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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wendy discusses her new novel Don’t Look For Me, her personal inspiration for this story, the psychology of grief, creating a strong sense of place in this novel, the fight or flight impulse in humans, her recommended reads, and much more. Don’t Look For Me can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Wendy’s 4 recommended reads are: One By One by Ruth Ware Anxious People by Fredrik Backman The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis Universe of Two by Stephen P. Kiernan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Asha discusses her debut novel Fifty Words for Rain, setting her novel in post-World War 2 Japan, her lifelong love of the country and its language, having her novel chosen as a Good Morning America book club selection, and much more. Fifty Words for Rain can be purchased at Murder by the Book.  Asha’s 2 recommended reads are: The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason discusses his book My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me, his wife Amy’s viral essay and his response, processing grief, advice for writing a memoir, attending Burning Man, and much more. My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Jason’s 2 recommended reads are: Letters from Max: A Poet, a Teacher, a Friendship by Sarah Ruhl Timeless Flight: The Definitive Biography of the Byrds by Johnny Rogan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gill discusses her latest novel Jackie and Maria, the reader who gave her the inspiration for this story, Jackie and her sister Lee’s complex relationship, the rivalry between Jackie and Maria, her year-round love of swimming, and more. Jackie and Maria can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Gill’s 3 recommended reads are: 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak Coming Up For Air by Sarah Leipcige When We Were Young & Brave by Hazel Gaynor If you enjoy reading historical fiction and want to listen to more episodes like this one, try Tori Whitaker, Judithe Little, Alex George, Fiona Davis, and Asha Lemmie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David discusses his debut mystery Winter Counts, the inspiration for his story, Lakota traditions, maintaining racial identity and culture, life on the Rosebud Reservation, the Indigenous food revolution, and much more. Winter Counts can be purchased at Murder by the Book. David’s 2 recommended reads are: This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger Hillbilly Hustle by Wesley Browne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie discusses her new novel Lineage Most Lethal, her lifelong interest in genealogy, writing about World War 2 and spy craft, her favorite places to conduct research, and much more. Lineage Most Lethal can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Stephanie’s 3 recommended reads are: Without Sanction by Don Bentley All the Ways We Said Goodbye by Lauren Willig, Beatriz Williams, and Karen White Egg Drop Dead by Vivien Chien Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kathleen discusses how she became a literary publicist and eventually started her own firm, a typical day as a publicist, her favorite part of the job, trends in the book industry, the effects of the pandemic on the book world, celebrity book clubs and much more. Kathleen’s 2 recommended reads are: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett Just Mercy by Brian Stevenson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah discusses her new novel The Quiet Girl, writing under the name S.F. Kosa, her background as a psychologist, switching genres, constructing a thriller plot, trying to understand the human psyche, and much more. The Quiet Girl can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Sarah’s 2 recommended reads are: The Girls by Emma Cline One Day: The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary 24 Hours in America by Gene Weingarten Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan talks about her new novel Behind the Red Door, her fascination with memory repression, the importance of normalizing anxiety, creating terrible parents in her novels, and much more. Behind the Red Door can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Megan’s 2 recommended reads are: Don’t Look for Me by Wendy Walker He Started It by Samantha Downing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alka speaks about her debut novel The Henna Artist, having Reese Witherspoon select her book for her May book club, honoring her mother, the importance of women telling their stories, and much more. The Henna Artist can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Alka’s 2 recommended reads are: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex discusses his latest novel The Paris Hours, the challenge of writing a story that takes place over the course of one