The Waterstones Podcast

Back in 2017, we made Slow Horses by Mick Herron our Thriller of the Month in August and a whole host of readers found their new obsession. Now, 15 years on from its first publication, we sat down with the author of 9 novels and 5 novellas in the series to discover how it all began, what he thinks are the most important elements of his writing and where his cast of sidelined spooks find themselves in the new novel, Clown Town.

We sat down with the phenomenal A. F. Steadman to discuss all things Skandar, including emergency sandwiches, superfan events and reading for pleasure as we celebrate the heart-pounding conclusion to the iconic children's fantasy series, as Skandar and his unicorn rider friends face their deadliest ever challenge and most dangerous foe...

Already the best selling YA thriller writer, thanks to series like A Good Girl's Guide To Murder, Holly Jackson is back with Not Quite Dead Yet, her first novel for adult readers. We sat down with her to find out about how she approaches each project, finding humour in the face of death, and how she was able to write this book in just 6 weeks!

The Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize 2025 shortlisted authors are here! Meet Catherine Airey (Confessions), Gurnaik Johal (Saraswati), Niamh Ní Mhaolieoin (Ordinary Saints), William Rayfet Hunter (Sunstruck) Lisa Ridzén (When The Cranes Fly South) and Lucy Steeds (The Artist). Join us for a free-flowing conversation about the themes and strengths highlighted by our booksellers and some winning tips for any writers out there working on their own debut.

What do you do when you've already sold over 36 million copies of your Horrible Histories books? You write the kind of book that you, as a reader, would kill to read. And Terry Deary's first love was always murder mysteries, so this year he brings us his first: Actually, I'm Murderer. We sat down with him to discover more about the incident in 1974 that inspired it, how he found his way to writing and what keeps him inspired.

Known for her pioneering work as an intimacy co-ordinator on shows such as Normal People and I May Destroy You, Ita O'Brien has distilled her practice into a book that has something to say to anyone about the role of intimacy in their lives. In a frank and honest conversation that covers why guidance was desperately needed in the entertainment industry through to her passionate advocacy for sex education that is fit for purpose, we also find out more about the path that has led her to such a unique role.

We sat down with our beloved Waterstones Children's Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce to discuss the magic of movie sets, the power of Shakespeare, the importance of reading for children and much more as we celebrate his brand new middle grade adventure The Blockbusters! A hilarious, globetrotting adventure, in which a boy bearing a striking resemblance to a huge movie star joins a film crew on location in hope of tracking down his runaway brother....

Continuing a conversation begun with his first novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, we sat down with Ocean Vuong to discuss his new book, The Emperor of Gladness, which sees a wayward young man unexpectedly caring for an elderly woman with dementia. In another fascinating conversation we see how unlikely friendship, memory and a unique look at America's working class combine in this tale of second chances.

From dismissal of symptoms to one-size-fits-all surgical solutions, women's healthcare comes under the spotlight in Naga Munchetty's important new book, It's Probably Nothing. We spoke with her about her own personal journey and the stories shared through dozens of conversations with women and men in order to better understand why women's health has been so poorly supported in the past and what might improve things in the future.

Robert Macfarlane's latest book is his most personal and political yet, asking a question which may sound simple, but which forces the reader to look at rivers in a profoundly different way to simply being matter for human use. In this conversation he takes us from the cloud forest of Ecuador, to the industrially clogged waterways of India before sending us down the white waters of Canada and returning home to the source of a chalk stream near his home. Also telling the stories of three people whose proximity to death is radically altered by their encounters with these rivers, we hope that after listening, your answer to that bold question will be a resounding yes!

Jack Fairweather brings the same rigour and narrative flair that won him the Costa Book of the Year award for The Volunteer, to his new book, The Prosecutor, which tells the story of Fritz Bauer, a gay German Jew, who retuned to West Germany on a mission to prosecute Nazi war criminals and found himself opposed on all sides in forcing the German people to reckon with their past. Join us for a fascinating conversation about personal responsibility, public prosecution, and the personal cost to a very determined man.

Completing a trilogy of outstanding books that examine the efforts to bring Nazi war criminals to account, Philippe Sands blends memoir, travelogue, detective story, and courtroom drama to stunning effect again with 38 Londres Street. We’re delighted to share his conversation with author Nick Harkaway, from their recent event at Waterstones Piccadilly, in which he shares the personal, the political and the legal facets of this intriguing journey.

Hallie Rubenhold helped readers to see the Ripper murders from an entirely new perspective with The Five, which assiduously assembled the lives of his victims. With The Story of a Murder, she does the same again with the case of Dr Crippen, shining new light on a case most know for a couple of lurid details. What happened to Crippen’s first wife, what was the nature of his marriage to his victim Belle Elmore, and how involved was his mistress, Ethel La Neve? Join us for more fascinating insight into a true crime classic.

Spring is Michael Morpurgo’s first non-fiction book for adults in almost 40 years and the book itself is a portrait of waiting for the seasons to change. In a fascinating conversation he expertly leads us through the landscape he has lived in for over four decades, to share his appreciation of those green shoots, migrating birds and flowing waters that when observed properly, teach us so much about flourishing youth, nurturing growth and why it is so important to have a connection with nature.

Jessie Burton uses her literary skills to enchant and entertain younger readers in her new novel, Hidden Treasure, which is a luminous tale of fortune and loss set on the banks of the River Thames. We sat down to speak with her about the magic of mudlarking, her family history and the power of friendship.

Natasha Brown’s Assembly was a debut that announced the arrival of a fresh new voice in fiction and her latest, Universality, shows her wielding words as weapons in a tale of power, privilege and taking control of the narrative. We sat down with her to discuss writing without constraints, perceptions of reality and what universality means.

When you've waited ten years for a new novel from one of the world's literary luminaries, you want to know as much as you can from the author. We were delighted to sit down and speak with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie about her new novel, Dream Count, to find out why it took a decade to finish, what binds its four female characters, and what in turn connects them to her readers.

Mark Steel brings his trademark humour to his account of cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery but is sure not to pull any punches whilst he’s at it. When confronted with your own mortality, what lessons are learned about life, love and the time we have to enjoy it? We sat down with the comedian and writer to learn more about the miracle of the NHS, what not to say as the anaesthetic kicks in, and deciding what really matters.

2025 is a big year for Kate Mosse. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of her bestselling novel, Labyrinth, and the 30th winner of the prize she helped found, The Women’s Prize, we had lots to talk about. Did Labyrinth feel any different to the books that preceded it at the time of writing, what were the sparks for setting up a literary prize that has changed the landscape of publishing over three decades, and what have been the standout moments in such a stellar career? Sit back and enjoy a joyful celebration.

Andrew O’Hagan’s Caledonian Road was one of 2024’s bestselling novels, with readers delighting in his searing portrayal of privilege punctured in a changing world. To celebrate its arrival in paperback we’re thrilled to share the conversation from his recent event with Natalie Jamieson at Waterstones Piccadilly, in which he shares the connections between his characters, his meticulous planning, and some of the incredible true stories behind this state-of-the-nation novel.