Book Off!

Wendy Holden and Jane Thynne are both former journalists turned authors. In fact, they both worked in newsrooms together back in the 1980s.In this episode, they bring their journalistic competitiveness to the Book Off, but who will triumph?They also discuss their new novels, their fascination with WW2, why we need to keep telling historic stories and how fun research can be. They also give us some brilliant reading recommendations too!THE BOOK OFF'Little Women' by Louisa May AlcottVS'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy' by John Le CarreHere's a little more on Wendy and Jane's books:The Teacher Of Auschwitz by Wendy HoldenAt the dark heart of the Holocaust, there was a wooden hut whose walls were painted with cartoons; a place where children sang, staged plays and wrote poetry. Safely inside, but still in the shadow of the chimneys, they were given better food, kept free of vermin, and were even taught meditation to imagine full stomachs and a day without fear. The man who became their guiding light was a young Jewish prisoner named Fredy Hirsch.But being a teacher in such a brutal concentration camp was no mean feat. Whether it was begging the SS for better provisions, or hiding his homosexuality from his persecutors, he risked his life every day for one thing: to protect the children from the mortal danger they all faced.Time is running out for Fredy and the hundreds of children in his care. Can he find a way to teach them the one lesson they really need to know: how to survive?Midnight In Vienna by Jane ThynneAs war looms over Britain and there is talk of gas masks and blackout, people are understandably jumpy and anxious. Stella Fry, who's been working in Vienna for a Jewish family, returns home with no job and a broken heart. She answers an advertisement from a famous mystery writer, Hubert Newman, who needs a manuscript typed. She takes on the job and is shocked the next day to learn of the writer's sudden, unexplained death. She is even more surprised when, twenty-four hours later, she receives Newman's manuscript and reads the Dedication:To Stella, spotter of mistakes.Harry Fox, formerly of Special Branch and brilliant at surveillance, has been suspended for some undisclosed misdemeanor. He has his own reasons for being interested in Hubert Newman. He approaches Stella Fry to share his belief that the writer's death was no accident.What's more, since she was the last person to see Newman, she could be in danger herself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling authors Linwood Barclay and CJ Tudor join Joe Haddow for a chat about their latest books.They discuss genre bending, horror tropes, Stephen King, rocking horses, muffins and building tension. Quite the eclectic mix!They also give us some brilliant book recommendations too.THE BOOK OFF'Long Island' by Colm ToibinVS'Altered Carbon' by Richard K MorganAnd here's more on their latest novels!'Whistle' by Linwood Barclay Celebrated children's author and illustrator Annie Blunt has had a dreadful year. Her husband was killed in a tragic accident, then one of her children's books ignited a major scandal. Desperate for a fresh start, she moves with her young son Charlie to a charming small town in upstate New York where they can begin to heal.But Annie's year is about to get worse.Bored and lonely in their isolated new surroundings, Charlie is thrilled when he finds a forgotten train set in a locked shed in the grounds of their new house. While Annie is pleased to see Charlie happy, there's something unsettling about his new toy. Strange sounds wake Annie in the night – she's sure she can hear a train in the middle of the night, although there isn't an active line for miles. And then bizarre things start happening in the neighbourhood. But even stranger, Annie can't seem to stop drawing a disturbing new character that has no place in a children's book…Grief plays tricks on the mind, but Annie is beginning to think she's walked out of one nightmare straight into another, only this one is far more terrifying…The Gathering by CJ TudorA boy is found with his throat ripped out, the blood drained from his body. It's not the first such killing, and the town knows who to blame: the vampyr colony in the mountains.But out-of-state detective Barbara Atkins think the evidence doesn't stack up. People are lying.And Deadhart has a history of dark secrets.The snow keeps falling, but so do the victims.Time is running out for Barbara.Is she hunting a cold-blooded murderer, or a bloodthirsty monster?And which does she fear most? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Joe welcomes Milly Johnson and Samuel Burr to the studio to chat about their new novels.They talk about their writing habits, author mates, female friendships and the menopause amongst man other things. They also give us some great book recommendations too! THE BOOK OFF 'We All Want Impossible Things' by Catherine NewmanVS 'Persuasion' by Jane Austen And here's more on our guests books...The Fellowship Of Puzzlemakers - by Samuel Burr Clayton Stumper is an enigma.He might be twenty-five years old, but he dresses like your grandad and drinks sherry like your aunt.Abandoned at birth on the steps of the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, he was raised by the sharpest minds in the British Isles and finds himself amongst the last survivors of a fading institution.When the esteemed crossword compiler, Pippa Allsbrook, passes away, she bestows her final puzzle to him: a promise to reveal the mystery of his parentage and prepare him for his future.Yet as Clay begins to unpick the clues, he uncovers something even the Fellowship have never been able to solve – and it's a secret that will change everything…Same Time Next Week - by Milly JohnsonWelcome to Spring Hill, home to a square of independent shops and cafes, a thriving local community and nearby the newest venture, Ray's Diner. Here a group of women meet once a week over a cup of something warming.Amanda is primary carer to her