day, owning an independent bookstore, setting a book in Paris, and much more. The Paris Hours can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Alex’s 4 recommended reads are: Becoming Duchess Goldblatt by Anonymous Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy Luster by Raven Leilani Upstream by Mary Oliver Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie discusses her latest novel Louisiana Lucky, winning the lottery and what often happens next, her love of print journalism, which character she likes the most in this book, what makes someone lucky, and much more. Louisiana Lucky can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Julie’s 3 recommended reads are: Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey Hello, Summer by Mary Kay Andrews Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bryn discusses her debut novel The Woman Before Wallis, Thelma Furness and her twin sister Gloria Vanderbilt, the characters she enjoyed writing the most in this book, her gorgeous cover, the research she did, and much more. The Woman Before Wallis can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Bryn’s 3 recommended reads are: Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi The Library of Legends by Janie Chang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fiona speaks about her latest novel The Lions of Fifth Avenue, writing about iconic New York City buildings and how she conducts her research, the manner in which the title and cover influenced her storyline for this book, what she is working on next, and much more. The Lions of Fifth Avenue can be purchased at Murder by the Book.  Fiona’s 4 recommended reads are: The Daughters of Foxcote Manor by Eve Chase The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen and I discuss his latest novel Universe of Two and the story behind it, the building of the atomic bomb and life at Los Alamos, the moral qualms of those who worked on the bomb, finding redemption, and much more. Universe of Two can be purchased at Murder by the Book.    Stephen’s 3 recommended reads are: The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis With or Without You by Caroline Leavitt The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deborah talks about her book Finding Mrs. Ford, her role as Silver Kane (Erica’s half-sister) on All My Children, where she gets her inspiration, and much more. Finding Mrs. Ford can be purchased at Murder by the Book.    Deborah’s 3 recommended reads are: What Was She Thinking by Zoë Heller The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai Blue Nights by Joan Didion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emily and I talk about her latest novel Perfectly Famous, her partnership with WACOAL for this novel and modeling their products on her front porch, marketing in today’s digital world, her preference for shorter titles, and much more. Perfectly Famous can be purchased at Murder by the Book.   Emily’s 2 recommended reads are: Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner Stranger in the Lake by Kimberly Belle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bridgett discusses her decision to honor her mother with a memoir, growing up in Detroit and participating in her mother’s business, writing the screenplay for The World According to Fannie Davis for Brad Pitt’s production company Plan B, and some great reading recommendations. The World According to Fannie Davis can be purchased at Murder by the Book.   Bridgett’s 4 recommended reads are: The Yellow House by Sarah Broom Black is the Body by Emily Bernard Looking for Lorraine by Imani Perry Home Baked by Alia Volz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy talks about her latest book Musical Chairs, best laid plans, having adult children living back at home (especially during the pandemic), why she chose to write about a classical music trio, the inspiration for her characters, and finding humor in everyday situations. Musical Chairs can be purchased at Murder by the Book.     Amy’s 4 recommended reads are: We Came Here to Shine by Susie Orman Schnall The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis It’s Not All Downhill From Here by Terry McMillan American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 9 – Katherine discusses her latest book WHAT YOU WISH FOR, finding joy in little things, her love of OUTLANDER (the books not the TV show), why she set this book in Galveston, and the making of THE LOST HUSBAND movie. WHAT YOU WISH FOR can be purchased at Murder by the Book.   Katherine’s 2 recommended reads are: MIRACLE CREEK by Angie Kim THE SCIENCE OF STORYTELLING: WHY STORIES MAKE US HUMAN AND HOW TO TELL THEM BETTER by Will Schorr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 8 - Kristy Woodson Harvey is the USA Today bestselling author of FEELS LIKE FALLING and 5 other novels. She blogs with her mom Beth Woodson on Design Chic about how creating a beautiful home can be the catalyst for creating a beautiful life. Design Chic is the inaugural member of the design blogger hall of fame, sponsored by Traditional Home, and winner of Amara’s Best Luxury Blog, as chosen by Roberto Cavalli. She also loves connecting with readers on kristywoodsonharvey.com. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications and websites, including Southern Living, Traditional Home, Parade, USA Today, Domino, Our State and O. Henry. FEELS LIKE FALLING can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Kristy's 3 recommended reads are: 1. HELLO, SUMMER by Mary Kay Andrews 2. THE BOOK OF LOST NAMES by Kristin Harmel 3. LOUISIANA LUCKY by Julie Pennell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A native New Englander, Elise spent several years writing for television and online news outlets before getting a MA and teaching high-school literature and history. She now lives in Seattle with her husband and two daughters. FAST GIRLS can be purchased at Murder by the Book.  Elise’s 2 recommended reads are: THE BOOK WOMAN OF TROUBLESOME CREEK by Kim Michele Richardson REAL MEN KNIT by Kwana Jackson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

USA Today Bestselling author Farrah Rochon hails from a small town just west of New Orleans. She has garnered much acclaim for her Holmes Brothers, New York Sabers, Bayou Dreams and Moments in Maplesville series. Her newest novel, THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT, was recently released by Forever Romance. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading, cooking, traveling the world, visiting Walt Disney World, and catching her favorite Broadway shows. THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT can be purchased at Murder by the Book.  Farrah’s 2 recommended reads are: IMPERFECTLY HAPPY by Sharina Harris THE TROUBLE WITH HATING YOU by Sajni Patel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 5 – Eric Eyre has been a reporter at the Charleston Gazette-Mail since 1998. In 2017, his investigation into massive shipments of opioids to West Virginia’s southern coalfields was awarded a Pulitzer prize. He lives in Charleston, West Virginia, with his wife and son. DEATH IN MUD LICK can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Eric’s 2 recommended reads are: 1. THE RELIVE BOX AND OTHER STORIES by T.C. Boyle 2. BEST SPORTS STORIES (published annually for many years, no longer in print) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 4 – Ava Homa is a writer, journalist, and activist specializing in women’s issues and Middle Eastern affairs. She holds an MA in English and Creative Writing from the University of Windsor in Canada. Her collection of short stories, ECHOES FROM THE OTHER LAND, was longlisted for the Frank O’Connor International Prize, and she is the inaugural recipient of the PEN Canada-Humber College Writers-In-Exile Scholarship. She was born and raised in the Kurdistan Province in Iran and now divides her time between Toronto and the Bay Area. DAUGHTERS OF SMOKE AND FIRE is her debut novel. DAUGHTERS OF SMOKE AND FIRE can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Ava’s 3 recommended reads are: THE LOST BOOK OF ADANA MOREAU by Michael Zapata REMEMBRANCE by Rita Woods SHUGGIE BAIN by Douglas Stuart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 3 - Lisa Duffy is the author of THE SALT HOUSE, named by Real Simple as a Best Book of the Month upon its June release and one of Bustle’s 17 Best Debut Novels by Women in 2017, and THIS IS HOME, a favorite book club pick. Lisa received her MFA in creative writing from the University of Massachusetts. Her writing can be found in numerous publications, including Writer’s Digest. She lives in the Boston area with her husband and three children. MY KIND OF PEOPLE is her third novel. MY KIND OF PEOPLE can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Lisa's 2 recommendations reads are: 1. THE BODY PAPERS by Grace Talusen 2. A DOOR BETWEEN US by Ehsaneh Sadr Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 2 - Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai was born in Việt Nam in 1973, and grew up witnessing the war’s devastation of her country. She worked as a street seller and rice farmer before winning a scholarship to attend university in Australia. She is the author of eight books of poetry, short fiction and non-fiction in Vietnamese. Her writing has been translated and published in more than ten countries and has received many honors, including the Hà Nội Writers Association’s Poetry of the Year 2010 Award. Quế Mai has an MA in Creative Writing and is currently a PhD candidate at Lancaster University. She divides her time between Indonesia and Việt Nam. THE MOUNTAINS SING can be purchased at Murder by the Book. Quế Mai's 3 recommended reads are: 1. AFTERLIFE by Julia Alvarez 2. SO YOU WANT TO TALK ABOUT RACE by Ijeoma Oluo 3. THE LINE THAT HELD US by David Joy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices