January | 2025 | topshelfmerricklibrary

Love Lies in the Throes of Rhetoric by Anthony Gedell is an incredible debut featuring a rookie PI thrust into the deadly game of hunting a killer on the loose as fast-paced, intertwining narratives collide with volatile characters in an unforgettable story. Praised as “literary lightning” by Eli Cranor and a “white-knuckle thrill ride” by Jamal Mayfield, this is a gripping read that crackles with intensity.

In this episode, we explore literary crime novels as the new American novel—a lens through which to examine society. We discuss how writers are detectives in their own right and how Anthony approaches novel writing as a form of journalism. He also shares fantastic book recommendations and gives us a sneak peek at what he’s working on next. A huge thank you to Anthony Gedell for joining us—I can’t wait to have you back for whatever comes next!

Read Anthony Gedell’s short story, American Made. Find Anthony on X: @AnthonyGedell and on Instagram: @anthonygedell.

Anthony Gedell recommends: Smoke Kings by Jamal Mayfield; the work of the following authors: Richard Price; John Woods, Danielle Cheloskey; Chris HardingThornton; Alfred Hayes; David Means; Joan Didion; Mary Gaitskill; Eli Cranor; Marlon James; Flannery O’Connor; Suzanne Crain Miller.

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Hold on to you hats, folks! I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Cannell to talk about the jaw-dropping, true story of law enforcement and the Mafia in the 1970s. Absolutely compelling interview – thank you so much, Michael!

For the first time in forty years, former New York Times editor Michael Cannell unearths the full story behind two ruthless New York cops who acted as double agents for the Mafia in, Blood and the Badge: The Mafia, Two Killer Cops, and a Scandal That Shocked the Nation. The book is based on entirely new research and never-before-released interviews with mobsters themselves, including Sammy “the Bull” Gravano. Eppolito and Caracappa’s story is more relevant than ever as police conduct comes under ever-increasing scrutiny.

Michael Cannell recommends: Brooklyn and Long Island both by Colm Toibin; the work of Erik Larson; Laura Hillenbrand; David Grann