Explore every episode of the podcast Killer Author Club

Kaira Rouda joins us to unpack We Were Never Friends, a wickedly sharp thriller that peels back the polite smiles and champagne toasts of female friendship—and exposes what’s really simmering underneath. She talks about writing women who can adore and despise each other in the same breath, balancing dark humor with the serious stakes of betrayal and murder, and why Palm Springs isn’t just a setting, but a character with secrets of its own. Bright, biting, and deliciously tense, this is friendship with a knife behind its back.

Download and listen today—because some friendships don’t end… they explode.

Jenna Blum joins us to talk about Murder Your Darlings, her razor-sharp leap from historical fiction into the thriller space—and why switching genres is both exhilarating and risky. She reveals how much of the story grew out of very real author anxieties, how she deliberately broke genre rules (and turned up the heat between her two leads), and why satire was the perfect lens for skewering the literary world. From fan culture and book tours to egos, pressure, and stalkers, this episode pulls back the curtain—and sharpens the knife.

Download and listen today—because the publishing world has secrets worth killing for.

Danielle Trussoni joins us to unpack The Puzzle Box, a high-concept thriller where intellect, obsession, and danger collide. She explains savant syndrome—what it is and how it shapes a character who sees the world differently—and the very real challenges of embedding actual puzzles into a novel without breaking the suspense. We talk about Japan as a haunting setting, using AI as a quietly terrifying plot device, and why Danielle still writes her first drafts longhand. Smart, eerie, and deeply unsettling.

John Marrs joins us to dive into Dead in the Water, a twist-laden thriller built from pieces—literally. He shares how he writes stories in fractured parts, why memory is the most dangerous unreliable narrator of all, and how one character can die… and die again. We unravel the hunt for the exact right title, the balance between psychological authenticity and breakneck pacing, and the real people who inevitably (and sometimes unknowingly) fuel his darkest ideas.

Download and listen today—because with John Marrs, nothing stays buried for long.

Kaira Rouda is back with The Second Mrs. Strom, the long-awaited follow-up to Best Day Ever—and yes, Creepy Paul is front and center again. Kaira shares why she resurrected one of her most unsettling characters, why readers love to hate him, and the real-life personalities who helped shape his uniquely chilling charm. She also dishes on the Paris research trip that ended in spectacular disaster—think food poisoning and a hotel full of Nazis—and how it all funneled into the book’s deliciously dark vibe.

Download and listen today—because Creepy Paul always has one more secret.

Kimberly Belle takes us deep inside her Edgar winner, The Paris Widow, a pulse-pounding thriller where a dream vacation ends in a literal bang. She unpacks the mystery of a husband who vanishes—presumed dead—and the desperate search for answers that sends one woman racing through Paris, where danger hides behind every iconic landmark. Kimberly reveals the dark world of blood antiquities, the tension of being alone in a foreign city, and the spiraling danger that comes when you realize you never really knew the person you loved.

Download and listen today—because in Paris, even the brightest lights can cast dark shadows.

Gilly Macmillan joins us to talk about The Burning Library, a gripping blend of dark academia, historical intrigue, and feminist power struggles. She reveals how the idea for a secret society of women fighting over a centuries-old manuscript sparked the story, the research rabbit holes that nearly consumed her, and how she built this layered mystery rooted in both past and present. We also dig into Gilly’s favorite obsession outside of writing—a pastime that fuels her creativity and keeps her curiosity lit.

Download and listen today—because in The Burning Library, knowledge is power… and power is dangerous.

Kaira Rouda returns with Under the Palms, the sharply cutting follow-up to Beneath the Surface—a story that’s Succession in the Southern California sunshine. She reveals the major plot twist that managed to surprise (and genuinely scare) even her, why she loves writing terrible characters readers love to hate, and how her past life as a gossip columnist sharpened her instinct for scandal. And yes… we’ve got movie news.

Download and listen today—because in Kaira Rouda’s world, the higher the power, the darker the secrets.

The legendary Lee and Andrew Child join us to talk Exit Strategy and all things Jack Reacher. They share the surprising story behind Reacher’s name, the one line he would never cross, and how a character born from an idea became a global phenomenon. Plus, Lee reveals the only writing advice you’ll ever need—simple, sharp, and straight from the master himself.

Download and listen today—because when Reacher’s on the move, you don’t want to be in his way.

Vanessa Lillie joins us to talk about Blood Sisters, a powerful thriller inspired by a real-life crime near her hometown and the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women whose cases too often go unsolved. She opens up about tackling serious, real-world issues with empathy and grit, shining a light on the complexities—both good and bad—around the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and why Indigenous crime rates are heartbreakingly higher than the national average. Vanessa also shares how she uses humor to bring levity and drive suspense in even the darkest stories.

