Book Off!

Wendy Holden and Jane Thynne Jun 26, 2025

Wendy Holden and Jane Thynne are both former journalists turned authors. In fact, they both worked in newsrooms together back in the 1980s.

In this episode, they bring their journalistic competitiveness to the Book Off, but who will triumph?

They also discuss their new novels, their fascination with WW2, why we need to keep telling historic stories and how fun research can be. They also give us some brilliant reading recommendations too!

THE BOOK OFF

'Little Women' by Louisa May 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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Linwood Barclay and CJ Tudor Jun 19, 2025

Bestselling authors Linwood Barclay and CJ Tudor join Joe Haddow for a chat about their latest books.

They discuss genre bending, horror tropes, Stephen King, rocking horses, muffins and building tension. Quite the eclectic mix!

They also give us some brilliant book recommendations too.

THE BOOK OFF

'Long Island' by Colm 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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Milly Johnson and Samuel Burr Jun 10, 2025

This week, Joe welcomes Milly Johnson and Samuel Burr to the studio to chat about their new novels.

They talk about their writing habits, author mates, female friendships and the menopause amongst man other things.

They also give us some great book recommendations too!

THE BOOK OFF

'We All Want Impossible Things' by Catherine 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 Jun 03, 2025

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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Roisin O'Donnell and Chris McQueer Mar 20, 2025

Debut novelists, Roisin O'Donnell and Chris McQueer, go head to head in a war of the words.

They discuss their latest books ("Nesting" and "Hermit"), their writing inspirations, the power of short stories and the rise of toxic masculinity.

Whilst Andrew Tate doesn't in any way dominate this conversation (nor should he dominate any conversation), the authors discuss how young boys and men are being radicalised through dangerous people on social media and what, if anything, can be done about it.

Both books also look at the theme of coercive control, which again is something else that is on the rise.

They also recommend us some brilliant books - and have a bit of a love-off about Wendy Erskine.

THE BOOK OFF

'Threats' by Amelia Gray

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'Demon Copperhead' by Barbara Kingsolver

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Ben Okri and Colum McCann Mar 13, 2025

Sir Ben Okri and Colum McCann join Joe Haddow for a war of the words...

This is Ben's second appearance on Book Off! (The first author to ever appear on the pod twice)

Let's see if he's learnt anything from the last time!

He chats about his woozy new novella - "Madame Sosostris And The Festival For The Broken-Hearted' - and the poem that inspired it. We also learn he has read 'War & Peace' FOUR times! And so we get a full Ben Okri style review...

Colum's new novel - 'Twist' - is a darkly epic tale of connection, disconnection and destruction. He chats about his research on ships in South Africa and his fascination with what's under the sea - deep down.

The writers also discuss the importance of artists and books in this turbulent time, and recommend us some brilliant novels too.

THE BOOK OFF

"Le Grand Meaulnes" by Alain Fournier

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"When The Bulbul Stopped Singing" by Raja Shehadeh

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Nicci French Feb 27, 2025

Bestselling thriller writer(s) Nicci French go head to head in a war of the words, expertly refereed by Joe Haddow.

Nicci French is the pen name for husband and wife writing team, Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, and this is our first official Book Off couple!

Sean and Nicci discuss their latest novel, The Last Days Of Kira Mullan, and dig into some of the themes which inspired this story.

Here's the blurb:

Nancy North and her boyfriend Felix are making the move across London to Harlesden. A new flat, a new area, a new start. Because while Nancy is fine now, she wasn’t fine before. But settling into the new flat and meeting the new neighbours isn’t helped by Felix’s hovering concern. She is all right. She is sticking to her breathing exercises and doctor-prescribed help.

So, when their new neighbour Kira Mullan is found dead by suicide, Felix is understandably worried about Nancy’s frame of mind. But Nancy saw Kira the day before she died and she didn’t strike her as someone who was suicidal – she was upset and angry, yes, but was she upset and angry enough to take her own life? Nancy is the only one convinced that there’s more to Kira’s death than has been discovered. But all the police and the neighbours see is a vulnerable woman who isn’t sure of what she saw, and might even be imagining things . . .

Nicci and Sean also give us some brilliant book recommendations - SO MANY recommendations - which include the audiobook of Samuel Pepys' diaries.

As former journalists, they're both pretty competitive, but we don't think the Book Off will be the end of the marriage... (?)

THE BOOK OFF

'Presumed Innocent' by Scott Turow

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'The Feast' by Margaret Kennedy

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Emma Healey and Fiona Scarlett Feb 19, 2025

On the first episode of Series 14, we welcome bestselling authors Emma Healey and Fiona Scarlett to the studio.

They chat about their new novels, give us some great book recommendations - and go head to head in a war of the words! (aka The Book Off)

Emma Healey's new novel - Sweat - is a maze-like game of revenge. It blends wellness culture with a slow-burn feminist thriller - and is eery and unsettling and brilliant.

We look at what it means to hold the power in a relationship, what happens when power shifts - and - we talk about the gaze. The male gaze. Female gaze. And how looks can be both innocent and evil.

Fiona Scarlett's latest novel - May All Your Skies Be Blue - is beautiful and devastating and raw, and has an unforgettable cast of characters.

We have a bit of a nostalgia trip, remembering gigs in the 90s, life without mobile phones and how fun it was to use the local phonebox! And we talk about the power of friendships, on the page and in life in general.

Both guests are huge readers, and like to read very widely.

Fiona likes to read a poem or play before she goes to bed - and recommended these:

Marina Carr - "Audrey Or Sorrow"

Bernard O'Donoghue - "The Day I Outlived My Father"

Emily Bronte - "Wuthering Heights" (re-read)

Emma has been enjoying some non-fiction recently, and recommended:

A. J. A Symons - "The Quest For Corvo"

Stephen Scheding - "A Small Unsigned Painting"

And has also been devouring this novel:

John Lanchester - "The Debt To Pleasure"

THE BOOK OFF

Martin Waddell - "Can't You Sleep Little Bear" (illustrated by Barbara Firth)

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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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James Kaplan and Paul Alexander Dec 05, 2024

Two great music writers - James Kaplan and Paul Alexander - join Joe for a War of the Words.

Joe gets excited and takes a deep dive into both of their brilliant books, which are both about America in the 40s and 50s, both about the jazz music scene, but follow very different subjects.

'Three Shades Of Blue' by James Kaplan is biography of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Bill Evans - and how those three extraordinary musicians made one of the greatest jazz albums of all time: Kind Of Blue.

'Bitter Crop' by Paul Alexander is a biography of the great Billie Holiday, but told through the last year of her life - 1959 - which coincidently is when Kind Of Blue came out.

Both books are brimming with great stories and accounts from the time - they are meticulously researched - snd Joe asks both authors how immersed they get in their subjects when writing. They also give us some brilliant book recommendations as well!

THE BOOK OFF

'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote

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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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Ragnar Jonasson and Simon Kernick Nov 28, 2024

Two top crime and thriller writers, Ragnar Jonasson and Simon Kernick, go head to head in a war of the words!

They share their love of Agatha Christie, why scary crime fiction doesn't have to be gory and tell us about their latest novels. ("Death At The Sanitorium" and "You All Die Tonight")

We also get some cracking book recommendations from them too.

THE BOOK OFF!

'The Murder On The Links' by Agatha Christie

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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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Salena Godden and Hollie McNish Nov 20, 2024

We're so excited to bring you this episode of Book Off, featuring two of our favourite poets and humans - Salena Godden and Hollie McNish.

We've been wanting to bring these two together for a long time, and now it's finally happened!

