Podcasts by Book Off!

Heidi Amsinck and Marisa Haetzman (Danish delights and death) from 2023-09-14T07:51:19

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...

Jo Browning Wroe and Miranda Cowley Heller (Handsome Hunks and HBO) from 2022-02-16T01:00

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 a...

Monica Ali and Hafsa Zayyan from 2022-02-08T19:35:30

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...

Ben Okri and Tice Cin (Open the champagne once you've finished) from 2021-12-15T08:44:56

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 i...

John Gerard Fagan and Monika Radojevic (Poetry is power) from 2021-12-08T10:23:40

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, Japa...

Robert Peston and Imran Mahmood (A fair bit of nobbling) from 2021-12-01T17:30:19

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 fa...

Jodi Picoult and Jojo Moyes (You don't want to ride my donkeys) from 2021-11-24T07:52:59

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....

Georgia Pritchett and Casey Wilson (Tell it to the lamppost!) from 2021-11-17T15:40:56

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" - a...

Lucy Vine and Nicole Kennedy (Sex with rockstars in art galleries) from 2021-11-02T20:41:19

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, m...

Sebastian Faulks and Richard Powers (Why are we such a weird species?) from 2021-10-27T07:30:50

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, ...

Charles Yu and Mukoma Wa Ngugi (Stereotypes and Stigmas) from 2021-10-20T08:55:57

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 i...

Kathryn Williams and Rosa Rankin-Gee (Tides, Tits and Zombies) from 2021-10-13T00:00:38

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 Tid...

Olivia Laing and Howard Cunnell (Bodies and Beaches) from 2021-10-06T16:15:43

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 importan...

Bella Mackie and Vera Kurian (Horror and Humour go hand in hand) from 2021-09-22T08:15

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 kill...

Joanne Harris and Sharon Bolton (Setting is such a powerful force) from 2021-09-15T07:41:45

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 - ...

Jeremy Vine and Fern Britton (The joy of making stuff up is...wonderful) from 2021-09-08T05:18

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 Di...

Jeremy Vine and Fern Britton (The joy of making stuff up is...wonderful) from 2021-09-08T05:18

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 Di...

Jason Mott and Christine Smallwood (What do Dinosaurs and Werner Herzog have in common?) Book Podcast from 2021-09-01T00:00:47

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...

Peter May and Peter Swanson (Don't bother with the sequel to Rosemary's Baby!) Book Podcast from 2021-05-12T14:50:02

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...

Louise Nealon and Julie Ma (Haikus and High Jinx!) Book Podcast from 2021-04-28T07:54:30

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...

Pam Ayres and Jane Smiley (Newts, Herons, Dogs, Horses and more!) Book Podcast from 2021-04-21T07:41:39

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 wildlif...

Musa Okwonga and Wyl Menmuir (Football is just like jazz) Book Podcast from 2021-04-13T23:01

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...

Naomi Ishiguro and Sheena Patel (Poetry, Prose and Pandemics) Book Podcast from 2021-04-06T23:01

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 ...

Emily M Danforth and Inga Vesper (I love Shirley Jackson, but is anyone actually reading the books?) Book Podcast from 2021-03-30T23:01

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 inspiratio...

Lizzie Fry and Anna North (Westerns, Witches and Women) Book Podcast from 2021-03-24T00:01

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...

Chris Brookmyre and Mick Herron (Is that you on the cover??) from 2021-03-17T00:01

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 sto...

Emma Stonex and Rebecca Watson (Loving, Living, Longing and Lighthouses!) Book Podcast from 2021-03-10T00:01

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 r...

Simon Mayo and SJ Watson (If you're struggling at sixty thousand words, call Ian Rankin's wife) Book Podcast from 2021-03-03T00:01

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, ...

Ryan Gattis and Gabriel Krauze (Fiction can often be truer to life than non-fiction) book podcast from 2021-02-24T12:54:54

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 a...

Daisy Buchanan and Emma Jane Unsworth (burglary, sex, Woman's Hour and Simon Mayo) from 2021-02-17T00:25:55

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 naught...

Abigail Dean and Ashley Audrain (motherhood, lighthouses and good sex) from 2021-02-10T08:28:45

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 journe...

CJ Tudor and Will Dean (spooky, spacious and spirited!) from 2021-02-03T00:01

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 ...

Michael Connelly and Clare Mackintosh (I think I'll set my next novel in LA) from 2020-11-18T00:40:02

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 ...

Carys Bray and Sarah Franklin (Forests, Friendships and Fabulous books) from 2020-11-11T00:01

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...

Emma Donoghue and Michael Crummey (I know you don't want to read this book) from 2020-11-04T00:11:47

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 fi...

Victoria Hislop and Lissa Evans (Older authors are like a ripe fruit, or a stinky cheese) from 2020-10-28T17:57:46

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, rea...

DBC Pierre and Sophie Mackintosh (I don't want to give my life to a corporation) from 2020-10-20T20:28:12

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 ...

Ian Rankin and Steve Cavanagh (12 books a year and ferocious sex) from 2020-10-07T04:00:58

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 ...

Oyinkan Braithwaite and Chris Whitaker (Ever been to Centre Parks?) from 2020-09-30T00:00

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 ...

David Mitchell and Jasper Fforde (Off-The-Wall books and too many cooks) from 2020-09-23T15:01:06

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 ...

Douglas Stuart and Jackie Kay (Most writers are a bit mad) from 2020-09-15T21:51:15

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 inspi...

John Connolly and Sarah Moss (We think in eras, but we live in moments) from 2020-09-08T23:01

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 nov...

