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RED HOT CHILLI WRITERS
Joined each episode by special guests, British Asian authors, Vaseem Khan and Abir Mukherjee take a wry look at the world of books, writing, and the creative arts, tackling everything from bestsellers to pop culture and Big Fat Asian Weddings. Insightful, funny, packed with stellar interviews – Dean Koontz, Val McDermid, Ann Cleeves, Mike Gayle, to name a few – and the odd dose of cross-cultural confusion, they dare to explore the parts other podcasts cannot reach. Find out more: www.redhotchilliwriters.com
Episode 89 - Jane Harper, The Dry, Outback Noir, and sexy Christmas underwear
In this episode we chat to global crime writing superstar Jane Harper, author of The Dry, discuss Outback Noir, and pontificate on the merits of our sexy Christmas underwear
43:0919/12/2022
Episode 88 - Peter Hains, wildlife poaching, apartheid protests, and the different forms of meditation
In this episode we speak to Lord Peter Hains, politician and thriller writer, discuss wildlife poaching, apartheid protests, and the different forms of meditation
40:4305/12/2022
Episode 87 - Kate Mosse and Greg Mosse, historical fiction, the Cathars, climate grief, women pioneers, the Matilda Effect, and Granny Rosie
In this episode we chat to literary superstar Kate Mosse and debut thriller writer Greg Mosse, discussing historical fiction, the Cathars, climate grief, eco-terrorism, women pioneers, the Matilda Effect, the Tibetan Joan of Arc … and Granny Rosie.
52:4421/11/2022
Episode 86 - Kellye Garrett, why women should rule the world, and strange laws in small town America
In this episode we talk to American crime writer Kellye Garrett, discuss why women should rule the world, and investigate weird and wonderful laws in small town America
41:4807/11/2022
Episode 85 - Claire McGowan, David Beckler, The Booker Prize, and Ireland's 'vanishing triangle' disappearances
In this episode we chat to crime writers Claire McGowan and David Beckler, discuss the Sri Lankan winner of this year's Booker Prize, and reflect on Ireland's infamous 'vanishing triangle' disappearances of women in the 1990s.
39:3424/10/2022
Episode 84 - Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall, medieval owl cures, and the Declaration of Arbroath
In this episode we pay tribute to the late Booker-winning novelist Hilary Mantel, author of Wolf Hall, discuss medieval medical cures involving baked owls, and examine the Declaration of Arbroath
30:2310/10/2022
Episode 83 - Erin Kelly, The Skeleton Key, the Queue, and professional mourners
In this episode we interview bestselling crime writer Erin Kelly, discuss her new novel The Skeleton Key, chat about the phenomenon that was the queue for the Queen's coffin-viewing, and take a look at the world of professional mourners.
40:0426/09/2022
Episode 82 - The Queen's passing, Anthony McGowan and Dogs of the Deadlands, canine philosophy and Fenton's Faves
In this episode we reflect on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, interview Carnegie-winning children's writer Anthony McGowan, discuss his new book Dogs of the Deadlands - as well as the best philosopher of them all, and chat to book blogger Tracy Fenton as she rounds up her favourite crime novels of the past six months.
01:00:3612/09/2022
Episode 81 - Rev. Richard Coles, Murder at Evensong, St. Guinefort the greyhound, the meaning of modern faith, and the energy crisis.
In this episode, Rev. Richard Coles, former rock star and vicar turned crime author, discusses his novel Murder at Evensong, St. Guinefort the greyhound, and the meaning of modern faith, while Abir and Vaseem have a rant about the unfolding social crisis in Britain.
56:1529/08/2022
Episode 80 - Nadine Matheson, intimacy co-ordinators, hamsters in space, and fun facts about Grease
In this episode we talk to criminal defence lawyer and crime writer Nadine Matheson, discuss the row over film 'intimacy co-ordinators', pay tribute to a pioneering hamster, and chat about iconic musical Grease
34:2015/08/2022
Episode 79 - Mark Wightman, a potted history of Singapore, Agatha Christie and the Old Swan, and the origins of the Singapore Sling
In this episode we talk to historical crime writer Mark Wightman, who gives us a potted history of Singapore, discuss Agatha Christie's vanishing act in 1926 which inspired the world's largest crime fiction festival, and reveal the origins of the Singapore Sling.
33:4701/08/2022
Episode 78 - Luca Veste, Victoria Selman, the meaning of Scouse, and plagiarising C.S. Lewis
In this episode we chat to crime writers Luca Veste and Victoria Selman who tell us about their new crime thrillers, what Scouse actually means, and plagiarising C.S. Lewis at the age of 7...
