In this live special, Ryan shares his favourite fiction and non-fiction books and authors of 2025.

Fiction:

The Book of Guilt by Catherine Chidgey

The names by Florence Knapp

Fair Play by Louise Hegarty

Nesting by Roisín O’Donnell,

Wellness by Nathan Hill

Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz

The Wildelings by Lisa Harding

The Elements by John Boyne

It Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara

The Black Wolf by Louise Penny

The Ghosts of Rome by Joseph O’ Connor  

In Memoriam by Alice Winn

One of Us by Elizabeth Day

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer by Ragnar Jónasson

Non-Fiction:

The Zorg by Siddharth Kara

The Einstein Vendetta by Thomas Harding

Remnants of Our Past by Deirdre O’Neill

Wings by Paul McCartney

The Walking Effect by Karl Henry

Three Castles Burning: A History of Dublin in Twelve Streets by Donal Fallon

2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America by Josh Dawsey, Tyler Pager, and Isaac Arnsdorf

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Anna Haugh is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, and television presenter. She’s the founder of Myrtle Restaurant in London, which celebrates modern Irish cuisine with a contemporary twist. In September 2025, Anna was announced as a new judge on the BBC One show MasterChef.

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Miriam O’Callaghan has been a leading voice in Irish broadcasting for over three decades, renowned for her sharp journalism, warmth, and integrity. A qualified solicitor before turning to the media, she has covered major national and international stories, earning multiple awards and honours, including honorary doctorates. Her new memoir, Miriam: Life, Work, Everything, is available now.

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Jeffrey Archer is one of the most widely read and enduring storytellers in the world. His novels and short stories have sold over 300 million copies, being published in 119 countries and translated into 47 languages. A former politician and lifelong philanthropist, he has raised more than £50 million for various charities. His latest novel, End Game, marks the thrilling finale of his acclaimed William Warwick series.

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Alice Leahy is co-founder and Director of Services at the Alice Leahy Trust, supporting people who are homeless. A former nurse, writer, and Human Rights Commissioner, she helped establish Ireland’s first intensive care unit. Through her work, books, and documentaries, Alice has been a leading advocate for those on the margins of society.

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Hugh Bonneville is an actor and author, best known to millions worldwide as Lord Grantham in Downton Abbey and Henry Brown in the beloved Paddington films. His new children’s novel, Rory Sparkes and the Elephant in the Room, has just been published.

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Emma Doran is a comedian, podcaster, writer, and social media sensation. She’s the author of the critically acclaimed memoir Mad Isn’t It? and she's currently touring Ireland and the UK with her biggest show to date, Immaculate.

Contains strong language and adult themes.

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Colm Tóibín is one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers. He’s the author of eleven novels, including Brooklyn, The Master, and The Magician. Known for his quiet emotion and vivid storytelling, Tóibín is also a playwright, essayist, and recent Laureate for Irish Fiction. His new release, Ship in Full Sail, a rich collection of essays and lectures, is available now.

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Nicola Tallant is one of Ireland’s most respected crime journalists. Best known for her fearless investigations into organised crime and her hugely successful Crime World podcast. Her latest book, ‘Groomed: Coercion, Control and a Cold Blooded Murder’, has just been released.

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Leo Varadkar served as Taoiseach of Ireland (prime minister) from 2017 to 2020 and again from 2022 to 2024. He was Ireland’s youngest ever Taoiseach in 2017, and the first openly gay person and first person of colour to hold the office. He resigned in 2024 and stepped away from electoral politics. His new memoir, Speaking My Mind, is out now.

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