They talk about their latest poetry collections ('With Love Grief and Fury' and 'Lobster'), the freedom of performance, why they love the form so much and why you can't start with a poem about blow jobs. They also give us some brilliant book recommendations too!

Hollie McNish's collection 'Lobster' is written out of both hate and love for the world. As people, we are capable of both love and hate; amazement and disgust; fun and misery. So why do we live in a world that is constantly telling us to hate, both ourselves and others? We are told constantly to be repulsed by our own bodies, bodies that let us laugh and sweat and eat toast, amongst other activities; to be ashamed of pleasure; to be embarrassed by fun. In this brand-new collection, Hollie McNish brings her inimitable style to the question of what have been taught to hate, and if we might learn to love again.

Salena Godden's collection 'With Love Grief And Fury' contains love poems, for people and the planet. Grief poems brimming with compassion, mourning what was and contemplating what could be. And poems of fire and fury that will kick some ass, tell the truth and inspire change and hope. Like a big sister’s arm around your shoulder, With Love, Grief and Fury is important and nourishing for the soul.

THE BOOK OFF

'Everything Is Going To Be Alright' (selected poems) - edited by Cecilia 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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M.L. Rio and Kate Weinberg Nov 13, 2024

M.L. Rio and Kate Weinberg arrive as friends, but will they still be so chummy with each other after the Book Off?

They chat to Joe Haddow about their latest books, Trump, the importance of publishing at a time when books are being banned and why Scooby Doo is a great influence.

They also give us some briiiilliant book recommendations too - so apologies to your TBR pile in advance.

Here's more on our authors and their books...and what they picked for the Book Off! (we hope you enjoy the episode)

M.L Rio's new novella is called Graveyard Shift. Every night, in the college's ancient cemetery, five people cross paths as they work the late shift: a bartender, a rideshare driver, a hotel receptionist, the steward of the derelict church that looms over them, and the editor-in-chief of the college paper, always in search of a story. One dark October evening in the defunct churchyard, they find a hole that wasn't there before. A fresh, open grave where no grave should be. But who dug it, and for whom?

Kate Weinberg's latest novel is called There's Nothing Wrong With Her. Vita Woods is on the brink. She has a good job and a successful doctor boyfriend, Max, with whom the sex is great and the chat sufficient; a vivacious and charming sister Gracie, and she’s even got a goldfish called Whitney Houston, who brightens her days by showing her she's not the only one going round in circles. Because it’s the days that are Vita’s problem. Vita is not leaving the house. In fact, Vita rarely exits the basement apartment where she lives, since Vita is in “The Pit” – a place of deep exhaustion and semi-consciousness. One day an unexpected courier delivery forces Vita upstairs, into the light – and into a chance encounter with her neighbours. Suddenly, Vita finds herself faced with an even trickier dilemma. She likes her new friends; she’ll even sneak upstairs to see them while Max is out, against all medical advice but something about her “condition” is nagging at the borders of her mind. After all, what is a house-bound girl to do when she can’t keep the light, her new friendships, or – worst of all – her memories out? The problem might be Vita herself but as far as anyone can prove... there’s nothing wrong with her.

THE BOOK OFF

'Moon Tiger' by Penelope 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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Rachel Abbott and Hannah Lynn Nov 01, 2024

Authors Rachel Abbott and Hannah Lynn go head to head in a war of the words.

They talk to Joe Haddow about their self-publishing journeys, the pros and cons and how things have changed on that side of the industry over the last 10 years.

They also discuss their new novels, how the weather can influence a chapter and why sometimes you just have to go away in the name of research!

THE BOOK OFF

'Good Girl, Bad Girl' by Michael Robathan

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

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Attica Locke and Nick Harkaway Oct 23, 2024

Bestselling crime author, Attica Locke, goes head to head with John Le Carre's son - Nick Harkaway - in a war of the words.

Nick has written a new George Smiley novel, continuing his father's legacy, called Karla's Choice. He chats to Joe Haddow about the pressure he felt to get the character right and how he got himself in the right frame of mind to write the novel.

Attica discusses 'Guide Me Home' - the third novel in her trilogy of books dubbed The Highway 59 series, featuring the Texas Ranger Darren Matthews.

As well chatting about their writing and new books, they also give us some brilliant book recommendations!

THE BOOK OFF

"In My Time Of Dying" by Sebastian Junger

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"Tokyo Express" by Seicho Matsumoto

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Rumaan Alam and Tessa Hadley Oct 17, 2024

Two brilliant authors and humans, Rumaan Alam and Tessa Hadley, go head to head in a war of the words.

They talk about the joy of writing about clothes, how money can drive you mad and how some cities are easier to fictionalise than others.

As well as discussing their new novels, their writing styles and processes and the difference between writing short stories, novels and novellas, they also give us some great book recommendations.

Entitlement by Rumaan Alam is a novel about an ambitious young Black woman, plotting her way into the world of the one percent, and an old white billionaire, facing his own extinction. He's attracted to her intelligence, her refusal to be deferential, maybe also her Blackness, whilst she's drawn to his power and money – and his apparent willingness to share both with her. But how far is each prepared to go to get what they think they deserve?

The Party by Tessa Hadley is a novella set in post-war Bristol. Sisters Moira and Evelyn are on the cusp of adulthood who meet two men at a dockside party. Paul and Sinden's air of worldliness and sophistication both intrigues and repels them. Sinden calls a few days later to invite them over to the grand suburban mansion Paul shares with his brother and sister. As the night unfolds in this unfamiliar, glamorous new setting, the sisters learn things about themselves and each other that shock them, and release them into a new phase of their lives.

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Off! If you did, please do leave us a review...

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Liane Moriarty and Bea Fitzgerald Oct 02, 2024

Global bestselling author Liane Moriarty goes head to head with author and content creator Bea Fitzgerald.

They discuss their new novels, their writing practices and seasonal reading!

Bea shares her love of reality TV, which has inspired her new novel, and Liane tells us about her characterisation and plot structures.

They both get pretty nervous about the Book Off, and decide to have an arm wrestle to settle it! See our instagram account for that...

THE BOOK OFF

"Idol" by Louise O'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 Hollinghurst and Rachel Kushner Sep 25, 2024

Booker Prize winner, Alan Hollinghurst, and Booker Prize shortlistee, Rachel Kushner, join Joe Haddow for a Book Off!

Alan talks about his new novel 'Our Evenings' and the writing processes to create the tempo he wanted. The book follows the life of the actor Dave Win, from 1962 to 2020.

Rachel discusses her new novel 'Creation Lake' (her second novel to be shortlisted for the Booker) and the authors that have influenced this book and it's noir-ish elements.

THE BOOK OFF

'Painting Time' by Maylis de Kerangal

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'A Voyage Around The Queen' by Craig Brown

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Elif Shafak and Evie Wyld Sep 10, 2024

On this episode of Book Off, Joe welcomes Elif Shafak and Evie Wyld to the studio.

These two fabulous writers talk about their latest novels ("There Are Rivers In The Sky" and "The Echoes") as well as giving us some brilliant reading recommendations.

Evie lived in a haunted house, so we explore that and her fascination with ghosts - which are a central theme in her new book. She also discusses the importance of humour to lighten situations, whether that be in life or between the pages of a book.

Elif and Joe share their love of water. She talks about the power of water and how a single drop is the thread that runs through her new novel - and indeed through centuries and centuries.

They also chat about the importance of aural storytelling, of keeping traditions alive and ensuring that people's stories are heard all over the world.

