Confessions of a Book Collector

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. 

In this episode, David takes you on a tour of the fascinating world of book collecting and book clubs. David reflects on his personal journey into book collecting, sharing some treasures from his own library, whilst exploring the rich history of this beloved pastime.From the trailblazers who shaped the publishing world to the evolution of book clubs, we celebrate the art, the joy, and the community of book collecting.Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first time buyer or just someone who loves books - this episode is for you.

2025 is shaping up to be a phenomenal year for storytelling. From heart-pounding thrillers to thought-provoking literary fiction and immersive fantasy worlds, the year ahead promises a stellar lineup of must-read titles.In the kickoff to series four, David shares a sneak peak of 25 of the most anticipated releases of 2025.

From London trader to bestselling author, Chris Whitaker shares the dramatic twists and turns of his life and how a violent experience led him to embrace writing. Chris, the acclaimed author of novels like Tall Oaks and We Begin At The End, discusses his unique creative process and his highly anticipated upcoming book, All The Colours Of The Dark.

David interviews bestselling author Joanne Harris, discussing her highly anticipated novel, The Moonlight Market. Joanne, who has penned over 19 novels and is known for huge literary hits such as Chocolat, which was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film, gives us a glimpse into her early life as an author, sharing the inspiration behind some of her most complex characters and writing. She also reflects on her journey from teacher to published novelist. This episode is not one to miss - listen now.