51:2318/07/2022
Episode 77 - Imran Mahmood and Ayisha Malik, barristers on strike, the illusion of free will, and a world that just shuts up
In this episode, writers Imran Mahmood and Ayisha Malik tell us about their latest novels, discuss the current barristers strike in the UK, consider that free will might be an illusion, and hypothesise a world where people decide to just shut up...
39:1804/07/2022
Episode 76 - David Fennell and serial killer thrillers, Jaipur Lit Fest and Borders Book Fest, and the man with no opposable thumbs
In this episode we discuss serial killer thrillers with crime writer David Fennell, chat about the Jaipur Lit Fest and the Borders Book Fest, tackle the heatwave, and are rudely interrupted by a famous writer with no opposable thumbs...
31:0620/06/2022
Episode 75 - National Crime Reading Month, Sir Ian Rankin, Vanessa O'Loughlin/Sam Blake, the Platty Joobs and fun facts about the Queen
In this episode we discuss National Crime Reading Month, talk to newly knighted British Book Awards Nibbie winner Sir Ian Rankin and bestselling Irish crime writer Vanessa O'Loughlin/Sam Blake, and chat about the Platty Joobs - the Platinum Jubilee - with some fun facts about the Queen
46:0206/06/2022
Episode 74 - Stephanie Merritt & S.J. Parris, Storm and Giordano Bruno, and the world's worst teachers
In this episode, thriller writer Stephanie Merritt discusses her latest novel Storm, and her alter ego S.J. Parris talks us through the life of her historical crime series protagonist Giordano Bruno, philosopher and cosmologist. We also discuss the world's worst teachers.
29:1323/05/2022
Episode 73 - Lord Jeffrey Archer, the Domesday Book, and the village of Great Snoring
In this episode we talk to literary titan and former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, Lord Jeffrey Archer, investigate quaint English village names, and discuss the Domesday Book.
52:4809/05/2022
Episode 72 - British Book Awards special with Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Abigail Dean ... and Mahatma Gandhi
In this episode we chat to 2022 British Book Awards Crime and Thriller book of the year nominees Val McDermid, Ian Rankin and Abigail Dean. We also discuss Gandhi's legendary spinning wheel.
01:01:4925/04/2022
Episode 71 - David Baldacci and Dream Town, orang-utan blues, and the slap heard around the world
In this episode, we interview thriller-writing legend David Baldacci about his new novel Dream Town, discuss his writing journey and his fear of orang-utans, and debate the "Oscars slap"
49:2211/04/2022
Episode 70 - The British Book Awards shortlist, Janice Hallett and The Appeal, The Dying Day paperback, and epistolary novels
In this episode we chat to British Book Awards Crime and Thriller category shortlisted Janice Hallett about The Appeal, discuss epistolary novels from Adrian Mole to Dangerous Liaisons, and Vaseem's latest paperback, The Dying Day
39:3628/03/2022
Episode 69 - Maxim Jakubowski, The Perfect Crime, the "bad review", and 100 Shades of Brown
In this episode Vas and Abir chat to CWA Chair Maxim Jakubowski, discuss the new crime anthology 'The Perfect Crime', debate the "bad review", and consider penning a joint erotic nove...l '100 Shades of Brown' anyone?
45:4114/03/2022
Episode 68 - Anna Mazzola and The Clockwork Girl, war in Ukraine, and pole-dancing geckoes
In this episode we chat to Anna Mazzola about her new novel, The Clockwork Girl, set in 18th century Paris; mention her pole-dancing gecko, Elektra; and Vas and Abir get serious about the war in Ukraine
33:5628/02/2022
Episode 67 - Adele Parks and Alex Preston, Both of You and Winchelsea; from domestic noir to re-assessing the image of smugglers.
In this episode we speak to Adele Parks, bestselling author of Both of You, and Alex Preston, writer, literary critic, and author of Winchelsea; we talk domestic noir and why the Robin Hood image of smugglers needs to be re-assessed.