Bonus: The gripping sequel, The Bone Thief, is out now!

Download and listen today—because every story deserves to be seen, heard, and solved.

Our very own Killer Heather Gudenkauf returns to talk about The Perfect Hosts, her explosive new thriller that kicks off with a pistols-and-pearls gender reveal party gone fatally wrong. She shares how that wild premise first took shape, why she set the story on a sprawling horse ranch, and how she opened the book with a literal bang. Plus, Heather reveals the storytellinghill she’ll die on—and why she swears by it in every book she writes.

Download and listen today—because no one throws a killer party like Heather Gudenkauf.

Nicole Baart joins us to talk about Where He Left Me, a lush and haunting thriller where nature itself becomes a character. She shares how the eerie Hemlock House setting amplifies tension, how she balances poetic prose with heart-pounding suspense, and what her research into planetary sciences revealed about love, loss, and connection. We also dive into the origins of the unforgettable tagline—“In every world, I’d find you”—and Nicole’s “writing hygiene,” her go-to rituals for getting into the creative zone.

Download and listen today—because some stories are written in the stars.

Sandra Block joins us to dish about The Bachelorette Party, the thriller that came to her in the middle of the night and refused to let go. We talk about weaving true crime into fiction, her bold research into real-life serial killers, and why female friendships gone wrong make such irresistible reading. Plus, she confesses how real people sometimes inspire her most deliciously dark characters.

Download and listen today—because this bachelorette party ends with more than secrets on the table.

Tessa Wegert kicks off a brand-new series with In the Bones, set in the eerie, atmospheric Thousand Islands region of upstate New York. She shares the chilling real-life concept of phrogging (yes, it’s as creepy as it sounds), how she learned to stomach some truly disgusting research for the sake of accuracy, and the secret room hidden inside her 120-year-old house. Moody, mysterious, and unforgettable—this one’s got it all.

Download and listen today—because in Tessa Wegert’s world, someone’s always hiding in the walls.

Zoje Stage returns with Dear Hanna, bringing back the unforgettable character from Baby Teeth in a chilling new story. We dig into her research on sociopaths, the eerie differences between child and adult versions, and what it’s like to write from inside the minds of psychopaths and sociopaths. Zoje also shares how she blurs genre lines to keep readers off balance—and why her next project might surprise you: a children’s book!

Download and listen today—because with Zoje Stage, nothing is ever as innocent as it seems.

Chevy Stevens is back with The Hitchhikers, a thriller designed to make readers sweat. Set in 1976, she talks about the joys—and challenges—of writing historical fiction, plus how synesthesia and even her dreams fuel her prose. Chevy shares her winding path from art to real estate to bestselling author, and why she keeps a secret file of passion projects waiting in the wings. A fun and fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of today’s most compelling thriller writers.

Download and listen today—because The Hitchhikers will stay with you long after the ride ends.

Rachel Howzell Hall joins us to talk about What the Fire Brings, a searing thriller where memory, trauma, and identity collide. She reveals how real-life stories of people of color going missing inspired the novel, why poisonous tomatoes might one day appear in her books, and how even the happiest childhoods can fuel the darkest, most gruesome fiction. A powerful, layered conversation that blends social urgency with edge-of-your-seat suspense.

Download and listen today—because Rachel Howzell Hall proves every mystery hides a deeper truth.

Journalist-turned-novelist Elise Hart Kipness serves up high-stakes suspense in her latest thriller Close Call. Inspired by her own career in reporting, Elise shares why she set a kidnapping story against the cutthroat backdrop of professional tennis. We talk about how technology raises the stakes in her thrillers, what it takes to write convincingly about pro athletes, and the delicate balance between adrenaline-pumping pacing and the emotional weight of secrets, betrayals, and family ties.

Step onto the court if you dare—download and listen today.

Hank Phillippi Ryan joins us to talk about The House Guest and the killer details behind her storytelling. She shares her preferred method of murder on the page—and how it helps her characters reclaim their power. We dig into the discipline of sitting down to write for months while trusting the process, the balance of being both a bestselling novelist and an Emmy-winning investigative reporter, and the not-so-surprising career advice she once got from Harlan Coben.

Download and listen today—because with Hank, every secret has a breaking point.

