190: Gill Paul, Diane Cook and The New Wilderness
Gill Paul re-imagines the love triangle between the world’s richest man,  the President’s widow, and one of the greatest soprano of all time in her historical novel ‘The Second Marriage’.   Diane Cook walks us through her debut novel The New Wilderness, which has been shortlisted for this years Booker Prize.   And we return to Gill Paul to hear the books of her life.
57m Oct 16, 2020
57m
189: Morten Bonde, Stuart Turton and Notes on Blindness
Morten Bonde discusses his self-help memoir Sentenced to Blindness: Now What? Robert Kirkwood looks at Notes on Blindness, and the source material Touching the Rock by John Hull (Starts at 23.25) And Stu Turton unveils his dazzling new novel 'The Devil and the Dark Water'
58m Oct 02, 2020
58m
188: Claire Allan, Janice Galloway and Gail Honeyman
Claire Allan discusses her dark new psychological thriller, The Liar's Daughter Janice Galloway joins Robert Kirkwood in the Glasgow studios to record her collection of short stories, Jellyfish (Starts at 21.36) Gail Honeyman tells us all about Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, before the book was released (31.20) And we return to Claire Allan for the books of her life. (46.46)
58m Sep 25, 2020
58m
187: Clare Marchant, Nicola Cornick, some Talking Book Narrators and the Booker Shortlist
In today's show we hear the shortlist for this year's Booker Prize. Clare Marchant introduces us to her timeslip novel, The Secrets of Saffron Hall. (Starts at 7.30) A gathering of Talking Book narrators tell Robert Kirkwood about their favourite reads. (22.00) We timeslip back to Nicola Cornick's first visit to Read On. (34.11) And we return to Clare Marchant for the books of her life (51.48)
58m Sep 18, 2020
58m
186: Miranda Emmerson, Roald Dahl and B.J. Novak
Miranda Emmerson transports us to Soho in the swinging sixties for ' A Little London Scandal' For Roald Dahl Day, Robert Kirkwood discovers more than children's books in the RNIB Library (Starts at 18.25) Penny Melville Brown reviews some thrillers and more. (26.20) B.J. Novak talks about and reads from his 'Book With No Pictures' (33.50) And we return to Miranda Emmerson for the Books of h...
58m Sep 11, 2020
58m
185: Eleanor Wasserberg, Neil MacGregor, Bernardine Evaristo and an X-Wing Pilot
Eleanor Wasserberg chats about 'The Light at the End of the Day' and being inspired by a painting. Neil MacGregor talks about the book version of his radio show ' A History of the World in 100 Objects' and how he also was inspired by art. (Starts at 22.25)   Narrator Ray Sawyer chats about narrating Alan Bennett. (34.04) We listen to a couple of books narrated by actors who were in Star Wars...
58m Sep 04, 2020
58m
184: S.D. Robertson, Charlotte Levin, Irvine Welsh and Tam Dean Burn
S.D. Robertson introduces us to his new book, 'How to Save A Life'  Charlotte Levin talks about her debut novel, released while in lockdown, 'If I Can't Have You' and gives us the books of her life. (Starts at 17.30) Tam Dean Burn on the works of Irvine Welsh for Talking Books. (36.30) And we return to S.D. Robertson for the books of his life. (48.12)
58m Aug 28, 2020
58m
183: Seni Glaister, Luan Goldie and Maribel Steel
Seni Glaister takes us on a rural retreat in 'Growing Season' (Starts at 0.45) Luan Goldie explores race, family and loss in 'Homecoming' (13.35) We've got short extract from Maribel Steel's book 'Blindness for Beginners' (34.28) A listener reviews a classic detective novel narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch (39.10) And we return to Seni Glaister for The Books of her Life (43.50)
58m Aug 21, 2020
58m
182: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Live - Part 2
 A special edition of Read On - The Audiobook Show featuring part two of 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' by Agatha Christie adapted by Ross Burman and performed by The Wireless Theatre Company.  This episode also goes behind the scenes and interviews the actors, producer and even spot effects.
