Bookreporter Talks To
“Bookreporter Talks To” is a podcast from The Book Report Network where we host in-depth conversations with authors about the books that we love. We know authors cannot travel everywhere, so we want to bring them to you, wherever YOU may be.
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Kaira Rouda: Jill is Not Happy
06/20/2025
Kaira Rouda: Jill is Not Happy
Kaira Rouda talks to Carol Fitzgerald about her latest thriller, JILL IS NOT HAPPY. Note: Kaira IS very happily married to her husband, Harley, which is something you need to know as you read this book. Kaira did get the idea for the novel when she and Harley went to Utah during the pandemic. She saw that the landscape there could lend itself to a number of terrifying moments as her characters, Jill and Jack, head off on a weekend road trip together. Jill wants time with her husband. Jack does not want to go but does so begrudgingly. Once they return home, he will leave Jill; to him, their marriage is a charade. Kaira addresses how she ramped up the tension in this cat-and-mouse game. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Jeanine Cummins: Julie Clark: Lori Foster: Chris Pavone: Janet Skeslien Charles: Victoria Christopher Murray: Nita Prose: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Beatriz Williams: Marjan Kamali: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Jeanine Cummins: Speak to Me of Home
06/16/2025
Jeanine Cummins: Speak to Me of Home
Jeanine Cummins joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her new novel, SPEAK TO ME OF HOME, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. She shares her inspiration for the book and talks about the significance of home. What does it mean to different people and to different generations? Jeanine and Carol point out that we go through life either as passengers or as those who “control the wheel of the bus.” There is a family tree in the front of the book, which is helpful in following the story — and Jeanine shows its beautiful design. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Julie Clark: Lori Foster: Chris Pavone: Janet Skeslien Charles: Victoria Christopher Murray: Nita Prose: Katy Hays: Georgia Hunter: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Beatriz Williams: Marjan Kamali: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Julie Clark: The Ghostwriter
06/13/2025
Julie Clark: The Ghostwriter
Julie Clark joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her latest thriller, THE GHOSTWRITER, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Julie shares how she approached writing this book, including how a ghostwriter tackles a subject and handles the storytelling. She also talks about her process, which includes early mornings of writing, and why she will never be a book-a-year author. Julie’s character had some unexpected challenges that derailed her career, and she explains how these obstacles upped the stakes for her. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Lori Foster: Chris Pavone: Janet Skeslien Charles: Victoria Christopher Murray: Nita Prose: Katy Hays: Georgia Hunter: Jeff Hobbs: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Beatriz Williams: Marjan Kamali: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Lori Foster: The Guest Cottage
06/13/2025
Lori Foster: The Guest Cottage
Lori Foster joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her latest novel, THE GUEST COTTAGE, which kicks off her Firefly Summer series. She explains how she developed the book, including the first idea that came to her, and where she sees the series headed. Fittingly, they talk about their mutual fascination with fireflies. Lori also shares information about her very successful “Reader & Author Get Together” event, and how it has grown and changed through the years. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Chris Pavone: Janet Skeslien Charles: Victoria Christopher Murray: Nita Prose: Katy Hays: Georgia Hunter: Jeff Hobbs: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Beatriz Williams: Marjan Kamali: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Chris Pavone: The Doorman
05/30/2025
Chris Pavone: The Doorman
Chris Pavone joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss his latest thriller, THE DOORMAN, a Bookreporter Bets On selection that is being called a modern-day BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES, which is spot-on. Chris talks about the book’s setting, the Bohemia, which drew inspiration from the building where he now lives. He had long conversations with Johnny, one of the building’s doormen, and shares what their friendship brought to the story. The novel takes place over just a day, looking at the doorman and a couple of the building’s personnel, as well as the occupants of two apartments in the Bohemia. Chris has a number of book ideas that he is noodling at any one time, but he explains how this one spoke to him to be written, and how he pivoted along the way. He also muses about New York City today, and how much has changed from when he was growing up in Brooklyn. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Beatriz Williams: Janet Skeslien Charles: Victoria Christopher Murray: Nita Prose: Katy Hays: Georgia Hunter: Jeff Hobbs: Clare Leslie Hall: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Marjan Kamali: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Bookaccino Live Book Group: Beatriz Williams
05/29/2025
Bookaccino Live Book Group: Beatriz Williams
