In the first of a brand-new series, Graham talks to best-selling ‘tartan noir’ doyenne, Val McDermid, about her latest novel, 1979 and our clubbers debate whether it was, in fact, a good year. 

Plus, Nirvana and Foo Fighters rock legend, Dave Grohl, reveals how he created and voiced his memoir, The Storyteller. All this and plenty more including a glimpse behind the Booker prize curtain and an insiders-guide to what’s trending on the book charts.

The Book Club entertains literary royalty as Margaret Atwood tells Graham about her Booker-nominated story of murder and madness, Alias Grace, and the clubbers pass judgement on whether it stands up in court. Master illusionist, Derren Brown, reveals some of his ‘secrets’ and, inspired by Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Alex Clark guides us through three books who have staged impressive come-backs. All this plus which chart-toppers to watch.

Our book of the week is Naoise Dolan’s smash hit debut, Exciting Times. Graham talks to her about creating this story of young, misguided love and our clubbers reveal if they’re excited about it or not. 

National treasure and storyteller extraordinaire, Miram Margolyes, shares some ‘truths’ about her life and Sara Collins proves that size doesn’t matter (when it comes to books). 

We’ve also got chart choices and plenty of other reviews and recommendations.