Bianca and I discuss If You Want to Make God Laugh, creating cultural context and awareness in her writing, her podcast and why she launched it, how to become a more responsible traveler, the importance of Own Voices stories, the advent of writing partnerships, and more. Bianca’s 4 recommended reads are: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis Black Girl, Call Home by Jasmine Mans Support the podcast here. For more information about sponsoring an episode, click here. If you enjoy reading contemporary fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Hala Alyan, Liese O’Halloran Schwarz, Julie Carrick Dalton, A. H. Kim, and Ehsaneh Sadr. If You Want to Make God Laugh can be purchased at the CFAP Bookshop storefront or Murder by the Book.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kim and I discuss The Memory Collectors, the way inanimate objects hold power over us because of the memories tied to them, her favorite character to create in this book, her fascination with witches and magic, connecting with readers, and more. Kim’s 2 recommended reads are: The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson Support the podcast here. For more information about sponsoring an episode, click here. If you enjoy reading contemporary fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Lisa Duffy, Katherine Center, Madeleine Henry, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Amy Poeppel. The Memory Collectors can be purchased at the CFAP Bookshop store or at Murder by the Book.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jill and I discuss Everything After, how a Counting Crows song helped spark the title of this book, encouraging open conversations about miscarriage, maintaining individuality and identity after getting married, the one thing that Jill wanted for her recent birthday, and more. Jill’s 4 recommended reads are: Paris Never Leaves You by Ellen Feldman The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano by Donna Freitas Blush by Jamie Brenner Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland Support the podcast here. For more information about sponsoring an episode, click here. If you enjoy reading contemporary fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Lainey Cameron, Denise Williams, Madeleine Henry, Kristy Woodson Harvey, and Lauren Ho. Everything After can be purchased at the CFAP Bookshop storefront or at Murder by the Book.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hala and I discuss The Arsonists’ City, the character she enjoyed writing the most, wanting to provide a deeper understanding of Lebanon to her readers, how and why intergenerational conflict and secrets provide great fodder for writers, wanting to incorporate the recent political events in Lebanon into her story, and more. The Arsonists’ City can be purchased at Murder by the Book or the CFAP Bookshop storefront. Hala’s 3 recommended reads are: Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett Support the podcast here. For more information about sponsoring an episode, click here. If you enjoy reading contemporary fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Nancy Johnson, Julie Carrick Dalton, Madeleine Henry, Mateo Askaripour, and Te-Ping Chen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patti and I discuss her latest book Surviving Savannah, how she found a door into this story, the way the Pulaski and its passengers spoke to her, how Friends and Fiction came about and what the group is doing now, the fascinating research she conducted, and much more. Surviving Savannah can be purchased at Murder by the Book or the CFAP Bookshop storefront. Patti’s 5 recommended reads are: Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews The Summer of Lost and Found by Mary Alice Monroe The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristen Harmel When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain Support the podcast here. For more information about sponsoring an episode, click here. Surviving Savannah is on my recent She Reads Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Books of 2021 list and is a March Buzz Reads selection. If you enjoy reading historical fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Erika Robuck, Julia Kelly, Kate Quinn, Hazel Gaynor, and Kristin Harmel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J.T. and I discuss her latest mystery Her Dark Lies, closed circle versus locked room mysteries, the trip that lead to her creating Her Dark Lies, the character that she really struggled to write, writing books in a series compared to standalone books, and much more. Her Dark Lies can be purchased at Murder by the Book or the CFAP Bookshop storefront. J.T.’s recommended read is The Push by Ashley Audrain. Support the podcast here. For more information about sponsoring an episode, click here. If you enjoy reading mysteries/thrillers and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Jane Harper, Sarah Pearse, Alice Henderson, and David Heska Wanbli Weiden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer and I discuss her debut The Little French Bridal Shop, the inspiration for both her story and the bridal shop in the book, how small falsehoods can easily turn into a web of lies, how she balances her day job and writing, reading recommendations, and more. The Little French Bridal Shop can be purchased at Murder by the Book or the CFAP Bookshop storefront. Jennifer’s 3 recommended reads are: Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane The Late Bloomers’ Club by Louise Miller Your Corner Dark by Desmond Hall Support the podcast here. For more information about sponsoring an episode, click here. If you enjoy reading contemporary fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Nancy Johnson, Julie Carrick Dalton, Madeleine Henry, Lauren Ho, and Lainey Cameron. