They chat about their debut novels, their inspirations and their complex central characters.

Plus, there's a lot of chat about Smash Hits, music, Bros, One Direction - and - stalking!

THE BOOK OFF

'Olga Dies Dreaming' by Xochitl Gonzalez

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'High Fidelity' by Nick Hornby

Here's a little more info on each of our guest's new novels:

'Esther Is Now Following You' by Tanya Sweeney

You're the love of Esther's life. You just don't know it yet...

Esther first sees Ted walking in a park in London. They lock eyes and for a fraction of a second, she feels something she’s never felt before.

She starts by reading up about his life in Canada and his work as an actor. Then she watches every interview with him online. It isn’t long before she’s joined Ted’s fan site online where her and the ‘Tedettes’ stalk his every move.

When Ted gets a new celebrity girlfriend, Esther decides that things have gone far enough. She leaves her husband, takes all their savings, and buys a one-way ticket to Canada.

After all, Ted might not know it yet, but they are meant to be together – he just needs a little bit of persuading...

'Big Nobody' - by Alex Kadis

For Constance ‘Connie’ Costa, life is just beginning. She dreams of leaving behind her dull, dreary life in ‘70s East London, shaking off her deeply embarrassing Greek-Cypriot community of interfering Aunties and pretend ‘cousins’, and running away with her best mate Vas (fellow misfit; NHS specs; soul of a poet). She is determined to take her rightful place alongside her hero, David Bowie, onstage at Wembley Stadium.

Only one thing stands in her way: her father, The Fat Murderer. No longer content with being an absolute imbecile and general abomination of nature, he has dialled up his campaign to ruin Connie’s life ever since the untimely death of her mother.

If she ever wants to claim the destiny that is rightfully hers, Connie has only one option left: to kill him.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They chat about their new novels ("He's The Devil" and "We Call Them Witches") as well as their love for the horror genre, their inspirations - and why queer horror is in a renaissance right now. Tobi and India also give us some brilliant book recommendations too.

(whilst this episode celebrates the horror genre - you don't have to be a 'horror fan' to enjoy it!)

THE BOOK OFF

'The Perks Of Being A Wallflower' by Stephen Chboskey

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'Last To Leave The Room' by Caitlin Starling

And here's more info on our guests novels:

'He's The Devil' by Tobi Coventry

Simon has always been a good boy. He’s invariably employee of the month at the seasonal small plates restaurant where he works, he neurotically tidies his home, he keeps on top of repairs on behalf of his twenty-something, permanently-abroad landlord and tries to do right by everyone. But when his best and only friend, Josh, moves out of their shared flat, Simon is lonelier than ever – until in moves a new flatmate, the strange (and strangely sexy) Massimo.

But Massimo’s brought something with him. Odd sounds emerge from Massimo’s room, smells of earth and meat drift through the corridor and Simon’s nights fill with disturbing and tantalising dreams. Massimo is awakening something in Simon, something wild and exciting and horrifying that could be the end of him – or maybe a new beginning. But whatever’s in Massimo, whatever’s in the flat, isn’t finished. It wants more.

'We Call Them Witches' by India-Rose Bower

Sara and her family must keep moving. Every few months, they’re discovered, and they have to pack up and get out quick.

For the twins it’s all they’ve ever known, for Danny, Noah and Ma, it’s a reminder of all they’ve lost.

For Sara, it’s just another day. In yet another abandoned house, one they surround with Pagan wards – the only thing that protects them – Sara and her family think they might be safe, for a while at least.

And then they find a strange girl in the garden. Parsley can’t remember where she came from or how she got here. The family sees only a threat, but Sara sees hope.

But outside they are waiting. The eldritch creatures. The ones they call Witches.The ones who already stole everything.

And now, just days after the Parsley arrives, they steal something even more valuable: Noah. It's time to stop running. It's time to leave the safety of the wards, and try to find Noah in the witches' lair. It's just that no-one has ever done that and come out alive...

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Curtis and Erin are best mates - which makes for a very competitive Book Off!

Erin talks about her debut novel 'Like Family' which has themes of desire in middle age, queer domestic love and life, navigating the world as a teenager - and much more.

Curtis discusses her latest short story collection 'Show Don't Tell' which is a witty and tender collection of tales, featuring a cast of characters that feel like old friends.

They also give some writing tips and recommend us some brilliant books too!

THE BOOK OFF

'Colored Television' by Danzy Senna

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'Unless' by Carol Shields

Here's a little more on our guests' books!

'Like Family' by Erin White

What if everything you wanted is no longer enough?

Meeting for an autumnal swim in an idyllic pond, Caroline's friend Ruth tells her about a family secret that has recently been exposed. Caroline was looking forward to a celebration they'd been planning together with her sister-in-law, Tobi, but suddenly everything seems complicated.

Tensions that have long been buried are bubbling to the surface. These three couples, who have so much to enjoy in their lives - growing children, affectionate marriages, work they love - must confront the truths they've never shared. More than that, they will have to reconcile the lives they've built with the ones they desire: the old dreams both fulfilled and denied, and the new ones that appeared right when they thought they had all they'd ever hoped for.

'Show Don't Tell' by Curtis Sittenfeld

In this compulsive collection of twelve witty stories, Sittenfeld shows why she’s as beloved for her short fiction as she is for her novels, as she conjures up characters so real that they seem like old friends.

In ‘The Patron Saints of Middle Age,’ a woman visits two friends she hasn’t seen since her divorce. In ‘A for Alone,’ a married artist embarks on a project intended to disprove the so-called Mike Pence Rule, which suggests that women and men can’t spend time alone together without lusting after each other. And in ‘Lost but Not Forgotten,’ Sittenfeld gives readers of her novel Prep a new window into the world of her beloved character Lee Fiora, decades later, when Lee attends an awkward school reunion.

Witty, confronting and full of tenderness, Sittenfeld peels back layer after layer of our inner lives, keeping us riveted to the page with her utterly distinctive voice.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They chat about their new novels, conmen, queer love, writing women without making them victims - and give us some great book recommendations too.

THE BOOK OFF

'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte

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'How To Be Both' by Ali Smith

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Libby's new novel - 'This Book Made Me Think Of You' - is a heartwarming, uplifting story about grief and love (and a love letter to books, reading and bookshops!)

Ellie's new novel - 'Room 706' - is a tense page-turner about a woman trapped in a hotel room with her lover

Both authors share their inspirations for their new books, give us some good book recommendations - and of course - take part in The Book Off!

THE BOOK OFF

'Conversations On Love' by Natasha Lunn

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'The Wild Robot' by Peter Brown

And here's a little more on our featured authors' books:

This Book Made Me Think Of You - Libby Page

When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her husband waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly, because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. Mainly, because Joe died five months ago…

The gift is simple – twelve carefully chosen books from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.