elderly mother and one of the only women in a male-dominated company. Used to being second-best all her life, is this her time to finally break ranks and shine?Sky works at the repair shop, patching up old teddy bears, and their owners' hearts. But her heart beats for the one man who is strictly off-limits.Mel has been a loyal and loving wife to Steve for thirty years. Then when he goes to his old school reunion, life as she knows it will never be the same again.Erin is trying to get over a traumatic loss where her guilt weighs more than her grief. Can she find the first step to healing lies in sharing an hour with strangers once a week?Astrid is feeling in need of a change and a challenge. But when a fantastic opportunity presents itself, who is around to convince her she is worthy enough to take the risk?Can these women find the answers to their worries, acceptance, courage, support here? Join them at the same time next week to find out… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emilia Hart and Bridget Collins join Joe Haddow for a pretty fun and chaotic Book Off!They chat about their brilliant new novels and give us some great book recommendations too. They also talk about the importance of author mates, accidental deleted manuscripts and some scary scary creepy scenes too.Joe had a glass of wine at lunch before the recording - and then had a negroni thrust in his hands at the studio - so he was quite 'loose' for this one! (enjoy)THE BOOK OFF'The Eagle Of The Ninth' by Rosemary SutcliffVS'A God In Ruins' by Kate AtkinsonIf you're a fan of our podcast, please do spread the word to fellow book lovers. And, remember you can follow us on Instagram / Threads / Blue Sky and X (but maybe not for much longer)And here are the book blurbs for our guests' latest novels:'The Silence Factory' by Bridget CollinsA glittering edifice, raw and shining. Great lengths of supple silk, rolled onto bales. And the closer you get, the more it whispers…In the Factory, the looms never stop weaving. Cobwebs transported from ancient Mediterranean glades are spun into a precious fabric that silences the world.But what happens to those who fall under its spell? And who is harnessing its power?After all, a world of silence can bring peace, but it can also conceal the deeds of the wicked…The Silence Factory is an enthralling story about complicity, desire and corruption – a novel to lose yourself in.'The Sirens' by Emilia Hart Sisters separated by centuries. Voices that can't be drowned out. Lucy is running from what she's done – and what someone did to her.There's only one person who might understand: her sister Jess. But when Lucy arrives at her sister's desolate cliff-top house, Jess is gone.Lucy is now alone, in a strange town steeped in rumour. Stories of men disappearing without a trace. A foundling discovered in a sea-swept cave. And women's voices murmuring on the waves…As Lucy searches for her sister, those voices get ever louder. They tell of two sisters, two centuries ago, bound and transported across the world. A world where men always get their way. A world that is at once distant, and achingly familiar. Are these voices luring Lucy closer to her sister? Or will the secrets of the past pull them both under? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debut novelists, Roisin O'Donnell and Chris McQueer, go head to head in a war of the words. They discuss their latest books ("Nesting" and "Hermit"), their writing inspirations, the power of short stories and the rise of toxic masculinity. Whilst Andrew Tate doesn't in any way dominate this conversation (nor should he dominate any conversation), the authors discuss how young boys and men are being radicalised through dangerous people on social media and what, if anything, can be done about it. Both books also look at the theme of coercive control, which again is something else that is on the rise. They also recommend us some brilliant books - and have a bit of a love-off about Wendy Erskine. THE BOOK OFF 'Threats' by Amelia GrayVS'Demon Copperhead' by Barbara Kingsolver Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir Ben Okri and Colum McCann join Joe Haddow for a war of the words... This is Ben's second appearance on Book Off! (The first author to ever appear on the pod twice)Let's see if he's learnt anything from the last time!He chats about his woozy new novella - "Madame Sosostris And The Festival For The Broken-Hearted' - and the poem that inspired it. We also learn he has read 'War & Peace' FOUR times! And so we get a full Ben Okri style review... Colum's new novel - 'Twist' - is a darkly epic tale of connection, disconnection and destruction. He chats about his research on ships in South Africa and his fascination with what's under the sea - deep down.The writers also discuss the importance of artists and books in this turbulent time, and recommend us some brilliant novels too. THE BOOK OFF"Le Grand Meaulnes" by Alain Fournier VS"When The Bulbul Stopped Singing" by Raja Shehadeh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling thriller writer(s) Nicci French go head to head in a war of the words, expertly refereed by Joe Haddow.Nicci French is the pen name for husband and wife writing team, Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, and this is our first official Book Off couple! Sean and Nicci discuss their latest novel, The Last Days Of Kira Mullan, and dig into some of the themes which inspired this story. Here's the blurb:Nancy North and her boyfriend Felix are making the move across London to Harlesden. A new flat, a new area, a new start. Because while Nancy is fine now, she wasn't fine before. But settling into the new flat and meeting the new neighbours isn't helped by Felix's hovering concern. She is all right. She is sticking to her breathing exercises and doctor-prescribed help. So, when their new neighbour Kira Mullan is found dead by suicide, Felix is understandably worried about Nancy's frame of mind. But Nancy saw Kira the day before she died and she