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kate and I discuss her latest book The Rose Code, writing about the unsung women code breakers at Bletchley Park who helped shorten the war by at least two years, the amount of secrecy required of those who worked at Bletchley Park and the mental and emotional toll on them, her favorite character to write in The Rose Code, and much more. The Rose Code can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Kate’s 3 recommended reads are: The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab The Children’s Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson Support the podcast here. For more information about sponsoring an episode, click here. The Rose Code is on my recent She Reads Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Books of 2021 and is a March Buzz Reads selection. If you enjoy reading historical fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Erika Robuck, Julia Kelly, Lauren Willig, Hazel Gaynor, and Kristin Harmel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark and I discuss his new Gray Man novel Relentless, the inspiration for Court Gentry, the character he enjoys writing the most, what it was like working with Tom Clancy and continuing his series, writing two books a year, the fantastic mystery/thriller community and much more. Relentless can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Mark’s 4 recommended reads are: American Traitor by Brad Taylor Robert Ludlum’s The Treadstone Exile by Joshua Hood The Outside Man by Don Bentley The Breaker by Nick Petrie Support the podcast here. For more information about sponsoring an episode, click here. If you enjoy reading mysteries and thrillers and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Lisa Gardner, Jane Harper, Sarah Pearse or David Heska Wanbli Weiden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren and I discuss her latest book Band of Sisters, how she learned about this courageous group of women, how often women’s stories have been erased from the historical narrative, the one issue that almost broke the Smith College group, her 2021 Pink Carnation series Read-a-Long, and much more. Band of Sisters can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Lauren’s 2 recommended reads are: Tooth and Claw by Joe Walton The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Band of Sisters is on my recent She Reads Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Books of 2021 and will be an April Buzz Reads selection. If you enjoy reading historical fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Erika Robuck, Julia Kelly, Jennifer Rosner, Hazel Gaynor and Kristin Harmel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia and I discuss her new book Come Fly the World, how she discovered and decided to tell these women’s stories, approaching the issue of memory and recall with her interviews, the importance of stewardesses’ contributions to both the feminist movement and to present-day women and their ability to travel freely, and much more. Come Fly the World can be purchased at Murder by the Book.  Julia’s  recommended reads are: Musings of a Curious Aesthete by Leonard Koren Fierce Poise: Helen Frankenthaler and 1950s New York by Alexander Nemerov Things I Don’t Want to Know: On Writing by Deborah Levy If you enjoy reading nonfiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Anna Malaika Tubbs, Joe Berkowitz, Eric Eyre, or Bridgett Davis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer and I discuss her book The Yellow Bird Sings, her impetus for telling this story, the significance of the violin and the color yellow in the book, what she learned on her research trip to Poland and how that impacted her writing, why she selected Poland as the setting, and much more. The Yellow Bird Sings can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Jennifer’s 4 recommended reads are: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell House on Endless Waters by Emuna Elon How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C Pam Zhang The Rose Code by Kate Quinn If you enjoy reading historical fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Hazel Gaynor, Nguyen Phan Que Mai, Kristin Harmel, Asha Lemmie, and Erika Robuck. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bella and I discuss The Diabolical Bones, the Brontë novels that inspire the books in this series, the Brontë sister who influenced her pen name, the joy she feels writing these books, how she came up with the word detectors, and much more. The Diabolical Bones can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Bella’s 4 recommended reads are: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens Agnes Grey by Anne Brontë The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean Watch Her Fall by Erin Kelly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah and I discuss her debut The Sanatorium, having her novel chosen as a Reese’s Book Club selection, how she created such a strong sense of place, making the sanatorium a character in the novel, writing a closed circle mystery, her stunning book cover, whether there will be a sequel, and much more. The Sanatorium can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Sarah’s 2 recommended reads are: The Heatwave by Kate Riordan When They Find Her by Lia Middleton Links for helping Houstonians: Kids’ Meals and The Houston Food Bank. If you enjoy reading mysteries and thrillers and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Lisa Gardner, David Heska Wanbli Weiden, Nick Petrie, and Jane Harper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zibby and I discuss her anthology Moms Don’t Have Time To, the genesis of the essays, how she pulled this project together so quickly, which genre is Zibby’s personal favorite, how she reads so many books, what surprised her the most about compiling these essays into an anthology, and much more. Moms Don’t Have Time To: A Quarantine Anthology can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Zibby’s 4 recommended reads are: