

Simon Mayo's Books Of The Year
Ora Et Labora
Simon Mayo and Matt Williams invite the world's finest authors in for a chat.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 14, 2024 • 18min
Alex Michaelides Q&A
Alex Michaelides published his bestselling debut novel 'The Silent Patient' in 2019. His new novel 'The Fury', is out now.In this episode, Alex answers questions about his writing process, characters, authors he admires, books he loves - and - there's a special appearance from a surprise author and fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 7, 2024 • 38min
Alex Michaelides
Alex Michaelides returns to Books Of The Year to chat with Simon and Matt about his new novel, 'The Fury'.The screenwriter turned author talks about his inspirations (Patricia Hysmith), his love of film, putting humour into thrillers and how to try and write a twist like Agatha Christie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 31, 2024 • 17min
David McCloskey Q&A
David McCloskey is an ex-CIA analyst, turned bestselling novelist.He joined us on the pod last year, to talk about his debut novel 'Damascus Station', but now he's back - quite quickly! - with 'Moscow X'.On this episode he answers questions about his writing process, favourite authors and who would be at his fantasy dinner party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 24, 2024 • 39min
David McCloskey
David McCloskey is an Ex-CIA analyst and a bestselling author. He's also finished writing his third novel and has started his fourth. But, he's a nice guy, so we forgive him!This is David's second appearance on Books Of The Year. In this episode, he talks to Simon and Matt about his latest novel Moscow X, his inspirations, what he can and can't write about, and who advised him on the use of ceiling fans in Cornwall! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 17, 2024 • 23min
Araminta Hall Q&A
In this Q&A episode, Simon Mayo and Matt Williams talk to journalist and author Araminta Hall about her writing process and literary loves.We learn which books and authors she has been reading and enjoying recently, how she gets into the minds of her characters...and who she wold invite to her fantasy dinner party! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 10, 2024 • 43min
Araminta Hall
Araminta Hall joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams for a chat about her new novel, 'One Of The Good Guys'.They talk about her inspirations for the book, her character creation and why she feels disappointed about the current state and impact of the #metoo movement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 27, 2023 • 29min
The Books Of The Year Books Of The Year (as it were)
Simon Mayo and Matt Williams look back on some of our favourite books of 2023.This episode features SA Cosby, Louise Doughty, David McCloskey, Daniel Finkelstein and Cecelia Ahern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 20, 2023 • 19min
Simon Sebag Montefiore Q&A
Simon Mayo and Matt Williams chat to Simon Sebag Montefiore about the books and writers he loves, his writing processes, his research and much more besides...We also learn who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 13, 2023 • 43min
Simon Sebag Montefiore
Simon Mayo and Matt Williams welcome Author and Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore to the podcast.They chat about TWO of his books, which are both very relevant at the moment. Firstly, 'Jerusalm: The Biography', which Simon is currently updating....and secondly, 'The World: A Family History'.These two books are humungous in both scope and size - but they are fantastic and well worth your time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 29, 2023 • 27min
John Boyne Q&A
Simon and Matt ask John Boyne about his writing processes, favourite authors, reading habits, book shelves and inspirations.There's also a guest question from the brilliant Irish writer, Donal Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices