Books on the Beach – Details, episodes & analysis

Books on the Beach is a brand new Books podcast from Broadcaster, Phil Williams, profiling the Books you'll find on every sunlounger across the Globe. This new visualised podcast will celebrate the big commercial fiction, non-fiction and children's books by profiling one author per Ep.

Even the most casual reader takes a book on holiday. This podcast will help you to choose the right read for your relaxation.

Welcome to the first ever episode of Books on the Beach. And what a woman to kick things off with. Lynda La Plante is still crafting page turning thrillers at the age of 83 years young, and in this chat she talks about why she doesn't own any of her Prime Suspect or Widows characters; her association with The Krays and life prisoner Charles Bronson; her career before writing as a jobbing actor in The Sweeney and why she has a body in her cellar..!

The wonderful Anthony Horowitz chats to Phil about his new Hawthorne Thriller: A Deadly Episode. In a wide ranging chat they cover: Retirement; why his grandchildren aren't allowed to use the G word; how often Anthony misses his stop on the train because he's too busy writing on his laptop; why he has no interest in Awards Shows and which Producer he describes as 'a skunk.' He's warm, funny, engaging and Phil loved recording this chat for you.

This is indeed, A Deadly Episode..!!!

Dorothy Koomson has sold over three million books and is Britain's Biggest Selling Black Writer.She stops by to tell Phil all about The Quiet Girls, her brand new 22nd novel; why she's a big scaredy cat when it comes to storylines that are too sinister and why she's lovely until you cross her...then you're guaranteed to turn up in one of her books...as a Baddie..!! She's great fun. Enjoy!

You don't need me to tell you about Ardal O'Hanlon, right..? Stand up comedian, actor, writer. It's been a while since he gave us a Novel, though. His third - A Plot to Die For - is the first in a new series of gentle, funny, crime books.

In this chat we discuss the novel, learn some Irish vernacular; we talk Fame, Celebrity and Howler Monkeys. Plus plenty of hilarious stories.

Michael Connelly is Phil's all time favourite writer. He's delighted that Michael said Yes to another interview.

In this Ep, you'll hear Michael talk candidly about a life changing health event; his brand new Detective Stilwell novel, IRONWOOD; he'll outline what the brand new Bosch nobel will be about which lands this Autumn, and gives vital TV updates on Bosch, Lincoln Lawyer and Ballard.

It's a Must Watch/Listen for all Michael Connelly fans obsessed with the BoschVerse!

Sarah Vaughan is the brilliant Million Seller behind hits like Anatomy of a Scandal and Little Disasters.

She's back with a brand new novel - Based Upon a True Story - which is a family saga rooted in King Lear. It's brilliantly observed, satirical and also tackles some serious issues like Gambling Addiction.

Phil and Sarah chat about the novel plus Sarah's views on Instagram Influencers, her former career as a print journalist covering harrowing news stories and why she writes for therapy.

Jamie Smart has sold millions of children's books: The Bunny vs Monkey series, Looshkin and Megalomaniacs. His books are hilarious punk graphic novels for children and make my own kids howl with laughter.

In this very special episode, some of Jamie's junior readers get to put their questions to their hero, one of which he says not even his own Editor has ever asked..!If you've got children, they'll love this. There's tonnes of new info about the next few books and some specials to come before the end of 2026.

This one'll hit you, 'Oof...Right in the Puddings.'

Phil did Abir Mukherjee’s first national broadcast interview a decade ago for his debut, A Rising Man. Since then, Abir’s won the Theakstons Crime Novel of the Year, the British Book Awards Crime & Thriller Novel of the Year, the CWA Dagger for best Historical Novel, and much much more.

In this Episode, we get Abir’s views on India; his Jeffrey Archer impression (!) and we learn his family’s Indian pet name for him. His new book The Pinnacle is also out today and is his funniest book to date. Enjoy!