What happens when a brand strategist discovers they can craft award-winning novels? International bestselling author Lex Noteboom joins David to share his incredible journey from his science fiction podcast The Deca Tapes (which landed him multiple book deals in the UK and US) to creating his latest novel, The Man with a Thousand Faces. Lex reveals his intense world-building writing process, including creating an entire fictional country with its own political systems and maps. Discover when he ...
Jun 28, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 15
In this episode we speak to international bestselling author, Will Carver, known for his dark, genre-defying thrillers. Will has been described as ‘arguably the most original writer in Britain’, and if you’ve read his work, you’ll understand why. He’s written mind-bending novels including Good Samaritans, Nothing Important Happened Today and many more, which blend gritty crime, sharp satire and physiological suspense. Our conversation explores Will’s highly anticipated new novel Kill Them With K...
Jun 16, 2025•34 min•Season 4Ep. 14
In this episode of Confessions of a Book Collector , David Headley sits down with publishing trailblazer and founder of Orenda Books, Karen Sullivan. Celebrating ten years of her fiercely independent publishing house, Karen shares the story behind Orenda’s rise. From championing fiction in translation, to building a loyal community of readers and authors. Expect candid chat about the challenges facing publishers today, the risk and reward of translated fiction, why branding matters, and what mak...
Jun 07, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 13
In this episode of Confessions of a Book Collector , David Headley sits down with the wildly talented Beth Lewis to explore her stunning new novel, The Rush - a gripping historical crime thriller set during the Yukon Gold Rush of 1898. Beth shares what drew her to this icy, lawless frontier and why she chose to spotlight the extraordinary women who braved it. From real-life inspiration and wild west research (including actual gold panning!) to the craft of building unforgettable characters, Beth...
May 31, 2025•33 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode, David sits down with the inimitable Joe Abercrombie - renowned epic fantasy author and film editor. With his signature humour and insights, Joe discusses building a reimagined medieval Europe, creating complex characters (such as his irresistible vampire, badass librarian and undead knight), whilst sharing the inspiration and journey behind his gripping new trilogy, The Devils.
May 17, 2025•39 min•Season 4Ep. 11
British-Nigerian Emmy nominee Remi Kone - known for hit TV shows like Killing Eve and Spooks - joins us to talk about her leap from the screen to the page. In this intriguing episode, Remi explores her love of reading and top book recommendations (possibly the most we've ever had on an episode!), and takes us behind the scenes of her breathtaking debut crime thriller, Innocent Guilt.
May 10, 2025•41 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Find out what happens when an earth shattering identity crisis takes you from promoting other people’s books, to writing your own. In this episode, David interviews Georgia Leighton, a senior publishing marketing manager turned debut fantasy author. Discover more about her new novel Spellbound : an enchanting new fantasy and feminist retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale.
Apr 26, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Author Robert Rutherford — master of dilemma novels — explores his terrific, cinematic new thriller, The Missing Hour . Find out how Robert came up with such a unique concept, as he shares his honest journey into becoming a crime author, including his route to publication, the challenges along the way, and what author life is like post-publication. A delightful listen and a fascinating glimpse inside the mind of a crime writer.
Apr 12, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 8
In this episode, we’re joined by the multi-talented Barnaby Martin. Composer, video essayist, chemistry teacher… and now, acclaimed dystopian thriller author. We dive into his gripping new novel, set in a near-future world transformed by a mysterious force known as the Sound Field. At its heart? A hauntingly original story of parenting through an unimaginable apocalypse. Barnaby’s path to becoming a writer is anything but ordinary. A self-taught, award winning composer, he brings a fresh, outsid...
Apr 05, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Crime fiction addicts, this one’s for you. In this episode of Confessions of a Book Collector, we’re diving into the hottest and most highly anticipated crime novels of 2025. Books that are guaranteed to dominate the bestseller lists, keep you glued to your reading seat and completely destroy your sleep schedule… Listen now, to reveal the top crime novels of 2025.
Mar 22, 2025•29 min•Season 4Ep. 6
In this episode, David sits down with the brilliant Clare Leslie Hall to celebrate the launch of Broken Country —hailed as the year’s most addictive love story. Clare shares how the novel’s unforgettable characters first appeared in her mind, the inspiration behind its intense love triangle, and the highs and lows of bringing a book to life. A must-listen for book lovers, aspiring writers, and anyone who craves a story that lingers long after the last page.
Mar 08, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 5
What happens when an author’s voice lingers long after the story ends? In this episode, we dive into the brilliant mind of Nnedi Okorafor, the award-winning pioneer of Africanfuturism, as she challenges the concept of authorial control in her provocative new novel, Death of the Author . Known for blending African mythology, science fiction, and deeply personal narratives, Okorafor’s latest work isn’t just a book—it’s a reckoning.
Feb 22, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Essie Fox is an author who weaves rich, gothic tales inspired by the Victorian era. Her novels are brimming with history, mystery and just the right touch of the macabre. From her debut book The Somnambulist , to her latest work Dangerous , she transports readers into shadowy atmospheric worlds with dark secrets. Beyond her own writing she’s also a devoted collector of books. Join us to get to know the stories behind the stories, in our latest episode....
Feb 08, 2025•38 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode, David takes you on a tour of the fascinating world of book collecting and book clubs. David reflects on his personal journey into book collecting, sharing some treasures from his own library, whilst exploring the rich history of this beloved pastime. From the trailblazers who shaped the publishing world to the evolution of book clubs, we celebrate the art, the joy, and the community of book collecting. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a first time buyer or just someone who l...
