Bestselling author Robert Dugoni joins us to discuss his latest thriller, Beyond Reasonable Doubt. We dive into Robert’s meticulous research on sociopaths, the secrets behind his fiercest female protagonists, and how real life influences his fiction. And stay tuned for the "Killer Postmortem,” a podcast-exclusive aftershow where Robert reveals the favorite book he’s written and why he wrote it. 

Get the book:  https://bookshop.org/a/95801/9781662517990

Connect w/ Robert:  https://www.robertdugonibooks.com

For more killer interviews with the best thriller writers in the business, subscribe to the Killer Author Club on Spotify or your favorite podcasting app.

Three best selling authors talk about killing - of the fictional kind! - with the top suspense and thriller writers in the business. We're live every other Tuesday at 9 pm ET and now we're coming to your favorite podcast app! More at www.killerauthorclub.com.

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!

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!

In this week’s episode of the Killer Author Club podcast, Tara Laskowski takes us behind the scenes of her latest thriller, The Weekend Retreat. We explore how she selects the perfect (and creepiest) settings, her fascination with reclusive heiresses and scandalous family dynasties, and why embracing a messy writing process works for her. Tara also shares how she creates book-themed playlists and answers a chilling question: where would she bury a body? This episode is a deep dive into the artistry and intrigue behind her page-turning stories.

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Co-authors Elizabeth McCullough Keenan and Greg Wands join us to talk about their thriller,Trust Issues, and the magic of co-writing. This episode dives into  their unusual research practices and how they keep each other sharp while balancing creativity and collaboration. Unravel the secrets behind their riveting new novel and hear about Greg’s real-life bookstore meet-cute that led to a real-life happily ever after. Listen…if you dare!

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Brace yourself! Because this week, the Killer Author Club welcomes none other than Frieda McFadden onto the podcast! Frieda is here to dive deep into her runaway bestseller The Teacher, share the secrets behind her mind-blowing plot twists, and tell us how her background as a physician adds an unsettling layer of authenticity to her stories.

We’ll discuss:

🔪 The art of unreliable narrators and why we love to be deceived

🔪 Her wildly successful journey as an indie and traditional publishing sensation

🔪 The inspiration behind her most haunting characters (spoiler-free, of course!)

You won’t want to miss this thrilling conversation with an author who’s kept millions of readers on the edge of their seats.

📅 Catch the latest episode wherever you listen to podcasts!

💀 And don’t forget to follow the Killer Author Club for more deadly good episodes!

Tune in—if you dare. 😱

Angie Kim joins us to discuss her Good Morning America book club pick, Happiness Falls. We delve into how her short stories spark ideas for her novels and her obsession with exploring death, fear, and guilt in her work. Angie also reflects on her many careers—lawyer, consultant, entrepreneur, full-time mom, and now bestselling author—and how real-life tragedies inspire her writing. This episode offers a deeply personal look at Angie’s creative process and the themes that drive her stories.

Subscribe for more conversations with today’s most compelling authors!

NYT bestselling author Jeneva Rose joins us to discuss her breakout hit The Perfect Marriage and how it became a runaway sensation. She opens up about the pressure of writing its highly anticipated sequel (coming in April), her impressive ability to juggle multiple books across genres, and her writing process. And, of course, we chat about her favorite fan, Scott, whose shenanigans have taken on a life of their own. A hilarious conversation you won’t want to miss!

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Author and comedian Benjamin Stevenson joins us to unravel the festive mayhem of his latest mystery, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret. He talks about blending humor with suspense through his “slapdash sleuth” Ernest Cunningham and how Australia’s unique landscapes inspire his settings. Plus, he shares the wildest thing he’s done for research—don’t try this at home! A hilarious and insightful conversation about the art of crafting clever mysteries with a comedic twist.

Subscribe for more interviews with crime writers who keep us laughing and guessing!

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!

Bestselling author Jessica Knoll discusses her powerful thriller, Bright Young Women, a reimagining of a real-life serial killer case. Learn why she focuses on the female victims instead of naming the infamous “Casanova Killer” and how their advocacy inspired her story. Jessica also explores the unsettling charm of manipulative killers and the legal changes driven by victims’ voices. A compelling conversation on reframing true crime through the lens of resilience and justice.

Subscribe for more thought-provoking takes from today’s top thriller writers!