didn't strike her as someone who was suicidal – she was upset and angry, yes, but was she upset and angry enough to take her own life? Nancy is the only one convinced that there's more to Kira's death than has been discovered. But all the police and the neighbours see is a vulnerable woman who isn't sure of what she saw, and might even be imagining things . . . Nicci and Sean also give us some brilliant book recommendations - SO MANY recommendations - which include the audiobook of Samuel Pepys' diaries. As former journalists, they're both pretty competitive, but we don't think the Book Off will be the end of the marriage... (?) THE BOOK OFF 'Presumed Innocent' by Scott Turow VS'The Feast' by Margaret Kennedy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the first episode of Series 14, we welcome bestselling authors Emma Healey and Fiona Scarlett to the studio.They chat about their new novels, give us some great book recommendations - and go head to head in a war of the words! (aka The Book Off)Emma Healey's new novel - Sweat - is a maze-like game of revenge. It blends wellness culture with a slow-burn feminist thriller - and is eery and unsettling and brilliant.We look at what it means to hold the power in a relationship, what happens when power shifts - and - we talk about the gaze. The male gaze. Female gaze. And how looks can be both innocent and evil. Fiona Scarlett's latest novel - May All Your Skies Be Blue - is beautiful and devastating and raw, and has an unforgettable cast of characters. We have a bit of a nostalgia trip, remembering gigs in the 90s, life without mobile phones and how fun it was to use the local phonebox! And we talk about the power of friendships, on the page and in life in general. Both guests are huge readers, and like to read very widely. Fiona likes to read a poem or play before she goes to bed - and recommended these: Marina Carr - "Audrey Or Sorrow"Bernard O'Donoghue - "The Day I Outlived My Father" Emily Bronte - "Wuthering Heights" (re-read) Emma has been enjoying some non-fiction recently, and recommended:A. J. A Symons - "The Quest For Corvo"Stephen Scheding - "A Small Unsigned Painting" And has also been devouring this novel:John Lanchester - "The Debt To Pleasure"THE BOOK OFF Martin Waddell - "Can't You Sleep Little Bear" (illustrated by Barbara Firth) VS Helen Garner - "Joe Cinque's Consolation"(*We recorded this late in 2024 - so there may be a couple of out of date references) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two great music writers - James Kaplan and Paul Alexander - join Joe for a War of the Words. Joe gets excited and takes a deep dive into both of their brilliant books, which are both about America in the 40s and 50s, both about the jazz music scene, but follow very different subjects. 'Three Shades Of Blue' by James Kaplan is biography of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Bill Evans - and how those three extraordinary musicians made one of the greatest jazz albums of all time: Kind Of Blue. 'Bitter Crop' by Paul Alexander is a biography of the great Billie Holiday, but told through the last year of her life - 1959 - which coincidently is when Kind Of Blue came out. Both books are brimming with great stories and accounts from the time - they are meticulously researched - snd Joe asks both authors how immersed they get in their subjects when writing. They also give us some brilliant book recommendations as well! THE BOOK OFF 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote VS'Last Train To Memphis' by Peter Guralnick We hope you enjoy the chat - which we've kept a little long - which may well inspire you to put on some jazz after listening!? :-)Oooooh and get this!For a limited time, you can get £100 off off any HD light and free UK delivery. Just visit seriousreaders.com/bookoff to claim your discount! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two top crime and thriller writers, Ragnar Jonasson and Simon Kernick, go head to head in a war of the words! They share their love of Agatha Christie, why scary crime fiction doesn't have to be gory and tell us about their latest novels. ("Death At The Sanitorium" and "You All Die Tonight") We also get some cracking book recommendations from them too. THE BOOK OFF! 'The Murder On The Links' by Agatha Christie VS 'McNally's Luck' by Lawrence Sanders Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're so excited to bring you this episode of Book Off, featuring two of our favourite poets and humans - Salena Godden and Hollie McNish. We've been wanting to bring these two together for a long time, and now it's finally happened! They talk about their latest poetry collections ('With Love Grief and Fury' and 'Lobster'), the freedom of performance, why they love the form so much and why you can't start with a poem about blow jobs. They also give us some brilliant book recommendations too! Hollie McNish's collection 'Lobster' is written out of both hate and love for the world. As people, we are capable of both love and hate; amazement and disgust; fun and misery. So why do we live in a world that is constantly telling us to hate, both ourselves and others? We are told constantly to be repulsed by our own bodies, bodies that let us laugh and sweat and eat toast, amongst other activities; to be ashamed of pleasure; to be embarrassed by fun. In this brand-new collection, Hollie McNish brings her inimitable style to the question of what have been taught to hate, and if we might learn to love again.Salena Godden's collection 'With Love Grief And Fury' contains love poems, for people and the planet. Grief poems brimming with compassion, mourning what was and contemplating what could be. And poems of fire and fury that will kick some ass, tell the truth and inspire change and hope. Like a big sister's arm around your shoulder, With Love, Grief and Fury is important and nourishing for the soul. THE BOOK OFF 'Everything Is Going To Be Alright' (selected poems) - edited by Cecilia KnappVS 'Parable Of The Sower' by Octavia E ButlerQUICK NOTE! For a limited time, you can get £100 off off any HD light and free UK delivery. Just visit seriousreaders.com/bookoff to claim your discount! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

