Simon Mayo's Books of the Year
Bauer Media 307 episodes Nov 4, 2026
Simon Mayo and Matt Williams invite the world's finest authors in for a chat about their books.
Episodes
David McCloskey Q&A
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 blu
David McCloskey
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
Sebastian Faulks Q&A
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 auth
Sebastian Faulks
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' -
Jon Ronson Q&A
Journalist, broadcaster and author Jon Ronson joins Simon and Matt for a spot of Q&A. We learn about the authors he loves reading, how he orders his bookshelves, other careers he wanted to pursue - and - who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party!
Jon Ronson
Journalist and bestselling author, Jon Ronson, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his brilliant new book 'The Castle'. They discuss the manosphere, masculinity, performative male...and how the idea for this book came from his own son's story of being lured into a mysterious castle in the forest...Here's a little more info on the book:When Jon Ronson received a series of disquieting texts from h
Robert Harris Q&A
International bestselling author, Robert Harris, joins Simon and Matt for a spot of Q&A. He recommends us some books, reveals his writing routine, tells us about his amazing collection of books - and of course, tells us who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party! We also surprise him with a question from author and Literary Editor of The Spectator, Sam Leith!
Robert Harris
Robert Harris returns to Books Of The Year to chat about his new novel, 'Agrippa'. The book sees Robert return to Ancient Rome, to tell the fictionalised memoir of Agrippa - one of Augustus Caesar's great friends and top generals. They chat about why Robert decided to return to this time, 10 years after the last novel he set here - and what inspired him to write about a soldier who did so much du
David Baldacci Q&A
David Baldacci is angry - and he's ploughed his feelings into his latest books. Join Simon and Matt - and the international bestselling novelist - for a special Q&A episode, where he reveals his reading inspirations and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. And you can hear more about David's latest work on our previous episode...and you can watch all of our episode on YouTube - f
David Baldacci
International superstar author, David Baldacci, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his novel 'Nash Falls'. They chat about the 'American Dream', the US economy, feeling jaded with the super wealthy, being angry at the status quo - and how he's put these feelings into a page-turning book. Could this book have been written 10 years ago? David's not sure...but he know's its a book for now. They al
Chris Chibnall Q&A
Dr Who and Broadchurch screenwriter, Chris Chibnall, joins SImon and Matt for a Q&A episode. They discuss his writing processes, favourite books and authors, jobs he'd have liked to do (if he hadn't become a successful writer) and whether he always finishes books, or not. We also surprise Chris with a question from Russell T Davies - and - find out who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party.
Chris Chibnall
Screenwriter and author Chris Chibnall joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his new novel, Broadchurch, Agatha Christie and his inspirations for stories. Chris discusses his writing routine, holiday parks, sitting on ideas for years before writing them - and - adapting his own novels for the screen.Here's a little more about his new novel, 'The Parkwood Murders':For its many repeat customers, P
Elizabeth Strout Q&A
Pulitzer Prize winning author Elizabeth Strout joins Simon and Matt for a special Q&A episode.They discuss her writing routine, snacks, her favourite authors and how she organises her bookshelves. We also surprise Elizabeth with a question from a fellow author and fan - AND - find out who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party.
Elizabeth Strout
Pulitzer Prize winning author, Elizabeth Strout, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her brilliant new novel, 'The Things We Never Say'.She talks about her writing routine, inspirations, listening to conversations, making every word count - and - why returning to characters and worlds is so enjoyable. They also discuss writing about covid, and the joy of discovering what your book is about halfw
Dawn French Q&A
Comedian and author Dawn French joins Simon and Matt for our Q&A episode. We learn about her writing routine, favourite snacks, her love for Kae Tempest's writing, the people she always shares her book with first - and - who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party. We also surprise Dawn with a question from the poet, Donna Ashworth! Remember you can email us anytime: booksoftheyear@yahoo.com
Dawn French
Comedian, actor and bestselling author Dawn French joins Simon and Matt for a natter about her new novel, 'Enough'. She talks about her personal inspirations for the story, white crows, teenage crushes (Donny Osmond VS David Cassidy) and how she sees her book a as a film. There are some deep and poignant moments too - where Dawn talks about her father's suicide, and her Mum's death - specifically
Matt Haig Q&A
In our Q&A episode - international bestselling author Matt Haig talks about some of the books he's been enjoying recently (including 'Yesteryear' by Caro Claire Burke), the Brontes, how he orders his bookshelves and his favourite film adaptation of a book. Simon and Matt also ask him about his mentor - and whether he takes risks as a writer.
