Matt Edmondson and Mollie King Announce Novel Idea - brand-new comedy-meets-crime podcast

Matt and Mollie’s Novel Idea is a brand-new comedy-meets-crime podcast from best friends and BBC Radio 1 co-hosts Matt Edmondson and Mollie King. Each week, the pair take turns writing the next chapter of the same murder mystery with no planning, no spoilers, and no vetoes. Narrated by Steffan Powell (**Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC Radio 2, 5Live)**, the weekly series combines storytelling, improvisation and behind-the-scenes banter as their fictional detective “Ian Chalk” is dragged through the chaos.

In the opening chapter, Detective Ian Chalk is introduced - a flawed antihero loved by Matt and despised by Mollie. Chalk hints at a troubling event that took place inside a cave at Cheddar Gorge, before arriving at Willow Manor, to investigate the eccentric death of wealthy aristocrat Augustus Smythe. Smythe has been yanked to his demise after getting his tie caught in a paper shredder, causing a seemingly accidental strangulation. However, questions quickly arise about the true cause of his death. Was it murder?

Enter DI Brie Roquefort, Chalk’s sharp new colleague, who reveals Smythe’s will has also been shredded, but she has painstakingly stitched it back together. On only her second day, she undermines Chalk, setting up their literal “Chalk and Cheese” dynamic.

Roquefort declares her belief that Smythe was murdered by one of the manor’s six dinner guests, officially opening the crime scene investigation. But who did it? And what the hell happened in that cave?

In a tongue-in-cheek and playful parody of Margot Robbie’s famous bubble bath scene from The Big Short, Mollie has hopped in the tub to explain the unique format of Novel Idea. Just as Margot demystified finances, Mollie breaks down her and Matt’s new comedy murder-mystery podcast in a fun, accessible splash - on Mollie’s Instagram.

Matt Edmondson said: “The phrase “two heads are better than one” needs a rethink. Never before in the history of literature has an author written a whodunnit and not known whodidit. In my first chapter, Augustus Smythe, a wealthy businessman, gets tugged to his demise after his tie gets stuck in a paper shredder, but who is the murderer? Sadly, that’s up to Mollie.”

Mollie King said: “Have you ever considered writing a novel with your best friend? No, of course you haven’t, you’re not that foolish! I’ve cried with joy and pain throughout this experience so far! I never knew two human beings could have such opposing visions of how a crime/romance could be written! Matt’s gonna kill me for slipping in “romance” there.”

With episodes dropping every Wednesday, Matt and Mollie’s natural on-air chemistry and quick-fire humour translate effortlessly into podcasting, flipping the traditional true-crime format on its head. Expect unpredictable twists, outrageous turns and plenty of laughter as the duo attempt to outwrite each other week by week. The final chapter is still unwritten and listeners are invited to help by coming up with a title for their Novel Idea.