Bestselling author Sarah Pekkanen takes us inside The Locked Ward, a chilling story born from her real-life visit to an actual psychiatric ward. We talk about the fascinating nature vs. nurture dynamic of twins separated at birth, the delicate balance of portraying mental illness with sensitivity and respect, and the technical challenge of controlling what readers know—and when. Packed with tension, empathy, and psychological depth, this episode pulls back the curtain on Sarah’s most haunting novel yet.

Download and listen today—before visiting hours in The Locked Ward are over.

We’re celebrating a milestone with Karin Slaughter—her 25th novel, We Are All Guilty Here! Karin takes us inside her newest thriller and introduces a powerful new protagonist destined to keep readers hooked for books to come. We talk about her fearless approach to writing violence against women with both urgency and empathy, and what it’s like to see her stories leap from the page to the television screen. Twenty-five novels in, and Karin shows no signs of slowing down.

Download and listen today—because Karin Slaughter always delivers the kill.

James L’Etoile joins us to talk about River of Lies, a gripping mystery that blends page-turning suspense with real-world social issues. He shares his fiery research into arson, how he crafts twists that are as ironic as they are iconic, and the challenge of weaving relevance into riveting storytelling. We also shine a light on James’s work as a tireless volunteer in the crime writing community—and how giving back fuels his creative life.

Download and listen today for a smart, twisty ride through mystery, meaning, and murder.

Hannah Mary McKinnon is back with Only One Survives, a tense, twisty thriller about fame, friendship, and the dark side of all-female bands. She takes us behind the scenes of writing original lyrics, weaving music into the storyline, and the technical challenge of crafting a timeline full of flashbacks. Oh—and the six little words that started it all.

Download and listen today—because fame may be fleeting... but secrets can be killer.

The legendary Anthony Horowitz returns to the Killer Author Club to talk about Marble Hall Murders, the latest entry in his wildly clever Susan Ryeland/Atticus Pünd series. He shares the challenge of weaving stories within stories, his inspiration for creating crime fiction that’s both clever and self-aware, and why his writing process—though deeply rewarding—is far from easy or fast. Plus, we get exciting updates on book-to-screen adaptations and Anthony’s unexpected answer to the Killer Question: How Do You Kill?

Download and listen today for a sharp, smart dive into the craft of one of crime fiction’s biggest superstars.

J.T. Ellison joins us to talk about her gripping thriller It’s One of Us, a story that tackles a zeitgeisty—and deeply personal—topic with her signature twisty flair. We explore why marriage is the perfect pressure cooker for suspense, the surprising (and shady) world of sperm banks, and how setting her stories in Nashville and beyond adds layers of atmosphere and danger.

Download and listen today—because in J.T.’s world, family secrets don’t stay buried for long.

Bestselling author Peter Swanson stops by to talk about the brilliant mind games behind his latest thriller—and the despair (and delight) of writing a story backwards. We dig into why he calls his work “New England noir,” what makes the region such fertile ground for suspense, and how real-life people sneak into his novels. Plus, don’t miss hearing about the chilling scene he set in an infamous—and iconic—location.

Download and listen today for a masterclass in smart, sinister suspense.

TikTok sensation Kiersten Modglin joins us to talk about her latest twisty thriller, Do Not Open—a book one reviewer dubbed “Misery on Crack.” She shares how she draws from her own darkest places to create unforgettable characters, what it means to be vulnerable on the page and off, and how she maintains a jaw-dropping pace as one of the most prolific authors in the game.

Download and listen today—because when Kiersten says Do Not Open, you know you absolutely have to.

Clémence Michallon returns with Our Last Resort, a haunting thriller set against the eerie isolation of a remote Utah resort. She shares her deep research into cults (and her personal connection to the Nxivm cult), how a single haunting song sparked the idea for the novel, and what it takes to psych herself up to write in a language that isn’t her native tongue. This week’s episode is about resilience, reinvention, and the stories we’re compelled to tell.

Download and listen today—this is one luxury getaway you won’t soon forget.

Chris Bohjalian joins us to talk about his glitzy, twisty novel The Princess of Las Vegas, inspired by a real-life royal who flipped the script on a centuries-old monarchy. Chris shares why he set this story in the neon-lit world of gambling and grit as we dive into the underbelly of seedy casinos, the fascinating lives of tribute show performers, and—yes—Chris’s very own Las Vegas love story.

Download and listen today for royal intrigue, high-stakes drama, and Sin City secrets you won’t want to miss!

Julie Clark joins us to unravel the layers of her latest twist-filled novel, The Ghostwriter. We talk about striking the perfect balance between suspense and emotional depth, and how growing up in the 70s helped shape the atmosphere of the book’s haunting past timeline. Julie dives into using flawed—and fading—memory as both a plot device and a ticking clock, and shares how a real-life unsolved murder inspired the story’s chilling heart.