Matt Haig
Matt Haig joins Simon and Matt to talk about his new novel, 'The Midnight Train'. They discuss the inspirations for this book, how Matt see's it as a sibling to The Midnight Library- and why he wants us to challenge the fears of getting older. Matt talks about optimism and hopefulness, wasting time (and life) on the wrong things and what we should do about regrets.They also talk about the film ada
Anthony Horowitz Q&A
Anthony Horowitz (known for his Alex Rider series, Foyles War, Sherlock Holmes mysteries, the Magpie Murders and many more) joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams for a natter about his writing and favourite authors! He also shares a story about working with Meryl Streep (or rather, NOT working with her) and reveals who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. We also surprise Anthony with a quest
Anthony Horowitz
Bestselling author and Screenwriter - Anthony Horowitz - joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his new 'Hawthorne' novel. They chat about his meta approach to having himself as a character in his books, his dislike when readers guess his endings and twists - and why his writing is getting funnier. Anthony also talks positively and optimistically about the future of books and reading - and whilst
Michael Connelly Q&A
Michael Connelly joins Simon and Matt for a good ole Q&A. He gives us some great book recommendations, talks about his collection of jazz biographies and tells us which authors he'd invite to a fantasy dinner party. We also surprise him with a question from fellow author and fan, Denise Mina!
Michael Connelly
International bestselling author, Michael Connelly, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his new novel 'Ironwood'. Set on the island of Catalina, they discuss settings, sense-of-place, and how certain landscapes or communities inspire Michael's stories.They also chat about his iconic characters - Bosch, Ballard and Haller - and why he can't help himself write cameos for them all in other books.
Bryony Gordon Q&A
Journalist and author, Bryony Gordon, joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams for a Q&A about her favourite authors, books, writing processes - and - tells us who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party.
Bryony Gordon
Simon Mayo and Matt Williams welcome podcaster, journalist, marathon-runner, broadcaster and author - Bryony Gordon - to the podcast, to chat about her debut novel for adults. They discuss the London Marathon (which Bryony ran this year in her underwear with her good friend Adele Roberts), columnists who don't write what they truly believe - and - people pleasing, which is the central theme in Bry
John Lanchester Q&A
Bestselling novelist and journalist, John Lanchester, joins Simon and Matt to answer some of our classic Q&A questions. We learn about his writing process, his favourite authors, some of his quirks, get some good writing advice - and find out who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party.
John Lanchester
Journalist and author, John Lanchester, joins Simon and Matt to chat about his new darkly comic novel, 'Look What You Made Me Do' They dissect the characters in the novel, explore house ownership in the 90s versus owning property now and look at inter-generational tensions. John also talks about being an 'outsider' and writing from the perspective of having lots of different flags to wave. 'Look W
Yann Martel Q&A
Booker Prize winning author, Yann Martel, joins Simon and Matt for a bit of Q&A. He reveals his quirky writing routine, who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party - and - gives us some great book recommendations too.We also surprise him with a question from fellow author and Booker shortlistee, Tan Twan Eng.
Yann Martel
Booker Prize winning author, Yann Martel, chats to Simon and Matt about his new novel 'Son Of Nobody'. They talk about The Iliad - one of his inspirations behind the book - as well as how we understand ancient history in 2026, and how we should tell those stories. The novel explores how stories become facts, the price we pay to share them and how we live – then, now and always.Here's a little more
Francis Spufford Q&A
Author Francis Spufford joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his processes, favourite authors, the ordering of his bookshelves and much more. We also learn who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party!
