Category

Thriller

Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Mar 04: NYT Bestselling Author Caitlin Rother’s New Thriller – Hooked

March 5, 2026

His Case. Her Story. Their hearts on the line.

Hooked – A Thriller with Caitlin Rother

In Caitlin Rother‘s new thriller, Hooked, two biotech execs from a company developing a new drug turn up dead in the ritzy enclave of La Jolla, San Diego. Things don’t add up. But when journalist Kate Chopin and surfing homicide detective Ken Goode show up to investigate … well, sparks fly for more than one reason.

Caitlin Rother shares insights into: How she developed her storyline. How and why she wanted both lead characters to be “good” ethical people; how she kept them interesting and slightly flawed. Challenges of writing fiction.

We also discuss shared connections between protagonists Kate and Ken, and author Caitlin, of losing someone close to suicide. And Caitlin shares her nostalgia for the days of good old-fashioned newsrooms, when the truth came out, no matter what the cost.

Meet Caitlin Rother

Caitlin Rother is a New York Times bestselling author, Pulitzer-nominated investigative reporter, and the woman behind 16 true crime books — including Death on Ocean Boulevard, the haunting investigation into the mysterious death of Rebecca Zahau that’s now being developed as a TV series. She’s appeared on 20/20, Investigation Discovery, and Netflix. Caitlin Rother has a degree in psychology and a masters in journalism. Her first novel Naked Addiction introduced homicide detective, Ken Goode. Today he returns in Hooked.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Feb 26: #1 International Bestselling Author Steve Berry with The Devil’s Bible

February 25, 2026

Steve Berry celebrates the 20th book in Cotton Malone thriller series

The Devil’s Bible, A Cotton Malone Novel with Steve Berry

Today we celebrate a milestone with Steve Berry that very few thriller writers reach. The Devil’s Bible is Berry’s 20th novel featuring the same hero — Cotton Malone.

Blending real-life history with a flair for creative license is Berry’s trademark. The Devil’s Bible blends conspiracies, loyalties, betrayals, countries at odds, and our familiar favorite characters along with breakneck pacing.

In this latest adventure, Cotton and Cassiopeia are back, and working together. We dig a little into their relationship and how these characters have grown over two decades of missions, close calls, and complicated feelings.

Steve discusses his research trip to Stockholm. And shares insight into one of history’s most unsettling, yet fascinating, artifacts: The Devil’s Bible.

Meet Steve Berry

Steve Berry is the New York Times and #1 internationally bestselling author of 26 novels, including The Devil’s Bible. His books have been translated into 41 languages with over 26,000,000 copies in 52 countries. They consistently appear in the top echelon of The New York Times, USA Today, and Indie bestseller lists. Somewhere in the world, every thirty seconds, one of his novels is sold.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Jan 28: #1 NYT Bestelling Author Brad Meltzer with The Viper

January 28, 2026

Meltzer’s first thriller in four years … Zig & Nola explore deadly secrets

The Viper – A Zig & Nola Novel with Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer‘s two favorite characters are called to resolve a dark and deadly secret in The Viper, Brad’s third book in the Zig and Nola series.

As we expect from Brad Meltzer, the story is full of intrigue from Dover Air Force Base mysteries and witness protection, to veteran mental health, family secrets, and murder.

We discuss character development, some of the fascinating research Brad uncovered, writing across multiple genres, and how he chooses his next creative project. And while he thrills on the page with complex characters and unexpected plot twists, Brad leaves us with simple, yet powerful words of wisdom for today’s chaotic world.

Meet Brad Meltzer

Brad Meltzer is the Emmy-nominated, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lightning Rod, The Escape Artist, and 11 other bestselling thrillers. He also writes non-fiction books like The JFK Conspiracy, and the Ordinary People Change the World kids book series, which he does with Chris Eliopoulos. In addition to his fiction, Brad is one of the only authors to ever have books on the bestseller list for Non-Fiction (The Nazi Conspiracy), Advice (Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter), Children’s Books (I Am Amelia Earhart and I Am Abraham Lincoln) and even comic books (Justice League of America), for which he won the prestigious Eisner Award. As the host of Brad Meltzer’s Lost History and Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel, Brad is responsible for helping find the missing 9/11 flag.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Dec 10: TEQUILA – A Story of Success, Love, & Violence with Tim Reuben

December 10, 2025

Suspense novel introduces young lawyer Brian Youngam

Tequila A Story of Success, Love, and Violence with author Tim Reuben

What happens when ambition, love, and lethal violence collide in the high-stakes world of tequila production?

