The Big Scottish Book Club

Damian Barr presents an Edinburgh International Book Festival special, with Judy Murray, Pulitzer Prize winner Colson Whitehead and Booker Prize winner Eleanor Catton

Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourites

Damian Barr is joined by historical fiction legend Maggie O’Farrell to discuss her novels Hamnet and The Marriage Portrait. Rochelle Neil, star of the Windrush series Three Little Birds, reveals the books that inspire her, and Caine Prize winner Leila Aboulela shares the origins of her latest historical novel, River Spirit. Lifelong fans of Alice Walker's The Colour Purple share why they love the novel, and Colin Grant, Michael Pedersen and Jackie Kay share their personal histories through memoir and poetry

In this Christmas special, Damian Barr is joined by best-selling author Jenny Colgan to discuss her new festive novel, Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop. Graham McTavish, star of Outlander, reveals his favourite fiction, and Beetle Boy series author MG Leonard shares her latest novel, The Ice Children. The primary pupils of Mallaig rate Raymond Briggs classics The Snowman and Father Christmas, and the senior pupils recommend their favourite reads as potential gifts for teens