Whether you're into the Halloween thing or not - we thought it was as good a time as any to celebrate some spooky, scary, dark, ghostly, chilling books which have recently come out - and - get some cracking recommendations. Sara has invited six brilliant authors - who write in the horror genre - to tell us about their latest novels and their favourite scary book.LISTEN IF YOU DARE MWAAAHAHAHA*
(*they're all very nice really) Here are our featured authors - and - the books discussed:Gemma Amor - 'Itch'
Daphne Du Maurier - 'The Birds And Other Stories'Tobi Coventry - 'He's The Devil'
Algernon Blackwood - 'The Willows"Bora Chung - 'The Midnight Timetable'
Stephen King - 'Thinner'Andrew Michael Hurley - 'Saltwash'
Mariana Enriquez - 'Things We Lost In The Fire'Oyinkan Braithwaite - 'Cursed Daughters'
Vikram Paralkar - 'Night Theatre'Thomas Olde Heuvelt - 'Darker Days'
Stephen King - "Pet Sematary'
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20:45
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20:45
'The Murder At World's End' by Ross Montgomery
As the nights draw in, it's the perfect time for some cosy crime - and our latest book choice will fit the bill. The Murder At World's End has been described as Downton Abbey meet Knives Out, and is the debut adult novel from bestselling children's author Ross Montgomery. Sara chats to Ross about his fascination with the Victorians, plotting a murder mystery and how he managed to get Sir Derek Jacobi to read his audiobook. We also get a sneak preview of said audiobook, and Ross gives us a top book recommendation as well! Here's the blurb for 'The Murder At World's End'
Cornwall, 1910. On a remote tidal island, the Viscount of Tithe Hall is absorbed in feverish preparations for the apocalypse that he believes will accompany the passing of Halley's Comet. The Hall must be sealed from top to bottom - every window, chimney and keyhole closed off before night falls. But what the pompous, dishonest Viscount has failed to take into account is the danger that lies within... By morning, he will be dead in his sealed study, murdered by his own ancestral crossbow.All eyes turn to Stephen Pike, Tithe Hall's newest under-butler. Fresh out of Borstal for a crime he didn't commit, he is the wrong man in the wrong place at the wrong time. His unlikely ally? Miss Decima Stockingham, the foul-mouthed, sharp as a tack, 80-year-old family matriarch. Fearless and unconventional, she relishes chaos and puzzles alike, and a murder is just the thrill she's been waiting for.Together, this mismatched duo must navigate secret passages, buried grudges and rising terror to unmask the killer before it's too late...
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12:38
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Superstar librarian Kelly Greenwood picks her Top Five Reads Of The Year
Superstar librarian Kelly Greenwood joins Sara for a natter about working in libraries and being a children's book specialist. She gives us her Top Five Reads Of The Year (so far) and also talks about being on our Book Club panel. Her picks are: Roar by Manjeet Mann
You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne,
24 Seconds from Now by Jason Reynolds
The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
Homebody by Theo Parish
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13:00
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13:00
'Artificial Wisdom' by Thomas R. Weaver
Debut novelist Thomas R. Weaver joins Sara for a chat about his new techno-thriller 'Artificial Wisdom'. They discuss Thomas' thoughts on AI, his entrepreneurial background and how he came to be a novelist. We also play out a little taster of the audiobook - and get some brilliant book recommendations too. Here's a little more about the book:Who would you trust with the future?The year is 2050. In the teeth of a climate catastrophe, the world is left with a drastic solution: one global leader to steer it through the coming apocalypse.The final two candidates are ex-US President Lockwood, and Solomon, the world’s first political artificial intelligence.As whispers of a global conspiracy emerge, investigative journalist Marcus Tully find himself at the centre of it – when Solomon’s creator turns up murdered.Overnight, one investigation becomes two, and it’s not just the result of the election that’s at stake but the future of the species. Suddenly humanity must make an impossible choice – between salvation, or freedom.
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16:17
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Maggie O'Farrell on Writing
Sara welcomes international bestselling author, Maggie O'Farrell, to the Book Club. They discuss a brand new writing prize, set up in Hilary Mantel's name, which is open to all unpublished budding writers. Maggie gives some great writing advice, talks us through her own writing routine - and - reveals her Top Five Reads Of The Year (so far)! 1. 'Glorious Exploits' by Ferdia Lennon
2. 'Clear' by Carys Davies
3. 'We The Animals' by Justin Torres
4. 'The Two Roberts' by Damian Barr
5. 'Charles Dickens: A Life' by Claire Tomalin2026 is an exciting year for Maggie - not only is the film adaptation of her novel 'Hamnet' coming out, but she's also publishing a new novel - and Sara gets the lowdown on both of these new projects too!
The Radio 2 Book club celebrates the best in new fiction and recommends great reads. Sara will be interviewing top authors about their latest novels, and she’ll be catching up with librarians and reading groups from across the UK. Whether you’re after a summer blockbuster, a twist-filled thriller, or want to curl up with a heart-warming love story, Sara has you covered!
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