Thoughts from a Page Podcast
Arts
Leisure
Evergreen Podcasts
Thoughts from a Page is hosted by me, Cindy Burnett, a voracious reader and book columnist who provides you with casual author conversations and insider information on all of the newest releases that I have read and personally recommend. With so many books coming out weekly, it can be hard to decide what to read so I find the best ones and share them with you. Listen to find your next great book.
Jennifer Rosner - THE YELLOW BIRD SINGS
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.
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28:0426/02/2021
Bella Ellis - THE DIABOLICAL BONES
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
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24:3723/02/2021
Sarah Pearse - THE SANATORIUM
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.
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18:4721/02/2021
Zibby Owens - MOMS DON'T HAVE TIME TO
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.
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25:2220/02/2021
Madeleine Henry - THE LOVE PROOF
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
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15:0512/02/2021
Susan Meissner - THE NATURE OF FRAGILE THINGS
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.
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30:5410/02/2021
Erika Robuck - THE INVISIBLE WOMAN
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.
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25:3509/02/2021
Eliza Jane Brazier - IF I DISAPPEAR
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.
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16:5308/02/2021
Anna Malaika Tubbs - THE THREE MOTHERS
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.
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25:0704/02/2021
Te-Ping Chen - LAND OF BIG NUMBERS
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.
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21:1503/02/2021
Jane Harper - THE SURVIVORS
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.
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34:2002/02/2021
Nancy Johnson - THE KINDEST LIE
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.
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33:1701/02/2021
Ty Seidule - ROBERT E. LEE AND ME
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.
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37:5426/01/2021
Lisa Gardner - BEFORE SHE DISAPPEARED
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.
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22:3622/01/2021
Liese O'Halloran Schwarz - WHAT COULD BE SAVED
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.
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30:2519/01/2021
Mateo Askaripour - BLACK BUCK
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.
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31:5515/01/2021
Julie Carrick Dalton - WAITING FOR THE NIGHT SONG
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.
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34:0014/01/2021
Nick Petrie - THE BREAKER
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.
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35:2113/01/2021
Julia Kelly - THE LAST GARDEN IN ENGLAND
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.
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32:2512/01/2021
Sadeqa Johnson - YELLOW WIFE
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.
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27:1611/01/2021
Melissa Croce - SINGLE AND FORCED TO MINGLE
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
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25:4208/01/2021
Molly Greeley - THE HEIRESS
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.
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20:0105/01/2021
Judithe Little - THE CHANEL SISTERS
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.
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33:3229/12/2020
Marie Benedict - THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE
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
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37:1518/12/2020
Sarah McCraw Crow - THE WRONG KIND OF WOMAN
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
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21:5015/12/2020
Lainey Cameron - THE EXIT STRATEGY
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
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30:3011/12/2020
Sharon Harrigan - HALF
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
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21:1608/12/2020
Denise Williams - HOW TO FAIL AT FLIRTING
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.
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24:3801/12/2020
Heather Caliendo - Book Club Chat
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
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32:1830/11/2020
Julie Clark - THE LAST FLIGHT
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
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24:1320/11/2020
Halley Sutton - THE LADY UPSTAIRS
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.
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22:5717/11/2020
Katharine McGee - MAJESTY
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
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23:0213/11/2020
Ehsaneh Sadr - A DOOR BETWEEN US
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
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28:1912/11/2020
A. H. Kim - A GOOD FAMILY
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
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26:0309/11/2020
Alice Henderson - A SOLITUDE OF WOLVERINES
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.
