Sleuths, Spies & Sorcerers: Andrew Marr’s Paperback Heroes - OU co-production with BBC Four

In this new OU/BBC series (BBC Four, 9pm on Mondays from 17 October) Andrew Marr deconstructs detective fiction, fantasy epics and spy novels - the books we really read. The first episode focuses on page-turning detective fiction, the second examines the conventions that govern fantasy worlds, and the third programme investigates the rules of a classic espionage story.

The Open University’s Academic Consultants for this series are Derek Neale and Nicky Harlow. You’ll find further information about each episode on OpenLearn, along with a range of learning resources to take your knowledge of genres and writing further. These include an exclusive interview with crime author, Val McDermid, and free resources and quizzes to help determine your perfect whodunit, fantasy world or spy.

For more information about Sleuths, Spies & Sorcerers: Andrew Marr’s Paperback Heroes visit the BBC’s website.