Read On - The Audiobook Show from RNIB

Charlie Mackesy discusses both writing, illustrating and recording (in his barn) 'The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse'.Joanna Toye catches us up with the goings on at Marlow's Department Store in 'Christmas for the Shop Girls'.Emma Powell talks about narrating RNIB's Read-A-Long book 'Red and the Wolf'.And we return to Charlie Mackesy for the Books of his Life.

In today's show, we focus on Contemporary Crime. Mark Billingham on 'The Killing Habit' Matthew Parris on 'Scorn' Chris Brookmyre on 'Want You Gone' Emma Swan on narrating 'That'll Be The Day' And Red reviews 'Trunk Music' by Michael Connelly

Sally Gardner brings us a fairy tale for adults with The Snow Song. Tineka Smith and Alex Court on 'Mixed Up: Confessions of an Interracial Couple'. Robert Kirkwood talks to Charlotte Levin about her debut novel 'If I Can't Have You'. And we return to Sally Gardner for the Books of her Life.

This week we’ll be using our little grey cells to investigate some new developments in classic crime... Sophie Hannah tells us why Hercule Poirot is working with a new partner, and her publisher talks about how the collaboration came about. Lynn Shepherd discusses adding crime scenes to stories inspired by Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. And Red finds the book in The Library that made him want to be a crime writer.

Val Wood discusses her new historical romance ‘The Lonely Wife’ and her long-standing role supporting those with sight loss in her local area of Hull and Yorkshire’s East Riding. Amanda Robson leads us into the dark psychological world of her new domestic thriller ‘My Darling’. Loyal listener, Penny Melville-Brown takes us on a European tour of her favourite crime fiction. And we have a tribute to the recently departed actor and narrator Geoffrey Palmer.

Ahead of next week’s announcement of who has won The 2020 Booker Prize, Read On this week features interviews with all six of the short listed authors as they discuss the background to their novels and the material they explore. Ranging from a re-examination of the role played by African women during Mussolini’s 1935 invasion of Ethiopia to a dystopian near future in which a group of people live as hunter gatherers in the last wilderness on Earth, the six novels in contention for the World’s most prestigious literary prize reveal some surprising facts about their books and show a common concern with examining how people behave under pressure. And we finish up hearing from one of last year’s joint winners, Bernardine Evaristo, who shares the Books of Her Life.

Booker shortlisted author Maaza Mengiste takes us back to 1935 and introduces us to the African women who fought Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia in 'The Shadow King'. MJ Ford introduces us to his dark new crime thriller 'Watch Over You'. And Brandon Taylor reveals how his Booker shortlisted debut 'Real Life' had to be saved from the trash!

Polly Crosby leads us into the haunting world of her debut novel ‘The Illustrated Child’. Douglas Stuart reveals how a childhood afflicted by poverty and addiction in 1980s' Glasgow informed his Booker shortlisted novel ‘Shuggie Bain’. Avni Doshi discusses the themes behind her debut ‘Burnt Sugar’, reveals how it has changed her view on audiobooks and her delight at also being shortlisted for this year’s Booker. And we return to Polly Crosby for the Books of her Life.

Caroline Corcoran introduces us to her disturbing new psychological thriller ‘The Baby Group’. Tsitsi Dangarembga discusses her Booker short-listed novel ‘This Mournable Body’, and reflects on post-colonial life in Zimbabwe. We hear from the joint-winner of last year's Booker Prize, Bernadine Evaristo. And we return to share the Books of Caroline Corcoran’s Life.

Gill Paul re-imagines the love triangle between the world’s richest man, the President’s widow, and one of the greatest soprano of all time in her historical novel ‘The Second Marriage’. Diane Cook walks us through her debut novel The New Wilderness, which has been shortlisted for this years Booker Prize. And we return to Gill Paul to hear the books of her life.

