Best Book Off! A literary podcast with a difference Podcasts (2023)

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Dermot O'Leary and Cressida Cowell 44:13

2M ago44:13

44:13

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

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Heidi Amsinck and Marisa Haetzman (Danish delights and death) 44:01

3M ago44:01

44:01

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 O…

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Stig Abell and Jo Spain (Nothing beats Pride & Prejudice) 52:53

6M ago52:53

52:53

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…

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Catriona Ward and Mat Osman (Shelve Me!) 1:00:45

7M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

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' b…

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Poorna Bell and Eva Rice (what do you MEAN you haven't read it?) 50:08

8M ago50:08

50:08

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 Ba…

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Georgina Moore and Sophia Money-Coutts (Love, Landscapes and Language) 41:11

8M ago41:11

41:11

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 Soph…

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Jill Mansell and Lucy Diamond ('Riders', Rebels, Romcoms and wRiting) 36:30

8M ago36:30

36:30

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 tip…

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Elly Griffiths and Jane Harper (wine tasting is research!) 42:34

9M ago42:34

42:34

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…

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Kirsty Logan and Laura Purcell (I didn't know I was up against the Moomins!) 47:14

9M ago47:14

47:14

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' …

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Simon Fowler and Daniel Rachel (Is it a quail?) 51:01

11M ago51:01

51:01

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 …

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Lindsey Kelk and Beth O'Leary (Well, if Marian Keyes says it's good...) 47:33

1y ago47:33

47:33

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 Maj…

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Sally Gardner and Jamie Costello (Look to the weather) 46:04

1y ago46:04

46:04

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) 51:04

1y ago51:04

51:04

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 Hosted on A…

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Anthony Marra and Wendy Erskine (Reading too many short stories in a row is like doing a line of shots) 44:21

1y ago44:21

44:21

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 Inn…

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Graham Norton and Dawn O'Porter (No offence, but you're not too clever for me...which I like!) 48:18

1y ago48:18

48:18

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…

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Kamila Shamsie and Tahmima Anam (Friendships, Fondness, Seinfeld and Bum Injections) 45:03

1y ago45:03

45:03

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…

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Jason Reynolds and Joseph Coelho (When the twist happens, it smacks you like a truck!) 45:59

1y ago45:59

45:59

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 recent…

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Ricky Ross and Emma Forrest (Mansions, Mayhem, Movies and Memoirs) 48:56

1y ago48:56

48:56

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 …

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Charlie Higson and Alex Michaelides (A man out of time, with a ratty old jumper) 45:51

1+ y ago45:51

45:51

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 d…

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Karin Slaughter and David Koepp (All stories appear to me as movies...) 49:37

1+ y ago49:37

49:37

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 wr…

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Ardal O'Hanlon and Rev. Richard Coles (The perks of wearing a dog collar) 47:35

1+ y ago47:35

47:35

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 brillian…

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Jarvis Cocker and Baxter Dury (Proustian madeleines and TV meetings) 43:20

1+ y ago43:20

43:20

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 En…

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Ruth Ware and Gillian McAllister (Marian Keys could write the phone book and we'd all buy it!) 33:14

1+ y ago33:14

33:14

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...??? Hoste…

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Tara M Stringfellow and Dolen Perkins-Valdez (Porches, Poems, Prose and Presidents) 48:48

1+ y ago48:48

48:48

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 P…

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Joanna Cannon and Carrie Hope Fletcher (Twitchy curtains and fantasy novels) 33:28

1+ y ago33:28

33:28

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, the…

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Kasim Ali and Okechukwu Nzelu (If a story gets rejected, I just put it in a draw and move on) 43:10

1+ y ago43:10

43:10

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 bac…

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Harriet Tyce and Amy Mcculloch (I'm very partial to a penguin!) 55:18

1+ y ago55:18

55:18

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 wh…

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Sarah Pinborough and Sarah Vaughan (We all need a bit of quirk!) 52:45

1+ y ago52:45

52:45

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"…

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Ruth Ozeki and Cathy Rentzenbrink (Would you stare at your own face for three hours?) 1:03:10

1+ y ago1:03:10

1:03:10

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 l…

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Damon Galgut and Adrian Nathan West (Dogs, Diets and Death) 37:30

1+ y ago37:30

37:30

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 nav…

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Marian Keyes and Nina Stibbe (I'd like to live in a cave, covered in fur) 1:03:57

1+ y ago1:03:57

1:03:57

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 a…

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Charlotte Mendelson and Liz Hyder (Ever been to Twatt?) 1:01:16

1+ y ago1:01:16

1:01:16

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 …

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David Baldacci and Linwood Barclay (The wrong guy in the trunk) 33:55

2y ago33:55

33:55

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 MacDo…

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Jo Browning Wroe and Miranda Cowley Heller (Handsome Hunks and HBO) 56:25

2y ago56:25

56:25

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 exp…

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Monica Ali and Hafsa Zayyan 49:13

2y ago49:13

49:13

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 pub…

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Ben Okri and Tice Cin (Open the champagne once you've finished) 40:54

2y ago40:54

40:54

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 Cer…

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John Gerard Fagan and Monika Radojevic (Poetry is power) 54:16

2y ago54:16

54:16

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 O…

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Robert Peston and Imran Mahmood (A fair bit of nobbling) 44:53

2y ago44:53

44:53

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 be…

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Jodi Picoult and Jojo Moyes (You don't want to ride my donkeys) 46:41

2y ago46:41

46:41

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…

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Georgia Pritchett and Casey Wilson (Tell it to the lamppost!) 45:57

2y ago45:57

45:57

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 - …

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Lucy Vine and Nicole Kennedy (Sex with rockstars in art galleries) 44:21

2y ago44:21

44:21

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" g…

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Sebastian Faulks and Richard Powers (Why are we such a weird species?) 42:12

2y ago42:12

42:12

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 M…

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Charles Yu and Mukoma Wa Ngugi (Stereotypes and Stigmas) 1:03:34

2y ago1:03:34

1:03:34

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 whic…

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Kathryn Williams and Rosa Rankin-Gee (Tides, Tits and Zombies) 55:52

2y ago55:52

55:52

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 …

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Olivia Laing and Howard Cunnell (Bodies and Beaches) 1:18:19

2y ago1:18:19

1:18:19

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 …

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Alex Horne and Katy Wix (I'm not sure I was meant to tell you that) 50:52

2y ago50:52

50:52

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 …

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Bella Mackie and Vera Kurian (Horror and Humour go hand in hand) 47:20

2y ago47:20

47:20

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 again…

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Joanne Harris and Sharon Bolton (Setting is such a powerful force) 52:23

2y ago52:23

52:23

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 r…

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Jeremy Vine and Fern Britton (The joy of making stuff up is...wonderful) 49:34

2y ago49:34

49:34

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…

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Jason Mott and Christine Smallwood (What do Dinosaurs and Werner Herzog have in common?) Book Podcast 47:54

2y ago47:54

47:54

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 hea…

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