John is an Irish novelist and writer; he is the author of novels for adults, novels for younger readers, novellas, and a collection of short stories. John's historical novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas received critical acclaim and was adapted into a 2008 drama film of the same name.

Jillian and Pete discuss 'Air' which is Libraries NI's Book of the Month for August 2026. The book is available to borrow online (eBook/eAudiobook) and in libraries.

Pete and Jillian are joined by Michael from Ballyhackamore Library to discuss the finer points of the recent popular release ‘Land‘ by Maggie O’Farrell. This fictional all encompassing historical novel based in the west of Ireland offers many talking points and we hope the discussion will encourage listeners to pick up the novel for themselves. 

Join Jillian and Pete as they chat to Louise about the setting of her new novel 'Everything That is Beautiful' and how her own background in sports helped her to write such an engrossing story.

International number one bestselling author Val joins our Jillian for a literary discussion, from her early days visiting the library for books to becoming an alumna of Oxford University and then onto journalism and writing books.

Patricia Forde gives Jillian and Sian some tips to share to listeners, encourage children to read more as well as sharing about her writing life and the importance of representation in Children’s Literature.

Exploring obsession, violence and the human edge of crime fiction. Liverpudlian Luca Veste joins Bookcited! to discuss dark stories and why they matter - as well as analysing the plight of his beloved football team and the joy of playing Glastonbury. 

Jillian and Pete discuss the novel which follows Louisa, an eighteen-year-old aspiring artist aging out of the foster care system after the recent death of her best friend. She comes into possession of a world-famous painting featuring three tiny figures on a pier and story takes off from there.

Avid crime reader Paul Harvey talks to Jillian and Pete about the appeal of reading crime, his famous brother-in-law and which crime writers are his favourites.

Listen as bestselling crime writer Mark Billingham joins Jillian and Pete to reflect on his 25 year writing journey with stories that grip, characters that last and why his Tom Thorne series has endured.