Simon Mayo's Books Of The Year

Former teacher, turned bestselling novelist, Joanne Harris joins Simon and Matt to discuss her writing and her inspirations.Her latest novel is 'Broken Light', and Joanne tells us how she came up with the idea for this new book, which in her words is 'a strange and unexpected book'. We discuss the influence of Stephen King, the joy of magic and why this is an angry book."Here comes the science bit!"A tragic incident unlocks the slumbering talents of the fifty-something Bernie Moon in this powerful tale of female ambition, ageing and taking back control from the bestselling author of Chocolat.A bold and timely novel that explores how women can feel invisible as they grow older- and what happens when they decide to take back control.Bernie Moon's ambitions and dreams have been forgotten by everyone else - including Bernie herself. At 19 she was full of promise, but now facing 50 and going through the menopause, she's a fading light. Until the murder of a woman in a local park unlocks a series of childhood memories, and with them, a talent that she has hidden all her adult life.What happens when the frustrations and power of an older woman are finally given their chance to be revealed? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

International bestselling novelist, Cecelia Ahern, joins Simon and Matt to talk about her writing processes and reading habits. She tells us about her rigid schedule, why she has to write in the mornings and recommends us some great books too! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simon and Matt chat with multi-million selling author, Cecelia Ahern.They discuss colours, auras, writing post natal and why should always learn to turn your computer alerts off.Cecelia tells us the inspiration behind her new novel and how she came to name her main protagonist.Here comes the science bit...Finding your way is never a simple journey...Alice sees the worst in people. She also sees the best. She sees a thousand different emotions and knows exactly what everyone around her is feeling. Every. Single. Day.But it's the dark thoughts. The sadness. The rage. These are the things she can't get out of her head. The things that overwhelm her. Where will the journey to find herself begin? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bestselling and award-winning author, Catriona Ward, joins Simon and Matt to discuss her writing processes, inspirations and reading habits. They talk about 'Watership Down', the genre of Horror, why getting on trains is a good thing for writers and how Cat's brief spell as an actor has helped her as a writer. We also hear from fellow author - and Suede guitarist - Mat Osman! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Books Of The Year, Simon and Matt discuss the book sequels they would love to read.They're also joined by bestselling author Catriona Ward to discuss her new novel, 'Looking Glass Sound'. They talk about Stephen King country, what really scares us and why Matt just won't go in the sea.We always love to hear from you and what you have been reading and enjoying!Get in touch via email - booksoftheyear@yahoo.comOr you can send us a message on twitter or instagramHere comes the science bit:In a windswept cottage overlooking the sea, Wilder Harlow begins the last book he will ever write. It is the story of his childhood companions and the killer that stalked their small New England town. Of the body they found, the horror of that discovery echoing down the decades. And of Sky, Wilder's one-time friend, who stole his unfinished memoir and turned it into a lurid bestselling novel, The Sound and the Dagger.This book will be Wilder's revenge on Sky, a man who betrayed his trust and died without ever telling him why. But as he writes, Wilder begins to find notes written in Sky's signature green ink and events in his manuscript start to chime eerily with the present. Is Sky haunting him? Did Wilder have more to do with Sky's death than he admits? And who is the woman drowning in the cove, whom no-one else can see?No longer able to trust his own eyes, Wilder begins to wonder: is he writing the book, or is the book writing him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our bonus Q&A episode, Harlan Coben answers questions about his writing process and reading habits. Harlan famously calls himself a 'street writer' because he can write anywhere (even in the back of an Uber!) He's a big Dennis Lehane fan and gives us a little teaser of Dennis' new novel, which will be out soon. We also surprised Harlan with questions from some fellow fans, Richard Armitage and Richard Osman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He's done it again! Another Sunday Bestseller...One of our favourite authors, Harlan Coben, joins us to talk about 'I Will Find You' - his latest thriller. He talks about his processes, his inspirations and why he admires Lee Child and Ian Rankin, but won't write the way they do.We also discuss his screen adaptations and why it's so important not to write a novel with a TV series in mind. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this fascinating Q&A episode, ex-CIA analyst turned author, David McCloskey, tells us about his writing process, routines and why pepperoni pizza and scotch is the dinner of champions. The pod also features a voice note from bestselling author Simon Sebag Montefiore, and takes a surprising turn at the very end when Simon decides to ask our guest about red lines... We hope you enjoy it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former CIA analyst, David McCloskey, joins Simon and Matt to talk about his stunning spy novel, Damascus Station. It's already one of Matt's books of the year - and has received great praise from across the spectrum. David talks about his time in the CIA, tells us how much he had to take out of the first draft and why authenticity is so important. Here comes the science bit...A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in Damascus to hunt for a killer.CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad's recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy.But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad's spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard.Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

International bestselling author Linwood Barclay answers questions on his writing and reading habits, as well as talking about his love for The Man From U.N.C.L.EFellow crime author, Mark Billingham, surprises Linwood with a Q about his love of model railways - and we find out whether Linwood is a completist when it comes to books, or not.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices