Red Hot Chilli Writers

In this episode we talk to journalist, broadcaster and crime writer, Stig Abell, about his new novel Death in a Lonely Place, working at the Press Complaints Commission, and the phenomenon of bits falling off satellites and back to Earth.

In this epside we chat to historical and thriller writer Erin Young, discuss her gold kitchen, banned trousers, and Christianity's oldest religious book to ever go on sale - the Crosby-Schøyen Codex.

In this episode we chat to crime writer Harriet Tyce, discuss her new book A Lesson in Cruelty, and pontificate on Chaucer's unfinished Canterbury tales

In this episode we chat to barrister and thriller writer Tony Kent, discuss great legal thrillers, and get a peek into the world's most famous courtroom at the Old Bailey

In this episode we chat to bestselling crime writer BA Paris about her new novel The Guest, and discuss Arabian Noir, a crime anthology set in the Gulf, curated by writers Michael Lynes and Alex Shaw.

In this epsiode we speak to Canadian mystery writer Nita Prose, discuss the advent of dog poop DNA testing, and muse on the recent advances in cold fusion science and how many hot baths the new tech might power

In this bumper episode we chat to Anna O author Matthew Blake, discuss homicidal somnambulism, and then talk to Guy Kennaway, author of Good Scammer, while taking a look at some of the best books ever set in the Caribbean.

In this episode we chat to Australian crime writer Chris Hammer, discuss the TV adapation of his novel Scrublands, talk about deadly funnel-web spiders, and present secrets for superior gut health in the new year.

In this episode prolific book blogger Tracy Fenton reviews her ten favourite novels of the past year, while we take a look at dodgy Xmas parties, and chat about Micky Mouse's original avatar arriving in the public domain.

In this episode we talk to biographer Andrew Lycett, whose new work The Worlds of Sherlock Holmes explores anew the world's most famous detective. With added Cucumber Sherlock.

In this episode we chat to barrister and author Imran Mahmood about his latest thriller, Finding Sophie; discuss the height of author winterwear, as modelled by your hosts; and dissect the most famous tea party in fiction.

In this episode we talk to crime writer Susi Holliday, discuss female serial killers, before Susi takes a stab at explaining the meaning of Diwali

In this episide we chat to crime writer and former journalist, Fiona Cummins, her momentous meeting with George Clooney, discuss new research showing the range of cats' facial expressions, and dissect the case of the Aussie mushroom poisoning

In this episode we talk to screenwriter turned novelist Suk Pannu, a core writer on shows such as Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumars at No 10. Suk discusses his debut novel Dead and Scone, and the unstoppability of Indian aunties.

In this episose we talk to historical crime writer Nev March, discuss the unsolvled Bombay Rajabai Clocktower Deaths, and debate research about the happiest times in our lives - and in the lives of orangutans.

In this episode we talk to historian Matthew Parker about his new book One Fine Day, discuss EM Forster and George Orwell in India, dissect the Booker Prize shortlist, and reflect on the British PM's Seven Deadly Bins

In this episode we talk to TV personality-turned-writer AJ West, discuss his time on Big Brother and our greatest ever ghost stories, including the one about the saucy ghost ape of Dorset

In this episode we discuss summer holidays, India's moon landing, Christie's Evil Under the Sun, and David Suchet's unusual method for perfecting Hercule Poirot's walk

In this episode we talk to thriller writer Simon Toyne, discuss how to avoid wild animal attacks, and the etymology of famous phrases, aswell as reflecting on the St Hilda's Crime Weekend, and a crime writers rap battle in Bute, Scotland.

In this episode we chat to crime writer Sarah Hilary, and discuss neurodiversity in fiction. Vaseem launches a competition to win a pair of signed books, to celebrate the upcoming publication of Death of a Lesser God, and we bear witness to the invention of the 'blousers' - the bladder trousers.

In this episode we chat to thriller-writing legend, Karin Slaughter, remember literary great Cormac McCarthy, and discuss authors whose deaths range from the gruesome to the downright bizarre... including death by flying tortoise

In this episide we chat to historical crime 'writer' Ambrose Parry, discuss Shakespeare's grammatical legacy, and briefly dissect a gameshow that is effectively a sort of nude 'blind date'

In this episode we talk to crime fiction legend Mark Billingham about his new book The Last Dance, discuss Hitler's dream of a Nazi playground in Blackpool, England, and Abir tells us about his 'Broken Arse' hell

In this episode, we discuss the MOTIVE festival in Canada and the Joffe Books Prize, chat to crime writer and ecology professor Harini Nagendra, and examine the notion of male trees v female trees and their effect on Abir's hayfever. Meanwhile, Vaseem is elected as the first non-white chair of the 70-year-old UK Crime Writers' Association...

