Series Three is off with a bang. Graham talks to Vera and Shetland creator, Ann Cleeves, about new detective Matthew Venn’s first outing in The Long Call. Our clubbers reveal whether they answered on the first ring or let it go to voicemail, actress Minnie Driver explains her approach to Managing Expectations and Alex Clark gets lost in translations. All this plus news, reviews and recommendations on what to read next. Come and join the club

Graham talks to Maggie O’Farrell about her reimagining of Shakespeare’s family life and one of the must-reads of 2020, Hamnet. Our clubbers reveal if it gets a standing ovation or closes after the first night. Rev Richard Coles discusses his first foray into cosy crime – Murder Before Evensong – and Sara Collins brings us back to reality with her top picks for books based true events. Plus, our chart guide gives you the inside track on the next big thing. If you love a good story, this is for you.   

Murder Before Evensong used with permission from the Orion Publishing Group Limited 

This time we feature Bryan Washington’s story of relationships, food and Japanese mothers-in-law, Memorial. Our clubbers debate whether they’d go the distance with it, Sheila Hancock shares observations on her Old Rage and Alex Clark suggests the very best in writing about writing. We’ve also got loads of insights into what’s hot on the book scene to make you even more interesting at parties. You’re very welcome.

Our book this time is Sheila Heti’s musing on God, love, grief and foliage – Pure Colour. Our clubbers decide if it’s easy on the eye while Game of Thrones’ Indira Varma reveals what went into the cauldron for her recent reading of Terry Pratchett’s Witches Trilogy. Plus, Sara Collins takes a trip through the phenomenon that is autofiction and our chart maven, Holly Newson, checks out the hit parade.

Graham talks to Earl Lovelace about his classic tale of carnival and rebellion, The Dragon Can’t Dance. Our clubbers decide if it’s got the moves and Queer Eye’s super-stylist, Jonathan Van Ness, enourages us to Love That Story. All this plus Sara Collins on the best of Caribbean writing, the latest chart update and loads more besides.

We’re in the saddle to discuss Jilly Cooper’s classic tale of love, lust and show jumping, Riders. Our clubbers decide if it’s a clear round or instant elimination, we hear from Jilly herself about how the book nearly didn’t make it to publication at all and Alex Clark recommends some other blockbuster reads to go alongside this 80s epic. Plus, broadcaster, Sara Cox, talks us through her new pottery-driven novel, Thrown.

We’re in Middle England with Jonathan Coe’s take on the fun that was Brexit. Our clubbers vote on whether the book should leave or remain, Alex Clark explores the world of the political novel and TikTok sensation, Mamadou Ndiaye, tells Graham about sperm whales that can vibrate you to death with their call. Now that’s variety! All this plus an insider’s guide to the charts.

We are exploring other worlds. Sci-fi superstar NK Jemisin talks about Octavia Butler’s time-travelling classic, Kindred and Wil Wheaton reveals life – but not as we know it – being Still a Geek. Sara Collins has the recipe for the best irresistible reads to put in your holiday suitcase and one of our clubbers is stalked by a seagull. This cannot be missed.