58m Aug 14, 2020
58m
181: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd Live - Part 1
A special edition of Read On - The Audiobook Show featuring part one of 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' by Agatha Christie adapted by Ross Burman and performed by The Wireless Theatre Company. The cast includes Juliette Stevenson, Steve Hodson, Ben Whitehead and more. We also explore why this book was chosen to represent the RNIB Talking Book service.
58m Aug 07, 2020
58m
180: Roz Watkins, Rosanna Amaka and Susie Steiner
We investigate a drowned village and some distinctly creepy goings on in The Peak District with Roz Watkins and her new novel ‘Cut to the Bone’ (Starts at 0.45) Rosanna Amaka discusses the inspiration behind her absorbing debut ‘The Book of Echoes’ and gives us the books of her life (17.00) Susie Steiner talks about her latest book in the DS Manon Bradshaw series and her own experiences of si...
58m Jul 31, 2020
58m
179: Amanda Jennings, Philippa Ashley' and narrating 'The Tin Ring'
Amanda Jennings explores both the sunny and darker sides of life in Cornwall in her latest suspense novel ‘The Storm' (Starts at 0.40) We discover the heart-warming story behind the recording of ‘The Tin Ring’ – a tale of Holocaust survival that’s just entered the RNIB library (15.12) We return to the South West with Philippa Ashley for ‘A Perfect Cornish Escape’ (32.55) And back to Amanda J...
58m Jul 24, 2020
58m
178: Alyson Rudd and Mike Ingham MBE
Alyson Rudd takes us underground in her new suspense mystery ‘Eleven Lines to Somewhere’. (Starts at 0.40)   Former BBC football correspondent Mike Ingham discusses the recording of his autobiography ‘’After Extra Time and Penalties’ with Toby Davey (https://twitter.com/tobyvip?lang=en) (19.08) And we return to Alyson Rudd for the Books of Her Life (45.11)
58m Jul 17, 2020
58m
177: Natasha Pulley, Anthony McGowan and Katerina Diamond
Natasha Pulley on her new Keita Mori novel, 'The Lost Future of Pepperharrow' (Starts at 0.44) Anthony McGowan gives us his reaction to winning the 2020 CILIP Carnegie medal for his book 'Lark' (25.05) Katerina Diamond on her crime thriller 'The Woman in the Water' (34.35) And we return to Natasha Pulley for the books of her life (45.16)
58m Jul 10, 2020
58m
176: Mark Lynas, Joanna Toye and Dame Vera Lynne
Mark Lynas tells us about 'Our Final Warning - Six Degrees of Climate Emergency' (Starts at 0.45) Joanna Toye has a new shop girls book, this time the WW2 saga 'Heartache for the Shopgirls' (19.10) After her passing, we explore some books written by Dame Vera Lynn available from RNIB (35.14) And we return to Mark Lynas for the books of his life (47.00)
58m Jul 03, 2020
58m
175: Simon Stephenson, Lori Nelson Spielman and Tony Hawks
Simon Stephenson talks to Red Szell about 'Set My Heart to Five', the tale of a robot learning to love, which has already been sold to Hollywood. (Starts at 1.00) Lori Nelson Spielman takes us on a virtual romantic trip in 'One Italian Summer' and we hear the books of her life (18.55) From the archives Tony Hawks talks to Robert Kirkwood about his second book, 'Playing The Moldovans At Tennis...
58m Jun 26, 2020
58m
174: Afia Atakora, Sara Collins, Andrea Levy and Eric Motley
Afia Atakora explores Black Lives in the immediate aftermath of the American Civil War in her new novel Conjure Women (Starts at 1.04) We follow a servant and former slave girl from a Jamaican plantation to Georgian London in The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins (16.00) We travel back in time to hear from the late Andrea Levy about her book The Long Song and how her father arriv...