Beatriz Williams joined us for May’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group to discuss HUSBANDS & LOVERS, a Bookreporter.com Bets On selection that is now available in paperback. She shares her inspiration for the novel, as well as her research. Spoilers are included here as we assume that everyone has read the book. Beatriz also previews her next novel, UNDER THE STARS, which releases on July 29th (readers may recognize the setting and some of the characters), and she teases the manuscript that she is finishing for her 2026 book. And yes, she talks about her writing relationship with Karen White and Lauren Willig. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Janet Skeslien Charles: Victoria Christopher Murray: Nita Prose: Katy Hays: Georgia Hunter: Jeff Hobbs: Clare Leslie Hall: Charmaine Wilkerson: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Marjan Kamali: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Janet Skeslien Charles: The Parisian Chapter
05/27/2025
Janet Skeslien Charles: The Parisian Chapter
Janet Skeslien Charles joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss THE PARISIAN CHAPTER, an audio original novel with a multi-cast recording. Pauline Chalamet and 10 other voice actors perform. Janet talks about the structure of the story, which provides listeners with a wonderful audio experience, and how she wrote to have the script work for an audiobook. She also praises the narrators who introduce each character, making this a brilliant gateway audio for those who have never listened in the past. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Nita Prose: Katy Hays: Georgia Hunter: Jeff Hobbs: Clare Leslie Hall: Charmaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Marjan Kamali: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Victoria Christopher Murray: Harlem Rhapsody
05/16/2025
Victoria Christopher Murray: Harlem Rhapsody
Victoria Christopher Murray joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about HARLEM RHAPSODY, which is her first solo historical novel (she has written New York Times bestsellers with her co-author, Marie Benedict). She explains why she chose to write about the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and shares her extensive research, which included reading issues of The Crisis, the official magazine of the NAACP, and her wonderful finds of letters and other works that helped to bring this story together. Victoria speaks of admiring Jessie Redmon Fauset and her education and career success, as well as what happened later in her life. She is enthusiastic about how much has been achieved, as just 50 years ago, Black people had been enslaved and didn’t have access to education. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Nita Prose: Katy Hays: Georgia Hunter: Jeff Hobbs: Clare Leslie Hall: Charmaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Marjan Kamali: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Bookaccino Live Book Group: Marjan Kamali
04/30/2025
Bookaccino Live Book Group: Marjan Kamali
Marjan Kamali joined us for April’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group to discuss THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN. This national bestseller and a 2024 Bookreporter Bets On selection is a heartfelt novel of friendship, betrayal and redemption set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran. Marjan talks about her inspiration for the book, which came from a childhood friendship. She also explains how she developed the storyline and fleshed it out from there. And in addition to sharing her writing process, Marjan fills us in on what she is working on now. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Nita Prose: Katy Hays: Georgia Hunter: Jeff Hobbs: Clare Leslie Hall: Charmaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict: Joseph Finder: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Nita Prose: The Maid's Secret
04/24/2025
Nita Prose: The Maid's Secret
Nita Prose joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about THE MAID’S SECRET, her last book featuring Molly the Maid. She shares that she did not set out to write a series, but once the first book was finished, it was clear that there was more to Molly’s story. Nita enjoyed developing a voice for Gran in this novel; in the prior installments, everything about Gran came to readers from Molly. She muses about “the egg,” which was referenced throughout the series as the nest egg, and how that had real implications in this final book. And yes, Nita reveals what’s next for her. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Katy Hays: Georgia Hunter: Jeff Hobbs: Clare Leslie Hall: Charmaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict: Joseph Finder: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Katy Hays: Saltwater
04/10/2025
Katy Hays: Saltwater
Katy Hays joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest novel, SALTWATER, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. The book is set on the island of Capri and has the same vibes as “The White Lotus.” Katy explains the origins of the novel, as well as how the story grew and why she told it from the points of view of multiple characters, alternating between “Then” and “Now.” She also discusses her research on Capri and why it was the perfect place to set the novel. The audiobook has three narrators, and Katy shares why she feels they worked to best serve the book. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Georgia Hunter: Jeff Hobbs: Clare Leslie Hall: Charmaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict: Joseph Finder: Scott Turow: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Georgia Hunter: One Good Thing
04/04/2025
Georgia Hunter: One Good Thing