Francis Spufford
Francis Spufford joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his new novel, 'Nonesuch'. They talk about his fascination with The Blitz, his inspirations for the fantasmical parts of the story and how he melded two genres together. They also discuss craft, research, bending history - and the finished manuscript sitting on his computer which he isn't allowed to publish until 2034. Here's a little more a
Kathy Reichs
International bestselling crime writer, Kathy Reichs, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her latest Temperance Brennan novel. They discuss taxidermy (Simon makes makes his feelings known!), forensic pathology, autopsies, animals, the origins of evil and what Kathy has learnt after writing and publishing so many books. Here's a little more info on Kathy's latest novel, 'Evil Bones': Small anima
Jennifer Niven Q&A
Bestselling author, Jennifer Niven, joins Simon and Matt to talk about the authors she admires, her writing process and the job she would have liked to do if she wasn't an author. Simon and Matt also surprise Jennifer with a question from bestselling author Jennie Godfrey...
Jennifer Niven
Jennifer Niven (bestselling author of 'All The Bright Places' joins Simon and Matt for a natter about her first adult fiction novel. 'Meet The Newmans' is about a famous American TV family in the 1960s - and their subsequent unravelling! Jennifer chats about her inspirations for the novel and why she decided to turn to writing for adults (after a huge career as a YA author). They also discuss TV c
Ann Cleeves Q&A
Bestselling crime author, Ann Cleeves, answers questions about her writing processes and some of her favourite authors and books.Simon and Matt also surprise her with a question from Steph McGovern - and - find out who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party.
Ann Cleeves
Ann Cleeves - crime novelist, library advocate and creator of best-loved characters Vera Stanhope, Matthew Venn and Jimmy Perez - joins Simon and Matt for a natter about her latest novel, 'The Killing Stones'.This new Jimmy Perez mystery is perfect for this time of year - and we can highly recommend you get a copy and curl up under a blanket over Christmas and enjoy it. Ann chats about getting bor
Jonathan Freedland Q&A
Bestselling author and journalist, Jonathan Freedland, discusses some of his favourite authors, The Beatles, his writing process - and - gives us some brilliant book recommendations too. We also hear from Jeremy Vine - who is a big fan of Jonathan's books - and find out who would be invited to his fantasy dinner party.
Jonathan Freedland
Journalist and bestselling author, Jonathan Freedland, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his latest book - 'The Traitor's Circle' They chat about his extensive research, love of history, the incredible real-life stories of bravery he discovered and put in the book and how and when he likes to write. Although this book is non-fiction, it reads like a thriller! Some of the stories in it are qu
Ken Follett Q&A
International bestselling author, Ken Follett, joins Simon and Matt for a bit of a Q&A.
He talks about his writing process, books he has loved reading, film adaptations and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party.
We also surprise him with a question from Greg and Kate Mosse.
Ken Follett
Multi-million bestselling author, Ken Follett, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his latest novel 'Circle Of Days'.
They discuss skeletons, Stone Henge, Priestesses, the movement of the sun and stars, the origins of counting and measurements of time.
Ken is meticulous with his research and shares how he approached this book, as well as how he chose the language in the novel and the techn
Callie Hart Q&A
Simon and Matt learn more about the fantasy and romantasy genres, from bestselling author Callie Hart.
She also shares some of her favourite books and authors, and introduces us to binaural beats!
We also surprise her with a question from Saara El-Arifi - and discover who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party!
Callie Hart
Simon and Matt welcome international bestselling author Callie Hart to the pod, to learn more about the genre of Romantasy.
Never ones to stay in their lane - Simon and Matt have taken themselves out of their reading comfort zone, and explored this very popular genre!