Jan 25, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 2
2025 is shaping up to be a phenomenal year for storytelling. From heart-pounding thrillers to thought-provoking literary fiction and immersive fantasy worlds, the year ahead promises a stellar lineup of must-read titles. In the kickoff to series four, David shares a sneak peak of 25 of the most anticipated releases of 2025.
Jan 11, 2025•25 min•Season 4Ep. 1
From London trader to bestselling author, Chris Whitaker shares the dramatic twists and turns of his life and how a violent experience led him to embrace writing. Chris, the acclaimed author of novels like Tall Oaks and We Begin At The End , discusses his unique creative process and his highly anticipated upcoming book, All The Colours Of The Dark .
Jul 13, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 20
David interviews bestselling author Joanne Harris, discussing her highly anticipated novel, The Moonlight Market. Joanne, who has penned over 19 novels and is known for huge literary hits such as Chocolat , which was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film, gives us a glimpse into her early life as an author, sharing the inspiration behind some of her most complex characters and writing. She also reflects on her journey from teacher to published novelist. This episode is not one to miss - listen no...
Jul 06, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 19
In the final episode of our Pride Month series, David talks to former BBC journalist and award-winning author AJ West, who shares an open and heartfelt account of his journey to becoming a published novelist. Go behind the scenes of his critically acclaimed debut and uncover the inspiration behind his latest eagerly awaited release, The Betrayal of Thomas True . This episode promises laughter, deep insights, and truly touching moments.
Jun 29, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 18
David interviews Dr Layla McCay, Director of Policy at the NHS Confederation, psychiatrist, and author of the recent non fiction hit 'Breaking The Rainbow Ceiling'. Layla shares the challenges facing LGBTQ+ professionals as they navigate their careers and we explore some of her most treasured reads. This is the third episode in our Pride Month series.
Jun 22, 2024•27 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Join us in our Pride Month series as David sits down with Stefan, one half of the dynamic duo behind the celebrated travel blog, The Nomadic Boys. Since quitting their jobs and leaving behind their London lives in 2014, Stefan and his partner Sebastien have been on a global journey, sharing their adventures and invaluable insights through their popular blog. In this episode, Stefan discusses their upcoming debut book, " The Gay Guide to Travelling with Pride: Out In The World. " Discover the ins...
Jun 15, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Join us as we launch our Pride Month series with an insightful interview featuring the brilliant Abi Fellows. Recently shortlisted for Agent of the Year at the Bookseller Awards, Abi is dedicated to championing minority voices in the publishing world. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey and invaluable insights into the industry.
Jun 08, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Ahead of her appearance at the Capital Crime Festival, David sits down with acclaimed author Kellye Garrett, a US-based expert in crafting compulsive thriller page-turners. Tune in to discover the book that sparked her passion for thriller fiction at the tender age of five, explore her favourite thriller reads, and hear her insightful views on diversity within the genre.
Jun 01, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 14
In this interview, David speaks to one of the most important people in books in the UK, the incredible Amanda Ross. Amanda is the co-founder of Cactus TV, and is behind major book-based campaigns such as Richard & Judy’s Book Club, and the televising of The Galaxy National Book Awards and the Crime Thriller Awards. Amanda has a true passion for books, and has helped to start the career of so many brilliant authors, it was a joy to have her on the show to discuss her experience....
May 24, 2024•36 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Sam Burr is no stranger to creating a good story. He’s produced some of TV’s most memorable documentaries, such as the BAFTA nominated The Secret Life Of 4 Year Olds. In this delightful interview, we explore Sam’s foray into fiction writing, discovering where the inspiration for his very clever debut novel, The Fellowship Of Puzzlemakers, originated, and of course, we dive into his love of reading and his most treasured books.
May 11, 2024•32 min•Season 3Ep. 12
We speak to dynamic duo Chris and Jen Sugden, authors of the recent Sunday Times bestselling book, High Voltage, and masterminds behind the critically acclaimed audio drama podcast, Victoriocity. The duo explain what it takes to create a bestselling book and successful drama podcast, how to create gripping characters and stories that resonate, and share their top underrated authors.
Apr 27, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 11
From dealing with dangerous individuals in her policing days to creating compelling crime fiction characters for her new novels, T M Payne is poised to be the new rising star in Crime Fiction. Listen as we explore her journey from working in the justice system to breaking into the crime fiction scene. Tina also gives us a sneak peak into her highly anticipated new crime novel ‘Long Time Dead’.
Apr 13, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In this brilliant conversion, bestselling titan of crime fiction, Mark Billingham, shares his deep-seated passion and history of book collecting, whilst revealing a major exclusive on his latest novel. Listen as Mark reminisces on unforgettable encounters with literary icons, whilst reflecting on his own journey from a fan attending author signings, to sitting behind the signing table himself as a celebrated author. See Mark at Capital Crime Festival on Saturday 1st June in London....
Mar 30, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 9
An engaging conversation into the intricate world of a publisher editor. Katherine offers an insider’s perspective on the editorial process and the journey of a book from manuscript to a book on a shelf.
Mar 16, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 8
We dive deeper into the world of publishing as David interviews former actor turned agent, Emily Glenister. Emily shares her expert advice on how to submit to an agent, where her passion for books originated from and reveals her own unique book collection and treasured gems.
Mar 02, 2024•30 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Today’s episode dives into the art of book collecting. David, who’s been collecting signed first edition books ever since he was a young teenager, explores how book collecting has evolved over the decades and shares tips and guidance for starting (or enhancing) your own collection. Plus, get a glimpse into some of David’s most cherished collectables.
Feb 17, 2024•31 min•Season 3Ep. 6