Morten Bonde discusses his self-help memoir Sentenced to Blindness: Now What? Robert Kirkwood looks at Notes on Blindness, and the source material Touching the Rock by John Hull (Starts at 23.25) And Stu Turton unveils his dazzling new novel 'The Devil and the Dark Water'

Claire Allan discusses her dark new psychological thriller, The Liar's Daughter Janice Galloway joins Robert Kirkwood in the Glasgow studios to record her collection of short stories, Jellyfish (Starts at 21.36) Gail Honeyman tells us all about Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, before the book was released (31.20) And we return to Claire Allan for the books of her life. (46.46)

In today's show we hear the shortlist for this year's Booker Prize. Clare Marchant introduces us to her timeslip novel, The Secrets of Saffron Hall. (Starts at 7.30) A gathering of Talking Book narrators tell Robert Kirkwood about their favourite reads. (22.00) We timeslip back to Nicola Cornick's first visit to Read On. (34.11) And we return to Clare Marchant for the books of her life (51.48)

Miranda Emmerson transports us to Soho in the swinging sixties for ' A Little London Scandal' For Roald Dahl Day, Robert Kirkwood discovers more than children's books in the RNIB Library (Starts at 18.25) Penny Melville Brown reviews some thrillers and more. (26.20) B.J. Novak talks about and reads from his 'Book With No Pictures' (33.50) And we return to Miranda Emmerson for the Books of her Life. (44.34)

Eleanor Wasserberg chats about 'The Light at the End of the Day' and being inspired by a painting. Neil MacGregor talks about the book version of his radio show ' A History of the World in 100 Objects' and how he also was inspired by art. (Starts at 22.25) Narrator Ray Sawyer chats about narrating Alan Bennett. (34.04) We listen to a couple of books narrated by actors who were in Star Wars. (36.16) And as the Booker Prize approaches, we hear the books of last year's joint winner, Bernardine Evaristo (43.12)

S.D. Robertson introduces us to his new book, 'How to Save A Life' Charlotte Levin talks about her debut novel, released while in lockdown, 'If I Can't Have You' and gives us the books of her life. (Starts at 17.30) Tam Dean Burn on the works of Irvine Welsh for Talking Books. (36.30) And we return to S.D. Robertson for the books of his life. (48.12)

Seni Glaister takes us on a rural retreat in 'Growing Season' (Starts at 0.45) Luan Goldie explores race, family and loss in 'Homecoming' (13.35) We've got short extract from Maribel Steel's book 'Blindness for Beginners' (34.28) A listener reviews a classic detective novel narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch (39.10) And we return to Seni Glaister for The Books of her Life (43.50)

A special edition of Read On - The Audiobook Show featuring part two of 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' by Agatha Christie adapted by Ross Burman and performed by The Wireless Theatre Company. This episode also goes behind the scenes and interviews the actors, producer and even spot effects.

A special edition of Read On - The Audiobook Show featuring part one of 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' by Agatha Christie adapted by Ross Burman and performed by The Wireless Theatre Company. The cast includes Juliette Stevenson, Steve Hodson, Ben Whitehead and more.We also explore why this book was chosen to represent the RNIB Talking Book service.

We investigate a drowned village and some distinctly creepy goings on in The Peak District with Roz Watkins and her new novel ‘Cut to the Bone’ (Starts at 0.45) Rosanna Amaka discusses the inspiration behind her absorbing debut ‘The Book of Echoes’ and gives us the books of her life (17.00) Susie Steiner talks about her latest book in the DS Manon Bradshaw series and her own experiences of sight loss (35.15) And we return to Roz Watkins for the books of her life (48.52)

Amanda Jennings explores both the sunny and darker sides of life in Cornwall in her latest suspense novel ‘The Storm' (Starts at 0.40) We discover the heart-warming story behind the recording of ‘The Tin Ring’ – a tale of Holocaust survival that’s just entered the RNIB library (15.12) We return to the South West with Philippa Ashley for ‘A Perfect Cornish Escape’ (32.55) And back to Amanda Jennings for the books of her life (47.06)

Alyson Rudd takes us underground in her new suspense mystery ‘Eleven Lines to Somewhere’. (Starts at 0.40) Former BBC football correspondent Mike Ingham discusses the recording of his autobiography ‘’After Extra Time and Penalties’ with Toby Davey (19.08) And we return to Alyson Rudd for the Books of Her Life (45.11)