Download and listen today for a powerful, gripping conversation you won’t forget.

Lisa Gardner is back, and this time, it’s personal—and terrifying. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes of Still See You Everywhere, sharing what it was like to travel to a remote island for research, weather monster storms, and face off with killer crabs bigger than dogs (yes, really). Plus, she dives into the dark and fascinating experience of visiting a real-life body farm to bring chilling authenticity to her work.

Download and listen today if you dare. This episode is not for the faint of heart.

This week, Killer Author Club co-host Heather Gudenkauf is joined by special guest co-hosts Emily and Ashley from The Creepy Book Club for a thrill-packed conversation with Killers Kimberly Belle and Kaira Rouda. We dig into why strangers and spouses with secrets make the perfect thriller fuel, how dual narrators can twist a story in unexpected ways, and the power of perception vs. reality. Plus, what one book lured our guests to the dark side of fiction.

Download and listen today—because every perfect couple has something to hide.

Debut sensation Matthew Blake joins us to talk about his breakout thriller Anna O, a chilling tale inspired by real cases of people committing murder while sleepwalking. We dive into the dark, fascinating research behind the story, why writing a novel is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle, and how AnnaO made a splash right out of the gate. Plus, some exciting TV news—and yes, we’re spilling the tea (the poisonous kind).

You don’t want to sleep on this one — download and listen today.

Jaime Lynn Hendricks joins us to dish on her latestjaw-dropping thriller, where no one is who they seem and everyone has something to hide. We dig into dangerous double lives, deadly exes, and the risky thingspeople will do for love—and money. Jaime also explores the razor-thin line between justice and revenge, and why the glittering world of the 1% makes the perfect backdrop for betrayal, manipulation, and murder.

Download and listen today—because in Jaime’s world,secrets don’t stay buried for long.

Our very own Heather Gudenkauf joins the Killer Author Club to talk about her twisty thriller, Everyone Is Watching. From deadly reality show competitions to the dark side of social media and live streaming, Heather unpacks the high-stakes world of this locked-room mystery. We dive into how buried secrets always find a way to the surface, and why she left small-town Iowa behind for the lush, deceptive beauty of Northern California wine country.

Download and listen today—because in this game, no one stays innocent (or alive) for long.

Amy Tintera stops by to talk about her addictive adult debut, Listen for the Lie. We dive into her bold leap from YA to adult fiction, how she crafts unlikeable characters we end up loving anyway, and the book she wishes she’d written—plus how it inspired her own twisty tale. Amy shares the real-life spark behind the story (hint: it’s more than just a favorite podcast) and teases some thrilling TV news.

Download and listen today—and never hear a lie the same way again.

Lauren Thoman joins us to talk about her mind-bendingthriller You Shouldn’t Be Here, where nothing is quite what it seems. We dive into how she blends genres with ease—mixing suspense, time travel, and ghosts to craft stories that defy expectations. Lauren shares how she taps into thepower of the subconscious to fuel her writing and reveals how she pulls off twists so sharp, not even the most experienced Killers will see them coming.

Download and listen today—this one will mess with yourmind in the best way.

Heather Graham—queen of thrillers, romance, and the paranormal—joins us to talk about her latest spine-chiller, The Murder Machine. With over 200 books to her name, Heather shares the secret to her prolific career, how she cranks out four novels a year, and the one book that meant the most to her (and why). We also dive into the dark and disturbing real-world AI research that inspired this latest thriller.

Download and listen today—this is one killer episode you don’t want to miss!

The Killer Author Club gets extra deadly as Kimberly Belle, Cate Holahan, Vanessa Lillie, and Layne Fargo reunite to dish on Desperate Deadly Widows—the outrageous follow-up to their #1 bestselling Young Rich Widows. What zany antics are the widows up to this time? How do four authors manage to co-write not one but two wild thrill rides? And what’s in store for everyone’s favorite 80s femme fatales? From shoulder pads to murder plots, this episode has it all!

Download and listen today—because the Widows are back, and they’re deadlier than ever!

Emily Carpenter is here to talk all things Gothictown—from her Shirley Jackson-inspired chills to the true definition of Southern Gothic (hint: it’s more than just crumbling mansions and ghosts). She spills the craziest thing she’s done for research, how she crafts eerie, unforgettable settings, and what’s next in her ever-expanding universe (yes, it includes a TV series and psychics in Savannah!).

Download and listen today for a hauntingly good time with Emily Carpenter!

