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A Stab In The Dark: A UKTV Original Crime Podcast with Mark Billingham

Bringing together the worlds of crime TV and crime fiction


Latest episode

  • 10. Jed Mercurio and Line Of Duty (plus The Sopranos)

    55:03
    In this brand new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham chats to acclaimed screenwriter and showrunner Jed Mercurio. Line Of Duty has become the nation's top-rated cop show, and here Jed discusses the show's success, and gives valuable behind-the-scenes insight into the characters, the scripts and the plots. He also gives us a sneak preview of series six. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, chats to the star of The Sopranos, Vincent Pastore.

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  • 9. Agatha Christie centenary celebration - Sarah Phelps and James Prichard

    44:35
    In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham celebrates the centenary of the release of Agatha Christie's first published novel - The Mysterious Affair At Styles - by talking to acclaimed screenwriter Sarah Phelps, who has adapted five Christie novels for television. Mark and Sarah discuss the celebrated novelist's life and work, and cast a critical eye over her motivations and themes. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, talks to Agatha's great-grandson, James Prichard, about the centenary and what it means to the Christie family.
  • 8. Mick Herron and the Great British spy novel

    40:17
    In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to Mick Herron, one of the most critically acclaimed writers in the UK. Throughout their chat, they discuss Mick's 'Slough House' series of spy novels, the origins of his beloved lead character, Jackson Lamb, and the forthcoming TV adaptation, starring Gary Oldman. Mick also exclusively reveals the title of his new book, not out until 2021. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, provides a potted history of the Great British spy novel.
  • 7. True crime with Denise Mina and Matt Wesolowski

    41:12
    In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to best-selling crime writers Denise Mina and Matt Wesolowski about the phenomenon of true crime documentaries and podcasts. Together they ponder why the genre has become so successful, the ramifications of amateur crime-solving and how true crime influences their own, award-winning novels, as well as recounting their own favourite, macabre true-crime stories. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, counts down his favourite true-crime documentaries to watch right now.
  • 6. We Hunt Together - Eve Myles and Babou Ceesay

    39:08
    In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to Eve Myles, the star of Alibi's new smart, slick and contemporary crime drama We Hunt Together. Together they discuss the show's central pairing of DS Lola Franks and DI Jackson Mendy, debate the nature v nurture approaches to determining psychopathy, and the rise of Welsh TV crime drama, which is enjoying a golden period. Also in this episode, our man with the spyglass - Paul Hirons - chats to the other half of We Hunt Together's investigative partnership, acclaimed actor Babou Ceesay.
  • 6. Harlan Coben

    41:07
    In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to one of the genre's biggest names - American author Harlan Coben. The writer of over 30 books - many of them bestsellers - Harlan talks about his early career, his big breaks, and his move into television, thanks to his collaborations with Netflix and with Walter Presents, where Just One Look is available to view now. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, talks to British crime writer, Fiona Cummins, who talks about dark serial killers and the underbelly of society.
  • 4. Liz Moore and the American opioid crisis

    38:59
    In this brand-new episode of A Stab In The Dark, award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham talks to one of the most critically-acclaimed crime novelists in America, Liz Moore. Liz's fourth novel, Long Bright River, uses the backdrop of the opioid crisis in Philadelphia to tell her story of a missing young woman and during a recent visit to the UK, Liz talked to Mark about life on the Philly streets, the complex nature of addiction and how crime fiction can shine a light on difficult social issues. Elsewhere, our man with the spyglass, Paul Hirons, talks to the award-winning creator of the TV thriller Blood, Sophie Petzal.