They chat to Callie about her craft, worldbuilding, the Netflix adaptation which she can't talk about - and why this genre is h
William Boyd Q&A
International bestselling author and screenwriter, William Boyd, joins Simon and Matt for a bit of Q&A.
He talks about his favourite authors, how he organises his bookshelves, his favourite screen adaptation of a book - and reveals who he's invite to his fantasy dinner party.
We also surprise him with a question from fellow author, Sebastian Faulks.
William Boyd
Sunday Times bestseller, William Boyd, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his latest novel - 'The Predicament'.
This is the second of a trilogy set in the 60s about reluctant spy, Gabriel Dax, who is also a travel writer.
William gives some writing advice (he always knows the ending), reflects on the smoking and drinking culture of the 1960s and talks us through his reasons for his spy's
Ian McEwan Q&A
International bestselling author, Ian McEwan, joins Simon and Matt for a little bit of Q&A.
He talks about his favorite places to write, being interrupted during a a writing flow and gives us some brilliant book recommendations too.
Ian also shares who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party.
Ian McEwan
International bestselling author, Ian McEwan, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new novel 'What We Can Know'.
Optimistic manifesto? Or a cautious tale?
In the first half of the book, we learn about a lost poem - which is at the heart of the novel - as this is ultimately a book about a quest.
As well as poetry, they talk about renewable energies being on the rise and the positive conv
Laura Shepherd-Robinson Q&A
Crime author, Laura Shepherd-Robinson, joins Simon and Matt for a natter about the authors and books she loves - and her writing process.
We also surprise her with a question from the author SJ Parris - and find out who she would invite to her fantasy dinner party.
Laura Shepherd-Robinson
Author Laura Shepherd-Robinson joins Simon and Matt for a natter about her latest historical crime novel - 'The Art Of A Lie'
They discuss conmen, ice cream, twists and turns, the 18th Century and loving characters too much.
Matt has claimed this is probably his favourite book of the year so far! See if you agree....
Here's more about 'The Art Of A Lie'
London, 1749
Hannah Cole's world
Lucy Foley
Bestselling author Lucy Foley joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her latest novel, 'The Midnight Feast' (which has just come out in paperback)
She talks about the place and setting that inspired the story, folk-horror, how much to reveal early on in a story and why more and more entertainment seems to be laughing at the super rich.
Matt shares his opinions about the term 'beach read' and Si
Nick Harkaway Q&A
Bestselling author Nick Harkaway joins Simon and Matt for our Q&A episode.
He talks about books and authors he loves, his writing process, adaptations of his father's (John Le Carre) work, and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party.
We also surprise Nick with a question from previous Books Of The Year guest, David McCloskey!
Nick Harkaway Q&A
Author Nick Harkaway answers our Q&A questions!
He talks to Simon and Matt about his reading habits, authors he loves, whether he always finishes a book or not - and - who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party!
Nick Harkaway
John Le Carre's son, Nick Harkaway, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new Circus novel.
They discuss the challenges (and joys) of taking on the mantel of such an iconic character (George Smiley) and writing in his father's footsteps, as well as the research it takes to get the technology of the time right.
As well as lots of espionage stories, they chat about John Le Carre, his voice,
Andrew Hunter Murray Q&A
Andrew Hunter Murray joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams for our Q&A episode.
They chat about some of his favourite authors, his love of 'cosy crime' and what he likes to eat when he's writing (question courtesy of his fellow author and friend, Cariad Lloyd)
We also learn who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party...
Andrew Hunter Murray
Author, podcaster and QI legend - Andy Hunter Murray - joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his latest novel, 'A Beginner's Guide To Breaking And Entering'
They chat about his inspirations for the book, the anger behind it, how to make a social commentary through comedy - and why a character in the book hates Magic FM so much!
Here's the book blurb:
Property might be theft. But the hous
Abigail Dean Q&A
Bestselling author Abigail Dean joins Simon and Matt for a Q&A.
She talks about some of her favourite authors, gives us some book recommendations - and - reveals who she would invite to her fantasy dinner party.