In this epside we talk to superstar American crime writer Robert Dugoni, reflect on our visit to the British Book Awards, and discuss appropriate behaviour at literary festivals

A special episode recorded live at the 35th Malice Domestic crime fiction convention in Maryland, USA where we debate the eternal question... Which is better? American or British Crime Writing?

In this episode we talk to former cop turned crime writer Graham Bartlett, investigate the world's oldest police forces, and walk in the footsteps of Napoleon

In this episode we talk to crime writer Alis Hawkins, discuss the Welsh Rebecca Riots, chat about Gŵyl Crime Cymru, Wales' international crime fiction festival, and profile some of history's most infamous poisoners.

In this episode we speak to renowned crime writer Andrew Taylor who leads us through Restoration England, discuss Edgar Allen Poe in London, and the TV crime show 'Ozark'

In this episode we talk to bestselling crime writer Laura Wilson, discuss Theakston's Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, and the ins and outs of French publishing

In this episode we talk to crime writing legend Peter May about his new novel in which crime fiction meets climate change. We also discuss Friday the 13th, the superstitions, the films, and how numerology often trumps rational decision-making

In this episode we chat to crime writer Helen Fields, discuss her new novel The Institution, dissect Prince Andrew's autobiography, and talk about our favourite biographies, quite possibly the best biographies of all time.

In this episode we chat to thriller superstar Lisa Jewell, discuss a cunning plan to meet your New Year's resolutions, talk about books to look out for in 2023, and reveal 101 recipes using chickpeas that no one really wants to eat.

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

In this episode we speak to Lord Peter Hains, politician and thriller writer, discuss wildlife poaching, apartheid protests, and the different forms of meditation

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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...

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...

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...

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

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.

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.

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.

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"

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

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?

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

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.

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

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

In this episode, we look back at 2021, take a look forward to 2022, and talk about Abir's crime-writing teapot

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

In this episode we talk to American crime author Frank Zafiro, discuss Idi Amin's coup, and chat about ruined sleep cycles

In this episode we look forward to the new year, put 2020 on trial, discuss different calendars from around the world, and make some New Years resolutions

In this episode, all six of the Red Hot Chilli Writers return for a special Christmas episode to discuss how Asians do Christmas, our best books and TV series of the year, what we're looking forward to in 2021, and a truly toe-curling rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas.

In this episode we interview CWA Diamond Dagger winning Martin Edwards and discuss the resurgence of Golden Age Crime Fiction, talk Great Christmas Novels, and debate the Great Craisin Controversy

In this episode we interview Ragnar Jónasson, Icelandic crime fiction superstar, run a fun facts quiz about Iceland, and discuss political chicanery depicted on screen

In this episode we speak to prolific non-fiction author Dan Smith, discuss a political scandal from the sixties, discover how to tame a lion, and offer a quiz tribute to the late Sean Connery.

In this episode we speak to C.J. Tudor, author of creepy thrillers in the vein of Stephen King, discuss the seminal film 'In the Heat of the Night', and present a quiz based on the greatest ever movie quotes

In this episode we talk to Antonia Hodgson, bestselling author of the Tom Hawkins Georgian-era crime novels, learn about whisky investing, and examine the relationship between authors and alcohol.

In this episode we speak to Lucy Foley, author bestsellers The Hunting Party and The Guest List; chat to David Headley co-owner of the world's finest first-editions bookshop, Goldsboro Books, and speak to Ayisha Malik about her new book 'This Green and Pleasant Land'

In this episode we take a look at the music biz. We chat to rock legend Aziz Ibrahim, guitarist with the Stone Roses, and Amanny Mohamed, BBC radio broadcaster. We also list our favourite songs, with some revealing back stories. Finally, we meet Farhana Shaikh, organiser of the Home by 10 festival

In this episode we celebrate great historical fiction and discuss classics of the genre such as Waverley, Wolf Hall, & Shogun. We also speak to Tracy Fenton, owner and organiser of one of the biggest book clubs on Facebook.

In this episode we interview literary and crime writer Sanjida Kay, discuss some truly awful writing including William S. Burroughs' NAKED LUNCH and the world's worst poet, and present techniques on how to safely catch and release bees.

In this episode we discuss festivals, the good, the bad and the plain weird. We also have a special segment from the world's biggest crime festival, Theakston Old Peculier at Harrogate, where we interviewed four brilliant crime authors: Mark Edwards, Susi Holliday, Claire McGowan, and Dreda Say Mitchell.

In this episode we interview lawyer-turned crime writer Gillian McAllister, discuss sexual assault in fiction, take a look back at Jodie Foster in The Accused, put Nabokov's masterwork Lolita on trial, and review of TV show The Luminaries, based on the Booker-winning novel.