Backwards Murder & New England Noir: Peter Swanson on Twisting the Thriller
Bestselling author Peter Swanson stops by to talk about the brilliant mind games behind his latest thriller—and the despair (and delight) of writing a story backwards. We dig into why he calls his work “New England noir,” what makes the region such fertile ground for suspense, and how real-life people sneak into his novels. Plus, don’t miss hearing about the chilling scene he set in an infamous—and iconic—location.Download and listen today for a masterclass in smart, sinister suspense.
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Misery on Crack & Writing from the Dark: Kiersten Modglin on Do Not Open
TikTok sensation Kiersten Modglin joins us to talk about her latest twisty thriller, Do Not Open—a book one reviewer dubbed “Misery on Crack.” She shares how she draws from her own darkest places to create unforgettable characters, what it means to be vulnerable on the page and off, and how she maintains a jaw-dropping pace as one of the most prolific authors in the game.Download and listen today—because when Kiersten says Do Not Open, you know you absolutely have to.
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Cults, Killer Secrets & a Remote Utah Resort: Clémence Michallon on Our Last Resort
Clémence Michallon returns with Our Last Resort, a haunting thriller set against the eerie isolation of a remote Utah resort. She shares her deep research into cults (and her personal connection to the Nxivm cult), how a single haunting song sparked the idea for the novel, and what it takes to psych herself up to write in a language that isn’t her native tongue. This week’s episode is about resilience, reinvention, and the stories we’re compelled to tell.Download and listen today—this is one luxury getaway you won’t soon forget.
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Royals, Roulette & A Vegas Love Story: Chris Bohjalian on The Princess of Las Vegas
Chris Bohjalian joins us to talk about his glitzy, twisty novel The Princess of Las Vegas, inspired by a real-life royal who flipped the script on a centuries-old monarchy. Chris shares why he set this story in the neon-lit world of gambling and grit as we dive into the underbelly of seedy casinos, the fascinating lives of tribute show performers, and—yes—Chris’s very own Las Vegas love story.Download and listen today for royal intrigue, high-stakes drama, and Sin City secrets you won’t want to miss!
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Memory, Murder & the Mind Games of The Ghostwriter: Julie Clark Tells All
Julie Clark joins us to unravel the layers of her latest twist-filled novel, The Ghostwriter. We talk about striking the perfect balance between suspense and emotional depth, and how growing up in the 70s helped shape the atmosphere of the book’s haunting past timeline. Julie dives into using flawed—and fading—memory as both a plot device and a ticking clock, and shares how a real-life unsolved murder inspired the story’s chilling heart.Download and listen today for a powerful, gripping conversation you won’t forget.
Three best-selling authors talking about killing (of the fictional kind) with the best thriller and suspense authors in the business. Killer cocktails, killer conversations, and killer guests with hosts Kimberly Belle, Heather Gudenkauf, and Kaira Rouda.