Simon Mayo's Books Of The Year

Simon and Matt chat with multi-million selling author, Cecelia Ahern. They discuss colours, auras, writing post natal and why should always learn to turn your computer alerts off. Cecelia tells us the inspiration behind her new novel and how she came to name her main protagonist. Here comes the science bit... Finding your way is never a simple journey... Alice sees the worst in people. She also sees the best. She sees a thousand different emotions and knows exactly what everyone around her is feeling. Every. Single. Day. But it's the dark thoughts. The sadness. The rage. These are the things she can't get out of her head. The things that overwhelm her. Where will the journey to find herself begin? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 - booksoftheyear@yahoo.com Or you can send us a message on twitter or instagram Here comes the science bit: In a windswept cottage overlooking the sea, Wilder Harlow begins the last book he will ever write. It is the story of his childhood companions and the killer that stalked their small New England town. Of the body they found, the horror of that discovery echoing down the decades. And of Sky, Wilder's one-time friend, who stole his unfinished memoir and turned it into a lurid bestselling novel, The Sound and the Dagger. This book will be Wilder's revenge on Sky, a man who betrayed his trust and died without ever telling him why. But as he writes, Wilder begins to find notes written in Sky's signature green ink and events in his manuscript start to chime eerily with the present. Is Sky haunting him? Did Wilder have more to do with Sky's death than he admits? And who is the woman drowning in the cove, whom no-one else can see? No longer able to trust his own eyes, Wilder begins to wonder: is he writing the book, or is the book writing him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 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

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 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

In 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy. But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

International 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

International 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 missives and book recommendations of course...which you can continue to send in on email (booksoftheyear@yahoo.com) or via our social media channels... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Griefcast, it started a conversation that people didn't realise they needed until it was there, about one of the most significant events in a person's life: its end. In You Are Not Alone, Cariad shares all that she has learned from Griefcast. She reflects on her own grief, the grief of others, and the psychology and science behind how our society deals with death and loss. Funmissing them - this is grief in all its sad, surprising, awkward, tender and sometimes funny forms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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

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 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 comedic media traing sessions. They also get some writing tips and find out what some of our listeners have been reading and enjoying recently. We always love to hear from you, and you can contact us anytime via email: booksoftheyear@yahoo.com (yes, yahoo!) And you can follow us on Instagram (@pickanypage) and twitter (@booksoftheyear) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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/adchoices

In 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

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 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 is in Ukraine, his obsession with Churchill and what he had to leave out of the book. We also have some of your correspondence and book reviews. (remember, you can get in touch at any time: booksoftheyear@yahoo.com) Here comes the science bit: The Fall of Boris Johnson is the explosive inside account of how a prime minister lost his hold on power. Boris Johnson was touted as the saviour of the country and the Conservative Party, obtaining a huge commons majority and finally getting Brexit done. But within three short years, he was deposed in disgrace, leaving the country in crisis. Sebastian Payne, Whitehall Editor for the Financial Times, tells the essential behind-the-scenes story, charting the series of scandals that felled Johnson: from the blocked suspension of Owen Paterson to partygate, and, then the final death blow: the Chris Pincher allegations. This is the full narrative of the betrayals, rivalries and resignations that resulted in the dramatic Conservative coup and set in motion events that saw the party sink to catastrophic new lows. With unparalleled access to those who were in the room when key decisions were made, Payne tells of the miscalculations and mistakes that led to Boris's downfall. This is a gripping and timely look at how power is gained, wielded and lost in Britain today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling 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 Nazi captors. Or so the story of Colditz has gone, unchallenged for 70 years. But that tale contains only part of the truth. The astonishing inside story, revealed for the first time by bestselling historian Ben Macintyre, is a tale of the indomitable human spirit, but also one of class conflict, homosexuality, espionage, insanity and farce. From the Indian doctor whose hunger strike and eventual escape reads like a thriller, to America's oldest paratrooper and least successful secret agent, the soldier-prisoners of Colditz were astonishingly imaginative in their escape attempts; but there were many other ways to survive while awaiting their unknown fate. Deeply researched and full of incredible colour, this is the definitive book on one of the greatest war stories ever told. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling 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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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 Books Of The Year, she talks about the ever changing news cycle, how she keeps sane and the things she would never write about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Making 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 Line To Kill, and the latest A Twist of Knife is out now - in which he stars as himself. His new play, a thriller called 'Mindgame', is about to open at the famous Vaudeville theatre in Shoreditch. Not surprisingly, Hawthorne declines a ticket to the opening night. The play is not enjoyed by the critics. In particular, Sunday Times critic Harriet Throsby gives it a savage review, focusing particularly on the writing. The next day, Throsby is stabbed in the heart with an ornamental dagger which, it turns out, belongs to Anthony, and which has his fingerprints all over it. Anthony is arrested by an old enemy . . . Detective Inspector Cara Grunshaw. She's still smarting from her failure to solve the case described in the second Hawthorne adventure: "The Sentence is Death". She blames Anthony for her failure. And now she's out for revenge. Thrown into prison and brutally interrogated, Anthony is the prime suspect in Throsby's murder and as a second theatre critic is found to have died in mysterious circumstances, the net closes in. Ever more desperate, he realizes that only one man can help him. But will Hawthorne take the call?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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

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. 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 capture, dead or alive. Act of Oblivion is an epic journey across continents, and a chase like no other. It is the thrilling new novel by Robert Harris (Fatherland, Enigma, V2) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices