Bookcited!: A Libraries NI podcast for all things library

Bestselling author Faith Hogan talks to Bookcited about her latest book, her writing journey, and the art of crafting stories based in a small town Ireland that capture the power of family, friendship and community. 

Join us on the latest episode of Bookcited, where Derry author Séamas O'Reilly discusses his latest book, Prestige Drama, and the themes, characters and experiences that inspired it. 

Jillian and Pete discuss 'Atmosphere', a historical fiction romance novel, set at the time of the 1980s space shuttle program and demonstrating the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love.

Lurgan author Jamie Guiney storms onto Bookcited with his brilliant debut novel The Lightning. He talks to Jillian and Pete about his writing, his ideas and how his love for lighthouses spawned this captivating story.

Lucy Caldwell joins Bookcited to discuss Devotions, her acclaimed collection of stories exploring connection, identity, love and loss. 

Susan Bennett joins Bookcited to discuss One Year, her heartfelt memoir about family, life's turning points and, after a shock diagnosis, taking off around Europe in a camper van for a year! 

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. 

Join Jillian as she flies solo to interview the legend that is Bernard MacLaverty – his novels have been shortlisted for the Booker Prize and his most recent novel Midwinter Break has just been released as a film starring Ciaran Hinds and Lesley Manville. 

Join us for a Bookcited! conversation with award‑winning narrator Gerard Doyle as we discuss the merits of making books more accessible for all. Jillian and Pete glimpse some behind the scenes snippets about recording an audiobook as they chat with Gerard all the way from New York. 

Here's a taster from Jillian and Pete about the BOTM for June... Three Days by Anne Tyler revolves around three days centred around  events at a family wedding that shake up the lives of the bride’s divorced parents.

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.

Alan Hollinghurst joins Bookcited! to talk about April’s Book of the Month ‘Our Evenings’ and a lifetime of storytelling. A rich and generous conversation about identity, theatre and the making of a modern classic.

Patrick Gale joins Jillian and Pete to explore how the subtle interplay of inspiration and the long echo of family history have quietly shaped his forthcoming novel Love Lane. 

Jillian and Pete speak with Trish Bennett in a special World Poetry Day episode on the emotional honesty and sharp observation at the heart of her poems. A warm, revealing conversation that celebrates the art of capturing life in verse. 

Islands within an Island - Jan Carson joins Jillian and Pete to explore the stories, secrets and quiet enchantments woven through her new novel based around Lough Neagh, Few and Far Between. 

Join us to celebrate the 100th episode of Bookcited! where Jillian and Pete are joined by Conor and Sian to look back over some of the most memorable interviews and think about hypothetical future guests – dead or alive! 

Jillian and Sian join local author Sheena Wilkinson as she reflects on writing, representation and the importance of telling women’s stories for International Women’s Day which takes place on 8 March.

Jillian and Pete explore the quiet magic and bittersweet wonder of the bestselling Japanese novel Before the Coffee Gets Cold, Libraries NI’s March Book of the Month. 

One hare. One woman. In the quiet of the countryside, Chloe Dalton found a story worth telling. Listen as she shares the moments that shaped her remarkable journey. 

Stephen Daly on The Last Death Poet: a haunting Young Adult debut where Belfast’s political ghosts meet Irish mythology. Join us on the Libraries NI Bookcited podcast as we explore how identity, memory, and destiny collide in this gripping coming-of-age story.

Awards Season is here! Jillian, Pete, and Conor dive into the books behind the films dominating the 2026 nominations. Discover the stories that leapt from page to screen and why they’re making waves on the red carpet.

Sheila O’Flanagan joins Jillian and Pete for a candid, uplifting exploration of life, books and the power of women’s stories. A thoughtful exchange that explores how stories evolve, connect and leave their mark on readers. 

For our Book of the Month this month, we dive into 'Tom Lake' by Anne Patchett, a tender, beautifully written novel about love, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves. Join us as we explore why this quiet masterpiece is the perfect winter read. 

Bookcited meets Andrea Mara: from her award-winning thriller 'It Should Have Been You' to the Netflix hit 'All Her Fault', we explore crime, suspense and stories that keep you guessing.

Jillian, Pete, and Sian look back on the books that made them readers: the stories that sparked a lifelong love of reading. Join us as we share the titles that opened doors to new worlds and shaped who we are today. 

Blue Monday got you down? Jillian, Pete, and Conor share the ultimate comfort reads. The books that helped us through tough times and brought joy when we needed it most. Discover stories that soothe the soul and remind us why reading is the perfect antidote to winter blues. 

‘I write therefore I am’, Edna O’Brien, so Carlo Gebler has inherited his mother’s compulsion to write – and sits down with Jillian and Pete to talk about his own literary heritage as a writer, television director, and teacher. From the wilds of Fermanagh to the confines of prison walls Carlo tells how he has inspired and educated many.

Join Peter and Jillian with the first of the New Year selection for Book of the Month. Here they meet up to discuss James by Percival Everett – shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2025, it is an alternative telling of the classic Huckleberry Finn told from the point of view of James, the runaway slave.

Join Jillian, Pete and Conor as they wax lyrical about the books coming up in 2026. From debut authors to old favourites they reveal their very different tastes in books with their own special style of book banter covering everything from the past, the future, and the purely magical. 

Area Manager Becky joins Jillian and Pete in this episode to look back over some of the best books they have read in 2025. From thrillers and romantasy to palate cleansers and comfort reads, the trio cover a wide selection of popular choices!  

We celebrate Jane Austen’s legacy - from Regency drawing rooms to Netflix adaptations. Why does she still captivate us? Celebrate 250 years of wit, irony, and unforgettable heroines with guest Jennifer Shepherd.

Niall Williams is an Irish writer of novels, plays, and non-fiction. He is known for his novels Four Letters of Love, As It Is In Heaven, Fall of the Light, History of the Rain, and This Is Happiness.