THE BOOK OFF

'Poetry Unbound' by Padraig O'Tuama

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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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Nicki Chapman and Simon Raymonde Sep 04, 2024

TV and Radio presenter, and former record company executive, Nicki Chapman goes head to head in a war of the words with producer, musician and label owner, Simon Raymonde.

On this episode of Book Off we delve into two music memoirs, covering two very sides of the music industry and history, but that both have a lot in common.

Simon was one third of the band Cocteau Twins between 1983 and 1997, and owns and runs the Bella Union label. As well as having his own successful music career as a musician and a producer, he has signed and worked with artists such as Fleet Foxes, Dirty Three, Midlake, Mercury Rev, John Grant, BC Camplight, Laura Viers and Flaming Lips.

In this very honest and open conversation, he talks about the tumour on his brain which has effected his hearing, the influence of his father (Ivor Raymonde) on his career without knowing it, the break up of Cocteau Twins and how his label is still going strong more than 25 years later.

Nicki worked at MCA and RCA records in the 90s in the promotions department, before going out on her own. Over her career, she has worked with many artists including Phil Collins, David Bowie, Kylie, M People, Annie Lennonx, Prince, Take That, Amy Winehouse, Billie Piper, Spice Girls and Liza Minelli.

Nicki's book is swimming in 90s nostalgia (music, fashion, tabloids). She too shares her own personal account of having a brain tumour, which inspired her to want to write the book, as well as lots of stories from her time in the music industry.

They also give us some brilliant book recommendations!

The Book Off

'Sculpting In Time' by Andrei Tarkovsky

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'Shardlake' by C.J. Samson

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

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Susie Dent and Louise Minchin (flawed characters and tricky scenes) Aug 27, 2024

Susie Dent and Louise Minchin join Joe Haddow this week for a war of the words.

Both guests have had incredible careers in TV (Susie recently celebrated 30 years of being on Countdown and Louise spent 20 years on BBC Breakfast's red sofa) and both have written non-fiction before, but have now turned their hand to novels.

Susie say's her book, Guilty By Definition, is more of a linguistic mystery than a murder mystery, whilst Louise's book, Isolation Island, is a page-turning thriller.

They discuss their love of Agatha Christie, why they both gravitated towards the crime genre and how hard they found the shift from writing non-fiction to fiction.

As well as giving us some brilliant book recommendations, they also discuss their love of...cemeteries. YEP!

THE BOOK OFF

'Red Love' by Maxim 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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Mark Haddon and Clare Chambers (brain fog, short books and the importance of luck) Aug 21, 2024

Book Off is back! And for the first episode of Series 13, we welcome bestselling authors Mark Haddon and Clare Chambers to the pod.

They chat to Joe Haddow about their new books and what they have been reading and enjoying recently.

'Dogs and Monsters' is Mark's latest collection of short stories, where he weaves together Ancient Greek fables with more dystopian narratives. In each of the eight stories, Mark explores what it means to be human.

Clare's new novel is 'Shy Creatures' - set in South London in 1964, it follows an art therapist in a psychiatric hospital who decides to unravel the story of an immensely talented mute patient.

We get some fabulous book recommendations from each of author, as well as an insight into the ups and downs of publishing and how a little luck can go a long long way!

Mark talks openly about his long Covid and how it has given him brain fog, which not only effects his writing but also his reading. He is now a big gan of short books and short chapters.

THIS WEEK' BOOK OFF

'The Employees: A Workplace Novel Of The 22nd Century' by Olga Ravn

VS

'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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Sophie Elmhirst and Susan Smillie Jun 05, 2024

Journalists and authors Sophie Elmhirst and Susan Smillie go head to head in a war of the words.

In this nautical themed episode, they discuss their new books (Maurice & Marylin and The Half Bird), the joy (and dangers) of the sea, sailing and leaving work behind and exploring the world. They also share with us some brilliant book recommendations.

Warning - this episode might make you want to quit your job!

THE BOOK OFF

'The Bounty' by Caroline Alexander

VS

'Offshore' by Penelope Fitzgerald

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Freya North and Matt Cain May 30, 2024

Bestselling authors Freya North and Matt Cain go head to head in a War of the Words!

They chat to Joe Haddow about their new novels ('The Unfinished Business of Eadie Browne' and 'One Love') which are possibly each author's most personal book to date.

Both writers share a love of Manchester, a city they both lived in and that means a lot to them - it also features in both of these novels, as does friendship and the importance of these relationships.

As well as discussing their own work, Matt and Freya give us some brilliant book recommendations too. Unbelievably, Marian Keyes gets ANOTHER mention on the pod. Does an episode of Book Off go by where she doesn't?

THE BOOK OFF

'Lottery' by Patricia Wood

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'The Song Of Achilles' by Madeline Miller

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Cat Doyle and Justin Somper May 22, 2024

What do you get when you put three children's authors on a podcast? (well, it turns out you get a lovely conversation!)

Join Justin Somper and Cat Doyle as they discuss their new pirate books for kids and go head to head in a War of the Words.

They also share some great book recommendations with us and tell us about their writing processes.

THE BOOK OFF

'Impossible Creatures' by Katherine Rundell

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'Cloud Street' by Tim Winton

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Andrew McMillan and Nathan Newman May 15, 2024

Poet and author, Andrew McMillan, goes head to head with author and screenwriter Nathan Newman in a War of the Words!

They chat to Joe Haddow about their new novels ('Pity' and 'How To Leave The House'), chosen family, working class towns, comedy from tragedy and, Margaret Thatcher (yes, really).

Nathan and Andrew also recommend some authors and books they have been reading and enjoying recently.

THE BOOK OFF

'A Visit From The Goon Squad' by Jennifer Egan

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

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Percival Everett and Andrew O'Hagan Apr 30, 2024

Bestselling authors Percival Everett and Andrew O'Hagan go head to head in a War of the Words, and discuss their brilliant new novels.

Percival's latest novel 'James' is a re-imagining of Mark Twain's 'Huckleberry Finn', but set in 1861, whilst Andrew's latest work is a contemporary tale of class, money, greed and doing the right thing.

They discuss how characters form for them, why writing is torture and share some of the books they have been reading and enjoying recently.

THE BOOK OFF

'The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson

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

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Andrew Hunter Murray and Jonny Sweet Apr 16, 2024

QI Elf, podcaster and author, Andrew Hunter Murray, goes head to head in a war of the words with comedian and writer Jonny Sweet.

They discuss their new novels ('A Beginners Guide To Breaking And Entering' and 'The Kellerby Code'), their writing habits, inspirations and how to hide a socially conscious message in a page-turning thriller.

We also get some fab book recommendations from them and natter about one of Hitchcock's slightly lesser known films, 'Rope'.

THE BOOK OFF

'Hangover Square' by Patrick Hamilton

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'The Franchise Affair' by Josephine Tey

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Kiley Reid and Caroline O'Donoghue Apr 09, 2024

Superstar authors Kiley Reid and Caroline O'Donoghue go head to head in a war of the words.

They chat to Joe Haddow about their latest novels ('Come And Get It' and 'The Rachel Incident'), society's obsession with money, 'the campus novel' and why writing less is sometimes more.

We go look back at the financial crash of 2008 and what it meant for a certain generation of artists and compare it to now, and what the next generation of writers and creatives are facing.

Kiley and Caroline also recommend us some books they have been reading and enjoying recently, and of course there's the Book Off!

BOOK OFF

'Disgrace' by J.M. Coetze

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'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke

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Jennie Godfrey and Susan Fletcher Apr 02, 2024

Book Off is back! Welcome to Series 12. And to kick us off, we welcome Jennie Godfrey and Susan Fletcher to the studio to talk about their books and writing, and get some recommendations too.