And so begins a reading-inspired journey that takes Tilly around the world; from bustling sidewalks in New York and the tree-lined avenues of Paris to the tranquil Tuscan countryside and the white sands of Bali. With the help of the bookshop owner, Alfie, Tilly starts to discover who she is now, after Joe.

But can Tilly’s year of books show her how to love again?

Room 706 - Ellie Levenson

Kate stretches her legs and turns on the TV while James washes away the traces of their morning. She watches in horror at the unfolding news: the hotel they are staying in has been taken under siege.

She should be making her way home, working on appearing normal, getting ready to re-enter family life with her loving husband Vic and their two adored children. Instead, she is trapped somewhere she shouldn't be, with a man she definitely doesn't love.

How will she begin to tell Vic what she is doing here? If her body is found, will it give up the secret of what she's been up to? She's been so careful hiding the evidence of her affair: write nothing down, leave no trace. Will he begin to understand why?

For now, Kate can only hide, take a deep breath, and reflect on the series of choices she's made that have brought her to this moment.

What will her marriage and her life look like, if she makes it out?

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They discuss Poirot, Christie, Greene and many other writers they love - and give us some great book recommendations too.

Peter and Sophie also chat about their new novels. Queen Camilla is a huge fan of Peter James' Roy Grace books - so much so that she is the star of the latest novel 'The Hawk Is Dead'. And Sophie's latest 'No One Would Do What The Lamberts Have Done' is based on something that happened in real-life, which led her to ask "what would I do in that situation?" (the answer is in the book)

THE BOOK OFF

'Brighton Rock' by Graham Greene

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'The Rose And The Yew Tree' by Mary Westmacott (aka Agatha Christie)

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Tim and Tom have worked together on and off for over 30 years - and during that time, Tom has captured some of the most iconic images of Tim's band. They chat about their new collaboration 'How High: A Portrait Of The Charlatans' as well as some of their favourite music biographies, artists they've worked with - and the new Charlatans album too.

THE BOOK OFF

'Amusing Ourselves To Death' by Neil Postman

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'Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky' by Patrick Hamilton

Here's a little more info on their gorgeous photography book 'How High'

This is the inside story of The Charlatans, told through the lens of legendary photographer Tom Sheehan and the words of the band's frontman Tim Burgess.

More than 250 of Sheehan's photographs - blending iconic shots with those seen here for the first time - are accompanied by moving and insightful text from Burgess, sharing his memories of a band at the very height of their powers.

Covering a decade of the band's story, the book captures recording sessions, live performances, cover shoots, tours and intimate moments snatched backstage and around the world.

Beautifully presented in a cloth-bound hardback, this book is a stunning visual history of The Charlatans, one of the defining bands of a generation.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They chat about their writing journeys, black voices in literature, coming to writing later in life and why sometimes, you can just use books as a way of getting back at people!

THE BOOK OFF

'Beloved' by Toni Morrison

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'Small Island' by Andrea Levy

Here's a little more about our guests new novels:

'Jamaica Road' by Lisa Smith

South London, 1981: Daphne is the only Black girl in her class. All she wants is to keep her head down, preferably in a book. The easiest way to survive is to go unnoticed. 

Daphne’s attempts at invisibility are upended when a boy named Connie Small arrives from Jamaica. Connie is the opposite of small in every way: lanky, outgoing, and unapologetically himself. Daphne tries to keep her distance, but Connie is magnetic, and they form an intense bond. As they navigate growing up in a volatile, rapidly changing city, their families become close, and their friendship begins to shift into something more complicated. When Connie reveals that he and his mother “nuh land”—meaning they’re in England illegally—Daphne realizes that she is dangerously entangled in Connie’s fragile home life. Soon, long-buried secrets in both families threaten to tear them apart permanently.

Spanning one tumultuous decade, from the industrial docklands of the Thames to the sandy beaches of Calabash Bay, Jamaica Road is a deftly plotted and emotionally expansive debut novel about race and class, the family you’re born with and the family you choose, and the limits of what true love can really conquer.

'The Mercy Step' by Marcia Hutchinson

Bradford, December 1962.

A precocious Mercy makes her reluctant entrance into the world, torn from the warm embrace of her mother’s womb, to a chaotic household that seems to have no place for her. Her siblings do not understand her, her mother’s attention is given to the Church, and the entire family lives at the whims of her father’s quick temper. 

Left to herself, Mercy finds solace in books, her imagination, and the quiet comfort of her faithful toy, Dolly. But escapism has its limits, and as the grip of family, faith and fear threatens to close in, Mercy learns she must act if she wants a different future; one where she is seen, heard, and her family set free. 

The Mercy Step is a sharply-witted and tender portrait of a young girl’s quiet rebellion, and her refusal to be broken. 

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They discuss their brilliant new novels, 'King Sorrow' and 'The Devils', their writing processes and routines, Stephen King, James Cameron, film adaptations, comics - and - give us some brilliant book recommendations too.

THE BOOK OFF

'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry

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'The Night Always Comes' by Willy Vlautin

Heres some more info on our guests brilliant novels!

'King Sorrow' by Joe Hill

Bookish dreamer Arthur Oakes is a student at Rackham College, Maine, renowned for its frosty winters and beautiful buildings.

But his idyll - and burgeoning romance with Gwen Underfoot - is shattered when local drug dealers force him into a terrible crime: stealing rare and valuable books from the exceptional college library.

Trapped and desperate, Arthur turns to his closest friends for help: the wealthy, irrepressible Colin Wren; brave, beautiful Alison Shiner; the battling twins Donna and Donovan McBride; and brainy, bold Gwen. Together they dream up an impossible, fantastical scheme that they scarcely imagine will work: to summon the fabled dragon King Sorrow to kill those tormenting Arthur.

But the six stumble backwards into a deadly bargain - they soon learn they must choose a new sacrifice for King Sorrow each year or one of them will become his next victim. Unleashing consequences they can neither predict nor control, this promise will, over the course of four decades, shape and endanger their lives in ways they could never expect.

'The Devils' by Joe Abercrombie

Europe stares into the abyss.

Plague and famine stalk the land, monsters lurk in every shadow and greedy princes care for nothing but their own ambitions. Only one thing is certain: the elves will come again, and they will eat everyone.

Sometimes, only the darkest paths lead towards the light. Paths on which the righteous will not dare to tread . . .

And so, buried beneath the sacred splendour of the Celestial Palace, is the secret Chapel of the Holy Expediency. For its congregation of convicted monsters there are no sins that have not been committed, no lines that will not be crossed, and no mission that cannot be turned into a disastrous bloodbath.