Georgia Hunter, author of the New York Times bestseller WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES, joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest novel, ONE GOOD THING. Georgia explains why she chose to set the book in Italy and the research trip that she took there with her mother, which was such a special time for her. She and Carol discuss what it must be like to live in a world where at any moment someone might be a friend or an enemy, and how a journey without a destination that you thought would be safe would be such a difficult one. Georgia also shares why she loves talking to students about her work. And yes, there is conversation about the Hulu series “We Were the Lucky Ones” and her presence as that was filmed. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Jeff Hobbs: Clare Leslie Hall: Charmaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict: Joseph Finder: Scott Turow: Michelle Horton: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Anna Quindlen: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Bookaccino Live Book Group: Anna Quindlen
03/28/2025
Bookaccino Live Book Group: Anna Quindlen
Anna Quindlen joined us for March’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group to discuss AFTER ANNIE, a New York Times bestseller that is now available in paperback. The novel is told from the perspectives of three characters following Annie’s sudden death, and Anna explains why she felt this was the most effective way to tell the story. Anna talks about Annie’s oldest child, Ali, and how she copes with the reality of her mother’s passing. She also offers insight into the structure of the novel, which is divided by seasons, and what she hopes readers will take away from Annie’s story. We were excited to find out that Anna’s next book is scheduled to release in 2026, and she gives us a sneak peek at the plot. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Jeff Hobbs: Clare Leslie Hall: Charmaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict: Joseph Finder: Scott Turow: Michelle Horton: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Jeff Hobbs: Seeking Shelter
03/20/2025
Jeff Hobbs: Seeking Shelter
Jeff Hobbs has been on Carol Fitzgerald’s radar since she first interviewed him 11 years ago at a pre-publication event for THE SHORT AND TRAGIC LIFE OF ROBERT PEACE. So, she was happy to catch up with him about his latest work, SEEKING SHELTER: A Working Mother, Her Children, and a Story of Homelessness in America, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Jeff explains how he approached the book and why he wrote it through the eyes of three characters: Evelyn, Wendi, and Evelyn’s teenage son, Orlando. He discusses writing it as reconstructive journalism and why he felt that would be most effective. Jeff and Carol talk about the issue of homelessness, as well as home instability and how the recent L.A. fires have impacted this crisis even more. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Clare Leslie Hall: Charmaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict: Joseph Finder: Scott Turow: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Clare Leslie Hall: Broken Country
03/13/2025
Clare Leslie Hall: Broken Country
Clare Leslie Hall joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller, BROKEN COUNTRY, which is both a Reese’s Book Club selection and a Barnes & Noble Book Club pick, as well as a Bookreporter Bets On title. Clare explains the early inspiration for the novel and shares that she worked on it for four years, coming back to it again and again. She discusses the layers of the story while being careful not to reveal any spoilers. The setting is such a big part of the book, as well as the characters, and she notes that the farms near her home played a role in the storytelling. Right before this interview, Clare learned that BROKEN COUNTRY had hit the Sunday Times list (the New York Times news would come the next day), and she clearly was glowing from that! Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Charmaine Wilkerson: Marie Benedict: Joseph Finder: Scott Turow: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Charmaine Wilkerson: Good Dirt
03/04/2025
Charmaine Wilkerson: Good Dirt
Charmaine Wilkerson talks to Carol Fitzgerald about her latest novel, GOOD DIRT, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. She explains how the character of Ebby Freeman came to her, and from there the idea of the clay jar that has been in the family for generations. Charmaine shares the research she conducted about the work of slaves in the South who created pottery with clay, tracing how an item like this could have made its way from the South to Connecticut with slaves who worked on sailing vessels. And she muses that what happened to Ebby would have implications on the rest of her life. As she did in her New York Times bestseller, BLACK CAKE, Charmaine invites readers to look at traditions and ideas that they may not have heard about previously while at the same time telling the story of a family. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Marie Benedict: Joseph Finder: Scott Turow: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Lisa Wingate: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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“Bookaccino Live” Book Group: Lisa Wingate
02/28/2025
“Bookaccino Live” Book Group: Lisa Wingate
Lisa Wingate joined us for February’s “Bookaccino Live” Book Group to discuss SHELTERWOOD, a Bookreporter Bets On selection that is now available in paperback. She explains what sparked the idea for her novel and why she chose to set it in two time periods: 1909 and 1990. We also learn about the research she did into the “elf children,” the Dawes Act and the formidable Kate Barnard, as well as the life of forest rangers who work in national parks. Lisa believes that listening to stories from our past matter --- and she shares how her work has inspired readers to reach out to find their own connections. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Marie Benedict: Joseph Finder: Scott Turow: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Marie Benedict: The Queens of Crime
