In this end-of-year bonus episode, Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill reflect on the past year of reading, writing, and podcasting — and look ahead to what’s coming next.

They discuss the books that shaped their thinking, Bernard Cornwell’s The Winter King, Tolkien, Roman history, Churchill biographies, audiobooks, and the reality of trying to finish novels before Christmas.

A thoughtful, funny, and honest conversation for readers, writers, and anyone who loves historical fiction and historical adventure.

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A Christmas Mystery with a Twist! 🎄In this festive episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Justin Hill and Matthew Harffy sit down with author Gareth Rubin to discuss his unique "You Solve the Crime" novel, Murder at Christmas!

Gareth dives into what it’s like to write a modern-day, Poirot-style mystery where the reader is tasked with solving the case. He also reveals the fascinating structural challenges behind his novel The Waterfall (a story within a story within a story) and shares his thoughts on the significant impact of AI on authors and the publishing world.

Plus, hear the hosts' latest writing updates (first drafts, word counts, and editor emails) and their festive plans, including Christmas menus (goose and suckling pig!).

Episode Highlights:

• Gareth Rubin on his "You Solve the Crime" murder mystery.

• The discussion on job losses for translators and illustrators due to AI.

• The secret behind the magician's disappearing box murder mystery.

• Matthew Harffy's experience at the Hans Zimmer and Gladiator live orchestra concerts.

Links:

• Buy Gareth Rubin's book, Murder at Christmas: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781398543485

• All Rock, Paper, Swords! Links: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords

• Support the Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast

• Leave a Tip on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords

Keywords & Hashtags:#GarethRubin #MurderAtChristmas #YouSolveTheCrime #RockPaperSwords #HistoricalFiction #JustinHill #MatthewHarffy #WritingTips #AIMurderMystery #ChristmasBooks #NewRelease #HistoricalPodcast #AuthorInterview

In this episode of Rock, Paper, Swords!, hosts Matthew Harffy and Justin Hill welcome writer and academic Dr Victoria Whitworth to discuss her new book:

The Book of Kells: Unlocking the Enigma

Victoria takes us deep into the world of early medieval art, manuscript culture, monastic life, and the enduring mystery behind one of the most iconic artefacts of the British Isles.

From pigments and parchment to spiritual symbolism, cultural context, and the sheer strangeness of medieval creativity, this conversation blends history, art, storytelling, and humour.

We also explore her research process, her time living in Orkney, how she approaches writing for academic and general audiences, and why The Book of Kells continues to fascinate historians, artists, and readers alike.

🔍 In this episode:

• What makes The Book of Kells so unique

• The strange, spiritual & playful imagery hidden in the manuscript

• How monks created vibrant art with natural materials

• Why early medieval art still captivates us

• Victoria’s research journey & artistic insights

• Her experience living in Orkney and writing about landscape, faith & identity

• The challenges of writing accessible yet rigorous history

• The ongoing mystery: who made the Book of Kells and why?

Rock, Paper, Swords links ➜ https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords

Buy The Book of Kells: Unlocking the Enigma: https://uk.bookshop.org/a/14768/9781788541800