Now the hapless Brother Diaz must somehow bind the worst of the worst to a higher cause: to put a thief on the throne of Troy, and unite the sundered church against the coming apocalypse.

When you're headed through hell, you need the devils on your side.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We chat fantasy, romantasy, maps, sexy fairies - and also learn a new word 'Chussy' (don't google it!)

Callie and Saara also give us some brilliant book recommendations and some top writing tips! (oh, and di we mention the interpretive dance?)

THE BOOK OFF

'Gideon The Ninth' by Tamsyn Muir

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'I Medusa' by Ayana Gray

And here's a little more on our guests latest books:

'Cursebound' by Saara El-Arifi

Yeeran and Lettle are no longer prisoners to the fae court, but now they’re bound by the shackles of their hearts …

Yeeran was born for war but is unprepared for love. She has left her new lover, the Queen of the fae, to return to her homeland, only to find that her former lover now threatens war against the fae. Left behind, her sister Lettle is determined to break the curse that binds the fae to their realm.

When a stranger appears in the city, Lettle is convinced he’s the key. But the Fates that once spoke to her have fallen silent.

Can Lettle and Yeeran discover the secret behind the curse – and unite these two worlds before they destroy each other?

'Brimstone' by Callie Hart

Saeris Fane doesn't want power. The very last thing she needs is her name whispered on an entire court's lips, but now that she's been crowned queen of the Blood C ourt, she's discovering that a queen's life is not her own. A heavy weight rests upon her shoulders.

Her ward - and her brother - need her back in her homeland . . . but the changes that have strengthened Saeris have also made her weak. Born under blazing suns, Saeris will surely die if she makes her way home through the Quicksilver. Which means that, once again, she must send someone else in her stead . . .

Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate has defeated armies and survived all manner of horrors, but traveling back to Zilvaren with C arrion Swift might just be the death of him. The male just will not shut up. Hidden dangers await them down the narrow alleyways of the Silver C ity. Unfolding secrets pose impossible threats. Fisher must wrangle the smuggler and accomplish his goals quickly if he wants to see his mate again.

A darkness falls across Yvelia. The realm and their friends are in danger. Together, Saeris and Fisher will pass through fire and brimstone to save them.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xenobe Purvis and Gurnaik Johal have both recently published their first novels - and they are both brilliant!

Hear them discuss their inspirations, writing and research techniques. how to choose a good title and why reading slowly is good.

In a Book Off first - Gurnaik pitches a book he hasn't even finished yet! And there are some great recommendations all round.

THE BOOK OFF

'The Portrait Of A Lady' by Henry James

VS

'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry

And here's a little more about our guests' books:

The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis

Many stories are told about the five Mansfield sisters. They are haughty, thinking themselves better than their neighbours in the picturesque village of Little Nettlebed. They have taken the death of their grandmother hard. They are liars, troublemakers, untamed and dangerous... Accounts of their behaviour differ, but the villagers all agree that the girls are odd.

One long summer, a heatwave descends. Bloated sea creatures wash up along the parched riverbed, animals grow frenzied, ravens gather on the roofs of those about to die. As the stifling heat grips the village, so does a strange rumour: the Mansfield sisters have been seen transforming into a pack of dogs.

With the witch trials only a recent memory, hysteria sets in. Slowly but surely, the villagers become convinced that something strange is taking root in Little Nettlebed. And when a bark finally leads to a bite, the sisters will be the ones to pay for it.

Visceral and richly atmospheric, The Hounding plunges its reader into 18th century Oxfordshire, where the power of a man’s word is absolute, and it is safer to be a wild animal than an unconventional young woman.

'Saraswadi' by Gurnaik Johal

Centuries ago, the holy river Saraswati flowed through what is now Punjab. Many dismiss this as myth, but when Satnam arrives in his ancestral village for his grandmother's funeral, he finds water in the dried-up well behind her house. The discovery sets in motion a contentious scheme to unearth the lost river as an act of Hindu nationalist pride.

The river changes the course of Satnam's life, and those of six others. As legends and histories resurface, the distant relatives - from a Canadian eco-saboteur to a Mauritian pest exterminator to a Bollywood stunt double - are brought together in a rapidly changing India. Ambitious, moving and brimming with folklore, Saraswati is a tour de force from one of Britain's most feted young writers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They discuss their brilliant new novels ('The Benefactors' and 'Ordinary Saints') as well as giving us some brilliant book recommendations too.

They also chat about 'queer literature', the Women's Prize, how to cast a book and the joy of free writing.

THE BOOK OFF

'The Price Of Salt' ('Carol') by Patricia Highsmith

VS

'Hunchback' by Saou Ichikawa

Here's a little more about our guests' novels:

Ordinary Saints

An arresting, unmissable debut novel shortlisted for the Women's Prize Discoveries award - an exploration of family, grief, queer identity, and the legacy of the Catholic Church in Ireland.

'Can you imagine it? I'd say to them. Can you imagine me there in the front row in Saint Peter's Square? The lesbian sister of a literal saint.'

Brought up in a devout household in Ireland, Jay is now living in London with her girlfriend, determined to live day to day and not think too much about either the future or the past. But when she learns that her beloved older brother, who died in a terrible accident, may be made into a Catholic saint, she realises she must at last confront her family, her childhood and herself . . .

The Benefactors

In The Benefactors we meet Frankie, Miriam and Bronagh - very different women but all mothers to 18-year-old boys. Glamorous Frankie, now married to a wealthy, older man, grew up in care. Miriam has recently lost her beloved husband Kahlil in ambiguous circumstances. Bronagh, the CEO of a children's services charity, loves the celebrity and prestige this brings her.

They do not know each other yet, but when their sons are accused of sexually assaulting Misty Johnston, whose family lacks the wealth and social-standing of their own, they'll leverage all the power of their position to protect their children.

From the prize-winning author of Dance Move and Sweet Home, this is an astounding novel about intimate histories, class and money - and what being a parent means. Brutal, tender and rigorously intelligent, The Benefactors is a daring, polyphonic presentation of modern-day Northern Ireland. It is also very funny.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They chat with Joe Haddow about their latest novels ('The Final Vow' and 'A Rock And A Hard Place'), their inspirations, meeting artists they admire and acting weird...and Terry Pratchett. There's quite a lot of Terry Pratchett chat! (Chatchett?)

As ever, we have some brilliant book recommendations for you - and of course - there's the little matter of the Book Off.

THE BOOK OFF

'Horror Movie' by Paul Tremblay

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'Nightwatch' by Terry Pratchett

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On this episode we bring together two brilliant minds, authors and Scots - Irvine Welsh and John Niven.