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25:4430/10/2020
Fiona Davis & M.J. Rose - STORIES FROM SUFFRAGETTE CITY
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
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22:1527/10/2020
Rhys Bowen- THE LAST MRS. SUMMER
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
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29:0526/10/2020
Lauren Ho - LAST TANG STANDING
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
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22:1522/10/2020
L.C. Shaw - THE SILENT CONSPIRACY
Lynne discusses her latest thriller The Silent Conspiracy, the various ways information is used to influence people today, the importance of vetting the news, writing thrillers with her sister, and much more. The Silent Conspiracy can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Lynne’s 3 recommended reads are: Don’t Look for Me by Wendy Walker Goodnight Beautiful by Aimee Molloy Becoming Bulletproof by Evy Poumpouras
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20:3822/10/2020
Nancy Thayer - GIRLS OF SUMMER
Nancy discusses her latest novel Girls of Summer, writing about the intricacies and mysteries of family, her love of crafting beach reads with happy endings, the way technology has impacted her job, the importance of independent book stores, and much more. Girls of Summer can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Nancy’s 3 recommended reads are: One by One by Ruth Ware Anxious People by Fredrik Backman The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
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23:5420/10/2020
Christopher Swann - NEVER TURN BACK
Chris discusses his latest mystery Never Turn Back, the personal family story that served as his inspiration, the challenges of writing a thriller, the incredible author community, the importance of independent book stores, and much more. Never Turn Back can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Chris’s 3 recommended reads are: Hard Cash Valley by Brian Panowich Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby When These Mountains Burn by David Joy
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21:1719/10/2020
Natalie Jenner - THE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY
Natalie discusses her debut novel The Jane Austen Society, the long-lasting impact and continued relevance of Jane Austen’s books, the importance of independent book stores, launching a debut novel during the pandemic, and more. The Jane Austen Society can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Natalie’s 3 recommended reads are: Sigh, Gone: A Misfit’s Memoir of Great Books, Punk Rock, and the Fight to Fit In by Phuc Tran The All-Night Sun by Diane Zinna Cuyahoga by Pete Beatty
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35:3913/10/2020
Hazel Gaynor - WHEN WE WERE YOUNG & BRAVE
Hazel discusses When We Were Young & Brave, her inspiration for the story, writing about World War 2 in the Pacific, her extensive research for the book, exploring the human condition, her reading recommendations, and much more. When We Were Young & Brave can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Hazel’s 2 recommended reads are: Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
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30:5006/10/2020
Joe Berkowitz - AMERICAN CHEESE
Joe discusses his new book American Cheese: An Indulgent Odyssey Through the Artisan Cheese World, how he became interested in artisanal cheese, the role of Whole Foods in the American cheese renaissance, the role of cheese influencers, and much more. American Cheese: An Indulgent Odyssey Through the Artisan Cheese World can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Joe’s 2 recommended reads are: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng Wow, No Thank You: Essays by Samantha Irby
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24:4805/10/2020
Tori Whitaker - MILLICENT GLENN'S LAST WISH
Tori discusses her debut novel Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish, her inspiration for the story, creating a love letter to Cincinnati, the generational theme in the book, her advice for aspiring authors, and much more. Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Tori’s 3 recommended reads are: The Guest Book by Sarah Blake You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
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32:4402/10/2020
Jane Igharo - TIES THAT TETHER
Jane discusses her debut novel Ties That Tether, writing about Nigerian culture and being an immigrant, exploring the themes of culture and identity, her vision for the cover of this book, participating in Pitch Wars, advice for aspiring authors, and more.
Ties That Tether can be purchased at Murder by the Book.
Jane’s 2 recommended reads are:
The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai
Well-Behaved Indian Women by Saumya Dave
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21:0829/09/2020
Pamela Redmond - OLDER
Pamela discusses her latest novel Older, writing a book that provides some humor during these troubling times, enjoying her novel Younger as a television show and having Sutton Foster cast in the show, writing about aging, and much more. Older can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Pamela’s 2 recommended reads are: The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline Someone by Alice McDermott
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27:3925/09/2020
John Cribb - OLD ABE
John talks about his latest novel Old Abe, writing a fictional account of Lincoln’s life, conducting research on one of the most famous men in history, how he decided to tackle this subject, and much more. Old Abe can be purchased at Murder by the Book. John’s 2 recommended reads are: Metamorphoses by Ovid Collected Stories by Frank O’Connor
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25:5422/09/2020
Kristin Harmel - THE BOOK OF LOST NAMES
Kristin talks about her latest novel the New York Times bestseller The Book of Lost Names, the research she did regarding the forgery of documents during World War 2, writing about ordinary people who rise up to do extraordinary things, the large number of Nazi-looted books that still have not been returned to their original owners, creating the Facebook group Friends and Fiction with four other authors during the pandemic, and more. The Book of Lost Names can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Kristin’s 4 recommended reads are: Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis Lost in Paris by Elizabeth Thompson The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
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32:4118/09/2020
Signe Pike - THE FORGOTTEN KINGDOM
Signe and I discuss her latest novel The Forgotten Kingdom, researching people and events from the sixth century, telling stories previously lost to time and history, working as an acquisitions editor, and much more. The Forgotten Kingdom can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Signe’s 2 recommended reads are: The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
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32:4615/09/2020