Author and legal entrepreneur Tim Reuben joins us to talk about his powerful debut novel TEQUILA: A Story of Success, Love, & Violence, an epic tale set against the real-world landscape of Mexico’s booming tequila industry. It’s a story of risk, loyalty, betrayal – and the cost of chasing greatness.

We discuss craft, character, culture, and the line between success and destruction. Who Tim’s favorite character is, and why he made his lead antagonist absolutely irredeemable.

Tim also shares why writing his first fiction book was like “climbing a mountain“, from the highs and the thrills to the lows; and how he pushed through self-doubt.

Meet Tim Reuben

Novelist, Tim Reuben, is a veteran civil litigation attorney, a mediator, and a temporary judge in the LA courts. He founded his own law firm more than 30 years ago, and still manages the practice, while publishing widely on topics of law and society. Inspired by his law and travel experiences, and an appreciation of spirits, Reuben introduces his first novel, TEQUILA: A Story of Success, Love, & Violence, and has plans for at least two more-family saga suspense novels featuring protagonist, Brian Youngman.

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Fiction, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Nov 19: Kiss Her Goodbye, A Novel with Lisa Gardner

November 19, 2025

Can Frankie Elkin Find a Young Afghan Refugee in Time?

Kiss Her Goodbye with author Lisa Gardner

It’s always a great conversation with Lisa Gardner. As one of America’s leading thriller writers, Lisa loves to discuss the craft of writing. She also shares unique and interesting stories gathered from the extensive research she does to make her stories authentic.

When Frankie Elkin sets out to save an entire family from its haunting past in Kiss Her Goodbye, every decision could lead to disaster, as love and loss collide.

We discuss the emotional and moral undercurrents of Lisa Gardner’s Kiss Her Goodbye and hear some of the stories behind the story. We also learn how the concept for Kiss Her Goodbye was sparked by a conversation with strangers, while she was on sabbatical. And, Lisa shares some of the research that left her astonished.

Meet Lisa Gardner

Lisa Gardner, a #1 New York Times bestselling thriller novelist, has transformed her interest in police procedure and criminal minds into a streak of internationally acclaimed novels, published across 30 countries. She’s also had four books become TV movies (At the Midnight Hour; The Perfect Husband; The Survivors Club; Hide). Lisa’s books have received awards from across the globe. Her novel, The Neighbor, won Best Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers, and the Grand Prix des Lectrices de Elle in France. She was also recognized with the Daphne du Maurier Award in 2000 for The Other Daughter.

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Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Nov 05: The Girl From Devil’s Lake with NYT Bestselling Author J. A. Jance

November 6, 2025

Joanna Brady Hunts a Serial Killer Hiding in Plain Sight

J. A. Jance Author of The Girl From Devil’s Lake, A Brady Novel of Suspense

THE GIRL FROM DEVIL’S LAKE is J. A. Jance’s 21st Joanna Brady novel. And it’s Brady’s biggest, most challenging case yet. As she digs into the investigation of a body discovered in the Arizona desert, Joanna Brady realizes this murder is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle, involving crimes that span decades, and even countries.

We discuss the story, characters, and how J. A. Jance captures the mind of a serial killer. J. A. also shares some of the challenges of writing while dealing with real life. Just turned 81 years old, J. A. cares for her husband, walks 10,000 steps per day — and is writing a new novel while promoting THE GIRL FROM DEVIL’S LAKE, and waiting on Ali Reynolds’ edits to come back from her publisher in New York. All without an assistant. Whew!

Meet Bestselling Suspense Author J.A. Jance

J. A. JANCE is the New York Times bestselling author of the J. P. Beaumont series, the Joanna Brady series, the Ali Reynolds series, six thrillers about the Walker Family, and one volume of poetry. In total, she’s written 70 books. Born in South Dakota and brought up in Bisbee, Arizona, Jance lives with her husband around Seattle, Washington. THE GIRL FROM DEVIL’S LAKE.

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Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Oct 22: Joe Hart’s Novel Will Make You Question How Well You Know Your Lover

October 22, 2025

I Become Her — A Thriller

I Become Her with author Joe Hart

When Imogen Carmichael’s honeymoon shifts from bliss to a nightmare in the blink of an eye, paranoia builds and trust unravels. Is Imogen going crazy, or is something more sinister going on?

Master of psychological suspense, Joe Hart, joins us to discuss I Become Her.

We explore the story behind a honeymoon gone disastrously wrong. Joe shares how he developed the voice of a strong female protagonist, and some of the most challenging aspects of writing a thriller.

We also look at how memories — factual or dramatized — often shape how we see the truth. And, Joe shares insight into how he’s successfully crossed genres, something many authors struggle to do.

Meet Joe Hart

Joe Hart is an Edgar Award–winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 17 novels, including Or Else, The River Is Dark, Obscura, and The Last Girl. He’s also written several novella’s and dozens of short stories. Known for his taut pacing and psychological depth, Hart crafts stories that keep readers on edge until the final page. He lives in Minnesota with his family and continues to explore the darker side of human nature through fiction.

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Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on Writing

Sep 03: #1 NYT Author Lisa Gardner with Kiss Her Goodbye

September 3, 2025

Missing persons’ locator Frankie Elkin in latest domestic thriller

Kiss Her Goodbye with author Lisa Gardner

Kiss Her Goodbye: When love and loss collide, every character becomes a mystery, and every decision could be one that leads to disaster. When a young Afghan refugee goes missing, and her four-year-old daughter’s life is on the line, can Frankie Elkin save an entire family from its haunting past?

Today we venture beyond the plot and characters of Kiss Her Goodbye, and explore the emotional and moral undercurrents running through Lisa’s new story.

We also learn how the idea for this story came to Lisa while on sabbatical, and some of the research that left her astounded.

Meet Lisa Gardner

Lisa Gardner, a #1 New York Times bestselling thriller novelist, has transformed her interest in police procedure and criminal minds into a streak of internationally acclaimed novels, published across 30 countries. She’s also had four books become TV movies (At the Midnight Hour; The Perfect Husband; The Survivors Club; Hide). Lisa’s books have received awards from across the globe. Her novel, The Neighbor, won Best Hardcover Novel from the International Thriller Writers, and the Grand Prix des Lectrices de Elle in France. She was also recognized with the Daphne du Maurier Award in 2000 for The Other Daughter.

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Fiction, Thriller, Uncategorized

Aug 27: I Become Her with Edgar Award-winning Author Joe Hart

August 27, 2025

Ever wonder if you really know the person you love? Joe Hart’s new thriller dares you to find out.

I Become Her with author Joe Hart

Joe Hart, master of psychological suspense joins us to discuss his chilling new novel I Become Her.

The story follows Imogen Carmichael, a newlywed whose honeymoon turns into a nightmare when her husband Lev falls overboard during a heated argument—he survives, but with no memory of what happened. As paranoia builds and trust unravels, the question becomes: Is Lev hiding something sinister—or is Imogen losing her grip on reality?

In our conversation we explore what inspired the central premise of a honeymoon gone disastrously wrong. How Joe developed the voice of a strong female lead. The most challenging aspects of writing a thriller. And, how memory—real or imagined—can shape the truth we cling to.

Meet Joe Hart

Joe Hart is an Edgar Award–winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of 17 novels, including Or Else, The River Is Dark, Obscura, and The Last Girl. He’s also written several novella’s and dozens of short stories. Known for his taut pacing and psychological depth, Hart crafts stories that keep readers on edge until the final page. He lives in Minnesota with his family and continues to explore the darker side of human nature through fiction.

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Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Writers on Writing, Young Adult Fiction

Aug 13: Hayley Krischer’s You Belong to Me

August 13, 2025

What if living your best life had deadly consequences?

You Belong to Me with author Hayley Krischer

Teens and adults alike are captivated by Hayley Krischer’s latest gripping YA novel. You Belong to Me is a dark, atmoshperic, emotionally charged story where the stakes are high and hit too close to home.

Hayley reveals the dark side of the wellness industry, a multi-trillion dollar economy encompassing many false claims and scams.

We look at why Hayley’s favorite characters were inspired by followers of an infamous cult (think Charles Manson). The challenges of pace in plot, and how she develops characters to meet it. And some of the themes at the heart of You Belong to Me such as the need to belong, and what it means to trust yourself.

Meet Hayley Krischer

Hayley Krischer is an award-winning journalist who has written for the The New York Times, The Atlantic, Elle and more. She has an MFA from Lesley University. Her books include fiction and nonficiton. Find out more at her website.

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