What does bestselling author Ruth Ware think of being called a modern Agatha Christie? Find out as Ruth joins us to discuss her latest, The Perfect Couple. We explore her favorite reality TV shows, her "catnip” when it comes to writing stories that readers find irresistible, and her keen ability to spot liars—both on the page and in real life.  Subscribe now so you never miss an interview with Killers Kimberly Belle, Heather Gudenkauf, Kaira Rouda, and the best thriller writers in the business.

Patricia Cornwell is back in the Killer Author Club with the 28th Kay Scarpetta thriller, Identity Unknown. In this episode, she reveals why an abandoned theme park in Appalachia became her haunting new setting and shares a major scoop on the upcoming TV adaptation starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis. Plus, discover how her meticulous research has driven 130 million worldwide sales and keeps readers hooked, and whether or not Patricia believes in otherworldly life…aka aliens!

 Subscribe now for more exclusive insights from top crime authors!

In this can’t-miss episode, our very own Kaira Rouda takes us inside her latest domestic thriller, What the Nanny Saw. We talk about the scary people living next door, the return of fan-favorite Creepy Paul, and why readers can’t get enough of him. Plus, Kaira shares real-life tales of babysitting gone wrong, sleepwalking disasters, and yes, even rattlesnakes! Don’t miss this spine-tingling peek behind the curtain of her chilling suburban stories.

Subscribe now for more thrills, chills, and behind-the-scenes post-mortems with your favorite authors!

In this electrifying episode of the Killer Author Club, we welcome bestselling author C.J. Box, renowned for his gripping novels and the iconic Joe Pickett series. Join us as we dive deep into C.J.'s latest New York Times bestselling release, Three-Inch Teeth, where the lines between humanity and the wild are perilously thin.

We explore:

    •    The inspiration behind Three-Inch Teeth and its chilling plot involving killers and the fierce nature of bears.

    •    C.J.’s creative process and how he weaves real-life elements into his fiction.

    •    The evolution of Joe Pickett as a character and his journey through the wild landscapes of Wyoming.

    •    C.J.’s experiences with wildlife encounters and how they influence his writing.

Get the book.

Connect w/ C.J.: https://www.cjbox.net/  

Subscribe now so you never miss an interview with Killers Kimberly Belle, Heather Gudenkauf, Kaira Rouda, and the best thriller writers in the business.

Bestselling author Paula Hawkins, known for The Girl on the Train, joins us to explore her latest dark thriller, The Blue Hour. Discover how a remote island setting inspired by real life sets the stage for her eerie story. Paula shares why she’s drawn to dark thrillers and answers a juicy question: which of her characters would she kiss, kill, or frame for murder? Get ready for insights into her writing process and a deep dive into creating spine-chilling suspense.

Subscribe for more exclusive interviews with today’s top thriller writers!

Join Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado as they share their fascinating journey to co-authorship on Fatal Intrusion. Isabella reveals how her law enforcement background helps her craft gripping, authentic stories, while Jeffery dives into his surprising discoveries about honeybees and sniffer dogs. Plus, they discuss the zaniest lengths they've gone to in the name of research. From how they met to their wild writing process, this episode offers a thrilling look behind the scenes of their collaboration.

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Join us for a hilarious episode of the Killer Author Club as we sit down with #1 bestselling author Lisa Scottoline, known for her thrilling narratives and captivating characters. In this episode, we dive deep into her latest gripping novel, The Truth About the Devlins, where secrets unravel and danger lurks at every corner.

Lisa shares her preferred method of fictional “killing,” revealing the psychological twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. We also explore the inspiration behind her writing, as she discusses her unique blend of humor and suspense. Plus, hear about the unforgettable moment when Lisa met Hollywood star Bradley Cooper—spoiler alert: it involves a mix of excitement and a dash of starstruck charm!

Tune in for insights into Lisa’s writing process, her favorite plot twists, and what it truly means to be a killer author. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her work, this episode is not to be missed!

Get the book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-truth-about-the-devlins-lisa-scottoline/20202655?ean=9780525539704

Connect w/ Lisa: https://www.scottoline.com

Subscribe now so you never miss an interview with Killers Kimberly Belle, Heather Gudenkauf, Kaira Rouda, and the best thriller writers in the business.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.