Tag Archives: New York City

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.

Check out my Top Shelf conversation with Wes Browne here.

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Episode 155: Interview with Michael Cannell, author of Blood and the Badge

January 2, 2025Author Interviewblood and the badge, mafia, michale cannell, New York City, Non-Fiction, organized crime, True CrimeTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

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

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Episode 92: Interview with Emma Straub author of This Time Tomorrow

May 17, 2022Author Interview13 Going on 30, Books Are Magic, brooklyn, Emma Straub, New York City, penguin random house, Quantum Leap, Riverhead Books, subway, This Time Tomorrow, time travelTop Shelf With Carol Ann Tack

“Libraries and bookstores are the most important spaces in the world to me.” ~ Emma Straub

For this wonderful episode I had the pleasure of hosting author Emma Straub for her latest book, This Time Tomorrow. We talked about the book, NYC and Brooklyn of the 1990s, going back in time, and Emma’s love for libraries and independent bookstores. This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub asks the age old question, if you could revisit your teenage self, what would you do differently? Oh gosh, please don’t miss this special story of love and family and friendships – it’s terrific.

Emma Straub recommends, I’ll Be You by Janelle Brown; Book Lovers by Emily Henry; By the Book by Jasmine Guillory

Place your hold here for all Emma Straub titles. Click here to go for Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, NY