02/21/2025
Marie Benedict: The Queens of Crime
Marie Benedict joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest book, THE QUEENS OF CRIME, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Marie read classic women’s mysteries at a young age, as she was introduced to them by her aunt. Her love for the genre influenced this book, as well as her earlier work, THE MYSTERY OF MRS. CHRISTIE. Marie discusses the case that the five crime writers in the novel set out to unravel, explains why a case like this might have taken long to solve, and talks more about the legendary Detection Club. She also shares what she is working on now and notes a future collaboration, once again, with Victoria Christopher Murray. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Joseph Finder: Scott Turow: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Joseph Finder: The Oligarch's Daughter
02/13/2025
Joseph Finder: The Oligarch's Daughter
Joseph Finder joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss his latest thriller, THE OLIGARCH’S DAUGHTER, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Joe talks about writing the novel’s two time frames and how the awareness of what oligarchs are has become a lot more timely in the past few years. He did some wilderness training for part of the book, and then vaulted to learn more about superyachts that are owned by the uber-wealthy. Joe explains the process of building his characters and what drives them. And yes, he shares what is next for him. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Scott Turow: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ashley Elston: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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“Bookaccino Live” Book Group: Ashley Elston
01/30/2025
“Bookaccino Live” Book Group: Ashley Elston
Ashley Elston joins us for our first “Bookaccino Live” Book Group event of 2025 to discuss her debut novel for adults, FIRST LIE WINS. This #1 New York Times bestseller and Bookreporter Bets On selection is now available in paperback. Ashley talks about her writing process, which includes the brown butcher paper that lines her walls along with colored Post-it notes, and working with the software program Scrivener. Her past career as a wedding photographer enhanced her writing skills, and she explains how. She shares how the story’s twists and turns came to her, as well as the reveals and how to keep the tension up. Ashley also recalls how excited she was when the book was named a Reese’s Book Club pick (which she had to keep secret) and what the past year has been like. Yes, it’s been a whirlwind. And she talks about what’s next for her. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Scott Turow: Presumed Guilty
01/30/2025
Scott Turow: Presumed Guilty
Scott Turow joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about his latest legal thriller, PRESUMED GUILTY. This Bookreporter Bets On selection marks the return of Rusty Sabich, following his starring roles in PRESUMED INNOCENT and INNOCENT. Scott explains his decision to write the book and why this may be the last time we see Rusty as a protagonist in one of his novels. He also shares the reason that he chose to make Aaron a young Black man who was adopted by white people. Scott and Carol talk about the mantle of “accused murderer” and what that means to a person, which is something that two of his characters share. Carol notes Scott’s very in-depth courtroom scenes, which leads to a discussion about their significance for the reader, as well as the topic of how justice may or may not be served according to who is on the bench, who is prosecuting and who is defending. And yes, they bring up some books-to-screen news. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Michelle Horton: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Michelle Horton: Dear Sister: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds
01/28/2025
Michelle Horton: Dear Sister: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds
Michelle Horton joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about DEAR SISTER: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds, which has just released in paperback with bonus content and is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Michelle shares the harrowing story of how her sister, Nikki, a victim of domestic violence for years, was imprisoned after she killed her long-time partner. Two police officers knocked on Michelle’s door one night and told her that she needed to come to the station to take Nikki’s two- and four-year-old children to her home. She explains what that meant for her --- and her son --- and notes that she and her family were not aware of the abuse that Nikki experienced. Michelle discusses how the Domestic Abuse Act that was passed in New York led to Nikki’s early release. This law is only in effect in a few states, while others are fighting to get it on the books. She traces what happened at the trial and how information can be suppressed. Nikki was released on January 4, 2024, and the hardcover came out on January 30th. Michelle talks about including a chapter in the paperback edition to share what that experience was like, as well as the addition of a chapter from Nikki’s point of view. The latter gives insight into how the past 16 years have taken a toll on Nikki and the path to normalcy. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Tracey Lange: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Tracey Lange: What Happened to The McCrays?