Bestselling author Mary Kubica joins us to talk about She’sNot Sorry and why psychological suspense has readers hooked. She shares her process of figuring out the story as she writes, the eerie appeal of setting thrillers in Chicago, and how she deals with uncooperative characters in her first drafts. Plus, we get her most stylish procrastination techniques and—finally!—the definitive answer on how to pronounce Kubica.

Download and listen today for an inside look at one ofsuspense fiction’s biggest names!

Bestselling husband-and-wife duo Nicci French join us toreveal the secrets behind co-authoring psychological thrillers—where trust isn’t just part of the process, it’s everything. We discuss crafting characters so compelling they demand more books, their deep research into mental health and real-life patient treatment, and the chilling question at the heart of TheLast Days of Kira Mullan: How do you believe in yourself when no one else does?

Download and listen today for an inside look at the dark and brilliant minds behind Nicci French!

Hannah Morrissey returns to Black Harbor in The Unlucky Ones, diving into the inspiration behind her dark, gritty setting and why she gave her main character the haunting job of policetranscriber. We also explore how real-life experiences shape her stories and hear the swoon-worthy tale of how she met her husband — who, yes, sleeps with one eye open. Don’t miss this eerie, fascinating chat with one of crime fiction’s rising stars.

Download and listen today for exclusive behind-the-scenes stories from Hannah Morrissey!

We’re pulling this episode from the vault to celebrate Ashley Winstead’s newest novel, This Book Will Bury Me — out Tuesday! Dive into The Last Housewife as Ashley unpacks her fascination with cults and why even the smartest women can fall prey. She reveals her intense research into close-range killings, the creative process behind braiding podcast snippets into the narrative, and how this dark story poured out of her in a fugue state.

Download and listen today — and don’t miss This Book Will Bury Me, out Tuesday!

B.A. Paris joins us to discuss The Guest and why houseguests who won’t leave are the perfect inspiration for fictional murder. We explore how far she and her characters would actually go for a friend (spoiler: not the same distance!), the unexpected ways The Secret Garden influenced this twisty thriller, and which of her books is currently playing on the small screen. A must-listen episode for fans of psychological suspense!

Download and listen today for exclusive insights from B.A. Paris!

Linda Hurtado Bond kicks off All the Captive Girls with a bang—literally—with pirates at Tampa’s legendary Gasparilla festival. In this episode, she reveals how AI and deepfakes weave into her latest thriller, the key differences between reporting the news and writing about it, and the adventures of skydiving despite a fear of flying. A high-stakes, high-energy conversation you won’t want to miss!

Download and listen today for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from Linda Hurtado Bond!

Wanda Morris joins us to discuss What You Leave Behind andhow real-life injustices fuel her gripping thrillers. This time, she’s exposing the high-stakes world of illegal landlords and shady real estate developers—because let’s face it, few villains are more terrifying than those who control where we live. Wanda shares how she turns deep systemic issues intopage-turning suspense while keeping her characters razor-sharp and unforgettable.

Download and listen today for an exclusive look into the real-life issues behind the fiction!

Bestselling author Lisa Unger joins us to dive into her latest thriller, Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten, including the real-lifelocation that inspired its eerie setting. We chat about her journey from aspiring writer to powerhouse storyteller, why storms always seem to find their way into her books, and the increasingly blurry line between the virtual world and reality. A gripping conversation filled with behind-the-scenes insights and spine-tingling suspense.

Download and listen today for an exclusive look insideLisa Unger’s dark and twisty world!

Buckle up for an explosive episode of the Killer Podcast with NYT bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz, the mastermind behind the pulse-poundingOrphan X series. In this jaw-dropping conversation, we dive into the moral complexities of assassins—do they have a code of ethics? (Spoiler: It’s not what you think!) Gregg also spills on which beloved character almost didn’t make it out of the series alive and shares the perfect recipe for a whiskey sour—because even deadly operatives need to unwind. And wait until you hear about the craziest research stunt he’s ever pulled—it’s hands-down the wildest story we’ve heard in over two years of Killer Author Club! Buckle up—this one’s a wild ride! Download and listen today.

Get ready for a gripping episode of Killer Author Club as we sit down with Joshua Moehling, author of the electrifying thriller A Long Time Gone. Discover the surprising inspiration behind his beloved character, Sheriff Ben Packard, and why small-town Midwest settings are the perfect backdrop for his chilling tales. Joshua also teases what’s next for the series—hint: more twists, more Packard, and more heart-pounding suspense! Plus, don’t miss the Killer Postmortem, where Joshua opens up about everything from his writing process to the eerie coincidence he shares with Killer Heather. Ready for the inside scoop? Download and listen today!