The Thriller Zone – Details, episodes & analysis

On today's 219th episode of The Thriller Zone with host Dave Temple, we dive into the world of thrillers with New York Times bestselling author Eric Rickstad.

This show is like a rollercoaster ride through the dark alleys of crime fiction, and Eric’s latest book, 'Remote the Six', isn't just another run-of-the-mill serial killer tale; it’s a captivating blend of FBI drama and the uncanny world of remote viewing, where the line between reality and the supernatural gets a little blurry.

As Eric explains, his protagonist, Lucas Stark, is thrust into a chilling manhunt that requires him to team up with an enigmatic remote viewer, Giles Garner, who’s been vetted by the FBI director himself. The stakes are high with families being killed across states, and the clock is ticking.

In a world where skepticism reigns supreme, Stark's reluctance to trust Garner adds layers of tension and intrigue. Eric shares his inspiration from real-life events, weaving personal anecdotes that give us a glimpse into his creative process.

Eric's knack for storytelling is evident, as he pulls us into the story, making us question everything—much like Stark does. This episode is a masterclass in how to craft suspense and keep readers on the edge of their seats, with Eric's insights on character development and pacing being particularly valuable for aspiring writers.

Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or just love a good story, there’s something for everyone in this engaging conversation.

Links referenced in this episode:

• thrillerzone@gmail.com
• thethrillerzone.com
• ericrickstad.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• New York Times
• CIA
• Russia
• Tom Cruise
• Philip K. Dick
• The Story Factory
• FBI

Music: Chillax by Jay Someday is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/2xGHypM

Mentioned in this episode:

RIVIAN Comm

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THE STORY FACTORY

Today's episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is sponsored by The Story Factory, an entertainment company representing many of the biggest fiction and non-fiction authors in the world.

On today's 218th episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple, we're diving into the heart of thriller fiction as we chat with Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy, and Byrdie Bell, the daughter of the late Ted Bell, a New York Times Bestselling author.

We launch discussing "Monarch," the new thriller penned by Steck which respects the legacy of Ted’s iconic Alex Hawke series. I for one, feel it's a deeply emotional ride filled with heartfelt moments and behind-the-scenes stories that’ll give you the goosebumps.

Sure, we hit a few tech (video) snags at the start—who doesn’t love a good tech hiccup? But don’t worry, we’ve got all the juicy audio goodness for you to enjoy. Plus, we sprinkle in some classic clips of Ted himself, because who doesn’t want to hear from the master?

I trust you'll enjoy as we navigate the emotional landscape of Ted's legacy. Ted became a sincere friend in such a short time, and Ryan, who penned the latest Alex Hawke thriller, 'Monarch', echoes the fondness we share of a man who genuinely brought light to this world.

One thing I particularly like is when Ryan shares his intimate journey of channeling Ted's voice while crafting a new chapter for this beloved character.

An added bonus is when Byrdie offers a heartfelt glimpse into her father's storytelling genius, recalling cherished childhood memories filled with his animated storytelling and the creation of fantastical worlds.

All together, we explore the intricacies of preserving a literary legacy while infusing fresh narratives that resonate with both new and longtime fans.

Lastly, THANK YOU for Following us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook, all at @TheThrillerZone.

To learn more visit: TedBell.com, TheRealBookSpy.com and TheThrillerZone.com.

Don't forget, you find us on ALL the podcast channels, like @applepodcasts @Spotify, @iHeartRadio and more.

Connect with us:

💟 Website:https://www.thethrillerzone.com/

💟 X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/thethrillerzone

💟 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thethrillerzone

Other shows you might enjoy include these favorites:

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOan3dQthmI

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UB1owUf8VhY&t=549s

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwnwFs9CBkA

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHY7LiJIAno

✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skxQ51uNgRs

Mentioned in this episode:

THE STORY FACTORY

Today's episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is sponsored by The Story Factory, an entertainment company representing many of the biggest fiction and non-fiction authors in the world.

RIVIAN Comm

Rivian—electric adventure vehicles built for the wild. Go anywhere, do anything, and drive into the future with confidence. Explore more at Rivian.com

On today's 209th episode of The Thriller Zone, the conversation unfolds with host David Temple welcoming back Adam Hamdy, an acclaimed author whose latest work, 'Deadbeat', is the focal point of their engaging dialogue.

As they reminisce about their previous interactions, Temple expresses his admiration for Hamdy's unique storytelling abilities and narrates how much he has grown as a writer since their initial meeting.

The episode dives deep into the essence of 'Deadbeat', which is described as a gripping moral exploration of a deeply flawed protagonist, Peyton Collard. Temple praises the book for its ability to make readers root for a character bereft of conventional redeeming qualities, challenging the audience's perceptions of morality and empathy.

The discussion then transitions into the creative process behind Hamdy's writing, where he shares insights into how personal experiences and observations shape his characters and narratives.

The duo discuss the landscape of publishing today, the challenges authors face in promoting their work, and how the changing dynamics of media consumption impact storytelling.

Temple's enthusiastic endorsements and Hamdy's reflections on his writing journey culminate in a rich dialogue that is both informative and inspiring for aspiring writers and avid readers alike.