They discuss their latest novels, nostalgia, returning characters...and the joy of writing in the pre-mobile phone era.

They also chat Oasis, crime fiction, the shit that appears on instagram - and give us some great book recommendations too.

*and just to warn you - there's quite a bit of fruity language throughout!

THE BOOK OFF

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...and celebrating our big birthday are Harriet Evans and Laura Barnett, who join Joe for a brilliant bit of Booking Off.

Sadly - there's no cake or party poppers - thanks to the terrible Thameslink service which meant Joe couldn't get to the shops in time, but there's still a lot of great book chat!

Harrie and Laura discuss their brilliant new novels, give us some fab book recommendations - and - there's also a surprise appearance from Harriet Harman.

THE BOOK OFF

'Commonwealth' by Ann Patchett

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'Expectation' by Anna Hope

And here's a little more info on our guests' new books!

The Treasures

Every family has a story to tell. Alice and Tom's begins here . . .

On the eve of her sixteenth birthday, Alice Jansen collects her treasures – the keepsakes, figurines and mementoes that help her make sense of her fragile family. But the next day her heart is broken, and the final treasure, a gift from her father, is lost. Two years later, Alice answers a phone call from a stranger and runs away to New York, and tries to forget her last golden summer at the orchard on the banks of the Hudson.

Tom Raven can’t understand why he keeps losing so many of the things and people that really matter to him, but he knows for certain that something important is missing from his life. One day, he remembers a forgotten letter and makes a phone call, then leaves Sevenstones, the only place that feels like home, for a strange city.

Births, Deaths And Marriages

Zoe, Al, Rachel, Rob, Yas and Indie. Six friends who were inseparable at university, who have all had their secret or not so secret passions for each other, their hopes and fears.

Over the years, they have gone their separate ways. Rob is a history teacher, with a string of broken relationships behind him. Yas is a surgeon and very much her own woman. Indie is married and a successful coffee entrepreneur. Rachel is a stay at home mum with two children. Al, widowed young, is about to take over his father's funeral business.

When Rob's engagement party throws the gang together once more, some passions are reignited, old connections and resentments resurface. Over the next twelve months, there will, among the friends, be a birth, a marriage, and a death – but whose?

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Bestselling author Holly Smale goes head to head with Comedian and writer Cally Beaton in a War Of The Words.

The authors chat to Joe Haddow about their latest books, imposter syndrome, living in the present and what Orca's can teach us about feminism.

They also also share some great book recommendations

THE BOOK OFF

'East Of Eden' by John Steinbeck

VS

'The Beekeeper Of Aleppo' by Christy Lefteri

Here's more on our guest's books:

'Namaste Motherfuckers' by Cally Beaton

Part memoir, part stereotype-defying manifesto, Namaste Motherf*ckers is a funny, empowering, practical book that takes an irreverent look at the author's own story of radical midlife reinvention - taking her from meetings in the boardroom to becoming a stand-up comedian - thanks to a chance conversation with the late, great Joan Rivers encouraging her to make change happen.

Sharing stories and experiences from her career, alongside lessons learned from the many celebrities and experts that have guested on her hit podcast of the same name, Cally challenges at every turn the age-old narrative that women become invisible when they cease to be fertile.

It's also a book about defying the bullsh*t expectation that midlife women at best maintain (looks, career, relationships), at worst decline. With ambitious thinking and personal development takeouts from her time as a coach, Cally debunks many of the myths surrounding the female of the species and gives a fresh, funny and life-affirming look at what it means to be a middle-aged woman who is willing to take a chance, put herself out there and who is also willing to fail.

'I Know How This Ends' by Holly Smale

Margot Wayward is in manically gleeful self-destruct mode. Following the implosion of a ten-year relationship, she’s wilfully derailing her successful career, joyfully taking down men on dating apps, and living in total chaos.

Until one day, when Margot has a vision of herself with a man she’s never met before. She doesn’t believe in fate. But when Margot meets single-dad Henry, the vision comes true: exactly as she’d foreseen it.

As her future continues to reveal itself, a glimpse at a time, Margot realises she knows exactly what’s going to happen, and when. And there’s nothing she can do to change any of it.

So Margot has to decide how to live, how to love again, and how to be herself… Because if you can’t change your destiny, how on earth do you live your present?

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As well as discussing their new novels ('The Seventh Floor' and 'The Poets Game'), they also share some great book recommendations and talk us through their writing processes.

Spy novels are such a great way to learn about world history - and have arguably never been more popular - so we delve a little more into this genre, referencing John Le Carre - and his son, Nick Harkaway, who was a recent Book Off guest. Joe's continued reading battle with Le Carre continues, and whilst confessing this again, Paul tries to his hardest to encourage him to pick up The Spy Who Came In From The Cold.

As well as lots of book chat, Joe and David share a love of Seinfeld, £75 martinis, and there's a bit of a natter about good French wine (but luckily, Joe hasn't been on the booze pre-recording like a previous ep!)

THE BOOK OFF

'All The Colours Of The Dark' by Chris Whitaker

VS

'The Quiet American' by Graham Greene

We hope you're enjoying Series 14!

Please do follow us on instagram, bluesky, and the others: @ohdobookoff

(here's some more gumf on our guests brilliant books)

The Poet's Game by Paul Vidich

Alex Matthews thought he had left it all behind. His CIA career, the viper's den of bureaucracy at headquarters and the lies and stress of the cat and mouse game of double agents. But then the Director came asking for a favour.

Alex is a different man from when he had run Moscow station, where he recruited a network of 'poet spies' including the one he names BYRON. He has pieced his life back together after a tragic boating accident killed his wife and daughter but the scars remain. But Alex remains, in his mind, a patriot, and so he begrudgingly accepts the Director's request. Something, though, is off about the whole operation from the start.

The Russians seem one step ahead and the CIA suspects there is a traitor in the agency. Alex realizes that by getting back into the game he has risked everything he has worked for: his new marriage, his family’s safety, his firm. As the noose tightens around Alex, and the FSB closes in, the operation becomes a hall of mirrors with no exits. To find redemption, Alex must uncover the secrets behind BYRON or lose everything.

The Seventh Floor by David McCloskey

All your life you're CIA. Then you're not.

A Russian arrives in Singapore with a secret to sell. When the Russian is killed and Sam Joseph, the CIA officer dispatched for the meet, goes missing, Artemis Procter is made a scapegoat and run out of the service. Traded back in a spy swap, Sam appears at Procter's central Florida doorstep months later with an explosive secret: there is a Russian mole hidden deep within the upper reaches of CIA.

