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Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

Bauer Media 307 Episodes Jul 22, 2026

Simon Mayo and Matt Williams invite the world's finest authors in for a chat about their books.

Episodes

Chris Chibnall
Chris Chibnall Jul 22, 2026 00:35:56 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
Elizabeth Strout Q&A Jul 15, 2026 00:18:23 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
Elizabeth Strout Jul 8, 2026 00:39:49 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
Dawn French Q&A Jul 1, 2026 00:17:18 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
Dawn French Jun 24, 2026 00:37:16 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
Matt Haig Q&A Jun 16, 2026 00:17:13 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 Jun 10, 2026 00:36:05 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 Q&A Jun 2, 2026 00:14:46 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
Anthony Horowitz May 26, 2026 00:35:15 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 Q&A May 19, 2026 00:15:49 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
Michael Connelly May 13, 2026 00:35:18 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
Bryony Gordon Q&A May 5, 2026 00:17:45 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.

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