Susie Dent and Louise Minchin join Joe Haddow this week for a war of the words.

Both guests have had incredible careers in TV (Susie recently celebrated 30 years of being on Countdown and Louise spent 20 years on BBC Breakfast's red sofa) and both have written non-fiction before, but have now turned their hand to novels.

Susie say's her book, Guilty By Definition, is more of a linguistic mystery than a murder mystery, whilst Louise's book, Isolation Island, is a page-turning thriller.

They discuss their love of Agatha Christie, why they both gravitated towards the crime genre and how hard they found the shift from writing non-fiction to fiction.

As well as giving us some brilliant book recommendations, they also discuss their love of...cemeteries. YEP!

THE BOOK OFF

'Red Love' by Maxim Leo

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'Rebecca' by Daphne Du Maurier

We hope you enjoy this episode - and the whole of the new series! Please like, comment and follow so you never miss an episode (and so we can help spread the word!)

More on our guests:

Susie Dent is a writer and broadcaster on language. She recently celebrated 30 years as co-presenter and resident word expert on ‘Countdown’ - and regularly appears on the show’s comedy sister ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown’. She is the author of several non-fiction books, and her debut novel is ‘Guilty By Definition’

Louise Minchin spent twenty-years on BBC Breakfast’s red sofa, as well as being the main news anchor on the BBC News Channel. Over her career, she has appeared in a number of reality shows, including I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Time Crashers and Celebrity Masterchef – as well as presenting on BBC Radio 5 Live too. She is the author of two books of non-fiction, and her debut novel is ‘Isolation Island’

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Book Off is back! And for the first episode of Series 13, we welcome bestselling authors Mark Haddon and Clare Chambers to the pod.

They chat to Joe Haddow about their new books and what they have been reading and enjoying recently.

'Dogs and Monsters' is Mark's latest collection of short stories, where he weaves together Ancient Greek fables with more dystopian narratives. In each of the eight stories, Mark explores what it means to be human.

Clare's new novel is 'Shy Creatures' - set in South London in 1964, it follows an art therapist in a psychiatric hospital who decides to unravel the story of an immensely talented mute patient.

We get some fabulous book recommendations from each of author, as well as an insight into the ups and downs of publishing and how a little luck can go a long long way!

Mark talks openly about his long Covid and how it has given him brain fog, which not only effects his writing but also his reading. He is now a big gan of short books and short chapters.

THIS WEEK' BOOK OFF

'The Employees: A Workplace Novel Of The 22nd Century' by Olga Ravn

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'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurty

We hope you enjoy this episode - and the whole of the new series! Please like, comment and follow so you never miss an episode (and so we can help spread the word!)

More on our guests:

Mark Haddon's bestselling novel, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, was published in 2003 and won seventeen literary prizes. In 2012, a stage adaptation by the National Theatre, went on to win seven Olivier Awards and a Tony! His other literary work includes poetry and short stories, and his most recent novel – ‘The Porpoise’ – was published in 2019. 

Clare Chambers the author of nine novels – the first of which was published in 1992. In 2022, her novel ‘Small Pleasures’ became a word-of-mouth hit on publication, was longlisted for the Women’s Prize For Fiction - and won ‘Pageturner of the Year’ at the British Book Awards.

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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

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'The Joy Luck Club' by Amy Tan

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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 up against Dave Eggers. But who will win?

Why they love and hate writing in equal measure, the longevity of projects, the craziness of the 90s and how their music has changed with age.

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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 Malroie Blackman's "Noughts And Crosses" against "Lemony Snicket" by Daniel Handler.

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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 stories, espionage and how life events are the best way to get ideas.

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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.

Damian and Taylor discuss their latest novels (You Will Be Safe Here and Daisy Jones & The Six) as well as how they write, the music scene in LA through the 1970s and what writers can learn from readers by just hanging around in book shops.

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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 for women, the differences of writing prose versus stand-up and the Comedy Women In Print Prize.

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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 against "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien and the two authors discuss comics, adapting famous characters and how writing books is just an excuse to go on holiday to exotic places.

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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 Esme Lennox" by Maggie O'Farrell.

They discuss motherhood, growing up in Suburbia and whether re-reading books you love is a good idea.

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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 journalism in the world today, witches, sex addicts and how writing should be shocking and not safe. And put "The Unbearable Lightness Of Being" by Milan Kundera up against Philip Pullman's "The Ruby In The Smoke"

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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 Of The Dead'

They also tell us what they have been reading and enjoying recently.

THE BOOK OFF

Mayflies by Andrew O'Hagan

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The Elements Of Style by William Strunk Jr and EB White

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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, new projects and finding the time to read.

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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 against "Half Broken Things" by Morag Joss, but who will be crowned the winner?

The writers talk to Joe Haddow about Agatha Christie, their routines, what constitutes an archive and the joy of typewriters.

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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 put up against "A Prayer For Owen Meany" by John Irving, but who will win?

The authors also chat to Joe Haddow about how books come to them, the importance of place and how writing gets harder as you get older.

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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 Of Innocence" is put up against "We That Are Young" by Preti Taneja, but which one will win?

The writers also chat about ghosts, witches, reading bad reviews and their love of short stories.

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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 Travellers Wife" goes up against "The Last Mughal" by William Dalrymple.

They also discuss the bending of time, whether different versions of ourselves are living on another Earth, their favourite rap and hip-hop music and the popularity of poetry in the UK. 