As Procter and Sam investigate, they arrive at a shortlist of suspects made up of both Procter's closest friends and fiercest enemies. The hunt soon requires Procter to dredge up her own checkered past in service of CIA, placing her and Sam into the sights of a savvy Russian spymaster who will protect Moscow's mole in Langley at all costs, even if it means wreaking bloody havoc across the United States.

Bouncing between the corridors of Langley and the Kremlin, the thrilling new novel by David McCloskey explores the nature of friendship in a faithless business, and what it means to love a place that does not love you back.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Alcott

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'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy' by John Le Carre

Here's a little more on Wendy and Jane's books:

The Teacher Of Auschwitz by Wendy Holden

At 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 Thynne

As 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.

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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 Toibin

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'Altered Carbon' by Richard K Morgan

And 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 Tudor

A 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?

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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 Newman

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'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 Johnson

Welcome 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…

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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 Sutcliff

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'A God In Ruins' by Kate Atkinson

If 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 Collins

A 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?

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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 Gray

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'Demon Copperhead' by Barbara Kingsolver

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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

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"When The Bulbul Stopped Singing" by Raja Shehadeh

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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

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'The Feast' by Margaret Kennedy

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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)

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Helen Garner - "Joe Cinque's Consolation"

(*We recorded this late in 2024 - so there may be a couple of out of date references)

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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

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'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!

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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

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'McNally's Luck' by Lawrence Sanders

QUICK 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!

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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 Knapp

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'Parable Of The Sower' by Octavia E Butler

QUICK 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!

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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 Lively

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''Where Late The Sweet Birds Sang' by Kate Wilhelm

Plus - 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!

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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

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'The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind' by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer

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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 Junger

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"Tokyo Express" by Seicho Matsumoto

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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...

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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'Neill

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"The Accidental Tourist" by Anne Tyler

This 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

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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 Kerangal

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'A Voyage Around The Queen' by Craig Brown

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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

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'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!

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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

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'Shardlake' by C.J. Samson

We hope you enjoy this episode - and the latest series!

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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 Leo

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'Rebecca' by Daphne Du Maurier

We 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’

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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 Ravn

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'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurty

We 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.

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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 Alexander

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'Offshore' by Penelope Fitzgerald

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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

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'The Song Of Achilles' by Madeline Miller

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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 Rundell

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'Cloud Street' by Tim Winton

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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 Egan

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'The Man Who Fell In Love With The Moon' by Tom Spanbauer

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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 Stevenson

VS

'The Life And Opinions Of Tristram Shandy' by Laurence Sterne

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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!)

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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 Jackson

VS

'You Only Live Twice' by Ian Fleming

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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

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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 Smart

VS

'The Five' by Hallie Rubenhold

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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

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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.

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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

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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 Tremain

VS

"The Collected Short Stories" by William Trevor

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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 Keyes

VS

"Her Majesty's Royal Coven" by Juno Dawson

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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 Radiguet

VS

"The Book Of The Most Precious Substance" by Sara Gran

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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 Stowe

VS

"Opening Night" by Ngaio Marsh

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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 Torres

VS

"The Age Of Innocence" by Edith Wharton

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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

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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 Ondaatje

VS

"Interior Chinatown" by Charles Yu

But who will win???

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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 McBride

Vs

"Stories Of Your Life And Others" by Ted Chiang

But who will win!??

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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????

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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?

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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???

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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??

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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!?

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They discuss their latest novels and writing, as well as sharing some fabulous book recommendations.

In the Book Off, they pit Oyinkan Braithwaite's "My Sister The Serial Killer" against "Impossible" by Sarah Lotz, but which one will win...???

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They discuss Memphis, writing in anger, music on the back porch, making readers think, the importance of women's stories, poetry and lyrical prose.

In the Book Off, they pit Octavia Butler's "Kindred" against "Oh, You Thought This Was A Date?" by C Russell Price. But which one will win???

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They discuss their new books, the joy of fantasy novels, writing whilst doing other jobs, the importance of character led fiction and also recommend us some books they have read and enjoyed recently.

In the Book Off, they pitch Daphne du Maurier's classic "Rebecca" against Alice Hoffman's "Green Angel" - but which one will win???

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They discuss their publishing journeys, how they approach rejection, "messy" romcoms, queerness and the joy in "simple writing". They also recommend us some books they have read and loved recently - and give us some tips for getting books back from friends you've loaned them to!

In the Book Off, they pit "The Incarnations" by Susan Barker against John Paul Brammer's "Hola Papi" - but which one will win?

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They talk about mountaineering, foxes, the Marathon des Sables, Edinburgh, long baths and give us some brilliant reading recommendations.

In the Book Off, they pit Andrew Kurkov's "Death And The Penguin" against Lizzie Pook's "Moonlight And The Pearlers Daughter" - but which one will win???

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They discuss their Netflix adaptations, writing for TV, lack of sleep in lockdown, the genius of Marian Keyes and...their new novels.

We also get some great book (and TV) recommendations - and in the Book Off, they pit Hilary Mantel's "Bring Up The Bodies" against "A Tidy Ending" by Joanna Cannon, but which one will win???

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Ruth explains how she came to stare at her face in a mirror for 3 hours and then write a book about it, whilst Cathy talks about the joys of sea swimming and how anyone can write a book if they want to.

They also talk about the joy of libraries, their writing processes and recommend some books they have been reading and enjoying recently.

In the Book Off, they pit Lemn Sissay's "My Name Is Why?" against "Booth" by Karen Joy Fowler...but which will win?

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Damon discusses his Booker winning novel, The Promise, and how he reached a point in his career where he didn't care what anyone else thought.

Nate talks about the relationship between author and translator, and how he navigated writing a fictional memoir.

In the Book Off they pit "Kaputt" by Curzio Malaparte against J.R. Ackerley's "My Dog Tulip" - but which one will win?

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They shower admiration on to each other and their new books, "Again, Rachel" and "One Day I Shall Astonish The World" which they discuss with Joe Haddow.

They also talk about their writing, inspirations, friendship, sex in older age, taking the waters in Bath, writing a sitcom and fabulous funny females.

We get their recent book recommendations, and in the Book Off they pit "Gravity Is The Thing" by Jaclyn Moriarty against "The Fortnight In September" by R.C. Sherriff, but which one will win???

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It's been 9 years since Charlotte published a novel - and on this episode she tells us all about her new book - "The Exhibitionist" - and how she feels now it's finally being published. The novel is an exploration of art, sacrifice, toxic family politics, queer desire and personal freedom.

