Monthly Archives: July 2024

Episode 148: Interview with Eli Cranor, author of Broiler

July 31, 2024Author InterviewArkansas, broiler, Don't Know Tough, Eli Cranor, Ozark Dogs, Ozarks, Soho Crime, Soho Press, southern crime, southern fiction, southern noirtopshelfatmerricklibrary

“This gripping, gritty noir is Upton Sinclair on hormones, the Coen brothers deep-fried.” ~ –Minneapolis Star Tribune about Broiler by Eli Cranor

Eli Cranor’s third book, Broiler, is another edge-of-your-seat noir thriller that exposes the dark, bloody heart of life on the margins in the American South and the bleak underside of a bygone American Dream. I was thrilled to host him for the third time to talk about his brand new book. In this episode, Eli shares his deep personal connection to Broiler. He opens up about the inspiration he draws from his family, the influence of his students, dives into his unique writing process, and explains how this story stands apart from his previous works. But that’s not all! Eli also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming book, which promises to be quite a departure from his usual style. And for all you sports fans, we couldn’t resist talking a bit of college football! Tune in for an engaging and inspiring conversation. You won’t want to miss it!

Eli joined us for Episode 87 and for Episode 120, if you want to catch up on either of those! Place your holds here for all Eli Cranor’s books. Thanks so much again, Eli!

Eli Cranor recommends: Holy City by Henry Wise; Great State of West Florida by Kent Wascom; A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. The work of Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen. Follow Eli Cranor on social media: @elicranor

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Episode 147: Interview with Delia Pitts, author of Trouble In Queenstown

July 17, 2024Author InterviewCrime, Delia Pitts, Harlem, Minotaur Books, new jersey, private eye, ross agency mystery, Thriller, Trouble in Queenstowntopshelfatmerricklibrary

With Trouble in Queenstown, Delia Pitts introduces private investigator Vandy Myrick in a powerful mystery that blends grief, class, race, and family with thrilling results. I could not put this book down and it started with the very first sentence! We talk about the book, Delia’s short stories, her familial influences, and her terrific Ross Agency Mystery Series. That series will be on my summer reading list and I cannot wait to start it. In the meantime, check out, Trouble in Queenstown. Thank you for joining me Delia!

Delia Pitts recommends: Devil in Profile by Kimberly Giarratano; Hall of Mirrors by John Copenhaver; Blessed Water: A Sister Holiday Mystery by Margaret Douaihy; Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett; Echo by Tracy Clark

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Episode 146: Interview with Ethan Joella, author of The Same Bright Stars

July 1, 2024Author InterviewA Little Hope, A Quiet Life, Delaware, Ethan Joella, family fiction, family life, Rehoboth, Rehoboth Beach, Same Bright Stars, Scribnertopshelfatmerricklibrary

Oh my goodness, how thrilled are we all that Ethan Joella is back with his third book,The Same Bright Stars. This uplifting and emotionally resonant novel set in a Delaware beach town, follows a local restaurant owner at a turning point in their life.The Same Bright Stars comes right at you in technicolor, and I loved every single page. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, so be sure to give it a listen. And if you haven’t already, check out our very first interview together in Episode 78!

Ethan Joella recommends: Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout; Yellowface by R.F. Kuang; Until August by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Follow Ethan Joella on Instagram: @joellawriting and place your holds for all Ethan’s books right here!