The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones Eliza Starts a Rumor by Jane Rosen The Scaffold Effect: Raising Resilient, Self-Reliant, and Secure Kids in an Age of Anxiety by Harold S. Koplewicz Links for helping Houstonians: Kids’ Meals and The Houston Food Bank. If you want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Wendy Walker, Lisa Duffy, Melissa Croce, and Fiona Davis & M.J. Rose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Madeleine and I discuss her latest novel The Love Proof, what inspired her to write this book, her love of yoga, her writing process, what she likes to do in her free time, and more. The Love Proof can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Madeleine’s 2 recommended reads are: Beach Read by Emily Henry This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan and I discuss her latest novel The Nature of Fragile Things, the unexpected book that inspired her to write this story, her interest in the mail-order bride phenomenon, the fragility of San Francisco’s infrastructure prior to the 1906 earthquake, her book about the 1918 Spanish Flu and its relevance to the current pandemic, and much more. The Nature of Fragile Things can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Susan’s 2 recommended reads are: The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger Thanks to The Chanel Sisters by Judithe Little for sponsoring this episode. You can purchase the book here. If you enjoy reading historical fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Tori Whitaker, Asha Lemmie, Julia Kelly, Nguyen Phan Que Mai, and Marie Benedict.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Erika and I discuss her latest novel The Invisible Woman, bringing Virginia Hall to life, highlighting the everyday people who contributed to the French Resistance, touring the CIA Museum, how readers are looking for stories of redemption during the pandemic, and much more. The Invisible Woman can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Erika’s 3 recommended reads are: The Darkest Night by Jennifer Robson Universe of Two by Stephen Kiernan Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson If you enjoy reading historical fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Natalie Jenner, Judithe Little, Gill Paul, Hazel Gaynor, or Elise Hooper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eliza and I discuss her adult debut If I Disappear, how she created her unique format, finding a place in today’s world, how grief can impact and infect everything else, the importance of focusing on mental health, the fabulous true crime community and much more. If I Disappear can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Eliza’s 3 recommended reads are: The Herd by Andrea Bartz The Girls Are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn The Hunting Wives by May Cobb If you enjoy reading mysteries and thrillers and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Lisa Gardner, Julie Clark, Jane Harper, Wendy Walker or David Heska Wanbli Weiden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anna and I discuss her new book The Three Mothers, the importance of black women and their stories and contributions, how she chose these three mothers, the direct connection between these women and the work their sons pursued, how we tell history and who is telling this history, and much more. The Three Mothers can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Anna’s 2 recommended reads are: The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart by Alicia Garza White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson If you enjoy reading nonfiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Ty Seidule, Eric Eyre, or Bridgett Davis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Te-Ping and I discuss her short story collection Land of Big Numbers, how the people she met as a journalist in Beijing inspired some of these stories, what it is like for people who live in a society where many circumstances are outside their control, the universality of intergenerational family stories, and much more. Land of Big Numbers can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Te-Ping’s 2 recommended reads are: Half in Love: Stories by Maile Meloy What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky: Stories by Lesley Nneka Arimah If you enjoy reading fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Liese O’Halloran Schwarz, Nancy Johnson, Lisa Duffy or Julie Carrick Dalton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jane and I discuss her latest book The Survivors, how setting and plot drive her stories, creating a strong sense of place, her thoughts on the motion picture adaptation of The Dry and Eric Bana as Aaron Falk, how her journalism training helps her write thrillers, and much more. The Survivors can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Jane’s 2 recommended reads are: The Mother Fault by Kate Mildenhall The Natural Way of Things by Charlotte Wood Thanks to Gene Rontal for sponsoring this episode. His mystery A Pre-Existing Condition can be purchased here.  If you enjoy reading mysteries/thrillers and want to listen to more podcast episodes, try Wendy Walker, Alice Henderson, Lisa Gardner, or David Heska Wanbli Weiden.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nancy and I discuss her debut novel The Kindest Lie, the issue of identity in the United States today, her title’s dual meaning, how important it is for aspiring authors to write the story they want to write versus following publishing trends, her own publishing journey, and much more. The Kindest Lie can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Nancy’s 3 recommended reads are: The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris Waiting for the Night Song by Julie Carrick Dalton The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner Interested in the Conversations from a Page online event with Julie Carrick Dalton and Nancy Johnson? Find more information here.  If you enjoy reading contemporary fiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes like this one, try Liese O’Halloran Schwarz, Jane Igharo, Mateo Askaripour or Julie Carrick Dalton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ty and I discuss his new book Robert E. Lee and Me, the myth of the Lost Cause of the Confederacy and its creation and perpetuation, how telling his own personal story is more impactful than just sharing his views, why questioning history distresses and unsettles people, and much more. Robert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner’s Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Ty’s 3 recommended reads are: The False Cause: Fraud, Fabrication, and White Supremacy in Confederate Memory by Adam Domby Reading the Man: A Portrait of Robert E. Lee Through His Private Letters by Elizabeth Brown Pryor The Broken Heart of America: St. Louis and the Violent History of the United States by Walter Johnson Other books referenced in this episode are Confederates in the Attic by Tony Horwitz and The British Are Coming by Rick Atkinson. Thanks to Gene Rontal for sponsoring this episode. His mystery A Pre-Existing Condition can be purchased here.  If you enjoy reading nonfiction and want to listen to more podcast episodes, try Eric Eyre, Joe Berkowitz, or Bridgett Davis.      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lisa and I discuss her new mystery Before She Disappeared, the complexity of plotting a person’s disappearance in 2021, walking the streets of Mattapan for research and the delicious food item that she discovered there, the real-life inspiration for Frankie Elkin, and much more. Before She Disappeared can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Lisa’s recommended reads are: Home Before Dark by Riley Sager Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab  Thanks to Danielle Martin for sponsoring this episode. Her novel Glimmer As You Can can be purchased here. If you enjoy reading mysteries and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Alice Henderson, Halley Sutton, David Heska Wanbli Weiden, and/or Wendy Walker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liese discusses her new book What Could Be Saved, writing about Bangkok in both the 1970s and present day, pulling from her experiences as an expat, how her writing process has evolved over time, pandemic reading recommendations, and much more. What Could Be Saved can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Liese’s 4 recommended reads are: Long Bright River by Liz Moore Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano Clutter: An Untidy History by Jennifer Howard All the Ever Afters by Danielle Teller The book we discuss about Pan Am is entitled Come Fly the World by Julia Cooke. If you enjoy reading literary and/or contemporary fiction and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try A.H. Kim, Julie Carrick Dalton, Ehsaneh Sadr, or Amy Poeppel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mateo discusses his debut novel Black Buck, using a creative format to tell the story, fiction’s incredible power to teach empathy and understanding, his unique (and very cool) cover and the story behind it, having his novel chosen as a Read with Jenna book club selection, and much more. Black Buck can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Mateo’s 2 recommended reads are: How to Make a Slave and Other Essays by Jerald Walker The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. If you enjoy reading contemporary fiction and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Ehsaneh Sadr, Julie Carrick Dalton, A.H. Kim, and Liese O'Halloran Schwarz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie discusses her debut Waiting for the Night Song, why she loosely based the plot line on a cherished children’s book, choosing New Hampshire for the book’s setting, the importance and urgency of climate fiction, how every region of our planet is interconnected, and much more. Waiting for the Night Song can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Julie’s 4 recommended reads are: The Kindest Lie by Nancy Johnson The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner Hades, Argentina by Daniel Loedel Wild Women and the Blues by Denny S. Bryce Interested in the Conversations from a Page online event with Julie Carrick Dalton and Nancy Johnson? Find more information here.  Thanks to Densie Webb for sponsoring this episode. Her novel When Robins Appear can be purchased here. If you enjoy literary fiction and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Liese O'Halloran Schwarz, Sarah McCraw Crow, and Ava Homa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick discusses his latest mystery The Breaker, incorporating cutting edge technology into some of his stories, the long-range implications and societal changes resulting from new technology such as cell phones and social media, writing about PTSD, the progression and development of his current book covers, and much more. The Breaker can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Nick’s 2 recommended reads are: The Matthew Scudder series by Lawrence Block Murder at the Mena House by Erica Ruth Neubauer If you enjoy reading mysteries and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Wendy Walker, Julie Clark, Alice Henderson, and Lisa Gardner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia discusses her latest book The Last Garden in England, the pros and cons of choosing a popular topic like gardening to write about, the importance of creating a strong sense of place, recruiting her father to help her research English gardens, writing a story set in three time periods, and much more. The Last Garden in England can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Julia’s 4 recommended reads are: Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia The Kew