And Liz tells us about her first novel for adults - "The Gifts" - where her fascination with Victorian history came from, and how a graveyard helped her name lots of her characters. The novel is a gripping and ambitious story, told through five different perspectives, and explores science, nature, religion, enlightenment and the role of women in society.

They also discuss their book buying habits, how cities can be just as inspirational as the countryside and the lure of Orkney - and in particular, Twatt.

In the Book Off, they pit George Mackay Brown's short story collection, "Hawkfall", against Charlotte Bronte's "Villette" - but which one will win???

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They discuss writing themselves into corners, how they scare themselves to write better books and tell us about their brand new novels, "Take My Breath Away" and "Dream Town".

They also talk about their shared loved of the author Ross MacDonald, and the Lew Archer novels.

In the Book Off, they pit Ken Follett's "Never" against "Caste" by Isobel Wilkerson, but which one will win?

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They discuss their books, "A Terrible Kindness" and "The Paper Palace" - as well as their writing journeys and inspirations.

Miranda also discusses her former career at HBO - where she worked on shows such as The Sopranos and The Wire, whilst Jo explains how she came to the idea for her novel and how she approached such a sensitive subject.

They also recommend some of the books they have been reading and enjoying recently - and pitch us a book that they both love in the Book Off.

In this episode, we see J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord Of The Rings" go up against "A Manual For Cleaning Women" by Lucia Berlin...but which one will win???

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It's been 10 years since Monica Ali published her last novel - and in this episode she talks about losing confidence in her writing and how she decided to explore screenwriting. 

After winning the inaugural #Merky Books New Writer's Prize, she published her debut novel "We Are All Birds Of Uganda" to great acclaim. Now on maternity leave, Hafsa discusses motherhood and writing whilst parenting. 

The two authors also both recommend some books they have read and enjoyed recently, including David Diop's International Booker Prize winning novel, "At Night All Blood Is Black" 

In the Book Off, V.S. Naipaul's classic "A House For Mister Biswas" goes up against YA novel "Feed" by MT Anderson, but which one will win!?? 

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In this episode, the two authors discuss their work, their influences, the joy of nature, the power of poetry and how silence can be a healer. They also recommend us some brilliant things to read.

In the Book Off, Miguel de Cervantes epic "Don Quixote" goes up against "Fovea/Ages Ago" by Sarah Lasoye - but which one will win!???

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In this episode, they talk to Joe Haddow about the power of poetry, their writing inspirations, Japanese culture and writing, the Brexit fallout and putting yourself on the page.

They also give us some brilliant book recommendations and do great battle in the Book Off, which sees "The Crab Cannery Ship" by Takiji Kobayashi go up against "Kafka On The Shore" by Haruki Murakami...but which one will win????

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They discuss their new novels and fascination with memory. Robert explains why he can't stand D:Ream and Imran gives us an insight into his character creation. Both authors also tell us what they have been reading and enjoying recently - and recommend some great books.

In the Book Off, they pit Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird" against Giafranco Calligarich's "Last Summer In The City" - but which one will win?

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They discuss their new books, the turmoil of writing in lockdown, escapism, open spaces, horses, being political through commercial fiction and how writers help other writers.

Jodi and Jojo also recommend some books they have been reading and enjoying recently.

In the Book Off, "The Invisible Life Of Addie LaRue" by V.E. Schwab goes up against "National Velvet" by Enid Bagnold, but which one will win?

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Georgia talks about her work on the hit TV shows "Succession" and "Veep" - and how in the UK, she is still the only female writer in the room.

Casey tells us all about her new show "The Shrink Next Door", obsession with the Real Housewives - and how that obsession has turned into a hit podcast.

They also discuss their new memoirs, how to tackle worrying and give us a few book recommendations as well.

In the Book Off, Casey greedily pitches TWO books - "Not All Diamonds And Rose" by Dave Quinn and "Mike Nicholls: A Life" by Mark Harris - which go up against "Welcome To Biscuitland" by Jess Thorn...but which one will win!???

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They talk about their latest books, their relationship with social media, motherhood, the highs and lows of being a teenage girl, writing in lockdown and recommend us some new books.

In the Book Off, John Wyndham's "The Day Of The Triffids" gets pitted against "The Idea Of You" by Robinne Lee - but which one will win???

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These two great writers discuss their work and inspirations, why humans are so fragile, writing in the wilderness, the future of the planet, and give us a few book recommendations along the way too.

In the Book Off, they pitch Marcel Proust's "In Search Of Lost Time" against "Say Nothing" by Patrick Radden Keefe - but which one will win?

Subscribe to Book Off now, from wherever you listen to podcasts, so you never miss a future episode!

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They discuss their writing, new novels, changing the way people are represented in Hollywood (and across the world) and recommend some books.

In the Book Off, Charles Petzold's "Code" goes up against "Lose Your Mother" by Saidiya Hartman - but which one will win????

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As well as discussing their novels "The Ormering Tide" and "Dreamland" - they talk about songwriting, water, the positives of lockdown, zombies, castles, writing and what they have enjoyed reading recently.

In the Book Off, Dodie Smith's "I Capture The Castle" is pitted against "World War Z" by Max Brooks, but which one will win... ?

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As well as rich and in-depth conversation, Olivia and Howard go head to head in a war of the words, pitching Hadrien VII's "Quest For Corvo" against John Healey's "The Grass Arena" - but which one will win?

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They discuss their reading habits, Taskmaster, the joy of memoirs and what they have been reading and enjoying recently. Alex reveals something he probably shouldn't about the new Taskmaster book and Katy talks of the highs and lows which came from writing her new non-fiction book, Delicacy.

In the Book Off, they put Maggie Nelson's "Bluets" against Howard W. Bergersen's "Palindromes and Anagrams" - but which one will win?

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They also discuss horror films, gratuitous killing of women in literature, publishing fatigue and what they have been reading and enjoying recently.

In the Book Off, they pit David Mitchell's "Cloud Atlas" up against "The Light Years" by Elizabeth Jane Howard, but which one will win?

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They discuss their latest books - The Narrow Door and The Pact - with Joe Haddow, as well as talking about how they approach characters and setting.

Sharon and Joanne tell us what they have both been reading and enjoying recently - and, of course, there's the Book Off - where Donna Tart goes up against Ray Bradbury...but who will win??

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They join Joe Haddow to discuss their new novels - "The Diver And The Lover" and "Daughters Of Cornwall" - and to pitch us a book they love and think we should all read.

Fern champions Margaret Mitchell's "Gone With The Wind" in the Book Off, whilst Jeremy pitches "The Last Enemy" by Richard Hilary...but which one will win??

They also discuss how much reality should be put into fiction and give us some brilliant book recommendations.