01/24/2025
Tracey Lange: What Happened to The McCrays?
Tracey Lange joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest family-themed novel, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE McCRAYS?, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Tracey introduces readers to Kyle and Casey McCray, a divorced couple who are very much estranged. As Kyle returns home to Potsdam, New York, for a family emergency, their shared past haunts them in a way that gives them a chance to come back to one another. But life gets in the way, again and again. There’s middle-school hockey, which I never thought of as a way to bring a couple together, as well as the small town where people are close and are there for one another. The book is about trying to unwind the past in order to move forward. And yes, Tracey discusses Kyle’s tattoos and why they were included in the story. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Lisa Genova: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Lisa Genova: More or Less Maddy
01/17/2025
Lisa Genova: More or Less Maddy
Lisa Genova joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her latest novel, MORE OR LESS MADDY, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Lisa shares what drew her to write about a young woman with bipolar disorder and her research on the subject, which included conversations with people who have been diagnosed with it. She talks about how both the diagnosis and the treatment of bipolar disorder can be challenging; there is not one way to treat it, and treatment takes time. Maddy longs to be a stand-up comedian, and Lisa explains how she learned more about that topic, including her own set on stage to give it a try. As always, Lisa speaks about wanting to have readers leave her books with empathy and understanding. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Fiona Davis: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Fiona Davis: The Stolen Queen
01/06/2025
Fiona Davis: The Stolen Queen
Fiona Davis joins Carol Fitzgerald to discuss her eighth novel, THE STOLEN QUEEN, which is set in Egypt in 1936 and New York City in 1978. The iconic New York building that is featured in this book, which is a Bookreporter Bets On selection, is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fiona and Carol talk about the King Tut exhibit, as well as the Met Gala and how it has changed through the years. And yes, they share an admiration for Diana Vreeland. Fiona also reveals many details about her research, and she notes a book for further reading. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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2024 Bookreporter Bets On Selections: Books We're Betting You'll Love
12/16/2024
2024 Bookreporter Bets On Selections: Books We're Betting You'll Love
Carol Fitzgerald shares commentary about her 40 Bookreporter Bets On selections from 2024. These are books that she is betting Bookreporter readers will love! (* means a video/podcast interview with that author is available.) The Women by Kristin Hannah * The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali * First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston * Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews * Husbands & Lovers by Beatriz Williams * The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff * The Stolen Child by Ann Hood * Long After We Are Gone by Terah Shelton Harris * The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella, by Nita Prose The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl * Leaving by Roxana Robinson Boss Lady by Alli Frank and Asha Youmans Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger * The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon * Jackie by Dawn Tripp * Did I Ever Tell You?: A Memoir, by Genevieve Kingston * The Wives: A Memoir, by Simone Gorrindo * What I Ate in One Year: (and related thoughts) by Stanley Tucci Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir, by Ina Garten Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins * What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena End of Story by A. J. Finn Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate * Bad Liar by Tami Hoag All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker * Bad Tourists by Caro Carver * The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave * The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz * The Grays of Truth by Sharon Virts * The Fury by Alex Michaelides The God of the Woods by Liz Moore Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman * What Happened to Nina? by Dervla McTiernan Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan * Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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"Bookaccino Live": Our Reviewers' Top Book Picks of 2024
