Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

In our Q&A episode - international bestselling author Matt Haig talks about some of the books he's been enjoying recently (including 'Yesteryear' by Caro Claire Burke), the Brontes, how he orders his bookshelves and his favourite film adaptation of a book.
Simon and Matt also ask him about his mentor - and whether he takes risks as a writer.

Matt Haig joins Simon and Matt to talk about his new novel, 'The Midnight Train'.
They discuss the inspirations for this book, how Matt see's it as a sibling to The Midnight Library- and why he wants us to challenge the fears of getting older. Matt talks about optimism and hopefulness, wasting time (and life) on the wrong things and what we should do about regrets.
They also talk about the film adaptation of The Midnight Library, which is going to star Florence Pugh as Nora Seed - and we're very excited to see it.
Remember you can watch all our episode now on our YouTube channel!
TOP QUOTES:
'These will always be the good old days!'
'This part of the book was an exquisite type of torture'
'Sometimes happiness has the least to teach us.'
Here's a little more info on the book:

When your life flashes before your eyes, what will matter most?

For Wilbur it was his time with Maggie, the love of his life. Their honeymoon in Venice. Before he threw it all away.

Years later, on the brink of his own death, a train arrives. It can take Wilbur back in time. To relive his most important moments. Soon he realises just how much he would have changed.

An adventure through time, The Midnight Train is a story of love and second chances, from the world of The Midnight Library.

Anthony Horowitz (known for his Alex Rider series, Foyles War, Sherlock Holmes mysteries, the Magpie Murders and many more) joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams for a natter about his writing and favourite authors!
He also shares a story about working with Meryl Streep (or rather, NOT working with her) and reveals who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party.
We also surprise Anthony with a question from fellow author - Lucy Foley!
Remember you can now watch all our episodes on YouTube! Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode - you can find our channel here!

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?

Michael Connelly joins Simon and Matt for a good ole Q&A.
He gives us some great book recommendations, talks about his collection of jazz biographies and tells us which authors he'd invite to a fantasy dinner party.
We also surprise him with a question from fellow author and fan, Denise Mina!