Ian Rankin says competing with 'almost unbelievable' real-life politics is a new challenge for fiction authors

The transcript discusses the success of authors Ian Rankin and Lee Child, highlighting the challenges writers face in today's unpredictable world. It explores the popularity of crime fiction in the UK, noting its appeal during politically turbulent times. The discussion emphasizes how literature serves as an escape from reality, offering resolution and comfort to readers.

What role does political unhappiness play in the current literary landscape?

Why do readers turn to crime fiction during troubled times?