Natasha Pulley on her new Keita Mori novel, 'The Lost Future of Pepperharrow' (Starts at 0.44) Anthony McGowan gives us his reaction to winning the 2020 CILIP Carnegie medal for his book 'Lark' (25.05) Katerina Diamond on her crime thriller 'The Woman in the Water' (34.35) And we return to Natasha Pulley for the books of her life (45.16)

Mark Lynas tells us about 'Our Final Warning - Six Degrees of Climate Emergency' (Starts at 0.45)Joanna Toye has a new shop girls book, this time the WW2 saga 'Heartache for the Shopgirls' (19.10)After her passing, we explore some books written by Dame Vera Lynn available from RNIB (35.14)And we return to Mark Lynas for the books of his life (47.00)

Simon Stephenson talks to Red Szell about 'Set My Heart to Five', the tale of a robot learning to love, which has already been sold to Hollywood. (Starts at 1.00) Lori Nelson Spielman takes us on a virtual romantic trip in 'One Italian Summer' and we hear the books of her life (18.55) From the archives Tony Hawks talks to Robert Kirkwood about his second book, 'Playing The Moldovans At Tennis' (37.47) And we return to Simon Stephenson for the books of his life. (45.19)

Afia Atakora explores Black Lives in the immediate aftermath of the American Civil War in her new novel Conjure Women (Starts at 1.04) We follow a servant and former slave girl from a Jamaican plantation to Georgian London in The Confessions of Frannie Langton by Sara Collins (16.00) We travel back in time to hear from the late Andrea Levy about her book The Long Song and how her father arrived in the UK on the Empire Windrush (31.14) And travel from racially charged Alabama to the Oval Office with Eric Motley (40.45) Plus there's a return to Afia Atakora for the books of her life. (49.00)

Nicola Cornick takes us back to 1560 in her Tudor-set dual time book, The Forgotten Sister (Starts at 1.00) Cookery writer and winner of Masterchef, Sue Lawrence joins Saraband books for Cabin Fever Fables (17.10) Bella Osborne tells us about her new novel, Meet Me At Pebble Beach (28.00) There's an update on the reopening of the RNIB Braille Library from Ali Long (42.06) And we get the books of your life from Sir Salman Rushdie (48.08)

Caroline Lawrence takes us to Ancient Greece in her 'Time Travel Diaries' (Starts at 0.45)Author Tim Finch and Red Szell negotiate some 'Peace Talks' (19.00)Nicola Martin reads from her debut novel, the thriller Dead Ringer for Saraband Books in her Cabin Fever Fable (31.30)And we return to Caroline Lawrence for the books of her life (48.15)

Sarah Morgan escapes to the Lake District in her new novel, 'Family for Beginners' (Starts at 1.10) Narrator couple Al Petrie and Lucy Scott talk about narrating for RNIB and the Talking Book as a theatre for one. (17.28) Saraband Books have more Cabin Fever Fables, this time with Marion Dunn (36.00) And we return to Sarah Morgan for the books of her life. (57.45)

Ellen Alpsten tells us about 'Tsarina', the most powerful woman that history forgot. (Starts at 0.50)L. D. Lapinski takes us on a journey via the 'Strangeworlds Travel Agency' and gives us the books of her life. (21.45)Gary Bridson-Daley talks about his book 'The Last Heroes: Voices of British and Commonwealth Veterans' (37.15)And we return to Ellen Alpsten for the books of her life. (50.18)

In this week's show from the broom cupboard and bedroom,Hayley Doyle on her new rom-com, Never Saw You Coming (Starts at 1.00)Molly Flatt on the recording of her book, The Charmed Life of Alex Moore, plus we hear the books of her life (14.30)David Farrier explores what traces we will leave for the very deep future in his book 'Footprints' (31.05)And we return to Hayley Doyle for the books of her life (48.52)

Author Molly Flatt tells us all about a virtual book Festival, The Big Book Weekend (Starts at 1.30) We hear about The Poetry Generation and hear a poem read by David Blunkett (12.10) Narrator Chris Devon talks about recording books from home (19.32) And Instagram sensation Raven Smith tells Red about Yoga, relationships and Ikea meatballs ... and gives us the books of his life (30.34)