M.L. Rio and Kate Weinberg arrive as friends, but will they still be so chummy with each other after the Book Off?They chat to Joe Haddow about their latest books, Trump, the importance of publishing at a time when books are being banned and why Scooby Doo is a great influence.They also give us some briiiilliant book recommendations too - so apologies to your TBR pile in advance.Here's more on our authors and their books...and what they picked for the Book Off! (we hope you enjoy the episode)M.L Rio's new novella is called Graveyard Shift. Every night, in the college's ancient cemetery, five people cross paths as they work the late shift: a bartender, a rideshare driver, a hotel receptionist, the steward of the derelict church that looms over them, and the editor-in-chief of the college paper, always in search of a story. One dark October evening in the defunct churchyard, they find a hole that wasn't there before. A fresh, open grave where no grave should be. But who dug it, and for whom?Kate Weinberg's latest novel is called There's Nothing Wrong With Her. Vita Woods is on the brink. She has a good job and a successful doctor boyfriend, Max, with whom the sex is great and the chat sufficient; a vivacious and charming sister Gracie, and she's even got a goldfish called Whitney Houston, who brightens her days by showing her she's not the only one going round in circles. Because it's the days that are Vita's problem. Vita is not leaving the house. In fact, Vita rarely exits the basement apartment where she lives, since Vita is in “The Pit” – a place of deep exhaustion and semi-consciousness. One day an unexpected courier delivery forces Vita upstairs, into the light – and into a chance encounter with her neighbours. Suddenly, Vita finds herself faced with an even trickier dilemma. She likes her new friends; she'll even sneak upstairs to see them while Max is out, against all medical advice but something about her “condition” is nagging at the borders of her mind. After all, what is a house-bound girl to do when she can't keep the light, her new friendships, or – worst of all – her memories out? The problem might be Vita herself but as far as anyone can prove... there's nothing wrong with her.THE BOOK OFF'Moon Tiger' by Penelope LivelyVS''Where Late The Sweet Birds Sang' by Kate WilhelmPlus - for a limited time, you can get 10% off any orders placed at Serious Readers (the reading light specialists) Just use the discount code BOOKOFF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Authors Rachel Abbott and Hannah Lynn go head to head in a war of the words. They talk to Joe Haddow about their self-publishing journeys, the pros and cons and how things have changed on that side of the industry over the last 10 years. They also discuss their new novels, how the weather can influence a chapter and why sometimes you just have to go away in the name of research! THE BOOK OFF 'Good Girl, Bad Girl' by Michael Robathan VS 'The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind' by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling crime author, Attica Locke, goes head to head with John Le Carre's son - Nick Harkaway - in a war of the words. Nick has written a new George Smiley novel, continuing his father's legacy, called Karla's Choice. He chats to Joe Haddow about the pressure he felt to get the character right and how he got himself in the right frame of mind to write the novel. Attica discusses 'Guide Me Home' - the third novel in her trilogy of books dubbed The Highway 59 series, featuring the Texas Ranger Darren Matthews. As well chatting about their writing and new books, they also give us some brilliant book recommendations! THE BOOK OFF"In My Time Of Dying" by Sebastian JungerVS"Tokyo Express" by Seicho Matsumoto Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two brilliant authors and humans, Rumaan Alam and Tessa Hadley, go head to head in a war of the words. They talk about the joy of writing about clothes, how money can drive you mad and how some cities are easier to fictionalise than others. As well as discussing their new novels, their writing styles and processes and the difference between writing short stories, novels and novellas, they also give us some great book recommendations. Entitlement by Rumaan Alam is a novel about an ambitious young Black woman, plotting her way into the world of the one percent, and an old white billionaire, facing his own extinction. He's attracted to her intelligence, her refusal to be deferential, maybe also her Blackness, whilst she's drawn to his power and money – and his apparent willingness to share both with her. But how far is each prepared to go to get what they think they deserve?The Party by Tessa Hadley is a novella set in post-war Bristol. Sisters Moira and Evelyn are on the cusp of adulthood who meet two men at a dockside party. Paul and Sinden's air of worldliness and sophistication both intrigues and repels them. Sinden calls a few days later to invite them over to the grand suburban mansion Paul shares with his brother and sister. As the night unfolds in this unfamiliar, glamorous new setting, the sisters learn things about themselves and each other that shock them, and release them into a new phase of their lives.We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Off! If you did, please do leave us a review... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global bestselling author Liane Moriarty goes head to head with author and content creator Bea Fitzgerald.They discuss their new novels, their writing practices and seasonal reading!Bea shares her love of reality TV, which has inspired her new novel, and Liane tells us about her characterisation and plot structures.They both get pretty nervous about the Book Off, and decide to have an arm wrestle to settle it! See our instagram account for that...THE BOOK OFF"Idol" by Louise O'NeillVS"The Accidental Tourist" by Anne TylerThis was such a lovely, warm chat - and we hope you enjoy listening as much as we did recording it! You can find our more about Bea Fitzgerald and her books on her Instagram account - she is veeery entertaining. And for more on Liane Moriarty and her writing - you can visit her website, or follow her on instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Booker Prize winner, Alan Hollinghurst, and Booker Prize shortlistee, Rachel Kushner, join Joe Haddow for a Book Off!Alan talks about his new novel 'Our Evenings' and the writing processes to create the tempo he wanted. The book follows the life of the actor Dave Win, from 1962 to 2020.Rachel discusses her new novel 'Creation Lake' (her second novel to be shortlisted for the Booker) and the authors that have influenced this book and it's noir-ish elements.THE BOOK OFF'Painting Time' by Maylis de KerangalVS'A Voyage Around The Queen' by Craig Brown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Book Off, Joe welcomes Elif Shafak and Evie Wyld to the studio. These two fabulous writers talk about their latest novels ("There Are Rivers In The Sky" and "The Echoes") as well as giving us some brilliant reading recommendations. Evie lived in a haunted house, so we explore that and her fascination with ghosts - which are a central theme in her new book. She also discusses the importance of humour to lighten situations, whether that be in life or between the pages of a book. Elif and Joe share their love of water. She talks about the power of water and how a single drop is the thread that runs through her new novel - and indeed through centuries and centuries. They also chat about the importance of aural storytelling, of keeping traditions alive and ensuring that people's stories are heard all over the world. THE BOOK OFF 'Poetry Unbound' by Padraig O'Tuama VS 'Giving Up The Ghost' by Hilary Mantel We hope you enjoy the chat, and if you feel so inclined, do please leave us a rating and/or a review to let us know! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TV and Radio presenter, and former record company executive, Nicki Chapman goes head to head in a war of the words with producer, musician and label owner, Simon Raymonde.On this episode of Book Off we delve into two music memoirs, covering two very sides of the music industry and history, but that both have a lot in common. Simon was one third of the band Cocteau Twins between 1983 and 1997, and owns and runs the Bella Union label. As well as having his own successful music career as a musician and a producer, he has signed and worked with artists such as Fleet Foxes, Dirty Three, Midlake, Mercury Rev, John Grant, BC Camplight, Laura Viers and Flaming Lips. In this very honest and open conversation, he talks about the tumour on his brain which has effected his hearing, the influence of his father (Ivor Raymonde) on his career without knowing it, the break up of Cocteau Twins and how his label is still going strong more than 25 years later. Nicki worked at MCA and RCA records in the 90s in the promotions department, before going out on her own. Over her career, she has worked with many artists including Phil Collins, David Bowie, Kylie, M People, Annie Lennonx, Prince, Take That, Amy Winehouse, Billie Piper, Spice Girls and Liza Minelli. Nicki's book is swimming in 90s nostalgia (music, fashion, tabloids). She too shares her own personal account of having a brain tumour, which inspired her to want to write the book, as well as lots of stories from her time in the music industry. They also give us some brilliant book recommendations! The Book Off 'Sculpting In Time' by Andrei Tarkovsky VS 'Shardlake' by C.J. SamsonWe hope you enjoy this episode - and the latest series! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Susie Dent and Louise Minchin join Joe Haddow this week for a war of the words.Both guests have had incredible careers in TV (Susie recently celebrated 30 years of being on Countdown and Louise spent 20 years on BBC Breakfast's red sofa) and both have written non-fiction before, but have now turned their hand to novels.Susie say's her book, Guilty By Definition, is more of a linguistic mystery than a murder mystery, whilst Louise's book, Isolation Island, is a page-turning thriller.They discuss their love of Agatha Christie, why they both gravitated towards the crime genre and how hard they found the shift from writing non-fiction to fiction.As well as giving us some brilliant book recommendations, they also discuss their love of...cemeteries. YEP!THE BOOK OFF'Red Love' by Maxim LeoVS'Rebecca' by Daphne Du MaurierWe hope you enjoy this episode - and the whole of the new series! Please like, comment and follow so you never miss an episode (and so we can help spread the word!)More on our guests: Susie Dent is a writer and broadcaster on language. She recently celebrated 30 years as co-presenter and resident word expert on ‘Countdown' - and regularly appears on the show's comedy sister ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown'. She is the author of several non-fiction books, and her debut novel is ‘Guilty By Definition'Louise Minchin spent twenty-years on BBC Breakfast's red sofa, as well as being the main news anchor on the BBC News Channel. Over her career, she has appeared in a number of reality shows, including I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Time Crashers and Celebrity Masterchef – as well as presenting on BBC Radio 5 Live too. She is the author of two books of non-fiction, and her debut novel is ‘Isolation Island' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Book Off is back! And for the first episode of Series 13, we welcome bestselling authors Mark Haddon and Clare Chambers to the pod.They chat to Joe Haddow about their new books and what they have been reading and enjoying recently.'Dogs and Monsters' is Mark's latest collection of short stories, where