Join Jillian and Sian as they chat to Sophie Hayles from the Crescent Arts Centre about the exciting programme for this year’s Belfast Book Festival as well as hearing some behind the scenes anecdotes from past years.

Bethany introduces Jillian and Pete to her new novel ‘Familiar’ – grounded in the natural world of the Co. Down countryside, the peaceful surroundings belie the worlds which are turned upside down by the return of a long lost relative. 

Roisín O’Donnell joins Jillian and Pete on Bookcited for a moving conversation about Nesting, home, and emotional survival. 

Join the legendary children’s author Eoin Colfer as he joins Jillian and Sian to talk about his writing life and how Artemis Fowl became a worldwide phenomenon. 

Join Jillian and Pete as they chat to London author of The Doll Factory, Elizabeth Macneal, about her journey from Managing Consultancy to author and potter, finding the light in the darkness of her own historical novels, and her obsession with researching and writing about the Victorian era.

For May 2026’s Book of the Month Jillian and Pete revisit their interview with the author – who will be appearing at the Belfast Book Festival in June this year. ‘Ordinary Saints’ - Niamh Ni Mhaoilieoin’s debut novel has been nominated for a multitude of awards since its release and we are thrilled to have it as our Book Of The Month across all our Libraries. 

In this episode Jillian and Pete introduce Antrim’s Master of Crime, local author James Murphy.  James talks about his work as cheerleader for the annual National Crime Reading Month every June and about his own crime writing journey  

UK Children’s Laureate author Frank Cottrell Boyce joins Jillian and Sian to explore the National Year of Reading, the magic of stories and why books matter more than ever in a world of endless screen time.

Legendary crime writer Ian Rankin joins Jillian and Pete to explore the evolution of Rebus, the restless spirit of Edinburgh and the soundtrack that fuels his writing. 

Michelle Griffin joins Jillian and Pete to discuss the art of editing and the unseen work that strengthens every story. An illuminating conversation that highlights the essential role of editors in modern publishing.