01:02:1114/02/2022
Episode 66 - Dean Koontz and Quicksilver, dude ranches, dogs in literature, and a canine quiz
In this episode we talk to Dean Koontz about his new novel Quicksilver, discuss dogs in literature, find out what a dude ranch is, and Abir takes on Dean in a canine-inspired quiz
44:3931/01/2022
Episode 65 - Craig Robertson and Amy McCulloch, cleaning up after dead bodies and climbing into the "death zone"
In this episode we chat to crime writers Craig Robertson and Amy McCulloch, discuss cleaning up after dead bodies, and climbing into mountain "death zones"; while Vas speculates on what he might do with Abir's ashes
51:1417/01/2022
Episode 64 - A look back at 2021, a look forward to 2022, and a crime-writer's teapot
In this episode, we look back at 2021, take a look forward to 2022, and talk about Abir's crime-writing teapot
34:1103/01/2022
Episode 63 - Antti Tuomainen and Finnish noir, Fenton's Faves, and the world pillow fighting championships
In this episode, we chat to Finnish crime writing superstar Antti Tuomainen, as well as talking to Tracy Fenton of The Book Club about her five favourite recent reads, discuss the world pillow fighting championships, and present a very heartfelt and candid statement from Abir about co-host Vaseem.
54:5520/12/2021
Episode 62 - Stuart Turton and Seven Deaths, Imran Mahmood and BBC's You Don't Know Me, and where does the word 'tomfoolery' come from?
In this episode we talk to Stuart Turton, author of the mind bending The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, quiz Imran Mahmood on his adapted BBC show You Don't Know Me, and discuss where the word 'tomfoolery' comes from.
47:1706/12/2021
Episode 61 - Mikhail Sen and an actor's life, The Shadows of Men, and the Hollywood great quotes quiz
In this episode Mikhail Sen, star of the recent A Suitable Boy adaptation, talks to us about his acting life, and the audiobook of The Shadows of Men; we then put him to the test with a Hollywood great quotes quiz
43:5622/11/2021
Episode 60 - Charles Cumming and spy fiction, Bay Tales, and how to reduce your carbon footprint
In this episode we interview spy thriller writer Charles Cumming and discuss his latest book Judas 62, chat to Vic Watson and Simon Berwick about the upcoming Bay Tales festival, and do our bit for climate change by reducing our podcast's carbon footprint
01:00:4808/11/2021
Episode 59 - Clare Whitfield, Jack the Ripper, the PG Tips tea chimps, and awkward plurals
In this episode we interview Goldsboro Books Glass Bell-winning author Clare Whitfield, whose debut re-imagines the Jack the Ripper murders, discuss the fate of the PG Tips tea chimps, and investigate awkward plurals.
38:5725/10/2021
Episode 58 - Elodie Harper, The Wolf Den, ancient Pompeii, French literature and Abir's French junket
In this episode we talk to historical novelist Elodie Harper about The Wolf Den, set in the brothels of ancient Pompeii; discuss French literature and Abir's trip to France
36:1611/10/2021
Episode 57 - Tim Marshall and The Power of Geography, the best ever literary Scottish fiction, and a Bloody Scotland round-up
In this episode we interview author and journalist Tim Marshall and discuss how geography influences modern politics, discuss some of the best ever literary novels set in Scotland, and offer a round-up from the Bloody Scotland festival.
01:01:4927/09/2021
Episode 56 - Ann Cleeves & The Heron's Cry, Bloody Scotland live podcast, and wearing sliders and socks in public places
In this episode we talk to crime fiction superstar Ann Cleeves & her latest book The Heron's Cry, we discuss our upcoming live podcast event at Bloody Scotland and your chance to win a set of signed bestsellers, and Vas gets his grump on about people wearing sliders and socks in public places
38:1313/09/2021
Episode 55 - Orenda Books special with Karen Sullivan, Awais Khan, Will Carver and Lilja Sigurdardottir
In this episode, partly recorded in the beautiful Coles Books in Bicester, we speak to indie publisher Orenda Books with founder Karen Sullivan and authors Awais Khan, Will Carver and Lilja Sigurdardottir and their terrific new novels
50:4630/08/2021
Episode 54 - S.A. Cosby, Razorblade Tears, a new Writing Crime Fiction course, and events that shouldn't be at the Olympics
In this episode we interview US crime fiction sensation S.A. Cosby, author of Razorblade Tears, discuss a new 'Writing Crime Fiction' course, and review the Tokyo Olympics - including taking certain Olympic events to task.
54:2516/08/2021
Episode 53 - Mark Billingham and Steve Cavanagh, Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival, and the meaning of altruism
In this episode we talk to crime writing superstars Mark Billingham and Steve Cavanagh, discuss the return of the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival, and ponder the meaning of altruism and simple acts of kindness (including swimming with sharks)
53:1502/08/2021
Episode 52 - The Dying Day, racism in sports films, and Fenton's Favourites
In this episode, Vaseem introduces his new book, The Dying Day, we discuss racism in sports films, and Tracy Fenton of TBC - The Book Club - tells us about her favourite novels of the past six months.