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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 Levy, but who will win?

They also discuss the joys of milkmen, Italian cinema and how punk it is to not have a mobile phone.

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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 win???

Hosted by Joe Haddow, the two historians discuss secret spies in the Second World War, the unravelling of English history, how politics of the 1930s are mirroring our society today, and lots of poetry.

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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 Sagan's "Cosmos" is put up against the Alcoholics Anonymous "Big Book" by Bill W.

As well as discussing their own books, Matt and Bryony talk about their mental health, facing demons, how running really helps them and the Police Academy films!

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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 will have the glory?

As well as a fierce competition, the authors talk about taking time off social media and how some subjects are just too horrific to write about.

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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, Our Kind Of Cruelty.

Daphne Du Maurier's "Rebecca" goes up against 'Ghosts Of The Tsunami" by Richard Lloyd Parry in this episode, but which will win?

The authors also discuss the portrayal of women in fiction, how hard it is to hit deadlines and the best places to write.

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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 enjoyed recently.

THE BOOK OFF

'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen

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'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen

(Yes! The same book pitched against itself. A BOOK OFF FIRST!)

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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 "Frankenstein" goes up against "The Name Of The Rose" by Umberto Eco in this episode, but which one will Joe take home?

They also discuss the importance of literary prizes, their latest novels, how to plan your writing routine and jet-lag.

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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 Falcon (yep, seriously!) Joe Haddow gets geeky with both writers about music.

They talk Steely Dan, Elvis Costello and The Beatles and why music genre trends only occur every forty years.

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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 episode - but who do you think should win?

Imogen discusses the pressures of writing after a huge bidding war and financial deal and Donal explains how he has only really been a full-time author for 3 months of his life. All this plus no carb diets and how docks can be romantic.

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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 against "Sal" by Mick Kitson...but which one will Joe take home?

They also discuss what it means to be described as "humorous authors", writing on a hangover, hoarding and the art of writing young narrators.

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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 put up against "The Conspiracy Against The Human Race; A Contrivance Of Horror" by Thomas Ligotti.

As well as going head to head in a literary fight for glory, they discuss growing up around books, previous careers...and the golden age of cinema.

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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 Rich" by John Updike in the war of the words...but which should win?

As well as talking about their latest books, John and Viv also discuss school reunions and great Russian novels! Naturally.

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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 other; 'Beautiful Animals' by Lawrence Osborne and "Preparations For The Next Life" by Atticus Lish.

As well as a heated book fight, Lionel and Tracy talk "covering" Shakespeare, cycling and how jazz drummers can sometimes ruin dinner.

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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 up against "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood - but which will win!? And they also discuss the pressure of a second novel after the success of a debut.

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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' by Jean Rhys.

The authors also talk about being "shelved" in the right place, the horror genre, Stephen King, Elizabethan London and what one reads on a tour bus.

THE BOOK OFF

'The Haunting Of Hill House' by Shirley Jackson

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'You Only Live Twice' by Ian Fleming

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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 Banana Yoshimoto

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'The Buddha Of Suburbia' by Hanif Kureishi

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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 Sophia also give us some brilliant book recommendations too.

THE BOOK OFF

'By Grand Central Station I Sat Down And Wept' by Elizabeth Smart

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'The Five' by Hallie Rubenhold

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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 tips.

The authors also talk about why 'feelgood fiction' is in such a good place at the moment, and how we all need a bit of it in our lives!

THE BOOK OFF

'Riders' by Jilly Cooper

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'One Good Turn' by Kate Atkinson

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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. (hint - wine tasting is key)

THE BOOK OFF

'Cold Comfort Farm' by Stella Gibbons

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'Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone' by Benjamin Stevenson.

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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

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'The Circus Of Wonders' by Elizabeth Macneal

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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 Off

"Music And Silence" by Rose Tremain

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"The Collected Short Stories" by William Trevor

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Journalists and authors Sophie Elmhirst and Susan Smillie go head to head in a war of the words.

In this nautical themed episode, they discuss their new books (Maurice & Marylin and The Half Bird), the joy (and dangers) of the sea, sailing and leaving work behind and exploring the world. They also share with us some brilliant book recommendations.

Warning - this episode might make you want to quit your job!

THE BOOK OFF

'The Bounty' by Caroline Alexander

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'Offshore' by Penelope Fitzgerald

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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

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"Her Majesty's Royal Coven" by Juno Dawson

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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

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"The Book Of The Most Precious Substance" by Sara Gran

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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

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"Opening Night" by Ngaio Marsh

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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

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"The Age Of Innocence" by Edith Wharton

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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 Octavia E Butler

VS

"Daisy Jones & The Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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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 Berlin and "How We Read Now" by Elaine Castillo)

THE BOOK OFF

"The Skin Of A Lion" by Michael Ondaatje

VS

"Interior Chinatown" by Charles Yu

But who will win???

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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 recently - as well as talking about their brilliant new books.

THE BOOK OFF

"Me, Moth" by Amber McBride

Vs

"Stories Of Your Life And Others" by Ted Chiang

But who will win!??

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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 against Blake Morrison's "And When Did You Last See Your Father?" - but which one will win????

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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 deep dive into some Hollywood biographies.

In the Book Off, they pit Ruth Rendell's "A Judgement In Stone" against "From The City, From The Plough" by Alexander Baron, but which one will win?

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