Abigail Dean
Bestselling thriller writer, Abigail Dean, joins Simon and Matt to discuss her latest novel, 'The Death Of Us'
This has been an idea she's been thinking about for over a decade, but the timing hasn't been right to write it until recently.
She talks about her inspirations and influences - and how she reacted to learning that Stephen King had read it!
Here's a little more about the book:
t’s
Robert Crais Q&A
Screenwriter and novelist, Robert Crais, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his processes, favourite authors, screen adaptations - and who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party.
We also hear from fellow crime author, Steve Cavanagh, who is a huge Robert Crais fan - and - put him on our radar in the first place! (so it seemed apt)
Robert Crais
International bestselling author and screenwriter, Robert Crais, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new novel 'The Big Empty'.
They chat about his inspirations for the story and characters, and how the classic TV shows he worked on in the 70s and 80s have influenced his writing.
Elif Shafak Q&A
Bestselling author and essayist, Elif Shafak, answers questions about her writing process, inspirations and favourite authors.
She also tells us the shocking and extraordinary story of when she was arrested in Turkey, in the name of fiction.
We also find out who she would invite to her fantasy dinner party.
Elif Shafak
International bestselling author, essayist and activist - Elif Shafak - joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her novel, 'There Are Rivers In The Sky'
She talks about her inspirations for this epic tale, why she writes with history in mind and who she is writing for.
Here's more on the book:
In Victorian London, an extraordinary child is born at the edge of the dirt-black Thames. When his bril
Scott Turow Q&A
Simon and Matt ask lawyer turned bestselling author, Scott Turow, questions about his processes and favourite authors.
As well as learning about how he writes - and where - we also find out who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party.
There's also a surprise question from a global superstar author!
Scott Turow
Lawyer turned bestselling author, Scott Turow, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new novel, 'Presumed Guilty' (the sequel to his 1987 masterpiece, 'Presumed Innocent')
Scott joins us down the line from Florida and discusses writing an 'older' protagonist, the soothing components of jazz music, Keith Jarrett and how much legalise is too much legalise.
This episode comes complete with a
Jojo Moyes Q&A
The international bestselling author Jojo Moyes joins Simon and Matt for a Q&A.
She gives us some great book recommendations, tells us a little about her reading and writing habits - and we find out who she'd invite to her fantasy dinner party.
Lisa Jewell also makes a surprise appearance - to ask Jojo a question about being more sinister!
You can hear more from Jojo on our previous epis
Jojo Moyes
International bestselling sensation, Jojo Moyes, returns to the podcast to tell us about her new novel.
Simon and Matt talk to her about writing nasty characters, whether it's harder to come up with plots seventeen books in, and how she may have accidentally based a character on David Soul, who she met 30 odd years ago!
More on the book:
Lila Kennedy has a lot on her plate. A recently broken
Simon Mayo Q&A
This week, we put broadcasting legend and bestselling author Simon Mayo under the Q&A spotlight.
Marianna Spring joins Matt Williams as our guest host, and asks about Simon's writing process, inspirations - and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party.
There's also a surprise question from fellow author and broadcaster, Tom Bradby!
Simon Mayo
Yes, it's that time again, where the the tables turn and the Host becomes the Guest on Books Of The Year.
This week we welcome a superstar co-host Marianna Spring to the studio, who steps into the Mayo shoes and, along with Matt, interviews Broadcaster and Author Simon Mayo about his new novel, 'Black Tag'.
They talk about about his inspirations for the book, why he has brought back a characte
Miguel Delaney Q&A
Simon and Matt put a range of questions to our special guest, the author and sports journalist Miguel Delaney.
They ask about his favourite authors, which books he's jealous of and wished he'd written, his writing processes - especially when touring so much - and who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party.
Miguel Delaney
Miguel Delaney is no stranger to writing about sport, or indeed football, as he is the Chief Football Writer for The Independent.
In his new book, States Of Play, he looks at the incredibly interesting (and controversial) topic of Sportswashing.
