Bestselling author Lucy Foley joins Simon and Matt for a chat about her latest novel, 'The Midnight Feast' (which has just come out in paperback)
She talks about the place and setting that inspired the story, folk-horror, how much to reveal early on in a story and why more and more entertainment seems to be laughing at the super rich.
Matt shares his opinions about the term 'beach read' and Simon tries to avoid any plot spoilers.
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
Midsummer, the Dorset coast
In the shadows of an ancient wood, guests gather for the opening weekend of The Manor: a beautiful new countryside retreat.
But under the burning midsummer sun, darkness stirs. Old friends and enemies circulate among the guests. And the candles have barely been lit for a solstice supper when the body is found.
It all began with a secret, fifteen years ago. Now the past has crashed the party. And it’ll end in murder at…
THE MIDNIGHT FEAST
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40:14
Nick Harkaway Q&A
Bestselling author Nick Harkaway joins Simon and Matt for our Q&A episode.
He talks about books and authors he loves, his writing process, adaptations of his father's (John Le Carre) work, and who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party.
We also surprise Nick with a question from previous Books Of The Year guest, David McCloskey!
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19:52
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19:52
Nick Harkaway Q&A
Author Nick Harkaway answers our Q&A questions!
He talks to Simon and Matt about his reading habits, authors he loves, whether he always finishes a book or not - and - who he would invite to his fantasy dinner party!
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19:52
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19:52
Nick Harkaway
John Le Carre's son, Nick Harkaway, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his new Circus novel.
They discuss the challenges (and joys) of taking on the mantel of such an iconic character (George Smiley) and writing in his father's footsteps, as well as the research it takes to get the technology of the time right.
As well as lots of espionage stories, they chat about John Le Carre, his voice, his style - and why Nick decided to write this novel in the first place.
The book is Karla's Choice - and you can read more about it here:
It is spring in 1963 and George Smiley has left the Circus. With the wreckage of the West's spy war with the Soviets strewn across Europe, he has eyes only on a more peaceful life. And indeed, with his marriage more secure than ever, there is a rumour in Whitehall – unconfirmed and a little scandalous – that George Smiley might almost be happy.But Control has other plans. A Russian agent has defected in the most unusual of circumstances, and the man he was sent to kill in London is nowhere to be found. Smiley reluctantly agrees to one last simple task: interview Susanna, a Hungarian émigré and employee of the missing man, and sniff out a lead. But in his absence the shadows of Moscow have lengthened. Smiley will soon find himself entangled in a perilous mystery that will define the battles to come, and strike at the heart of his greatest enemy…
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Andrew Hunter Murray Q&A
Andrew Hunter Murray joins Simon Mayo and Matt Williams for our Q&A episode.
They chat about some of his favourite authors, his love of 'cosy crime' and what he likes to eat when he's writing (question courtesy of his fellow author and friend, Cariad Lloyd)
We also learn who he'd invite to his fantasy dinner party...
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