Episode 3

Damian Barr is joined by best-selling author Paula Hawkins, who talks about her latest thriller, The Blue Hour, and Chris McQueer, who discusses his dark debut, Hermit, which delves into incel culture.

Damian also talks to comedy powerhouse Rachel Parris about celebrating 12 years of the smash hit Austentatious, in which an all-star cast improvise a show around Jane Austen themes suggested by the audience. Rachel reveals how Austen is also the influence behind her forthcoming novel, Introducing Mrs Collins.

There is a sneak peek into the studio of musician Hamish Hawk as he prepares his show for the Edinburgh International Book Festival. The show is dedicated to the late, great Scottish poet Ivor Cutler. And we go under the guy ropes of the big top to get book picks from circus performers at the Fringe.