Garden Girls by Posy Lovell Thanks to Densie Webb for sponsoring this episode. Her novel When Robins Appear can be purchased here. If you enjoy reading historical fiction and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Hazel Gaynor, Judithe Little, Susie Orman Schnall, Kristin Harmel, and Sadeqa Johnson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sadeqa discusses her latest novel Yellow Wife, how the story spoke to her, switching from contemporary fiction to historical fiction for this book, tackling a tough and timely topic, how she loves to hike when she has free time, and much more. Yellow Wife can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Sadeqa’s 2 recommended reads are: Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett Other books mentioned are Heaven, My Home by Attica Locke and The Mothers by Brit Bennett. Yellow Wife is one of my She Reads Winter's Most Anticipated Historical Fiction Books. If you enjoy reading historical fiction and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Hazel Gaynor, Judithe Little, Nguyen Phan Que Mai, Kristin Harmel, and Marie Benedict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melissa discusses her book Single and Forced to Mingle, how her story went viral, creating the fun format she used in the book, why millennials are choosing to not have children, debunking the myth that there is one path that a life should follow, and much more. Single and Forced to Mingle can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Melissa’s 3 recommended reads are: Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho An American Sunrise by Joy Harjo True or False: A CIA Analyst’s Guide to Spotting Fake News by Cindy L. Otis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Molly discusses her novel The Heiress, writing Austen-inspired fiction, creating a story around a fictional character from Pride & Prejudice, her favorite Jane Austen book, researching Regency-era England, and much more. The Heiress can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Molly’s 2 recommended reads are: Conjure Women by Afia Atakora The Mercies by Kirin Millwood Hargrave Thanks to my sponsor We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall. You can purchase the book here. If you enjoy reading historical fiction and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Hazel Gaynor, Judithe Little, Gill Paul, Fiona Davis, and Asha Lemmie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Judithe discusses her novel The Chanel Sisters, why she chose Antoinette to tell the sisters’ story, how Coco Chanel’s early years influenced her designs and fabrics, the unique research Judithe conducted, and much more. The Chanel Sisters can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Judithe’s 2 recommended reads are: The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull The Age of Light by Whitney Scharer Thanks to We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall for sponsoring this episode. You can purchase the book here. If you enjoy reading historical fiction and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Hazel Gaynor, Tori Whitaker, Susie Orman Schnall, Kristin Harmel, Natalie Jenner, and Sadeqa Johnson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marie discusses her latest novel The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, writing about the venerated Agatha Christie, telling the stories of women that history forgot, the event that changed the trajectory of Agatha Christie’s career, and much more. The Mystery of Mrs. Christie can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Marie’s 8 recommended reads are: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner The Rose Code by Kate Quinn The Arctic Fury by Greer Macallister Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig The Invisible Woman by Erika Robuck Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan The Testaments by Margaret Atwood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah discusses her debut novel The Wrong Kind of Woman, writing about women’s issues in the 1970s, how her story resonates in today’s world, including the music and television of the era into her research, how long it took for certain college to admit women, finding just the right title for her book, and much more. The Wrong Kind of Woman can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Sarah’s 2 recommended reads are: Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce Faye, Faraway by Helen Fisher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lainey discusses her debut novel The Exit Strategy, working in the tech industry as a one of the only women in the boardroom, her desire to inspire and empower women with this story, the importance of titles and covers, publishing during the pandemic and the fabulous 2020 debut group, and much more. The Exit Strategy can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Lainey’s 5 recommended reads are: The Mountains Sing by Nguyen Phan Que Mai A Door Between Us by Ehsaneh Sadr After Elias by Eddie Boudel Tan Forever 51 by Pamela Skjolsvik Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sharon speaks about her debut novel Half, writing about twin sisters who speak in one voice, publishing during the pandemic, the inspiration for her story, and much more. Half can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Sharon’s 7 recommended reads are: You Will Never Be Forgotten by Mary South You Again by Debra Jo Immergut Book of the Little Axe by Lauren Francis-Sharma Pale Morning Light with Violet Swan by Deborah Reed The Heart and Other Monsters by Rose Hendersen I Have the Answer by Kelly Fordon The Fear of Everything by John McNally Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denise discusses her debut novel How to Fail at Flirting, tackling a tough subject matter in her novel, how comparing oneself to others is a “thief of joy”, the struggle to find the perfect title for her book, serving as a mentor in Pitch Wars, and much more. How to Fail at Flirting can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Denise’s 4 recommended reads are: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren Queen Move by Kennedy Ryan Island Affair by Priscilla Oliveras The Roommate by Rosie Danan If you enjoy reading contemporary fiction and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Jane Igharo, Lauren Ho, A.H. Kim, and Pamela Redmond.