Holly Watt talks to Red Szell about her new thriller 'The Dead Line' (Starts at 0.45) Narrator Peter Kenny chats to Robert Kirkwood about accents and recording books at a social distance (16.10) Sue Moorcroft tells us about a summer romance, 'Summer on a Sunny Island' (34.00) And we return to Holly Watt for the books of her life. (48.30)

Joanna Briscoe talks exclusively about her new novel 'The Seduction', and gives us the books of her life (Starts at 1.24) Saraband Books have more Cabin Fever Fables, this time with Chris Dolan - Listen to more episodes here (26.20) And never heard before John le Carre gives us the books of his life (44.10)

Recorded in a bedroom and a cupboard under the stairs, this week we have ... Beth O'Leary tells us about her follow up to 'The Flat Share', 'The Switch'. (Starts at 0.48) There's more Cabin Fever Fables from Sarah Hunt at Saraband, this time with Olga Wojtas. Listen to more episodes here. (16.50) And narrator John Banks goes through the books he's narrated for RNIB. (32.00)

In our first properly home-made episode, Narrator Leighton Pugh on recording books, including Samuel Pepys views on the plague (Starts at 1.30) Robert Kirkwood finds some great books to self isolate with (13.30) Juliet Stevenson on narrating books for RNIB (23.40) Sara Hunt from Saraband books talks to Graham MacRae Burnet in episode 1 of Cabin Fever Fables ... listen to more episodes here (37.27) And Frances Hardinge gives us the books of her life (50.30)

We go down-under to meet Maribel Steel and her new book ‘Blindness for Beginners’ (Starts at 1.27)Julian Fellowes on the writing and publication of Belgravia (20.00)Publishers Orion on the making of Belgravia (26.45)Red Szell reviews Lady Audley's Secret (40.30)And we return to Maribel Steel for the books of her life (48.30)

J.M. Joseph introduces us to ‘Fire Boy’, a superhero whose superpower comes with unfortunate consequences (Starts at 0.50) Dave Steele shares the latest chapters in his life as The Blind Poet, including plans for a series of children’s stories. (10.25) Tendai Huchu introduces us to ‘The Hairdresser of Harare’. (26.50) Onjali Q Rauff mixes light and dark in her new book ‘The Star Outside My Window’. (35.00) And we return to J.M. Joseph for the books of his life. (45.40)

On this weeks show, Beth Morrey reveals the strands she wove together to create her breathtaking debut novel ‘Saving Missy’. (Starts at 1.06) We hear from author Jenny McLachlan and Alison David from Egmont publishing about a petition to make Storytime part of the national school curriculum. (16.04) Blogger Holly Tuke shares her thoughts about ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ by Matt Hague. (27.50) There’s important news about how you download your books from the RNIB Library. (34.20) And we return to Beth Morrey for the Books of her Life. (47.38)

NOTE - The audio in this show has been slightly updated to reflect the current situation This week we look forward to World Book Night by exploring some of the top titles in its great book giveaway. Debbie Hicks of The Reading Agency sets the scene and tells us all about World Book Night. (Starts at 1.20) Brian Wood takes us from the battlefields of Iraq to the trials of the courtroom in his memoir ‘Double Crossed’. (8.00) Robert Kirkwood tells us about the free World Book Night audiobooks and goes hitchhiking through some other rollicking reads in the RNIB Library. (28.30) Sally Nicholls imagines the lives of three young Suffragettes in ‘Things a Bright Girl Can Do’. (37.10) And we return to Brian Wood for the Books of his Life. (48.30)

This week, for World Book Day Robert Kirkwood guides us through all the great titles available from RNIB Library. (Starts at 1.17) Ade Adepitan joins us again with another Cyborg-Cat adventure. (18.30) We celebrate the long-anticipated publication of ‘The Mirror and The Light’ the concluding volume in Hilary Mantel’s Thomas Cromwell trilogy with a look back at Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies. (25.50)

