Listen: The Burn Card, by Simon Lendrum

13 August 2026 First published RNZ

Writing a novel is one of those things many people say they'd love to do, but very few ever get around to it.

Simon Lendrum decided to give it a try during those long days of Auckland's COVID lockdowns, and it turns out he was rather good at it.

His manuscript was plucked from the slush pile and went on to become a critically acclaimed debut novel.

Now, Simon Lendrum has returned with his second novel, The Burn Card, all while continuing in his day job as CEO of the Commercial Communications Council.

He joined Emile Donovan on RNZ's Nights programme to talk about the book.