Richard Osman and Anthony Horowitz (Americans don't understand "going for a slash in the woods") from 2020-09-01T23:01

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 ...

Jeffery Deaver and Scott Turow (if you can't find time to write, you'll never be a writer) from 2020-05-13T00:00

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!

T...

Joe Abercrombie and Barney Norris (Not everyone likes to be shocked) from 2020-05-06T02:01:15

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 t...

Holly Bourne and Harriet Walker (I like to challenge men in my books) from 2020-04-29T00:00

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 o...

Paul Mendez and Naoise Dolan (In these strange times, we need slower reads) from 2020-04-15T07:21:07

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 ...

Maggie O'Farrell and Tayari Jones (We all have our own relationship with Shakespeare) from 2020-04-08T00:00

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 O...

Louise Candlish and Mark Edwards (The neighbours from hell) from 2020-03-11T01:00

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.

The...

Liz Moore and Sadie Jones (To Title or not To Title, that is the question) from 2020-03-04T08:59:32

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 writi...

Elizabeth Macneal and Stephen Chbosky (I got $20M to make a book advert) from 2020-02-25T23:18:33

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!

Abi Dare and Jeanine Cummins (Could you be, the most beautiful covers in the world!?) from 2020-02-12T02:00

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.

The...

Casey Cep and Chris Power (Harper Lee lived with Hall & Oates from 2020-02-05T02:00

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 ab...

Candice Carty-Williams and Katy Brand (Grab your trumpet, you've pulled) from 2019-10-30T05:00:15

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 ta...

Brett Anderson and Lemn Sissay (Person V Persona) from 2019-10-16T02:00

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 th...

Adele Parks and Lucy Foley (Don't steal the horn!) from 2019-10-09T00:00

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 techniq...

Lisa Jewell and Catherine Steadman (I only know what I'm writing when I'm writing it) from 2019-10-02T00:00

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 partne...

Daisy Johnson and Kiran Milwood Hargrave (The best sex I've ever read) from 2019-09-25T00:00

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 ...

Jim Bob and Luke Haines (It's better out than in) from 2019-05-01T04:00

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...

Dorothy Koomson and Amanda Prowse (Leather Pyjamas at the ready!) from 2019-04-17T10:01:26

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 M...

Tony Parsons and Charlotte Philby (We caned it quite hard in the 70s) from 2019-04-10T14:14

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 stori...

Taylor Jenkins Reid and Damian Barr (Sorry for giving you the horn) from 2019-04-03T04:00:10

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. <...

Ben Aaronovitch and James Swallow (My characters just never shut up!) from 2019-03-29T09:24:21

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 ...

Helen Lederer and Shazia Mirza (You can be successful, just don't copy me) from 2019-03-29T09:23:28

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 ...

Gregg Hurwitz and Robert Goddard (Bats and Rats) from 2019-03-29T09:22:58

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 agai...

Douglas Kennedy and John Lanchester (There are five rules for writing a novel...and nobody knows what they are) from 2019-03-07T19:07:29

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...

Tracey Thorn and Hannah Beckerman (Suburbia and Safety) from 2019-02-27T05:00

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 Es...

Leila Slimani and Stacey Halls (We are all shocking inside) from 2019-02-20T07:00

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 journalis...

David Tennant and Christian Brassington (You've never seen Home Alone???) from 2019-02-01T10:36:01

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, ne...

Barbara Taylor Bradford and Sophie Hannah (An archive? That's just a load of tat...) from 2019-02-01T10:34:47

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...

Sarah Winman and Tim Winton (Writing is a young persons game) from 2019-02-01T10:28:02

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 pu...

Sarah Perry and Patrick Gale (People love being scared, it's very close to sex!) from 2019-02-01T10:23:31

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 O...

Cecelia Ahern and Murray Lachlan Young (Are we on another planet!?) from 2019-02-01T10:18:41

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 T...

Adam Kay and John Cooper Clarke (This Is Going To Hurt...) from 2019-02-01T10:15:41

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 Le...

Paddy Ashdown and Bernard Cornwell (If you don't love poetry, you should give up on life!) from 2019-02-01T10:08:54

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...

Matt Haig and Bryony Gordon (From mental health to running to Police Academy!) from 2019-02-01T10:07:09

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 Sag...

Erin Kelly and Sabine Durrant (Taking time off of social media? You must be mad!) from 2019-02-01T10:03:07

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 w...

Louise Doherty and Araminta Hall (Women are still portrayed badly in fiction!) from 2019-02-01T09:59

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...

Kate Mosse and SJ Parris (Literary prizes and jet-lag, now there's a combo!) from 2019-02-01T09:55:16

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 "Frankenst...

Mark Billingham and David Hepworth (It's about to get very geeky!) from 2019-02-01T09:44:02

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 Fal...

Donal Ryan and Imogen Hermes Gower (What's the point of no carb diets?) from 2019-02-01T09:37:35

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 ...

Jess Kidd and Simon Wore (I'm funny how? I mean funny like I'm a clown?) from 2019-02-01T09:30:09

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 ...

Kit de Waal and Ned Beauman (The golden age of cinema) from 2019-02-01T09:27:56

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 ...

John Niven and Viv Groskop (Is a school reunion ever a good idea?) from 2019-02-01T09:23:17

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 Ric...

Lionel Shriver and Tracy Chevalier (Jazz drummers can often ruin dinner!) from 2019-02-01T09:18:15

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 o...

Paula Hawkins and John Boyne (How do you follow Girl On The Train?) from 2019-02-01T09:17:51

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...