This week, It’s murder in Bradford, as thriller writer Liz Mistry introduces us to her new detective. (Starts at 0.55) Author NB Dixon tells us what she thought of ‘A Thousand Ships’. (21.45) Narrator Caroline Lennon discusses her love of Irish literature, and her role in The Archers. (29.45) And a return to Liz Mistry for the Books of her Life (48.10)

World Book Day on 5 March 2020 is all about celebrating the magic of books and reading. RNIB is proud to support World Book Day's mission to give every child and young person a book of their own, by making 13 titles available in audio (DAISY CD) and braille.Robert Kirkwood finds out what books are available, for free, from RNIB Library. Organised by UNESCO, World Book Day is marked in more than 100 countries around the world, with 2020 being the 23rd year of celebrations.RNIB Helpline 0303 123 9999RNIB and World Book Day

This week we talk to the winner of the Costa Book of the Year, Jack Fairweather (Starts at 1.00) We celebrate the publication of ‘Kika and Me: How One Extraordinary Guide Dog Changed My Life’ we have an in-depth conversation with Dr Amit Patel - the other half of a winning team. (10.00) And to keep Kika happy Robert Kirkwood chases up some of the other shaggy dog stories in the RNIB Library (39.30) Then a return to Amit Patel for the Books of his Life. (50.50)

This week, Author Preti Taneja re-imagines King Lear in modern-day India. (Starts at 1.02) Narrator David Monteach recalls some of the terrific titles he has turned into Talking Books. (19.22)We celebrate Valentine’s Day with Francesca Segal - author of ‘The Innocents’ and daughter of the man who wrote ‘Love Story’. (31.10)And a return to Preti Taneja for the books of her life. (47.30)

Holly Kyte introduces us to the Roaring Girls – eight women who broke the mold and paved the way for modern feminism. (Starts at 1.10) Ursula and Alasdair Buchan describe the recording of ‘Beyond The Thirty-nine Steps: a biography of the father of the modern thriller. (17.00) Jeremy Paxman reveals a family tie to World War 1 that compelled him to write his book ‘Great Britain’s Great War’. (28.10) Bringing us right up to date, blogger Holly Tuke reviews ‘It’s Not What It Looks Like’ by YouTube sensation Molly Burke. (42.50) Find Holly at Life of A Blind Girl And a return to Holly Kyte for the books of her life. (49.15)

Natalie Haynes explores the enduring appeal of Greek and Roman myth and launches her new novel ‘A Thousand Ships’. (Starts at 1.08) Jonathan Coe reveals how the characters of ‘The Rotters Club’ have responded to Brexit. (19.45)Red Szell reviews 'Fifty Days That Changed The World'. (36.00)The winner of the Costa Book of the Year Award. (44.10 - Full interview next week) And the author of ‘The Belfry Witches’ conjures up the books of her life. (47.17)

This week, the Costa Book Award Winners in four categories Sara Collins talks to Robert Kirkwood about her debut novel, ‘The Confessions of Frannie Langton’ (Starts at 1.55) Jack Fairweather reveals the untold story of ‘The Volunteer’ who infiltrated Auschwitz. (17.35) Jasbiner Bilan takes Red Szell on a Himalayan quest with ‘Asha and the Spirit Bird’. (32.45) Poet Mary Jean Chan on her collection, Fleche. (41.15) And we return to Sara Collins for the books of her life (50.10) (We'll have Jonathan Coe next week!)

Ade Adepitan discusses wheelchair basketball, The London Paralympics and his new book - ‘CyborgCat and the Night Spider’. Emma Heatherington blends cosy romance with harsh reality in her most latest novel ‘Rewrite The Stars’. And, it started with a Tweet: the poet laureate of Twitter, Brian Bilston, gives his reaction to being shortlisted for The Costa First Novel Award.

Beth O'Leary talks about her best-selling and award winning debut, 'The Flat Share' (Starts at 1.34)Limmy talks about his autobiography, 'Surprisingly Down to Earth and Very Funny' (13.13)Ursula Buchan chats about 'Beyond the 39 Steps: A Life of John Buchan' (34.04)Chigozie Obioma give us the (never before heard) Books of His Life (52.00)