Confessions of a Book Collector

In this episode of Confessions of a Book Collector, David Headley sits down with the wildly talented Beth Lewis to explore her stunning new novel, The Rush - a gripping historical crime thriller set during the Yukon Gold Rush of 1898. Beth shares what drew her to this icy, lawless frontier and why she chose to spotlight the extraordinary women who braved it. From real-life inspiration and wild west research (including actual gold panning!) to the craft of building unforgettable characters, Beth opens up about her creative process, queer representation in fiction, and the beauty of writing women who refuse to be overlooked. Whether you're here for the history, the mystery, or the pure love of books, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, David sits down with the inimitable Joe Abercrombie - renowned epic fantasy author and film editor.With his signature humour and insights, Joe discusses building a reimagined medieval Europe, creating complex characters (such as his irresistible vampire, badass librarian and undead knight), whilst sharing the inspiration and journey behind his gripping new trilogy, The Devils.

British-Nigerian Emmy nominee Remi Kone - known for hit TV shows like Killing Eve and Spooks - joins us to talk about her leap from the screen to the page. In this intriguing episode, Remi explores her love of reading and top book recommendations (possibly the most we've ever had on an episode!), and takes us behind the scenes of her breathtaking debut crime thriller, Innocent Guilt.

Find out what happens when an earth shattering identity crisis takes you from promoting other people’s books, to writing your own.In this episode, David interviews Georgia Leighton, a senior publishing marketing manager turned debut fantasy author. Discover more about her new novel Spellbound: an enchanting new fantasy and feminist retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale.

Author Robert Rutherford — master of dilemma novels — explores his terrific, cinematic new thriller, The Missing Hour.Find out how Robert came up with such a unique concept, as he shares his honest journey into becoming a crime author, including his route to publication, the challenges along the way, and what author life is like post-publication.A delightful listen and a fascinating glimpse inside the mind of a crime writer.

In this episode, we’re joined by the multi-talented Barnaby Martin. Composer, video essayist, chemistry teacher… and now, acclaimed dystopian thriller author.We dive into his gripping new novel, set in a near-future world transformed by a mysterious force known as the Sound Field. At its heart? A hauntingly original story of parenting through an unimaginable apocalypse.Barnaby’s path to becoming a writer is anything but ordinary. A self-taught, award winning composer, he brings a fresh, outsider energy to the thriller genre - along with a creative perspective shaped by science, sound, and storytelling.

Crime fiction addicts, this one’s for you. In this episode of Confessions of a Book Collector, we’re diving into the hottest and most highly anticipated crime novels of 2025. Books that are guaranteed to dominate the bestseller lists, keep you glued to your reading seat and completely destroy your sleep schedule…Listen now, to reveal the top crime novels of 2025.

In this episode, David sits down with the brilliant Clare Leslie Hall to celebrate the launch of Broken Country—hailed as the year’s most addictive love story. Clare shares how the novel’s unforgettable characters first appeared in her mind, the inspiration behind its intense love triangle, and the highs and lows of bringing a book to life. A must-listen for book lovers, aspiring writers, and anyone who craves a story that lingers long after the last page.

What happens when an author’s voice lingers long after the story ends? In this episode, we dive into the brilliant mind of Nnedi Okorafor, the award-winning pioneer of Africanfuturism, as she challenges the concept of authorial control in her provocative new novel, Death of the Author. Known for blending African mythology, science fiction, and deeply personal narratives, Okorafor’s latest work isn’t just a book—it’s a reckoning.

Essie Fox is an author who weaves rich, gothic tales inspired by the Victorian era. Her novels are brimming with history, mystery and just the right touch of the macabre. From her debut book The Somnambulist, to her latest work Dangerous, she transports readers into shadowy atmospheric worlds with dark secrets.Beyond her own writing she’s also a devoted collector of books.Join us to get to know the stories behind the stories, in our latest episode.