58m Jun 19, 2020
58m
173: Salman Rushdie, Nicola Cornick, Bella Osborne and Sue Lawrence's Cabin Fever Fables
Nicola Cornick takes us back to 1560 in her Tudor-set dual time book, The Forgotten Sister (Starts at 1.00) Cookery writer and winner of Masterchef, Sue Lawrence joins Saraband books for Cabin Fever Fables (17.10) Bella Osborne tells us about her new novel, Meet Me At Pebble Beach (28.00) There's an update on the reopening of the RNIB Braille Library from Ali Long (42.06) And we get the books o...
58m Jun 12, 2020
58m
172: Caroline Lawrence, Tim Finch and Cabin Fever Fables with Nicola Martin
Caroline Lawrence takes us to Ancient Greece in her 'Time Travel Diaries' (Starts at 0.45) Author Tim Finch and Red Szell negotiate some 'Peace Talks' (19.00) Nicola Martin reads from her debut novel, the thriller Dead Ringer for Saraband Books in her Cabin Fever Fable (31.30) And we return to Caroline Lawrence for the books of her life (48.15)  
58m Jun 05, 2020
58m
171: Sarah Morgan, Alistair Petrie, Lucy Scott and more Cabin Fever Fables
Sarah Morgan escapes to the Lake District in her new novel, 'Family for Beginners' (Starts at 1.10) Narrator couple Al Petrie and Lucy Scott talk about narrating for RNIB and the Talking Book as a theatre for one. (17.28) Saraband Books have more Cabin Fever Fables, this time with Marion Dunn (36.00) And we return to Sarah Morgan for the books of her life. (57.45)
58m May 29, 2020
58m
170: Ellen Alpsten, L.D. Lapinski and Gary Bridson-Daley
Ellen Alpsten tells us about 'Tsarina', the most powerful woman that history forgot. (Starts at 0.50) L. D. Lapinski takes us on a journey via the 'Strangeworlds Travel Agency' and gives us the books of her life. (21.45) Gary Bridson-Daley talks about his book 'The Last Heroes: Voices of British and Commonwealth Veterans' (37.15) And we return to Ellen Alpsten for the books of her life. (50.18)
58m May 22, 2020
58m
169: Hayley Doyle, Molly Flatt and David Farrier
In this week's show from the broom cupboard and bedroom, Hayley Doyle on her new rom-com, Never Saw You Coming (Starts at 1.00) Molly Flatt on the recording of her book, The Charmed Life of Alex Moore, plus we hear the books of her life (14.30) David Farrier explores what traces we will leave for the very deep future in his book 'Footprints' (31.05) And we return to Hayley Doyle for the books o...
58m May 15, 2020
58m
168: Raven Smith, Chris Devon and The Big Book Weekend
Author Molly Flatt tells us all about a virtual book Festival, The Big Book Weekend (Starts at 1.30) We hear about The Poetry Generation and hear a poem read by David Blunkett (12.10) Narrator Chris Devon talks about recording books from home (19.32) And Instagram sensation Raven Smith tells Red about Yoga, relationships and Ikea meatballs ... and gives us the books of his life (30.34)
58m May 08, 2020
58m
167: Holly Watt, Peter Kenny and Sue Moorcroft
Holly Watt talks to Red Szell about her new thriller 'The Dead Line' (Starts at 0.45) Narrator Peter Kenny chats to Robert Kirkwood about accents and recording books at a social distance (16.10) Sue Moorcroft tells us about a summer romance, 'Summer on a Sunny Island' (34.00) And we return to Holly Watt for the books of her life. (48.30)
58m May 01, 2020
58m
166: Joanna Briscoe, John le Carre and Chris Dolan's Cabin Fever Fables
Joanna Briscoe talks exclusively about her new novel 'The Seduction', and gives us the books of her life (Starts at 1.24) Saraband Books have more Cabin Fever Fables, this time with Chris Dolan - Listen to more episodes here (https://soundcloud.com/saraband_books) (26.20) And never heard before John le Carre gives us the books of his life (44.10)
58m Apr 24, 2020
58m
165: Beth O'Leary, Narrator John Banks and more Cabin Fever Fables
Recorded in a bedroom and a cupboard under the stairs, this week we have ... Beth O'Leary tells us about her follow up to 'The Flat Share', 'The Switch'. (Starts at 0.48) There's more Cabin Fever Fables from Sarah Hunt at Saraband, this time with Olga Wojtas. Listen to more episodes here. (https://soundcloud.com/saraband_books) (16.50) And narrator John Banks goes through the books he's narrate...