Jennie's debut novel, The List Of Suspicious Things, has been published to great acclaim whilst Susan's new novel, The Night In Question, is hotly anticipated - and coming out in just a few weeks.

We discuss Yorkshire, adventure, writing older characters, friendships in fiction and a lot lot more.

It also turns out, Susan and Jennie (and Joe) are huuuuge Marian Keyes fans, so there's a little bit of fan girling...please forgive us.

THE BOOK OFF

'Rachel's Holiday' by Marian Keyes

VS

'The Poisonwood Bible' by Barbara Kingsolver

But who will win?

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Dermot O'Leary and Cressida Cowell Sep 20, 2023

It's a children's book special this week!

Former Children's Laureate, Cressida Cowell, goes head to head with broadcaster and author Dermot O'Leary.

They chat about their latest novels, their passion for getting books into children's hands, a love of history - and - world building!

THE BOOK OFF

'The Power Of The Dog' by Don Winslow

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'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan

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Heidi Amsinck and Marisa Haetzman (Danish delights and death) Sep 14, 2023

Authors Heidi Amsinck and Marisa Haetzman go head to head in a war of the words, just before their appearance at Bloody Scotland.

Heidi discusses her latest Jensen thriller, 'The Girl in The Photo' and her love for Denmark.

Marisa tells us about collaborating with her husband, Chris Brookmyre (writing as Ambrose Parry) and their new book, 'Voices Of The Dead'

They also tell us what they have been reading and enjoying recently.

THE BOOK OFF

Mayflies by Andrew O'Hagan

VS

The Elements Of Style by William Strunk Jr and EB White

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Stig Abell and Jo Spain (Nothing beats Pride & Prejudice) May 26, 2023

Journalist, radio presenter and author Stig Abell goes head to head with international bestselling author and screenwriter, Jo Spain in a war of the words.

They discuss the politics of blurbing books, where they get their inspirations from, hard-boiled crime and when and where they write.

They also recommend us some brilliant books, which they have enjoyed recently.

THE BOOK OFF

'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen

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'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen

(Yes! The same book pitched against itself. A BOOK OFF FIRST!)

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Catriona Ward and Mat Osman (Shelve Me!) May 11, 2023

Bestselling novelist, Catriona Ward, goes head to head in a war of the words with Suede co-founder, bassist and author, Mat Osman!

They discuss their new novels - "Looking Glass Sound" and "The Ghost Theatre" - as well as recommending us some books they have read recently and loved. These include 'Orlando' by Virginia Wolf and 'Wide Sargasso Sea' by Jean Rhys.

The authors also talk about being "shelved" in the right place, the horror genre, Stephen King, Elizabethan London and what one reads on a tour bus.

THE BOOK OFF

'The Haunting Of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson

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'You Only Live Twice' by Ian Fleming

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Poorna Bell and Eva Rice (what do you MEAN you haven't read it?) Apr 13, 2023

Authors Poorna Bell and Eva Rice go head to head in a War of the Words!

They discuss their love of the 90s and why it's such a rich decade to set fiction in. (*warning - Joe and Eva geek out a little on the music of the 90s just fyi!)

We also get some brilliant book recommendations AND some very useful writing tips too.

THE BOOK OFF

'Kitchen' by Banana Yoshimoto

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'The Buddha Of Suburbia' by Hanif Kureishi

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Georgina Moore and Sophia Money-Coutts (Love, Landscapes and Language) Mar 29, 2023

Publicist extraordinaire and debut novelist Georgina Moore goes head to head with author and journalist Sophia Money-Coutts in a war of the words.

They talk to Joe Haddow about siblings, sisterhood, writing women in their thirties and boats!

We also delve into literary love, language and landscapes - and the importance of a setting.

George and Sophia also give us some brilliant book recommendations too.

THE BOOK OFF

'By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept' by Elizabeth Smart

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'The Five' by Hallie Rubenhold

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Jill Mansell and Lucy Diamond ('Riders', Rebels, Romcoms and wRiting) Mar 22, 2023

Bestselling authors Jill Mansell and Lucy Diamond join Joe Haddow for a war of the words!

They discuss the brilliance of Elly Griffiths (a previous BooK Off guest) and how hard it is to find the time to start a new series of books. They talk about their new novels ('Promise Me' and 'The Best Days Of Our Lives') as well as giving us some writing tips.

The authors also talk about why 'feelgood fiction' is in such a good place at the moment, and how we all need a bit of it in our lives!

THE BOOK OFF

'Riders' by Jilly Cooper

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'One Good Turn' by Kate Atkinson

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Elly Griffiths and Jane Harper (wine tasting is research!) Mar 15, 2023

In this episode, bestselling crime/thriller authors Elly Griffiths and Jane Harper go head to head in a war of the words.

The writers discuss their latest novels, 'The Last Remains' and 'Exiles', and give us some writing tips too.

They also recommend us some books they have read recently and talk about what it means to take their research seriously. (hint - wine tasting is key)

THE BOOK OFF

'Cold Comfort Farm' by Stella Gibbons

VS

'Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone' by Benjamin Stevenson.

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Kirsty Logan and Laura Purcell (I didn't know I was up against the Moomins!) Mar 08, 2023

In the first episode of our new series, authors Kirsty Logan and Laura Purcell go head to head in a war of the words...

They discuss their new novels - 'Now She Is Witch' and 'The Whispering Muse' - writing processes and they give us some brilliant book recommendations.

THE BOOK OFF

'Moominland Midwinter' by Tove Jansson

VS

'The Circus Of Wonders' by Elizabeth Macneal

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Simon Fowler and Daniel Rachel (Is it a quail?) Dec 21, 2022

Singer/Songwriter and Ocean Colour Scene frontman Simon Fowler goes head to head with music journalist, author longtime friend and collaborator Daniel Rachel, in a war of the words!

They talk about collaborating on their new book, their friendship, lost songs, how great the 1990s were and what they have been reading and enjoying recently.

The Book Off

"Music And Silence" by Rose Tremain

VS

"The Collected Short Stories" by William Trevor

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Lindsey Kelk and Beth O'Leary (Well, if Marian Keyes says it's good...) Nov 23, 2022

We're getting a little Christmassy in this episode, with bestselling authors Lindsey Kelk and Beth O'Leary.

They discuss their latest books, their love for Marian Keyes, writing humour and what they love about Christmas.

They also recommendation us some books they have been enjoying recently.

THE BOOK OFF

"Again, Rachel" by Marian Keyes

VS

"Her Majesty's Royal Coven" by Juno Dawson

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Sally Gardner and Jamie Costello (Look to the weather) Nov 09, 2022

Sally Gardner and Jamie Costello (aka Laura Wilson) go head to head in a war of the words!

They discuss the importance of colour in our lives and in writing, the ever changing weather, and give us some top reading recommendations too!

THE BOOK OFF

"The Devil In The Flesh" by Raymond Radiguet

VS

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

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Ken Follett and Greg Mosse (Stand near to suspicious people and see what they do) Nov 02, 2022

Bestselling author Ken Follett goes head to head in a war of the words, with playwright and debut author Greg Mosse.

They discuss their new novels, a dystopian future, how they approach writing and give us some brilliant book recommendations too.

The Book Off

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe

VS

"Opening Night" by Ngaio Marsh

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Anthony Marra and Wendy Erskine (Reading too many short stories in a row is like doing a line of shots) Oct 26, 2022

On the latest episode of Book Off we welcome short story writer Wendy Erskine and novelist Anthony Mara, who get head to head in a war of the words.