12/12/2024
"Bookaccino Live": Our Reviewers' Top Book Picks of 2024
Carol Fitzgerald and Tom Donadio talked to seven Bookreporter reviewers about two of their favorite books of 2024. Our guests were Kate Ayers, Harvey Freedenberg, Pamela Kramer, Bronwyn Miller, Rebecca Munro, Ray Palen and Stuart Shiffman. Four reviewers — Sarah Rachel Egelman, Megan Elliott, Eileen Zimmerman Nicol and Norah Piehl — were not able to join us, so we presented their top picks and their comments about them in a slideshow. Their selections cover a wide variety of genres, and there may be a few books you haven’t heard of that you will want to check out. You can see a list of the featured titles, along with their covers, here: Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Ariel Lawhon: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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"Bookaccino Live" Book Group: Ariel Lawhon
12/06/2024
"Bookaccino Live" Book Group: Ariel Lawhon
Ariel Lawhon joined us for a “Bookaccino Live” Book Group discussion of THE FROZEN RIVER, which was a “Good Morning America” Book Club pick and an NPR Book of the Year when it was published in hardcover last December. It is now available in paperback and is a Bookreporter Bets On selection. Our reviewer Pamela Kramer has this to say about the book, and it is so dead-on: "A book club would have myriad topics to discuss after reading this thoughtful novel about a time when the health care of women was often better left entirely to women themselves." Ariel talks about Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife, and the diary that Martha kept for almost 30 years that informed so much of Ariel’s writing. She points out that the voice of the book was not always first person, but the title never changed, and it took time to figure out exactly what would find its way into the story. While not biographical, the details are period correct. Some of the storytelling had to be compressed into the timeline of a single year, 1789, which is why THE FROZEN RIVER is fiction. And yes, Ariel reveals what she is writing now, and when we can hope to see it. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Sharon Virts: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Sharon Virts: The Grays of Truth
11/19/2024
Sharon Virts: The Grays of Truth
Carol Fitzgerald talks to Sharon Virts about her latest historical mystery, THE GRAYS OF TRUTH. This Bookreporter Bets On selection was inspired by true events involving one of Baltimore’s most powerful families. Sharon discusses why the Reconstruction era is such a poignant time in American history. She also explains the challenges of creating Jane, her protagonist, and the Edgar Allan Poe quotes that lead off sections of the book. In addition to giving us hints about what is next for her, Sharon talks about the work of the Selma Farm Foundation, as well as the large online book club that she hosts. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Paula Hawkins: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: T.J. Newman: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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Paula Hawkins: The Blue Hour
11/05/2024
Paula Hawkins: The Blue Hour
Paula Hawkins joins Carol Fitzgerald to talk about her latest novel, THE BLUE HOUR, which is November’s “Good Morning America” Book Club pick and a Bookreporter Bets On selection. She discusses her inspiration for the book’s setting, which she had when she was on vacation, as well as her love of art. The characters and the way they move in and out of each other’s lives is key to the storylines, and she explains how their roles changed as the book went on. Paula also shares where the title came from and what she loves about the cover. Our Latest “Bookreporter Talks To” Interviews: Susan Rieger: Jean Hanff Korelitz: Laura Dave: Chris Whitaker: T.J. Newman: Dawn Tripp: Our Latest “Bookaccino Live” Book Group Events: Amanda Peters: Shelley Read: William Kent Krueger: Ann Napolitano: Kate Morton: Shelby Van Pelt: Sign up for newsletters from Bookreporter and Reading Group Guides here: FOLLOW US on Facebook: Website: Art Credit: Tom Fitzgerald Edited by Jordan Redd Productions
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