Simon Mayo's Books of the Year

Ranking history

About the show

Latest episodes

• Jon Ronson Q&A

  September 25, 2026 · 24 min

  Journalist, broadcaster and author Jon Ronson joins Simon and Matt for a spot of Q&A. We learn about the authors he loves reading, how he orders his bookshelves, other careers he wanted to pursue - and - who he'd invite to his fantasy…

• Jon Ronson

  September 16, 2026 · 40 min

  Journalist and bestselling author, Jon Ronson, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his brilliant new book 'The Castle'. They discuss the manosphere, masculinity, performative male...and how the idea for this book came from his own son's…

• Robert Harris Q&A

  September 8, 2026 · 17 min

  International bestselling author, Robert Harris, joins Simon and Matt for a spot of Q&A. He recommends us some books, reveals his writing routine, tells us about his amazing collection of books - and of course, tells us who he'd invite to…

• Robert Harris

  September 2, 2026 · 33 min

  Robert Harris returns to Books Of The Year to chat about his new novel, 'Agrippa'. The book sees Robert return to Ancient Rome, to tell the fictionalised memoir of Agrippa - one of Augustus Caesar's great friends and top generals. They…

• David Baldacci Q&A

  August 12, 2026 · 14 min

  David Baldacci is angry - and he's ploughed his feelings into his latest books. Join Simon and Matt - and the international bestselling novelist - for a special Q&A episode, where he reveals his reading inspirations and who he would…

• David Baldacci

  August 5, 2026 · 31 min

  International superstar author, David Baldacci, joins Simon and Matt for a chat about his novel 'Nash Falls'. They chat about the 'American Dream', the US economy, feeling jaded with the super wealthy, being angry at the status quo - and…

• Chris Chibnall Q&A

  July 29, 2026 · 21 min

  Dr Who and Broadchurch screenwriter, Chris Chibnall, joins SImon and Matt for a Q&A episode. They discuss his writing processes, favourite books and authors, jobs he'd have liked to do (if he hadn't become a successful writer) and whether…

• Chris Chibnall

  July 22, 2026 · 36 min

  Screenwriter and author Chris Chibnall joins Simon and Matt for a natter about his new novel, Broadchurch, Agatha Christie and his inspirations for stories. Chris discusses his writing routine, holiday parks, sitting on ideas for years…