They discuss their latest work, Hollywood, the impact of short stories...and they give us some great book recommendations as well.

The Book Off:

"We Are The Animals" by Justin Torres

VS

"The Age Of Innocence" by Edith Wharton

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Graham Norton and Dawn O'Porter (No offence, but you're not too clever for me...which I like!) Oct 12, 2022

Author, broadcaster and comedian Graham Norton goes head to head in a war of the words with writer, director and television presenter Dawn O'Porter.

They discuss freeze drying cats (yep), writing strong supporting casts, writerly looks and pet grief. They also recommend some books that they have read and enjoyed recently.

The Book Off:

"Kindred" by Octavia E Butler

VS

"Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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Kamila Shamsie and Tahmima Anam (Friendships, Fondness, Seinfeld and Bum Injections) Sep 28, 2022

This week, the brilliant authors Kamila Shamsie and Tahmima Anam go head to head in a war of the words.

They discuss their novels "Best Of Friends" and "The Startup Wife" as well as their own friendship, Seinfeld and bum injections! Plus, they recommend some books they have been reading and enjoying recently. ("A Manuel For Cleaning Women" by Lucia Berlin and "How We Read Now" by Elaine Castillo)

THE BOOK OFF

"The Skin Of A Lion" by Michael Ondaatje

VS

"Interior Chinatown" by Charles Yu

But who will win???

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Jason Reynolds and Joseph Coelho (When the twist happens, it smacks you like a truck!) Sep 22, 2022

The amazing authors and children's literature champions, Jason Reynolds and Joseph Coelho, go head to head in a war of the words.

They discuss the importance and brilliance of libraries, the role of the Children's Laureate, the beauty of tower blocks and much much more.

Both authors recommend us some books they have been reading and enjoying recently - as well as talking about their brilliant new books.

THE BOOK OFF

"Me, Moth" by Amber McBride

Vs

"Stories Of Your Life And Others" by Ted Chiang

But who will win!??

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Ricky Ross and Emma Forrest (Mansions, Mayhem, Movies and Memoirs) Sep 13, 2022

Singer/Songwriter Ricky Ross goes head to head with screenwriter and novelist Emma Forrest in a war of the words.

They discuss their new memoirs ("Walking Back Home" and "Busy Being Free"), living in LA, touring, families, good memories and what they have been reading and enjoying recently.

In the Book Off, they put "Eve's Hollywood" by Eve Babitz against Blake Morrison's "And When Did You Last See Your Father?" - but which one will win????

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Charlie Higson and Alex Michaelides (A man out of time, with a ratty old jumper) Jul 07, 2022

Author, actor and comedian Charlie Higson goes head to head with bestselling screenwriter and author, Alex Michaelides, in a war of the words!

The guests discuss their new novels, writing for screen, the crime genre, finding ideas and how much of yourself you should put in a book.

They also give us some brilliant book recommendations, including a deep dive into some Hollywood biographies.

In the Book Off, they pit Ruth Rendell's "A Judgement In Stone" against "From The City, From The Plough" by Alexander Baron, but which one will win?

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Karin Slaughter and David Koepp (All stories appear to me as movies...) Jun 22, 2022

Screenwriting legend David Koepp (Jurassic Park / Death Becomes Her / Carlitos Way / Panic Room) goes head to head with international bestselling author Karin Slaughter (Pieces Of Her / The Silent Wife / Last Breath / Blindsighted) in a war of the words.

They discuss adapting books for the screen, picking apart twists, their new novels and their writing process. They also give us some great book recommendations!

In the Book Off, they pit "Booth" by Karen Joy Fowler against Richard Matheson's "I Am Legend" - but which one will win???

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Ardal O'Hanlon and Rev. Richard Coles (The perks of wearing a dog collar) Jun 15, 2022

Have you heard the one about the priest, the vicar and the podcast host?

Comedian and writer Ardal O'Hanlon goes head to head with popstar vicar and author Rev. Richard Coles in a war of the words.

They discuss their new novels, their writing, getting the tone right, the perks of wearing a dog collar and #taskmaster. They also give us some brilliant book recommendations as well...

In the Book Off they pit "Whereabouts" by Jhumpa Lahiri against Robin Jenkins' "The Changeling" - but which one will win??

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Jarvis Cocker and Baxter Dury (Proustian madeleines and TV meetings) May 31, 2022

Two brilliant songwriters, Jarvis Cocker and Baxter Dury, go head to head in a war of the words.

They talk about how their books came into being, holding on to things from childhood, their writing processes and recommend us some books they have read and enjoyed recently.

In the Book Off, they pit Haruki Murakami's "Hard Boiled Wonderland And The End Of The World" against "A Swim In A Pond In The Rain" by George Saunders, but which one win!?

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Ruth Ware and Gillian McAllister (Marian Keys could write the phone book and we'd all buy it!) May 18, 2022

Bestselling thriller writers Ruth Ware and Gillian McAllister go head to hear in a war of the words.

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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Tara M Stringfellow and Dolen Perkins-Valdez (Porches, Poems, Prose and Presidents) May 11, 2022

Authors Tara M Stringfellow and Dolen Perkins-Valdez go head to head in a war of the words.

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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Joanna Cannon and Carrie Hope Fletcher (Twitchy curtains and fantasy novels) May 04, 2022

Actress, singer and author Carrie Hope Fletcher goes head to head in a War Of The Words, with bestselling novelist Joanna Cannon.

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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Kasim Ali and Okechukwu Nzelu (If a story gets rejected, I just put it in a draw and move on) Apr 27, 2022

Debut novelist Kasim Ali goes head to head with author and teacher Okechukwu Nzelu in a war of the words...

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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Harriet Tyce and Amy Mcculloch (I'm very partial to a penguin!) Apr 13, 2022

Authors Harriet Tyce and Amy Mcculloch go head to head in a war of the words!

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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Sarah Pinborough and Sarah Vaughan (We all need a bit of quirk!) Mar 30, 2022

Bestselling authors Sarah Pinborough and Sarah Vaughan go head to head in a War Of The Words.

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 Ozeki and Cathy Rentzenbrink (Would you stare at your own face for three hours?) Mar 23, 2022

Authors Ruth Ozeki and Cathy Rentzenbrink join Joe Haddow for a war of the words and to discuss their new novels.

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 Galgut and Adrian Nathan West (Dogs, Diets and Death) Mar 16, 2022

Booker Prize winning author Damon Galgut goes head to head with author and translator Adrian Nathan West in a war of the words.

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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Marian Keyes and Nina Stibbe (I'd like to live in a cave, covered in fur) Mar 09, 2022

Bestselling authors Marian Keyes and Nina Stibbe go head to head in a war of the words in a bumper episode of Book Off.

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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Charlotte Mendelson and Liz Hyder (Ever been to Twatt?) Mar 02, 2022

Authors Charlotte Mendelson and Liz Hyder go head to head in a war of the words.

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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David Baldacci and Linwood Barclay (The wrong guy in the trunk) Feb 23, 2022

International bestselling novelists David Baldacci and Linwood Barclay go head to head in a war of the words.

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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Jo Browning Wroe and Miranda Cowley Heller (Handsome Hunks and HBO) Feb 16, 2022

Debut novelists, Jo Browning Wroe and Miranda Cowley Heller go head to head in a war of the words...

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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Monica Ali and Hafsa Zayyan Feb 08, 2022

Bestselling author, Monica Ali, goes head to head with debut author Hafsa Zayyan in a War Of The Words.

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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Ben Okri and Tice Cin (Open the champagne once you've finished) Dec 15, 2021

Booker winning novelist and poet, Ben Okri, goes head to head with poet, writer and artist Tice Cin in a war of the words.

