Matt Edmondson and Mollie King are inviting listeners to shape the ending of their new comedy crime podcast, with the final chapter still unwritten.
Matt and Mollie’s Novel Idea is a weekly series in which the BBC Radio 1 co-hosts take turns writing the next chapter of the same murder mystery, without planning the plot or agreeing on outcomes in advance.
Each episode builds on the last, with no spoilers and no vetoes, as their fictional detective Ian Chalk is pushed through an increasingly chaotic investigation. The series is narrated by Steffan Powell, known for Doctor Who Unleashed, BBC Radio 2 and 5Live.
In the opening chapter, Detective Ian Chalk, described as a flawed antihero admired by Matt and disliked by Mollie, arrives at Willow Manor to investigate the death of wealthy aristocrat Augustus Smythe.
Smythe has apparently strangled himself after his tie became caught in a paper shredder but doubts quickly emerge about whether the death was accidental.
The story introduces DI Brie Roquefort, Chalk’s new colleague, who reveals that Smythe’s will has also been shredded and stitched back together.
On her second day in the role, she challenges Chalk’s approach and declares that one of six dinner guests is responsible for murder, formally opening the investigation.
The first chapter also hints at an earlier incident inside a cave at Cheddar Gorge, leaving further questions about Chalk’s past.
Explaining the format, Matt 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 added: “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.”
Novel Idea is a Matt & Mollie Production, episodes will be released every Wednesday, with the first available from 4 March on major podcast platforms.