Simon and Matt find out more what this means, how it is affecting sport (especially football) and what Miguel has found out from his many years of res
Michael Connelly Q&A
Michael Connelly joins Simon and Matt for a bonus Q&A episode.
He talks about his writing processes, inspirations, favourite authors -and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party.
Michael Connelly
Simon and Matt welcome international bestselling author Michael Connelly to Books Of The Year.
They discuss his new book The Waiting, as well as his inspirations, Los Angeles basements, the constant nagging of an author's head and how he feels about Bosch getting older.
Matt Haig Q&A
Matt Haig joins Simon and Matt for a little does of Q&A.
He gives us some great book recommendations, talks about his writing process, the power of walking and who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party.
We also surprise him with a question from fan - and friend - Bryony Gordon!
And remember, for a limited time, you can £100 off any HD light and free UK delivery. Just visit seriousreaders.com
Matt Haig
International bestselling author Matt Haig drops by the studio for a chat with Simon and Matt.
His new novel, The Life Impossible, is - in his words - "not The Midnight Library 2" - but it does share some themes.
Matt talks about facing fears and going back to Ibiza, a place where he nearly committed suicide and which held a lot of trauma. He talks about his fish out of water characters, why he do
Jodi Picoult Q&A
Simon and Matt welcome international bestselling author, Jodi Picoult, back to the studio for a slice of Q&A.
She talks about some of her favourite authors and gives us some book recommendations. Plus we hear from crime writer Gillian McAllister and learn who Jodi would invite to her fantasy dinner party.
We hope you enjoy the chat!
And remember, for a limited time, you can £100 off any HD lig
Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult is baaaack! And she joins Simon and Matt in the studio to discuss her new novel.
They chat about the myths surrounding Shakespeare and his work, whether he really wrote all the plays he's credited to have written, and why the history of women writers of the time is completely unknown.
Women used writing to record their wisdom at the time, but this specific part of history hasn't been
Ian Rankin Q&A
Simon and Matt welcome Ian Rankin to the studio for a special Q&A episode.
They discuss his love of music, his writing processes, Swedish Death Cleaning (yes really) and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party.
Ian Rankin
Sir Ian Rankin joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his new book, Midnight And Blue.
They discuss the challenges of writing a book from a world inside a prison, and how much Ian had to research to ensure he got the details right.
And of course they chat about music (Pentangle even get a mention) and the recent screen adaptation of his book.
Robert Harris Q&A
Bestselling author Robert Harris joins Simon and Matt for a Q&A episode.
He tells us the last book her really REALLY enjoyed reading, what he learns (and has learnt) from writing each of his books, why he's drawn to WWI and WWII and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party.
Robert Harris
Robert Harris returns to Books Of The Year to discuss his new novel, 'Precipice', with Simon and Matt.
A new Robert Harris novel is always a big moment - and once again, he hasn't let us down!
They chat about the extraordinary letters that were sent from Prime Minister H.H. Asquith to the woman he was besotted with, Venetia Stanley, and how that relationship changed the shape of government forever
Ben Macintyre Q&A
Ben Macintyre returns to Books Of The Year and answers questions about his craft, research, favourite books and authors.
He tells us who he would invited to his fantasy dinner party, and gives us some great book recommendations too.
Ben Macintyre
Ben Macintyre joins us again to discuss his brilliant new book 'The Siege'
Simon and Matt chat to him about the incredible research and interviews he undertook to write the account of this incredible historic event.
They delve into who carried out The Siege and what the people wanted, and how Ben managed to get so much access to the first hand accounts.
Here's a little more on the book:
On April
David Hepworth Q&A
Simon Mayo and Matt Williams welcome music journalist and author David Hepworth to the studio, to find out about his favourite authors and books and get a sense of his reading habits.
You'll probably be as surprised as us to discover that he only reads standing up!
There's also a surprise question from broadcasting legend, Bob Harris, and we find out who David would invite to his fantasy dinner
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