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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John Gerard Fagan and Monika Radojevic (Poetry is power) Dec 08, 2021

Poets John Gerard Fagan and Monika Radojevic go head to head in a war of the words.

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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Robert Peston and Imran Mahmood (A fair bit of nobbling) Dec 01, 2021

Award-winning journalist, TV presenter and author Robert Peston, goes head to head with Barrister and Author, Imran Mahmood in a War of the Words.

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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Jodi Picoult and Jojo Moyes (You don't want to ride my donkeys) Nov 24, 2021

International bestselling authors, Jodi Picoult and Jojo Moyes are good friends, but have never met in person! Here they go head to head in a war of the words, from different sides of the world.

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 Pritchett and Casey Wilson (Tell it to the lamppost!) Nov 17, 2021

Screenwriter Georgia Pritchett goes head to head with actor and writer Casey Wilson, in a war of the words.

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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Lucy Vine and Nicole Kennedy (Sex with rockstars in art galleries) Nov 02, 2021

Writers Lucy Vine and Nicole Kennedy go head to head in a war of the words, with two very different novels.

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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Sebastian Faulks and Richard Powers (Why are we such a weird species?) Oct 27, 2021

Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers goes head to head with bestselling novelist Sebastian Faulks, in a war of the words.

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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Charles Yu and Mukoma Wa Ngugi (Stereotypes and Stigmas) Oct 20, 2021

Author and professor Mukoma Wa Ngugi joins screenwriter and author Charles Yu for a War Of The Words.

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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Kathryn Williams and Rosa Rankin-Gee (Tides, Tits and Zombies) Oct 13, 2021

Singer, Songwriter and novelist Kathryn Williams goes head to head with writer and friend, Rosa Rankin-Gee, in a war of the words.

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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Olivia Laing and Howard Cunnell (Bodies and Beaches) Oct 06, 2021

In this fascinating bumper episode, cultural critic Olivia Laing and author Howard Cunnell talk about their latest books, how they write, their inspirations, what art means to them, the importance of water, Wilhelm Reich and masculinity among many other things...

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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Alex Horne and Katy Wix (I'm not sure I was meant to tell you that) Sep 29, 2021

Comedian, Actor and Author Katy Wix goes head to head with Comedian and Taskmaster creator Alex Horne, in a war of the words.

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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Bella Mackie and Vera Kurian (Horror and Humour go hand in hand) Sep 22, 2021

Authors Bella Mackie and Vera Kurian discuss their debut novels, "How To Kill Your Family" and " Never Saw Me Coming", with Joe Haddow.

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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Joanne Harris and Sharon Bolton (Setting is such a powerful force) Sep 15, 2021

Bestselling novelists Joanne Harris and Sharon Bolton go head to head in a war of the words, pitching a book they love and think we should all read.

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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Jeremy Vine and Fern Britton (The joy of making stuff up is...wonderful) Sep 08, 2021

Journalist and broadcaster Jeremy Vine goes head to head with journalist and broadcaster Fern Britton, in a war of the words.

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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Jason Mott and Christine Smallwood (What do Dinosaurs and Werner Herzog have in common?) Book Podcast Sep 01, 2021

New York Times Bestselling author, Jason Mott, joins Journalist and author Christine Smallwood for Book Off!

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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Peter May and Peter Swanson (Don't bother with the sequel to Rosemary's Baby!) Book Podcast May 12, 2021

Former journalist turned best-selling crime author Peter May goes head to head with thriller writer Peter Swanson in a war of the words.

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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Louise Nealon and Julie Ma (Haikus and High Jinx!) Book Podcast Apr 28, 2021

Debut authors Louise Nealon and Julie Ma go head to head in a war of the words!

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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Pam Ayres and Jane Smiley (Newts, Herons, Dogs, Horses and more!) Book Podcast Apr 21, 2021

Pulitzer Prize winning author, Jane Smiley, goes head to head with writer, broadcaster and poet, Pam Ayres, in a war of the words.

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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Musa Okwonga and Wyl Menmuir (Football is just like jazz) Book Podcast Apr 13, 2021

Writer, poet and podcaster Musa Okwonga goes head to head in a war of the words, with Man Booker Prize long-listed author Wyl Menmuir.

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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Naomi Ishiguro and Sheena Patel (Poetry, Prose and Pandemics) Book Podcast Apr 06, 2021

Writer and filmmaker Sheena Patel goes head to head with author Naomi Ishiguro in a war of the words.

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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Emily M Danforth and Inga Vesper (I love Shirley Jackson, but is anyone actually reading the books?) Book Podcast Mar 30, 2021

Author and lecturer Emily M Danforth goes head to head with journalist and writer Inga Vesper.

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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Lizzie Fry and Anna North (Westerns, Witches and Women) Book Podcast Mar 24, 2021

Screenwriter Lizzie Fry and journalist Anna North go head to head in a war of the words.

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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Chris Brookmyre and Mick Herron (Is that you on the cover??) Mar 17, 2021

Bestselling crime writers, Chris Brookmyre and Mick Herron, go head to head in a war of the words.

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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Emma Stonex and Rebecca Watson (Loving, Living, Longing and Lighthouses!) Book Podcast Mar 10, 2021

Debut novelists Emma Stonex and Rebecca Watson join Joe Haddow for a war of the words. They discuss their first novels, The Lamplighters and Little Scratch, as well as the books they have been reading recently and enjoying and how it feels to be publishing in a pandemic.

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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Simon Mayo and SJ Watson (If you're struggling at sixty thousand words, call Ian Rankin's wife) Book Podcast Mar 03, 2021

Legendary broadcaster and writer, Simon Mayo, goes head to head with bestselling author SJ Watson in a war of the words.

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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Ryan Gattis and Gabriel Krauze (Fiction can often be truer to life than non-fiction) book podcast Feb 24, 2021

Booker Prize long listed author Gabriel Krauze goes head to head with bestselling novelist Ryan Gattis in a war of the words. They discuss gang culture, Los Angeles, London, their inspirations and how fiction can be more powerful than non-fiction)

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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Daisy Buchanan and Emma Jane Unsworth (burglary, sex, Woman's Hour and Simon Mayo) Feb 17, 2021

Journalist and author Daisy Buchanan goes head to head with screenwriter and novelist Emma Jane Unsworth in a war of the words. They talk to host Joe Haddow about writing good sex, saying naughty words on Woman's Hour, how much they love Simon Mayo and how one might find a local burglar.

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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Abigail Dean and Ashley Audrain (motherhood, lighthouses and good sex) Feb 10, 2021

Debut authors Abigail Dean and Ashley Audrain go head to head in the Book Off and talk about their brilliant first novels, "Girl A" and "The Push"

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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CJ Tudor and Will Dean (spooky, spacious and spirited!) Feb 03, 2021

In the first episode of Series 7, bestselling authors CJ Tudor and Will Dean go head to head in a war of the words, pitting a book that they each love against each other. They discuss their new novels, The Burning Girls and The Last Thing To Burn, as well as their inspirations and what they've been reading recently.

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

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Michael Connelly and Clare Mackintosh (I think I'll set my next novel in LA) Nov 18, 2020

Multi-million bestselling author Michael Connelly goes head to head with the Sunday Times Number on bestseller Clare Mackintosh in a war of the words. They discuss their writing, new books, why LA is such a great setting for a crime series, what they've been reading lately and how to give characters redeeming features.