58m Apr 17, 2020
58m
164: Juliet Stevenson, Leighton Pugh and Cabin Fever Fables
In our first properly home-made episode, Narrator Leighton Pugh on recording books, including Samuel Pepys views on the plague (Starts at 1.30) Robert Kirkwood finds some great books to self isolate with (13.30) Juliet Stevenson on narrating books for RNIB (23.40) Sara Hunt from Saraband books talks to Graham MacRae Burnet in episode 1 of Cabin Fever Fables ... listen to more episodes here (htt...
58m Apr 10, 2020
58m
163: Julian Fellowes on Belgravia, Maribel Steel on Blindness for Beginners and Lady Audley's Secret
We go down-under to meet Maribel Steel and her new book ‘Blindness for Beginners’ (Starts at 1.27) Julian Fellowes on the writing and publication of Belgravia (20.00) Publishers Orion on the making of Belgravia (26.45) Red Szell reviews Lady Audley's Secret (40.30) And we return to Maribel Steel for the books of her life (48.30)
58m Apr 03, 2020
58m
162: J.M. Joseph, Onjali Q Rauff, Dave Steele and Tendai Huchu
J.M. Joseph introduces us to ‘Fire Boy’, a superhero whose superpower comes with unfortunate consequences (Starts at 0.50)   Dave Steele shares the latest chapters in his life as The Blind Poet, including plans for a series of children’s stories. (10.25)   Tendai Huchu introduces us to ‘The Hairdresser of Harare’. (26.50)   Onjali Q Rauff mixes light and dark in her new book ‘The Star Outside M...
58m Mar 27, 2020
58m
161: Beth Morrey on Saving Missy, Egmont Publishing on Storytime and Holly Tuke on Matt Haig
On this weeks show, Beth Morrey reveals the strands she wove together to create her breathtaking debut novel ‘Saving Missy’. (Starts at 1.06)   We hear from author Jenny McLachlan and Alison David from Egmont publishing about a petition to make Storytime part of the national school curriculum. (16.04)   Blogger Holly Tuke shares her thoughts about ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ by Matt Hague. (27.50) ...
58m Mar 20, 2020
58m
160: World Book Night 2020 with Brian Wood, Sally Nicholls and The Reading Agency
NOTE - The audio in this show has been slightly updated to reflect the current situation This week we look forward to World Book Night by exploring some of the top titles in its great book giveaway. Debbie Hicks of The Reading Agency sets the scene and tells us all about World Book Night. (Starts at 1.20)   Brian Wood takes us from the battlefields of Iraq to the trials of the courtroom in his ...
57m Mar 13, 2020
57m
159: Hilary Mantel, Ade Adepitan and World Book Day
This week, for World Book Day Robert Kirkwood guides us through all the great titles available from RNIB Library. (Starts at 1.17) Ade Adepitan joins us again with another Cyborg-Cat adventure. (18.30)   We celebrate the long-anticipated publication of ‘The Mirror and The Light’ the concluding volume in Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell trilogy with a look back at Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodie...
58m Mar 06, 2020
58m
158: Liz Mistry, Caroline Lennon and reviewing A Thousand Ships
This week, It’s murder in Bradford, as thriller writer Liz Mistry introduces us to her new detective. (Starts at 0.55) Author NB Dixon tells us what she thought of  ‘A Thousand Ships’. (21.45) Narrator Caroline Lennon discusses her love of Irish literature, and her role in The Archers. (29.45) And a return to Liz Mistry for the Books of her Life (48.10)
58m Feb 28, 2020
58m
World Book Day 2020 with RNIB Library
World Book Day on 5 March 2020 is all about celebrating the magic of books and reading. RNIB is proud to support World Book Day's mission to give every child and young person a book of their own, by making 13 titles available in audio (DAISY CD) and braille. Robert Kirkwood finds out what books are available, for free, from RNIB Library.   Organised by UNESCO, World Book Day is marked in more t...
