Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 mas...

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.

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 nex...

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

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 h...

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 fu...

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!

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...

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

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?...

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.

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 am...

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!

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 hav...

Bestselling author Lisa Jewell discusses her processes, reading habits, favourite authors and - thanks to a surprise question from Adele Parks - her favourite karaoke songs!

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 - wh...

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.

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 ma...

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...

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 s...

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.