Monthly Archives: October 2026

Episode 183: Interview with Gary Goldstein, author of Canine Custody

October 23, 2026Author Interviewcanine custody, custody battle, divorce, dogs, fiction, gary goldstein, please come to boston, relationships, separation, the last birthday party, the mother i never hadTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

What happens after thirteen years of marriage when the little annoyances get to too big to overcome? There’s one question left to answer: Who gets the dog? That’s the conundrum Layla, Franklin, and their beloved dog, Betty, face in Gary Goldstein’s latest novel, Canine Custody. Our couple find themselves in quite the pickle as they navigate the serious and often all-too-relatable challenges of love, marriage, and separation. Told from three points of view: Layla, Franklin, and Betty herself, Canine Custody is a heartfelt and often humorous story about the modern day realities of marriage. Betty’s perspective may just be the most entertaining of all.

Returning guest Gary Goldstein talks about that and more than just the inspiration for Canine Custody. In the episode, he shares writing tips, character development, crafting a script vs. screenplay vs. novel, and shares some amazing book recommendations. Don’t miss this interview and don’t miss Canine Custody, a book filled with wry humor that balances the all too series problems faced in modern day marriages. It’s on shelves now. Thank you so much for joining me Gary, as always.

Gary Goldstein recommends: Before I Forget by Tori Henwood Hoen; Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan; Ghost Town by Tom Perrotta; Whistler by Ann Patchett; The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout; the works of Susan Walter.

Follow along with all things Gary Goldstein right here!

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Episode 182: Interview with Sara Lippmann, author of Hidden River

October 13, 2026Author Interviewdoll palace, Hidden River, jerks, lech, Philadelphia, sara lippmman, schuylkill, short stories, Tortoise BooksTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

Count me in as a Sara Lippmann fan for life. We had a great conversation about Sara’s brand new book, Hidden River.

In this episode, Sara offers an in-depth look at her beautifully written, heartbreaking protagonist, Cass, and shares how writing flash fiction helps her flex her creative muscles. We also talk about our shared love of short stories, how readers have connected with Cass’s story, poignant moments from Sara’s book tour, and give us some excellent book recommendations.

This book – Hidden River – is one of my favorites of the year. Thank you so much for joining me, Sara. I loved every minute.

About Hidden River: With a timeline that toggles between the summer of 2008 and the late 80s/early 90s, this lean but bold novel, casts an intimate look at grooming in the era before #metoo. A fascinating blend of tragedy and dark comedy, a work of brutal emotional truths unearthed with lightness and grace, this exquisitely charged story, at once private and political, will linger in your mind—and earn a place in your heart.

Sara Lippmann recommends the work of A.M.Holmes; Everybody Needs Something by Melanie Pappadis Faranello; Some Stupid Glow by TJ Fuller; My Dear You by Rachel Khong.

Carol Ann mentioned: The Most by Jessica Anthony; Agatha of Little Neon by Clare Luchette; A Good Family by A.H. Kim; The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian.

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Episode 181: Interview with Jason Allison, author of The Killing Yards

October 6, 2026Author Interviewcrime fiction, crime noir, crooked lane books, jason allison, New York City, the killing yardsTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

“Jason Allison’s debut crime novel, The Killing Yards, hits like a high-octane James Ellroy/Michael Mann cocktail. Allison’s sure hand guides us through a claustrophobic Gotham on the brink of massive change. Sin, corruption, bad choices—all the dirty, divine terrain is well-covered. The Killing Yards is blunt, forceful, and explosive. Get your top-shelf noir fix here.”
—William Boyle, author of Saint of the Narrows Street and Heavy Sugar

Top Shelf indeed, William Boyle, Top Shelf indeed.

So I did just that and invited Jason Allison onto the show – and this conversation is not to be missed. Jason Allison, a former NYPD homicide detective, talks about his gritty NYC crime drama, The Killing Yards. Set in 1993, the novel is a tale of manners and morals, questionable loyalties, intense ambition, and dark, explosive criminal activity. In this episode, Jason shares some of his early reading influences (no spoilers!), gives us insight into the routes and reasons behind crime, talks about what makes anti-heroes so compelling, and shares advice he received from author Don Winslow.

Jason also offers some terrific book recommendations. Give this NYC-focused conversation a listen. From Brooklyn to the Bronx, thanks for joining me, Jason!

Authors discussed: S.A.Cosby; Don Winslow, Karl Ove Knausgard. Jason recommends: Astronaut by Oana Aristide; The Disappearers by Marlon James; Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke; They All Fall the Same by Wes Browne.