing takes place on ...
Q&A with Richard Osman (Thursday Murder Club)
26 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
TV producer and presenter - and now author... Richard Osman tells us about some of his favourite books and authors...which include Ben MacIntyre, Mari...
Lee Child interviews Simon Mayo (Knife Edge)
19 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
One of the world's most prolific and successful authors takes over presenting duties to interview Simon Mayo (Itch, Mad Blood Stirring, Radio 1 Roadsh...