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They talk about their new novels, dinosaurs, Werner Herzog, what they have enjoyed reading lately and how it never gets easier to write a novel.

Jason's novel - "Hell Of A Book" - is an incredibly funny and honest novel which goes to the heart of racism and police violence in America.

And Christine's novel - "The Life Of The Mind" - is a witty, intelligent novel about a woman on the edge.

For the Book Off, they pit the graphic novel "Monsters" by Barry Windsor-Smith up against "The Copenhagen Trilogy" by Tove Ditlevsen - but which one will win!?

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They talk about letting ideas for books go when they're not strong enough, working through the pandemic, priceless art and how nice it is to not be consumed by Donald Trump news any more...

In the Book Off they pit JP Donleavy’s ‘The Beastly Beatitudes of Balthazar B’ against Ira Levin's 'A Kiss Before Dying' - but which one will win?

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They discuss their new books, the thrill of being published for the first time, writing for your younger self and Chinese food!

In the Book Off they put Dermot Healy's "A Goat's Song" against "The Snow And The Works On The Northern Line" by Ruth Thomas, but which one will win!?

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They discuss their writing, the importance of wildlife, going on cruises, fables and humour.

In the Book Off they put James Rebanks "English Pastoral: An Inheritance" against "The Year Of Lear" by James Shapiro. But which one will win???

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They discuss the complex father/song relationship, the joy of independent publishers, their homes of Berlin and Cornwall, and how football is just like jazz.

In the Book Off they put James Salter's "Light Years" against "The Bone Readers" by Jacob Ross, but which one will win?

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They talk about poetry in a pandemic, the joy of children's books, being creative with friends and the solitude of writing.

In the Book Off they pit Cathy Park Hong's "Minor Feelings: An The Asian Condition" against "The Book Of Hopes" edited by Katherine Rundell, but which one will win???

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They talk to host Joe Haddow about the intoxication of Los Angeles, how to get inspiration from busses and why more people should read Shirley Jackson.

In the Book Off, they put Jackson's "The Haunting Of Hill House" up against "Random Family" by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc, but which one will win??

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They discuss their new books, The Coven and Outlawed, as well as writing visually, adapting for the screen and how to reclaim genres for female characters.

In the Book Off they pit "The End Of The World Running Club" by Adrian J Walker against Hernan Diaz's "In The Distance" but who will win!?

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They talk to host Joe Haddow about their latest novels, weaving humour into crime stories, how long walks can help percolate ideas and the how lying on a sofa reading is classed as work (for an author)

In the Book Off, they pit Derek Mahon "Selected Poems" against "Swing Hammer Swing" by Jeff Torrington. Two very different books, but which one will win???

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In the Book Off, they put Claire Chambers' "Small Pleasures" up against "Motherhood" by Shelia Heti, but which one will win????

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They talk to Joe Haddow about their writing, hitting the wall, the highs and lows of adapting work for the screen and some of the books and authors they have read and enjoyed recently.

In the Book Off, they pit Colson Whitehead's "The Underground Railroad" against Kristin Hersh's memoir, "Paradoxical Und - but who will win!??

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In the Book Off, they pit Jennifer Clement's "Widow Basquiat" against "Signs Proceeding The End Of The World" by Yuri Herrera, but who will win!?

To find out more about this book podcast, and to take part in our book giveaways, you can follow us on @ohdobookoff.

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They also discuss their new books, "Insatiable" and "Adults" and their writing influences.

The Book Off sees Jilly Cooper (Rivals) pitted against Glen Duncan (The Last Werewolf) but which book will win???

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They also talk about their writing journeys and what it's like to be published in a pandemic.

The Book Off sees Sarah Water's "The Beautiful Indifference" put up against Kiley Reid's "Such A Fun Age", but who will win the war of the words??

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The Book Off sees Sarah Water's "Little Stranger" go up against "Spares" by Michael Marshall Smith.

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In the Book Off they put SA Cosby's novel "Blacktop Wasteland" against "Exit" by Belinda Bauer, but which one will win????

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In the Book Off, Hanya Yanagihara's "A Little Life" goes up against Herman Melville's "Moby Dick" - but which will you choose???

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For the Book Off, they put "The Shipping News" by Annie Proulx agains Tolstoy's "War and Peace" - but which one will win??

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In the Book Off, Henri Charriere's "Papillon" is put up against "All My Puny Sorrows" by Mirian Toewes, but which book will win?

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The two authors discuss their latest books, what they've been reading lately and how they've got through lockdown. They also discuss the pros and cons of virtual literary festivals.

Ian and Steve go head to head in the Book Off - putting Muriel Spark's "The Driver's Seat" up against Stephen King's "Misery" - but which book will win!??

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Book Off sees Max Porter’s “Grief Is The Thing With Feathers” go up against "How To Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manuel of Step-by-Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot" by John Muir . 

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In the book off, they pit Quentin Crisp (The Naked Civil Servant) against Zora Neale Hurston (Their Eyes Were Watching God) - but who will win!?

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Both authors discuss how they create sense of place in their books, tell us what they've been reading lately and pit Dorothy Wordsworth's "The Grasmere Journals" up against Irmgard Kuen's "Child Of All Nations". But which one will win?

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As well as discussing Moonflower Murders and The Thursday Murder Club, Richard and Anthony go head to head in the Book Off, pitching Michael Frayn against Homer. But who will win???

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They discuss their latest novels what it takes to be a writer, how they're coping in lockdown and their brief acting careers.

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Recorded in 2019 - but published during the 2020 lockdown, the two authors discuss their latest books, their love for Robin Hobb and the fact that not everyone wants to be shocked in books.

Host Joe Haddow referees the Book Off which sees George RR Martin go up against Georges Perec in a war of the words.

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The two writers discuss online dating and what it means for human interaction in 2020, as well as their writing processes and latest novels, "Pretending" and The New Girl". They talk about the need for humour around trauma and the pressures on authors in lockdown.

Plus, they each pitch a book they love and think we should all read in the Book Off! This episode sees Anne Bronte's "The Tenant Of Wildfell Hall" get put up against "Three Women" by Lisa Taddeo. But which one will you want to read?

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They discuss their writing journeys, the diversity of publishing in 2020 and why it might be a good idea to read slower books in lockdown.

In the Book Off, Banana Yoshimoto's "Asleep" goes up against Brit Bennet's "The Vanishing Half"

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They put "Old Filth" by Jane Gardam up against "The Street" by Ann Petry, but which one would you take home??

The authors also talk to Joe Haddow about their love of Shakespeare, the lengths they go to to research their novels and what new projects are on the horizon.

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They go head to head in the Book Off, putting Tom Wolfe's " Am Charlotte Simmons" up against Brett Easton Ellis' "American Psycho" - but who will win!?