41:3619/07/2021
Episode 51 - Amit Dhand, the horrors of Partition, Tariq Ashkanani, and the Capital Crime New Voices
Episode 51 - In this episode we talk to regular contributor Amit Dhand about his new book The Blood Divide, and Tariq Ashkanani about his thriller Welcome to Cooper. Tariq also tells us about the Capital Crime New Voices Award - open to anyone who wants to write a crime novel.
47:0505/07/2021
Episode 50 - Alex Michaelides, The Maidens, Imran Mahmood, I Know What I Saw, and judges with a sense of humour
In this episode we talk to Alex Michaelides, author of the global hit The Silent Patient about his new book The Maidens, and barrister-writer Imran Mahmood, whose new book, I Know What I Saw, is now out. Imran delves into the realities of the court system including judges with a wicked sense of humour.
49:0821/06/2021
Episode 49 - Laura Shepherd-Robinson, Will Shaw, Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, and why Truman Capote was jealous of Harper Lee
In this episode we interview historical crime author Laura Shepherd-Robinson, crime novelist Will Shaw, and discuss the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, disappearances from trawlers, and why Truman Capote was jealous of Harper Lee
55:5407/06/2021
Episode 48 - Richard Osman & The Thursday Murder Club, Rahul Raina & How to Kidnap the Rich, Ajay Chowdhury & The Waiter
In this episode we interview The Thursday Murder Club author and Pointless star Richard Osman, quizzing the quizmaster with a quiz about quizzes. We also chat to Rahul Raina, author of How to Kidnap the Rich, and Ajay Chowdhury, author of The Waiter.
01:12:5524/05/2021
Episode 47 - British Book Awards special with Lee Child & Andrew Child, Ian Rankin, Oyinkan Braithwaite, and Joy Ellis
In this special episode we chat to some of the shortlisted nominees for Crime and Thriller Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. Ian Rankin tells us about his white flared trousers, Lee Child & Andrew Child about their complete lack of sibling rivalry, Oyinkan Braithwaite about the amazing meaning of her name and winning the award last year, and Joy Ellis about her Imperial throne chair. Oh and of course they talk about their wonderful books.
01:12:3110/05/2021
Episode 46 - Mike Gayle, The British Book Awards and Count Binface
In this episode we make a very special announcement about the British Book Awards 2021, interview bestselling contemporary writer Mike Gayle, and discuss Count Binface's pledges for the London mayoral campaign
56:0526/04/2021
Episode 45 - Felicia Yap, Godzilla v King Kong, a race report bombshell, and talking apes
In this episode we interview Felicia Yap, author of techno-thriller Future Perfect, review the monster smash hit Godzilla v King Kong, discuss the recent race report, and chat about primate-based fiction. With talking apes.
43:1112/04/2021
Episode 44 - Dean Koontz, The Other Emily, the biggest selling authors of all time, and a brief history of the Bible
In this episode we chat to fiction legend Dean Koontz as he discusses his incredible career, review some of the others in the 'biggest selling authors of all time' club, and run through a brief history of the creation of the Bible.
53:4929/03/2021
Episode 43 - Saima Mir, The Khan, royal shenanigans, Craig Sisterson, Australian & NZ crime fiction
In this episode we'll be talking to Saima Mir and her debut crime novel The Khan, discussing THAT royal interview, and chatting to Craig Sisterson about Southern Cross Crime, his guide to Australian & New Zealand crime fiction
01:07:2715/03/2021
Episode 42 - Chris Brookmyre, weird titles, the celeb writer phenomenon, and sci-fi film trivia
In this episode we chat to Chris Brookmyre about his new book The Cut, discuss the phenomenon of celebrity authors, and talk sci-fi film trivia
01:06:5201/03/2021
Episode 41 - Val McDermid, busted boilers, the Tebbit test, and the Great Scottish-India quiz-off
In this episode we speak to crime writing legend Val McDermid, talk about busted boilers and the Tebbit test, before Val and Abir face off in the Great Scottish-India quiz helmed by Quizmaster Vas
01:02:2915/02/2021
Episode 40 - Ausma Zehanat Khan, the Bosnian conflict, human rights law, and the strange animal facts quiz
In this episode we talk to Canadian fantasy and crime author Ausma Zehanat Khan, discuss the Bosnian conflict and the workings of human rights law, and pose a weird and wonderful animal facts quiz
52:5701/02/2021