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather discusses how she started Book Club Chat, her favorite and least favorite aspects of what she does, how she decides which books to select, her favorite genres, recent changes and trends in the publishing industry, celebrity book clubs and much more. Heather’s 2 recommended reads are: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie discusses her instant New York Times bestseller The Last Flight, writing her first thriller, her advice for aspiring authors, the importance of the right book cover and how the cover sets up expectations for readers, and more. The Last Flight can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Julie’s 2 recommended reads are: And Now She’s Gone by Rachel Howzell Hall Goodnight Beautiful by Aimee Malloy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Halley discusses her debut novel The Lady Upstairs, her love of murder bus tours, writing feminist noir, participating as a mentee and mentor in Pitch Wars, the importance of building a community in the book world, and more. The Lady Upstairs can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Halley’s 2 recommended reads are: Little Threats by Emily Schultz The Anthill by Julianne Pachico If you enjoy reading mysteries and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Alice Henderson, Megan Collins, David Heska Wanbli Weiden, and/or Wendy Walker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katharine discusses her latest novel Majesty, the amount of world building she did for this series, writing a uchronic book, the difficulties in writing a sequel, her efforts to upend reader expectations, and much more. Majesty can be purchased at Murder by the Book.  Katharine’s 3 recommended reads are: The Quest for Queen Mary by James Pope-Hennessy Pretty Things by Janelle Brown Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ehsaneh discusses her debut novel A Door Between Us, her desire to portray all sides of a conflict, writing about an event that is not frequently covered in literature, growing up in a Muslim/Mormon home, what she hopes readers take away from her book, and much more. A Door Between Us can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Ehsaneh’s 2 recommended reads are: Spring by Leila Rafei Bladebone by Ausma Zehanat Khan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ann discusses her debut novel A Good Family, her very personal inspiration for the book, joining the amazing debut author community on Facebook, trying to settle on the perfect title for the book, publishing during the pandemic, and much more. A Good Family can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Ann’s 2 recommended reads are: A Door Between Us by Ehsaneh Sadr Remembrance by Rita Woods Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alice discusses her new mystery A Solitude of Wolverines, combining her passion for wildlife and writing, how she settled on wolverines for the first book in this new series, the research she conducted for the book, her current wildlife research studies, and much more. A Solitude of Wolverines can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Alice’s recommended reads are: White Fire by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child Demon Crown by James Rollins The River is Dark by Joe Hart Everything’s Trash, But It’s Okay by Phoebe Robinson The Molly Murphy series by Rhys Bowen If you enjoy reading mysteries and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Lisa Gardner, Megan Collins, David Heska Wanbli Weiden, and Wendy Walker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fiona and M.J. discuss Stories from Suffragette City, the inspiration for this compilation, the speed with which the project came together, honoring the 100th anniversary of women getting the right to vote, how each author is reflected in their individual story, the bright and engaging cover, and much more. Stories from Suffragette City can be purchased at Murder by the Book. M.J.’s 2 recommended reads are: A Splendid Ruin by Megan Chance The Wicked City by Beatriz Williams Fiona’s 2 recommended reads are: The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline Gilded Suffragists: The New York Socialites who Fought for Women’s Right to Vote by Johanna Neuman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rhys discusses her latest novel The Last Mrs. Summers, creating an homage to Rebecca, writing two books a year, reading historical fiction during these stressful times, advice for aspiring authors, and much more. The Last Mrs. Summers can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Rhys’s 2 recommended reads are: Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay The Lost Girls of Devon by Barbara O’Neal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren discusses her debut novel Last Tang Standing, the importance of humor in books, the way reading promotes empathy and understanding, choosing to write the book in diary format, coming up with the idea for the novel while she was an amateur stand-up comic, and much more. Last Tang Standing can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Lauren’s 6 recommended reads are: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett The Other Americans by Laila Lalami The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel Forever 51 by Pamela Skjolsvik White Coat Diaries by Madi Sinha The Exit Strategy by Lainey Cameron Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices