crime fiction | topshelfmerricklibrary

Award-winning author William Boyle joins me to discuss his eighth novel, The Saint of Narrows Street—a gripping tale set in Gravesend, Brooklyn, spanning 18 years in the lives of two sisters and the life-changing decision they made one fateful night. William shares insights into his drafting process, the joy of discovering small yet impactful details as he writes, and offers fantastic book recommendations. We also reminisce about our shared Brooklyn roots, from bakeries to high schools to local newspapers, give a listen!

Best-selling author Megan Abbott says, “The stunning Saint of the Narrows Street is William Boyle’s best novel yet… not since Richard Price has a writer brought New York to such vivid, spectacular life, and Boyle’s southern Brooklyn is all his own: a neighborhood pulsing with hard-earned humor, dive-bar pleasures and thunderous heartbreak.” Don’t miss this one! Thank you so much for joining me, Bill.

William Boyle recommends: We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin; the work of Ace Atkins; the work of Eli Cranor; and Holy City by Henry Wise.

Place your hold here for all William Boyle titles!

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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.