he weaves together Ancient Greek fables with more dystopian narratives. In each of the eight stories, Mark explores what it means to be human.Clare's new novel is 'Shy Creatures' - set in South London in 1964, it follows an art therapist in a psychiatric hospital who decides to unravel the story of an immensely talented mute patient.We get some fabulous book recommendations from each of author, as well as an insight into the ups and downs of publishing and how a little luck can go a long long way! Mark talks openly about his long Covid and how it has given him brain fog, which not only effects his writing but also his reading. He is now a big gan of short books and short chapters. THIS WEEK' BOOK OFF'The Employees: A Workplace Novel Of The 22nd Century' by Olga RavnVS'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtyWe hope you enjoy this episode - and the whole of the new series! Please like, comment and follow so you never miss an episode (and so we can help spread the word!) More on our guests:Mark Haddon's bestselling novel, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, was published in 2003 and won seventeen literary prizes. In 2012, a stage adaptation by the National Theatre, went on to win seven Olivier Awards and a Tony! His other literary work includes poetry and short stories, and his most recent novel – ‘The Porpoise' – was published in 2019. Clare Chambers the author of nine novels – the first of which was published in 1992. In 2022, her novel ‘Small Pleasures' became a word-of-mouth hit on publication, was longlisted for the Women's Prize For Fiction - and won ‘Pageturner of the Year' at the British Book Awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalists and authors Sophie Elmhirst and Susan Smillie go head to head in a war of the words. In this nautical themed episode, they discuss their new books (Maurice & Marylin and The Half Bird), the joy (and dangers) of the sea, sailing and leaving work behind and exploring the world. They also share with us some brilliant book recommendations. Warning - this episode might make you want to quit your job! THE BOOK OFF 'The Bounty' by Caroline AlexanderVS'Offshore' by Penelope Fitzgerald Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling authors Freya North and Matt Cain go head to head in a War of the Words!They chat to Joe Haddow about their new novels ('The Unfinished Business of Eadie Browne' and 'One Love') which are possibly each author's most personal book to date.Both writers share a love of Manchester, a city they both lived in and that means a lot to them - it also features in both of these novels, as does friendship and the importance of these relationships. As well as discussing their own work, Matt and Freya give us some brilliant book recommendations too. Unbelievably, Marian Keyes gets ANOTHER mention on the pod. Does an episode of Book Off go by where she doesn't? THE BOOK OFF 'Lottery' by Patricia Wood VS 'The Song Of Achilles' by Madeline Miller Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What do you get when you put three children's authors on a podcast? (well, it turns out you get a lovely conversation!) Join Justin Somper and Cat Doyle as they discuss their new pirate books for kids and go head to head in a War of the Words. They also share some great book recommendations with us and tell us about their writing processes. THE BOOK OFF 'Impossible Creatures' by Katherine RundellVS'Cloud Street' by Tim Winton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poet and author, Andrew McMillan, goes head to head with author and screenwriter Nathan Newman in a War of the Words! They chat to Joe Haddow about their new novels ('Pity' and 'How To Leave The House'), chosen family, working class towns, comedy from tragedy and, Margaret Thatcher (yes, really). Nathan and Andrew also recommend some authors and books they have been reading and enjoying recently. THE BOOK OFF'A Visit From The Goon Squad' by Jennifer EganVS'The Man Who Fell In Love With The Moon' by Tom Spanbauer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling authors Percival Everett and Andrew O'Hagan go head to head in a War of the Words, and discuss their brilliant new novels. Percival's latest novel 'James' is a re-imagining of Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn', but set in 1861, whilst Andrew's latest work is a contemporary tale of class, money, greed and doing the right thing. They discuss how characters form for them, why writing is torture and share some of the books they have been reading and enjoying recently. THE BOOK OFF 'The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde' by Robert Louis StevensonVS 'The Life And Opinions Of Tristram Shandy' by Laurence Sterne Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

QI Elf, podcaster and author, Andrew Hunter Murray, goes head to head in a war of the words with comedian and writer Jonny Sweet. They discuss their new novels ('A Beginners Guide To Breaking And Entering' and 'The Kellerby Code'), their writing habits, inspirations and how to hide a socially conscious message in a page-turning thriller. We also get some fab book recommendations from them and natter about one of Hitchcock's slightly lesser known films, 'Rope'. THE BOOK OFF 'Hangover Square' by Patrick Hamilton VS 'The Franchise Affair' by Josephine Tey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Superstar authors Kiley Reid and Caroline O'Donoghue go head to head in a war of the words. They chat to Joe Haddow about their latest novels ('Come And Get It' and 'The Rachel Incident'), society's obsession with money, 'the campus novel' and why writing less is sometimes more. We go look back at the financial crash of 2008 and what it meant for a certain generation of artists and compare it to now, and what the next generation of writers and creatives are facing. Kiley and Caroline also recommend us some books they have been reading and enjoying recently, and of course there's the Book Off! BOOK OFF'Disgrace' by J.M. Coetze VS 'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Book Off is back! Welcome to Series 12. And to kick us off, we welcome Jennie Godfrey and Susan Fletcher to the studio to talk about their books and writing, and get some recommendations too.Jennie's debut novel, The List Of Suspicious Things, has been published to great acclaim whilst Susan's new novel, The Night In Question, is hotly anticipated - and coming out in just a few weeks. We discuss Yorkshire, adventure, writing older characters, friendships in fiction and a lot lot more. It also turns out, Susan and Jennie (and Joe) are huuuuge Marian Keyes fans, so there's a little bit of fan girling...please forgive us. THE BOOK OFF 'Rachel's Holiday' by Marian Keyes VS 'The Poisonwood Bible' by Barbara Kingsolver But who will win? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a children's book special this week! Former Children's Laureate, Cressida Cowell, goes head to head with broadcaster and author Dermot O'Leary. They chat about their latest novels, their passion for getting books into children's hands, a love of history - and - world building! THE BOOK OFF 'The Power Of The Dog' by Don Winslow VS 'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Authors Heidi Amsinck and Marisa Haetzman go head to head in a war of the words, just before their appearance at Bloody Scotland. Heidi discusses her latest Jensen thriller, 'The Girl in The Photo' and her love for Denmark. Marisa tells us about collaborating with her husband, Chris Brookmyre (writing as Ambrose Parry) and their new book, 'Voices Of The Dead' They also tell us what they have been reading and enjoying recently. THE BOOK OFF Mayflies by Andrew O'Hagan VS The Elements Of Style by William Strunk Jr and EB White Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist, radio presenter and author Stig Abell goes head to head with international bestselling author and screenwriter, Jo Spain in a war of the words. They discuss the politics of blurbing books, where they get their inspirations from, hard-boiled crime and when and where they write. They also recommend us some brilliant books, which they have enjoyed recently. THE BOOK OFF 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen VS 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen (Yes! The same book pitched against itself. A BOOK OFF FIRST!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling novelist, Catriona Ward, goes head to head in a war of the words with Suede co-founder, bassist and author, Mat Osman! They discuss their new novels - "Looking Glass Sound" and "The Ghost Theatre" - as well as recommending us some books they have read recently and loved. These include 'Orlando' by Virginia Wolf and 'Wide Sargasso Sea' by Jean Rhys. The authors also talk about being "shelved" in the right place, the horror genre, Stephen King, Elizabethan London and what one reads on a tour bus. THE BOOK OFF 'The Haunting Of Hill House' by Shirley JacksonVS 'You Only Live Twice' by Ian Fleming Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Authors Poorna Bell and Eva Rice go head to head in a War of the Words! They discuss their love of the 90s and why it's such a rich decade to set fiction in. (*warning - Joe and Eva geek out a little on the music of the 90s just fyi!) We also get some brilliant book recommendations AND some very useful writing tips too. THE BOOK OFF 'Kitchen' by Banana Yoshimoto VS 'The Buddha Of Suburbia' by Hanif Kureishi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Publicist extraordinaire and debut novelist Georgina Moore goes head to head with author and journalist Sophia Money-Coutts in a war of the words. They talk to Joe Haddow about siblings, sisterhood, writing women in their thirties and boats! We also delve into literary love, language and landscapes - and the importance of a setting. George and Sophia also give us some brilliant book recommendations too. THE BOOK OFF 'By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept' by Elizabeth SmartVS'The Five' by Hallie Rubenhold Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling authors Jill Mansell and Lucy Diamond join Joe Haddow for a war of the words! They discuss the brilliance of Elly Griffiths (a previous BooK Off guest) and how hard it is to find the time to start a new series of books. They talk about their new novels ('Promise Me' and 'The Best Days Of Our Lives') as well as giving us some writing tips. The authors also talk about why 'feelgood fiction' is in such a good place at the moment, and how we all need a bit of it in our lives! THE BOOK OFF 'Riders' by Jilly Cooper VS 'One Good Turn' by Kate Atkinson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, bestselling crime/thriller authors Elly Griffiths and Jane Harper go head to head in a war of the words. The writers discuss their latest novels, 'The Last Remains' and 'Exiles', and give us some writing tips too. They also recommend us some books they have read recently and talk about what it means to take their research seriously. (hint - wine tasting is key) THE BOOK OFF'Cold Comfort Farm' by Stella Gibbons VS'Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone' by Benjamin Stevenson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of our new series, authors Kirsty Logan and Laura Purcell go head to head in a war of the words... They discuss their new novels - 'Now She Is Witch' and 'The Whispering Muse' - writing processes and they give us some brilliant book recommendations. THE BOOK OFF 'Moominland Midwinter' by Tove Jansson VS 'The Circus Of Wonders' by Elizabeth Macneal Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer/Songwriter and Ocean Colour Scene frontman Simon Fowler goes head to head with music journalist, author longtime friend and collaborator Daniel Rachel, in a war of the words! They talk about collaborating on their new book, their friendship, lost songs, how great the 1990s were and what they have been reading and enjoying recently. The Book Off "Music And Silence" by