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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Carys Bray and Sarah Franklin (Forests, Friendships and Fabulous books) Nov 11, 2020

Authors Carys Bray and Sarah Franklin discuss their writing, friendship, inspirations, new books and what they've been reading recently. They also go head to head in a war of the words pitting "The Great Believers" by Rebecca Makkai against Jenny Erpenbeck's "Visitation" but which one will you want to take home???

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Emma Donoghue and Michael Crummey (I know you don't want to read this book) Nov 04, 2020

Internationally best selling author Emma Donoghue goes head to head with poet and author Michael Crummey in a war of the words. They talk about their latest novels, living in Canada, how they find inspiration for their stories and what they have enjoyed reading recently.

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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Victoria Hislop and Lissa Evans (Older authors are like a ripe fruit, or a stinky cheese) Oct 28, 2020

Bestselling historical fiction writers Victoria Hislop and Lissa Evans join Joe Haddow for a war of the words. They talk about getting published in their forties, the joys of travel writing, reading each others work and the books they have enjoyed reading recently.

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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DBC Pierre and Sophie Mackintosh (I don't want to give my life to a corporation) Oct 20, 2020

Man Booker winning author DBC Pierre and Booker Prize long listed author Sophie Mackintosh join Joe Haddow to talk about writing nocturnally, big tech, social media, maternal instincts, talking about death and how our hoovers might be feeding data to companies we don't know about.

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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Ian Rankin and Steve Cavanagh (12 books a year and ferocious sex) Oct 07, 2020

This episode is a must listen for crime fiction fans, as we're joined by international bestselling author Ian Rankin and lawyer turned thriller writer, Steve Cavanagh.

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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Oyinkan Braithwaite and Chris Whitaker (Ever been to Centre Parks?) Sep 30, 2020

In this episode of Book Off! Joe Haddow is joined by Oyinkan Braithwaite (My Sister The Serial Killer) and Chris Whitaker (We Begin At The End) to talk about the books they love, their writing and what genre means to them. The two writers also get a little bit nervous before going head to head in the Book Off, putting The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin up against The Last Child by John Hart - but who will win!? Listen to find out...

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David Mitchell and Jasper Fforde (Off-The-Wall books and too many cooks) Sep 23, 2020

Novelist and screenwriter David Mitchell (author not comedian) goes head to head with writer Jasper Fforde in a War Of The Words. David and Jasper discuss their latest books (Utopia Avenue and The Constant Rabbit) with host Joe Haddow, as well as talking about their writing and what they have been reading recently.

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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Douglas Stuart and Jackie Kay (Most writers are a bit mad) Sep 15, 2020

Poet and writer Jackie Kay goes head to head with debut novelist Douglas Stuart in this episode of Book Off! They discuss the importance of understanding our history, how Glasgow fuels and inspires their work and how most writers are a little bit mad. Douglas discusses his Booker Prize shortlisted novel, Shuggie Bain, and Jackie talks about her new play, The Lamplighter as well as recommending some books they have recently read.

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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John Connolly and Sarah Moss (We think in eras, but we live in moments) Sep 08, 2020

Joe Haddow is joined by two fabulous authors, who go head to head in a War Of The Words. In this episode, international-bestselling author John Connolly talks about his latest Charlie Parker novel and academic and author Sarah Moss tells us how her latest novella was inspired by a pretty rubbish holiday.

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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Richard Osman and Anthony Horowitz (Americans don't understand "going for a slash in the woods") Sep 01, 2020

For the first episode of Series 6, Joe Haddow is joined by TV presenter and writer Richard Osman and international bestselling author and screenwriter, Anthony Horowitz. They discuss their love of crime fiction, how the "Britishness" of their books is a big selling point overseas and just how much food needs to be consumed in order to be able to write a novel.

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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Jeffery Deaver and Scott Turow (if you can't find time to write, you'll never be a writer) May 13, 2020

In the final episode of Series, bestselling crime authors Jeff Deaver and Scott Turow go head to head in a war of the words, pitting Graham Greene against Harper Lee in the Book Off!

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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Joe Abercrombie and Barney Norris (Not everyone likes to be shocked) May 06, 2020

Fantasy author Joe Abercrombie goes head to head with playwright and author Barney Norris, in another classic Book Off!

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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Holly Bourne and Harriet Walker (I like to challenge men in my books) Apr 29, 2020

Bestselling YA and adult author, Holly Bourne, goes head to head with the fashion editor of The Times, and debut author Harriet Walker in the latest Book Off!

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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Paul Mendez and Naoise Dolan (In these strange times, we need slower reads) Apr 15, 2020

Joe Haddow talks to novelists Naoise Dolan and Paul Mendez about their debut books Exciting Times and Rainbow Milk.

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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Maggie O'Farrell and Tayari Jones (We all have our own relationship with Shakespeare) Apr 08, 2020

Bestselling author Maggie O'Farrell (The Hand That First Held Mine, Instructions For A Heatwave) goes head to head with New York Times bestseller Tayri Jones (An American Marriage) in the Book Off!

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.

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

Louise Candlish and Mark Edwards (The neighbours from hell) Mar 11, 2020

Bestselling crime writers Louise Candlish and Mark Edwards talk about their latest books as well as living with bad neighbours and how certain characters can inspire a whole novel.

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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Liz Moore and Sadie Jones (To Title or not To Title, that is the question) Mar 04, 2020

In this episode of Book Off, host Joe Haddow is joined by authors and screenwriters Sadie Jones and Liz Moore to talk about their latest novels (The Snakes and Long Bright River) and their writing styles and techniques.

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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Elizabeth Macneal and Stephen Chbosky (I got $20M to make a book advert) Feb 25, 2020

Bestselling author and screenwriter, Stephen Chbosky (The Perks Of Being A Wallflower) goes head to head with author and ceramicist Elizabeth Macneal (The Doll Factory) in the Book Off!

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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Abi Dare and Jeanine Cummins (Could you be, the most beautiful covers in the world!?) Feb 12, 2020

Authors Abi Dare and Jeanine Cummins talk about their latest novels "The Girl With The Louding Voice" and "American Dirt" and the excitement of finally sharing them with the world.

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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Casey Cep and Chris Power (Harper Lee lived with Hall & Oates Feb 05, 2020

New Yorker writer and Baille Gifford Prize shortlistee, Casey Cep, goes head to head with short story writer, author and Guardian columnist Chris Power.

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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Candice Carty-Williams and Katy Brand (Grab your trumpet, you've pulled) Oct 30, 2019

Comedian and author Katy Brand goes head to head in the Book Off with author and screenwriter Candice Carty-Williams. They talk to host Joe Haddow about Dirty Dancing, playing the trumpet and taking characters from the page to the screen. There are also many laughs along the way...

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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Brett Anderson and Lemn Sissay (Person V Persona) Oct 16, 2019

Singer, Songwriter and author Brett Anderson goes head to head in the Book Off with award winning poet and author Lemn Sissay.

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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Adele Parks and Lucy Foley (Don't steal the horn!) Oct 09, 2019

Bestselling author and Costa Book Awards judge Adele Parks goes head to head with journalist, author and former editor Lucy Foley in the Book Off!

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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Lisa Jewell and Catherine Steadman (I only know what I'm writing when I'm writing it) Oct 02, 2019

Bestselling author Lisa Jewell (Ralph's Party) goes head to head with Downton Abbey actor Catherine Steadman in the Book Off. They talk to host Joe Haddow about sharing their work with their partners, the bReece Witherspoon and why a house can be such a scary character ina book.

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Daisy Johnson and Kiran Milwood Hargrave (The best sex I've ever read) Sep 25, 2019

Authors Daisy Johnson (Fen, Everything Under) and Kiran Milwood Hargrave (The Girl Of Ink and Stars, The Deathless Girls) join Joe Haddow for the first Book Off! of Series four. They talk about being on the other side of a book prize (as judges) their love well-written sex and just how much they trust each others' advice.

