Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

Sir Ian Rankin joins Simon and Matt to discuss his new stand-alone novel, 'The Heights'. They talk about Ian's new character - Gillian Gish - and why he has chosen to return to London for the setting of this novel. They also discuss the super wealthy, the intrigue of luxury buildings and why Rebus supports two football teams, depending on which screen adaptation you watch. Here's a little more info on The Heights: Murder comes to London's most luxurious high-rise: and every resident is a suspectThe Heights: a gleaming, high-end high-rise looming over Hyde Park. Newly built from steel and smoked glass, a billionaire's playground offering sumptuous suites for the global elite.But when a night concierge is found murdered in the lobby, the building's rarefied atmosphere is shattered, and the gilded lives within come under intense police scrutiny.In a world designed to keep prying eyes out, where the residents are not used to being held to account, born-and-bred Londoner Detective Gillian Gish must find a way past their power, wealth and unimaginable influence.The rules may be different at the top - but is anyone truly above the law? Or could it be that the higher you rise, the further you fall...?

Bestselling author, podcaster and ex-CIA analyst, David McCloskey, joins Simon and Matt for a spot of Q&A.He recommends us some books and authors, tells us about his writing routine, and reveals which authors (living or dead) he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party. We also surprise David with a question from fellow author - and fan - Charles Cumming! Remember to follow us on instagram and bluesky - and - subsribe to our YouTube channel too!

Ex-CIA agent, turned bestselling author, David McCloskey joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his new novel. 'London Station' explores what happens when the CIA and MI6 start spying on each other! He chats about his time in the CIA, the differences between US spy fiction and UK spy fiction, the mundanities of espionage and how he came to be a bestselling author.Here's a little more info about 'London Station':What if the CIA and British intelligence began spying on each other? This is the question at the heart of David McCloskey's thrilling fifth novel. A new US Administration has taken office, installing a brash and unconventional CIA Director determined to disrupt the Agency and sceptical of its close relationship with their cousins across the Atlantic. Case officers, including newly installed London Chief of Station, Artemis Procter, must now navigate a tense environment as old friends become adversaries and no one knows who to trust. When agents run by both services begin dying, Procter and her team at London Station must decide whether loyalty to the Mission and their friends means disobeying the Agency they serve.

Sebastian Faulks joins Simon and Matt for a natter about some of his favourite authors and books. He tells us about the first book he ever bought with his own money, what he would have liked to have done for a career if he hadn't become a hugely successful bestselling author - and - reveals who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. We also surprise Sebastian with a question from fellow author and friend - William Boyd!

Multimillion bestselling author, Sebastian Faulks, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his brilliant new novel 'Farewell To Eden'.They chat about the inspirations for the story - which are rooted in Sebastian's father's own experiences - and have a not-so-heated debate about Gilbert & Sullivan. And after being prompted by a listener email - Simon also asks Sebastian about Homer's 'Odyssey' - and whether it is worth our time... Here's a little more about 'Farewell To Eden': Philip Deval, a soldier recently returned from the beaches of Normandy, arrives in Palestine on a peace-keeping mission in the final days of the British Mandate. The Sea of Galilee glitters in the distance as war-weary troops marvel at the novelty of oranges and sun – a paradise that belies a fierce new conflict about to erupt.Some years later, Philip begins work teaching at a school in the English countryside and meets the enigmatic music mistress, Frances Darwood. Over long evenings spent listening to records in her music room, they grow close.But Philip is a changed man, and must confront the secrets and scars of all he has lived through – which threaten, even now, to upend his future.