17m Feb 24, 2020
17m
157: Kika and Me by Amit Patel, Costa Book of the Year and some shaggy dog tales.
This week we talk to the winner of the Costa Book of the Year, Jack Fairweather (Starts at 1.00) We celebrate the publication of ‘Kika and Me: How One Extraordinary Guide Dog Changed My Life’ we have an in-depth conversation with Dr Amit Patel - the other half of a winning team. (10.00)   And to keep Kika happy Robert Kirkwood chases up some of the other shaggy dog stories in the RNIB Library (...
58m Feb 21, 2020
58m
156: Preti Taneja, Francesca Segal and narrator David Monteath
This week, Author Preti Taneja re-imagines King Lear in modern-day India. (Starts at 1.02) Narrator David Monteach recalls some of the terrific titles he has turned into Talking Books. (19.22) We celebrate Valentine’s Day with Francesca Segal - author of ‘The Innocents’ and daughter of the man who wrote ‘Love Story’. (31.10) And a return to Preti Taneja for the books of her life. (47.30)
58m Feb 14, 2020
58m
155: Holly Kyte, Jeremy Paxman, Ursula and Alasdair Buchan, and Holly Tuke
Holly Kyte introduces us to the Roaring Girls – eight women who broke the mold and paved the way for modern feminism. (Starts at 1.10)   Ursula and Alasdair Buchan describe the recording of ‘Beyond The Thirty-nine Steps: a biography of the father of the modern thriller. (17.00)   Jeremy Paxman reveals a family tie to World War 1 that compelled him to write his book ‘Great Britain’s Great War’. ...
58m Feb 07, 2020
58m
154: Natalie Haynes, Jonathan Coe, Kate Saunders and The Costa Book of the Year
Natalie Haynes explores the enduring appeal of Greek and Roman myth and launches her new novel ‘A Thousand Ships’. (Starts at 1.08)   Jonathan Coe reveals how the characters of ‘The Rotters Club’ have responded to Brexit. (19.45) Red Szell reviews 'Fifty Days That Changed The World'. (36.00) The winner of the Costa Book of the Year Award. (44.10 - Full interview next week)   And the author of ‘...
58m Jan 31, 2020
58m
153: The Costa Book Awards with Sara Collins, Jack Fairweather, Mary Jean Chan and Jasbinder Bilan
This week, the Costa Book Award Winners in four categories Sara Collins talks to Robert Kirkwood about her debut novel, ‘The Confessions of Frannie Langton’ (Starts at 1.55) Jack Fairweather reveals the untold story of ‘The Volunteer’ who infiltrated Auschwitz. (17.35) Jasbiner Bilan takes Red Szell on a Himalayan quest with ‘Asha and the Spirit Bird’. (32.45) Poet Mary Jean Chan on her collect...
58m Jan 24, 2020
58m
152: Ade Adepitan, Brian Bilston and Emma Hetherington
Ade Adepitan discusses wheelchair basketball, The London Paralympics and his new book - ‘CyborgCat and the Night Spider’.    Emma Heatherington blends cosy romance with harsh reality in her most latest novel ‘Rewrite The Stars’.   And, it started with a Tweet: the poet laureate of Twitter, Brian Bilston, gives his reaction to being shortlisted for The Costa First Novel Award.
58m Jan 17, 2020
58m
151: Robert Kirkwood and Red Szell look back at 2019
Beth O'Leary talks about her best-selling and award winning debut, 'The Flat Share' (Starts at 1.34) Limmy talks about his autobiography, 'Surprisingly Down to Earth and Very Funny' (13.13) Ursula Buchan chats about 'Beyond the 39 Steps: A Life of John Buchan' (34.04) Chigozie Obioma give us the (never before heard) Books of His Life (52.00)
58m Jan 10, 2020
58m
Happy New Year!
A little bonus chat from Robert and Red (that was supposed to be 5 minutes but ended up at almost 13) wishing you a Happy New Year, chatting about the show, some favourite interviews and a couple of behind the scenes stories.