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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Jim Bob and Luke Haines (It's better out than in) May 01, 2019

Carter USM go head to head with The Auters in this episode of Book Off! Joe Haddow is joined by Jim Bob and Luke Haines who go head to head in a war of the words - putting Kinski's autobiography up against Dave Eggers. But who will win?

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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Dorothy Koomson and Amanda Prowse (Leather Pyjamas at the ready!) Apr 17, 2019

Dorothy Koomson and Amanda Prowse discuss World Book Night, eavesdropping and how the simplest of stories can spark a whole novel.

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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Tony Parsons and Charlotte Philby (We caned it quite hard in the 70s) Apr 10, 2019

Bestselling author and former music journalist Tony Parsons goes head to head with journalist and writer Charlotte Philby in a War of the Words.

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

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Taylor Jenkins Reid and Damian Barr (Sorry for giving you the horn) Apr 03, 2019

Author and essayist Taylor Jenkins Reid goes head to head with columnist, writer and literary event chair Damian Barr in a war of the words - putting The Colour Purple against The Hate U Give.

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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Ben Aaronovitch and James Swallow (My characters just never shut up!) Mar 29, 2019

Ben Aaronovitch and James Swallow go head to head in a war of the words, as well as discussing writing for TV, gaming, falling out with your producer and how writing isn't really anything to write home about.

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Helen Lederer and Shazia Mirza (You can be successful, just don't copy me) Mar 29, 2019

Comedians and authors Helen Lederer and Shazia Mirza go head to head in a war of the words - pitting David Nicholls against Vicktor E Frankel.

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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Gregg Hurwitz and Robert Goddard (Bats and Rats) Mar 29, 2019

Screenwriter, author and graphic novelist Gregg Hurwitz takes on bestselling crime writer Robert Goddard in a War Of The Words.

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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Douglas Kennedy and John Lanchester (There are five rules for writing a novel...and nobody knows what they are) Mar 07, 2019

Authors Douglas Kennedy and John Lanchester put Homer's Odyssey up against Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates, as well as discussing great cinema, how generations have changed emotionally and what our world might look like in 20 years time. Spoiler - it's not good.

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Tracey Thorn and Hannah Beckerman (Suburbia and Safety) Feb 27, 2019

Singer, songwriter and author Tracey Thorn goes head to head with journalist and author Hannah Beckerman in the Book Off! putting Donna Tart's "A Secret History" against "The Vanishing Act Of Esme Lennox" by Maggie O'Farrell.

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

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Leila Slimani and Stacey Halls (We are all shocking inside) Feb 20, 2019

Author of besting novel "Lullaby" Leila Slimani goes head to head with journalist and debut author Stacey Halls in the brand new series of Book Off!

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"

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

David Tennant and Christian Brassington (You've never seen Home Alone???) Feb 01, 2019

Actors David Tennant and Christian Brassington go head to head in the Book Off, pitching George Orwell against Batman.

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

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Barbara Taylor Bradford and Sophie Hannah (An archive? That's just a load of tat...) Feb 01, 2019

Bestselling authors Barbara Taylor Bradford (A Woman Of Substance) and Sophie Hannah (Kind Of Cruel) go head to head in the Book Off!

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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Sarah Winman and Tim Winton (Writing is a young persons game) Feb 01, 2019

Australian author Tim Winton (Cloud Street) goes head to head with British actress and author Sarah Winman (Tin Man).

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.

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

Sarah Perry and Patrick Gale (People love being scared, it's very close to sex!) Feb 01, 2019

Bestselling authors Sarah Perry (The Essex Serpent) and Patrick Gale (A Place Called Winter) go Head to Head in the Book Off, with two very different novels.

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.

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

Cecelia Ahern and Murray Lachlan Young (Are we on another planet!?) Feb 01, 2019

International bestselling author Cecelia Ahern goes head to head in the Book Off with poet and broadcaster Murray Lachlan Young.

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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Adam Kay and John Cooper Clarke (This Is Going To Hurt...) Feb 01, 2019

Comedian and author Adam Kay goes head to head in the Book Off with punk poet John Cooper Clarke.

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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Paddy Ashdown and Bernard Cornwell (If you don't love poetry, you should give up on life!) Feb 01, 2019

Former Lib Dem Leader, Paddy Ashdown, takes on international bestselling author Bernard Cornwell in the Book Off!

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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Matt Haig and Bryony Gordon (From mental health to running to Police Academy!) Feb 01, 2019

Bestselling author Matt Haig and Telegraph journalist Bryony Gordon join Joe Haddow for a very interesting Book Off!

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!

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

Erin Kelly and Sabine Durrant (Taking time off of social media? You must be mad!) Feb 01, 2019

Thriller writers Erin Kelly and Sabine Durrant go head to head in the Book Off!

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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Louise Doherty and Araminta Hall (Women are still portrayed badly in fiction!) Feb 01, 2019

The bestselling author of Apple Tree Yard, Louise Doherty, joins Joe Haddow for a chat about her writing foundation and goes head to head with author Araminta Hall who discusses her latest novel, Our Kind Of Cruelty.

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.

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

Kate Mosse and SJ Parris (Literary prizes and jet-lag, now there's a combo!) Feb 01, 2019

Bestselling author and co-founder of the Women's Prize For Fiction, Kate Mosse goes head to head with critic, journalist and author SJ Parris in the Book Off!

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.

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

Mark Billingham and David Hepworth (It's about to get very geeky!) Feb 01, 2019

Bestselling crime writer Mark Billingham goes head to head with music journalist extraordinaire David Hepworth. As well as a hotly contested Book Off between Lyndon B Johnson and The Maltese Falcon (yep, seriously!) Joe Haddow gets geeky with both writers about music.

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

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Donal Ryan and Imogen Hermes Gower (What's the point of no carb diets?) Feb 01, 2019

Irish writer and Man Booker Prize longlistee Donal Ryan and debut author Imogen Hermes Gower go head to head in the Book Off!

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.

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

Jess Kidd and Simon Wore (I'm funny how? I mean funny like I'm a clown?) Feb 01, 2019

Jess Kidd (Himself/The Hoarder) and Simon Wroe (Chop Chop/Here Comes Trouble) join Joe Haddow to talk books, writing styles and literary parties.

"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.

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

Kit de Waal and Ned Beauman (The golden age of cinema) Feb 01, 2019

Authors Kit de Waal (My Name Is Leon/The Trick To Time) and Ned Beauman (Boxer, Beetle/Glow) join Joe Haddow for another Book Off!

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.

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

John Niven and Viv Groskop (Is a school reunion ever a good idea?) Feb 01, 2019

Bestselling author John Niven and writer, broadcaster and comedian Viv Groskop go head to head in a very competitive Book Off!

"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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Lionel Shriver and Tracy Chevalier (Jazz drummers can often ruin dinner!) Feb 01, 2019

The bestselling authors of We Need To Talk About Kevin and Girl With The Pearl Earring, Lionel Shriver and Tracy Chevalier, bring two contemporary novels to the Book Off! to pitch against each other; 'Beautiful Animals' by Lawrence Osborne and "Preparations For The Next Life" by Atticus Lish.

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

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

Paula Hawkins and John Boyne (How do you follow Girl On The Train?) Feb 01, 2019

Bestselling authors Paula Hawkins (The Girl On The Train) and John Boyne (The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas) go head to head in the first ever Book Off!

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.

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

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