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The writers also go head to head in the Book Off, putting KM Peyton up against Shirley Jackson. Who would you choose?

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They discuss their writing and books with host Joe Haddow, as well as putting the novels "Perfume" and "Wonder" up against each other. But who will win...

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They go head to head in the Book Off, pitting "Valentine" by Elizabeth Wetmore against Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns" and talk to Joe Haddow about the reasons behind their stories and what made them want to write them.

*recorded at the end of 2019

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They talk to host Joe Haddow about the great Harper Lee, the importance of short stories and if it's ever possible to win the caption competition in The New Yorker magazine.

And in the Book Off, Alvaro Enrigue's "Sudden Death" is put up against Marilynne Robinson's debut novel, "Housekeeping"

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Sue Townsend's "The Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13/3" is put against "Angus Thongs And Full-Frontal Snogging" by Louise Rennison in the Book Off, but who will win?

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The Suede front man talks about his new memoir and how the music press of the 1990s effected him, as well as reflecting on how writing has helped knowing himself better.

And the official poet of the 2012 Olympics discusses his new memoir, telling the story of growing up in foster care and not finding out his real name until he was 17.

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They talk about their writing techniques, their latest books "Lies Lies Lies" and "The Hunting Party" and put Zoe Heller's "Notes On A Scandal" up against "The Lady Vanishes" by Ethel Lina White!

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In the first Book Off of Series 4, we see Jeanette Winterson's "Frankisstein" be put up against Leanora Carrington's "The Hearing Trumpet" - but who will take the crown?

They also discuss judging the BBC National Short Story Award, with Cambridge University, and the brilliant new writing talent that is coming through.

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Why they love and hate writing in equal measure, the longevity of projects, the craziness of the 90s and how their music has changed with age.

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They also go head to head in the Book Off, putting Malroie Blackman's "Noughts And Crosses" against "Lemony Snicket" by Daniel Handler.

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They discuss their love of short stories, espionage and how life events are the best way to get ideas.

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Damian and Taylor discuss their latest novels (You Will Be Safe Here and Daisy Jones & The Six) as well as how they write, the music scene in LA through the 1970s and what writers can learn from readers by just hanging around in book shops.

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They also discuss how comedy has changed for women, the differences of writing prose versus stand-up and the Comedy Women In Print Prize.

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In this episode, "Ratking" by Michael Dibdin is pit against "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien and the two authors discuss comics, adapting famous characters and how writing books is just an excuse to go on holiday to exotic places.

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They discuss motherhood, growing up in Suburbia and whether re-reading books you love is a good idea.

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They discuss the state of journalism in the world today, witches, sex addicts and how writing should be shocking and not safe. And put "The Unbearable Lightness Of Being" by Milan Kundera up against Philip Pullman's "The Ruby In The Smoke"

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They talk to Joe Haddow about festive films, a love of comics, new projects and finding the time to read.

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Emily Bronte's classic "Wuthering Heights" goes up against "Half Broken Things" by Morag Joss, but who will be crowned the winner?

The writers talk to Joe Haddow about Agatha Christie, their routines, what constitutes an archive and the joy of typewriters.

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In this episode of Book Off, Richard Powers' "The Overstory" is put up against "A Prayer For Owen Meany" by John Irving, but who will win?

The authors also chat to Joe Haddow about how books come to them, the importance of place and how writing gets harder as you get older.

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Edith Wharton's "The Age Of Innocence" is put up against "We That Are Young" by Preti Taneja, but which one will win?

The writers also chat about ghosts, witches, reading bad reviews and their love of short stories.

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In this episode, Audrey Niffenegger's "The Time Travellers Wife" goes up against "The Last Mughal" by William Dalrymple.

They also discuss the bending of time, whether different versions of ourselves are living on another Earth, their favourite rap and hip-hop music and the popularity of poetry in the UK. 

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David Sedaris' "Holidays On Ice" goes up against "Dolce Vita Confidential" by Shawn Levy, but who will win?

They also discuss the joys of milkmen, Italian cinema and how punk it is to not have a mobile phone.

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This episode sees John Donne take on William Shakespeare, but who will win???

Hosted by Joe Haddow, the two historians discuss secret spies in the Second World War, the unravelling of English history, how politics of the 1930s are mirroring our society today, and lots of poetry.

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In possibly the most diverse war of the words this series, Carl Sagan's "Cosmos" is put up against the Alcoholics Anonymous "Big Book" by Bill W.

As well as discussing their own books, Matt and Bryony talk about their mental health, facing demons, how running really helps them and the Police Academy films!

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Barbara Vine's "No Night Is Too Long" goes up against "Hanover Square" by Patrick Hamilton - but which will have the glory?

As well as a fierce competition, the authors talk about taking time off social media and how some subjects are just too horrific to write about.

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Daphne Du Maurier's "Rebecca" goes up against 'Ghosts Of The Tsunami" by Richard Lloyd Parry in this episode, but which will win?

The authors also discuss the portrayal of women in fiction, how hard it is to hit deadlines and the best places to write.

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Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" goes up against "The Name Of The Rose" by Umberto Eco in this episode, but which one will Joe take home?

They also discuss the importance of literary prizes, their latest novels, how to plan your writing routine and jet-lag.

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They talk Steely Dan, Elvis Costello and The Beatles and why music genre trends only occur every forty years.

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John Steinbeck is pitted against Beryl Bainbridge in this episode - but who do you think should win?

Imogen discusses the pressures of writing after a huge bidding war and financial deal and Donal explains how he has only really been a full-time author for 3 months of his life. All this plus no carb diets and how docks can be romantic.

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"True Grit" by Charles Portis goes up against "Sal" by Mick Kitson...but which one will Joe take home?

They also discuss what it means to be described as "humorous authors", writing on a hangover, hoarding and the art of writing young narrators.

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Kazuo Ishiguro's classic "The Remains Of The Day" is put up against "The Conspiracy Against The Human Race; A Contrivance Of Horror" by Thomas Ligotti.

As well as going head to head in a literary fight for glory, they discuss growing up around books, previous careers...and the golden age of cinema.

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"Heartburn" by Nora Ephron goes up against "Rabbit Is Rich" by John Updike in the war of the words...but which should win?

As well as talking about their latest books, John and Viv also discuss school reunions and great Russian novels! Naturally.

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As well as a heated book fight, Lionel and Tracy talk "covering" Shakespeare, cycling and how jazz drummers can sometimes ruin dinner.

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LP Hartley's "The Go Between" goes up against "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood - but which will win!? And they also discuss the pressure of a second novel after the success of a debut.

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