13m Jan 03, 2020
13m
150: Episode 150 - John le Carré
In an hour long special, John le Carré talks about his life and work, Brexit, his confidence trickster father, and much more. This longer version contains around 10 extra minutes that were cut for broadcast.
1hr 6m Dec 20, 2019
1hr 6m
149: Christmas Special with Noddy Holder, Charlie Grima, Sue Moorcroft and Tricia Ashley
On today's Christmas Special, romantic fiction meets glam rock! Trisha Ashley shares her recipe for a cosy romantic Christmas. (Starts at 1.20)   Wizzard drummer Charlie Grima recalls a Christmas showdown on Top of The Pops. (14.00)   Queen of Christmas, Sue Moorcroft finds snow and chocolate while researching her new novel. (28.05)   And Noddy Holder joins Red in the studio for a special glam ...
1hr 13m Dec 13, 2019
1hr 13m
148: Diane Jeffrey, John Cormack, plus 'The Robin' and other Christmas books
Diane Jeffrey discusses her taut psychological thriller – ‘The Guilty Mother’ and her novel approach to research. (Starts at 1.05)   Narrator John Cormack reveals his own surprising back story. (16.30)   Lynne Livingstone walks us through the Winter Wonderland of Christmas books in the RNIB Library. (29.00)   We find out more about that Yuletide icon: The Robin. (36.00) And we return to Diane J...
59m Dec 06, 2019
59m
147: Joely Richardson, Philip Pullman and Danielle McLaughlin
In today's Audiobook Show, we talk to Danielle McLaughlin about winning the UK's richest short story prize – The Sunday Times Audible Award. (Starts at 1.10)   Author of ‘His Dark Materials’ Philip Pullman explores the background to Lyra’s quest. (17.12)   Hollywood actress Joely Richardson reveals how she was profoundly moved by something she saw at The RNIB Talking Books studios. (38.22) And ...
58m Nov 29, 2019
58m
146: Book Week Scotland (2019)
The Scottish Book Trust, for Book Week Scotland, distribute a free book of new writing around a chosen theme ... this year's it's "Blether." RNIB produce the audio version of that book, and today's show is a small selection of 15 short stories and poems, all read by their authors. We couldn't cram the whole book into an hour, and the stories here are less than half of what's in the whole book w...
58m Nov 22, 2019
58m
145: Chris Lintott, Jane Clarke and Robin Kermode
On this edition of The Audiobook show, Chris Lintott discusses ‘The Sky at Night’ and the astronomical power of The Zooniverse. (Starts at 0.57)   Jane Clarke introduces Red Szell to some awesome egg-speriments! (22.25)   Actor Robin Kermode has some surprising advice for Robert Kirkwood on improving your public speaking (41.52) And we return to Chris Lintott for the Books of His Life (50.52)
58m Nov 15, 2019
58m
144: Sita Brahmachari, Laura Ellen Anderson, Gary Younge and The Blind Mechanic
On this week's show, Marilyn Davidson Elliot introduces us to ‘The Blind Mechanic: The Amazing Story of Eric Davidson, Survivor of the 1917 Halifax Explosion’ - NB recorded on the phone from Canada, sorry about the sound quality. (Starts at 1.19) We go in search of lost yeti treasure with Amelia Fang creator Laura Ellen Anderson. (18.38)   Sita Brahmachari imagines a post-apocalyptic world in w...
58m Nov 08, 2019
58m
143: Benjamin Myers, Lucy Ellmann, Stephanie Ellyne and The Greatcoat
In today's audiobook show, Benjamin Myers discusses his haunting coming-of-age novel ‘The Offing’. (Starts at 0.54)   We eavesdrop on the afternoon an RNIB narrator, Stephanie Ellyne, met Lucy Ellmann, the author of the book she is reading. (22.32)   Red celebrates Halloween by reviewing an atmospheric ghost story by Helen Dunmore. (41.17) And we return to Ben Myers for the Books of His Life (4...
58m Nov 01, 2019
58m