Show Notes
Bestselling author and Screenwriter - Anthony Horowitz - joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his new 'Hawthorne' novel. They chat about his meta approach to having himself as a character in his books, his dislike when readers guess his endings and twists - and why his writing is getting funnier. Anthony also talks positively and optimistically about the future of books and reading - and whilst no dragons are going to appear in any of his novels anytime soon - he loves the fact Romantasy is getting people into reading (and into the charts) Here's a little more on Anthony's new novel, 'A Deadly Episode': How do you investigate your own murder…?
The good news is that The Word is Murder, the first book in the Hawthorne series, is being turned into a major feature film.
The bad news is that the director is pretentious, the two stars hate each other, and the producer has run out of money.
And things are about to get much worse.
In the middle of shooting, the actor playing Hawthorne is stabbed – which leaves the real Hawthorne with no choice. He has to step in and investigate his own murder.
Because the killer may not have got the right man. Was it Hawthorne himself who was meant to be the target?
More from Simon Mayo's Books of the Year
Sebastian Faulks joins Simon and Matt for a natter about some of his favourite authors and books. He tells us about the first book he ever bought with his own money, what he would have liked to have done for a career if he hadn't become a hugely successful bestselling author - and - reveals who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party. We also surprise Sebastian with a question from fellow author and friend - William Boyd!
Multimillion bestselling author, Sebastian Faulks, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his brilliant new novel 'Farewell To Eden'. They chat about the inspirations for the story - which are rooted in Sebastian's father's own experiences - and have a not-so-heated debate about Gilbert & Sullivan. And after being prompted by a listener email - Simon also asks Sebastian about Homer's 'Odyssey' - and whether it is worth our time... Here's a little more about 'Farewell To Eden': Philip Deval, a soldier recently returned from the beaches of Normandy, arrives in Palestine on a peace-keeping mission in the final days of the British Mandate. The Sea of Galilee glitters in the distance as war-weary troops marvel at the novelty of oranges and sun – a paradise that belies a fierce new conflict about to erupt.
Journalist, broadcaster and author Jon Ronson joins Simon and Matt for a spot of Q&A. We learn about the authors he loves reading, how he orders his bookshelves, other careers he wanted to pursue - and - who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party!
Journalist and bestselling author, Jon Ronson, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his brilliant new book 'The Castle'. They discuss the manosphere, masculinity, performative male...and how the idea for this book came from his own son's story of being lured into a mysterious castle in the forest... Here's a little more info on the book:
International bestselling author, Robert Harris, joins Simon and Matt for a spot of Q&A. He recommends us some books, reveals his writing routine, tells us about his amazing collection of books - and of course, tells us who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party! We also surprise him with a question from author and Literary Editor of The Spectator, Sam Leith!