Rose TremainVS "The Collected Short Stories" by William Trevor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're getting a little Christmassy in this episode, with bestselling authors Lyndsey Kelk and Beth O'Leary. They discuss their latest books, their love for Marian Keyes, writing humour and what they love about Christmas. They also recommendation us some books they have been enjoying recently. THE BOOK OFF"Again, Rachel" by Marian KeyesVS"Her Majesty's Royal Coven" by Juno Dawson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sally Gardner and Jamie Costello (aka Laura Wilson) go head to head in a war of the words! They discuss the importance of colour in our lives and in writing, the ever changing weather, and give us some top reading recommendations too! THE BOOK OFF"The Devil In The Flesh" by Raymond RadiguetVS"The Book Of The Most Precious Substance" by Sara Gran Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Ken Follett goes head to head in a war of the words, with playwright and debut author Greg Mosse. They discuss their new novels, a dystopian future, how they approach writing and give us some brilliant book recommendations too. The Book Off "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher StoweVS "Opening Night" by Ngaio Marsh Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the latest episode of Book Off we welcome short story writer Wendy Erskine and novelist Anthony Mara, who get head to head in a war of the words. They discuss their latest work, Hollywood, the impact of short stories...and they give us some great book recommendations as well. The Book Off:"We Are The Animals" by Justin TorresVS"The Age Of Innocence" by Edith Wharton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author, broadcaster and comedian Graham Norton goes head to head in a war of the words with writer, director and television presenter Dawn O'Porter. They discuss freeze drying cats (yep), writing strong supporting casts, writerly looks and pet grief. They also recommend some books that they have read and enjoyed recently. The Book Off: "Kindred" by Octavia E Butler VS "Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, the brilliant authors Kamila Shamsie and Tahmima Anam go head to head in a war of the words. They discuss their novels "Best Of Friends" and "The Startup Wife" as well as their own friendship, Seinfeld and bum injections! Plus, they recommend some books they have been reading and enjoying recently. ("A Manuel For Cleaning Women" by Lucia Berlin and "How We Read Now" by Elaine Castillo)THE BOOK OFF "The Skin Of A Lion" by Michael OndaatjeVS"Interior Chinatown" by Charles Yu But who will win??? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The amazing authors and children's literature champions, Jason Reynolds and Joseph Coelho, go head to head in a war of the words. They discuss the importance and brilliance of libraries, the role of the Children's Laureate, the beauty of tower blocks and much much more. Both authors recommend us some books they have been reading and enjoying recently - as well as talking about their brilliant new books. THE BOOK OFF "Me, Moth" by Amber McBrideVs "Stories Of Your Life And Others" by Ted ChiangBut who will win!?? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Singer/Songwriter Ricky Ross goes head to head with screenwriter and novelist Emma Forrest in a war of the words. They discuss their new memoirs ("Walking Back Home" and "Busy Being Free"), living in LA, touring, families, good memories and what they have been reading and enjoying recently. In the Book Off, they put "Eve's Hollywood" by Eve Babitz against Blake Morrison's "And When Did You Last See Your Father?" - but which one will win???? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author, actor and comedian Charlie Higson goes head to head with bestselling screenwriter and author, Alex Michaelides, in a war of the words! The guests discuss their new novels, writing for screen, the crime genre, finding ideas and how much of yourself you should put in a book. They also give us some brilliant book recommendations, including a deep dive into some Hollywood biographies. In the Book Off, they pit Ruth Rendell's "A Judgement In Stone" against "From The City, From The Plough" by Alexander Baron, but which one will win? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Screenwriting legend David Koepp (Jurassic Park / Death Becomes Her / Carlitos Way / Panic Room) goes head to head with international bestselling author Karin Slaughter (Pieces Of Her / The Silent Wife / Last Breath / Blindsighted) in a war of the words. They discuss adapting books for the screen, picking apart twists, their new novels and their writing process. They also give us some great book recommendations! In the Book Off, they pit "Booth" by Karen Joy Fowler against Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend" - but which one will win??? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Have you heard the one about the priest, the vicar and the podcast host? Comedian and writer Ardal O'Hanlon goes head to head with popstar vicar and author Rev. Richard Coles in a war of the words. They discuss their new novels, their writing, getting the tone right, the perks of wearing a dog collar and #taskmaster. They also give us some brilliant book recommendations as well...In the Book Off they pit "Whereabouts" by Jhumpa Lahiri against Robin Jenkins' "The Changeling" - but which one will win?? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Two brilliant songwriters, Jarvis Cocker and Baxter Dury, go head to head in a war of the words.They talk about how their books came into being, holding on to things from childhood, their writing processes and recommend us some books they have read and enjoyed recently.In the Book Off, they pit Haruki Murakami's "Hard Boiled Wonderland And The End Of The World" against "A Swim In A Pond In The Rain" by George Saunders, but which one win!? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.