Keywords: The Thriller Zone podcast, host David Temple, Adam Hamdy interview, thriller books, writing advice, publishing industry trends, storytelling techniques, character development, psychological archetypes, true crime fiction, author interviews, book recommendations, creative writing tips, podcasting insights, reading challenges, literary analysis, contemporary literature, personal development through writing, emotional storytelling, engaging conversations.

Takeaways:

David Temple emphasizes the importance of authentic conversations in a world dominated by distractions.

Adam Hamdy discusses the challenges of promoting books in today's fast-paced publishing environment.

The podcast highlights how personal experiences can shape a writer's storytelling approach and character development.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their time management and what truly matters to them.

The conversation reveals insights into the evolving landscape of the publishing industry and the role of innovation.

Both hosts agree that understanding psychological archetypes can enhance character depth in writing.

Links referenced in this episode: AdamHamdy.com

Mentioned in this episode:

THE STORY FACTORY

Today's episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is sponsored by The Story Factory, an entertainment company representing many of the biggest fiction and non-fiction authors in the world.

On today's 119th episode of The Thriller Zone I am double-stoked to present a power-packed podcast. Why? I have not one but TWO super-stars on the show.

The first superstar is my lovely and talented wife and today's co-host, Tammy. As I'm sure by now, especially if you've caught any of the shows where Tammy worked by my side, she's a delight to watch and listen to.

The second superstar and our VSG, or Very Special Guest, is Joey Hartstone. You may recall meeting Joey last June when he came on the podcast to discuss his debut thriller The Local. It's an exceptional read, and hard to imagine his first thriller.

The extra bonus of today's podcast? Joey is now the Showrunner and Executive Producer of the hit Showtime series, Your Honor, starring Bryan Cranston. If you haven't seen the show yet, it's, as they say, "worth the price of admission."

So, if you don't subscribe yet, do so now. I'm happy to have Joey back, not only to talk more about his book, The Local, which is doing exceptionally well, but to discuss a television show that Tammy and I think is simply among the very best writing in television today. And no, I'm not just saying that because Joey is our guest; we loved the show way before he took over the EP reigns.

Kick back, pour yourself a little something--unless of course you're driving, and enjoy one of the funnest and finest hours of podcasts you'll hear this week. We hope so, anyway.

To learn more visit: JoeyHartstone.com, add Showtime's Your Honor to your TV lineup, and as always, follow/subscribe/share #TheTZ love at TheThrillerZone.com

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "thethrillerzone@gmail.com"

Mentioned in this episode:

THE STORY FACTORY

Today's episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is sponsored by The Story Factory, an entertainment company representing many of the biggest fiction and non-fiction authors in the world.

On today's 118th episode of The Thriller Zone, I'm happy to sit down with the multi-talented & prolific crime-thriller novelist, Mr. Eric Beetner. 

Eric has a style that has some of the biggest names around shouting his praise. Meg Gardiner, author of Into The Black Nowhere says, "Last chances, double-crosses, and a cop who has to shoot his way out of a fortified skyscraper-what's not to love? ALL THE WAY DOWN rips!" 

Publisher's Weekly says of Beetner's work, "[His] searing novel bulldozes its way from one scene to another in the print equivalent of a blockbuster action film." 

And Crimespree Magazine says, "Eric once again proves that he is the one true master of the modern pulp novel." WOW, right? 

With those sorts of accolades, how can you NOT read his work. 

Today, Eric and I chat building suspense, the contrasts of city with wilderness in his latest THERE AND BACK, as well as discuss what it would take to not only face the topic of his latest thriller, but what would one do when faced with a truth that must not be unearthed. 

To learn more about Eric's handsome stable of work, visit: EricBeetner.com. And as always, follow, like, subscribe and share your love of TheThrillerZone.com and YouTube.com/TheThrillerZone

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "thethrillerzone@gmail.com"

Mentioned in this episode:

THE STORY FACTORY

Today's episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is sponsored by The Story Factory, an entertainment company representing many of the biggest fiction and non-fiction authors in the world.

On today's Special 2-Hour Bonus Episode of The Thriller Zone, we honor the life of one of the world's finest talents.

New York Times Bestselling author Ted Bell passed away this past week, leaving behind a loving family, and a legion of avid fans.

As the creator of the Alex Hawke Series, among other titles, I will fondly remember Ted as a Southern gentleman with a stylish flair, a wonderful sense of humor, and a genuine zest for life.

Today's show features two past episodes of The Thriller Zone, back to back, and shows just what a wonderful and engaging storyteller Ted was.

I wish he hadn't left so soon, as there was so much he had yet to give, and there were so many cocktails we had yet to enjoy.

I, like many others, were lucky to call him friend, so lift a glass and toast one of our finest authors, as we Remember Ted Bell.

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "thethrillerzone@gmail.com"

Mentioned in this episode:

THE STORY FACTORY

Today's episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is sponsored by The Story Factory, an entertainment company representing many of the biggest fiction and non-fiction authors in the world.

On today's 116th episode of The Thriller Zone, you're in for a something completely different. Our guest is New York Times Bestselling Author Grady Hendrix and he's written a book called How To Sell A Haunted House.

Yes, it's a thriller. Yes, it's horror story. And yes, it's bloody funny.

Rarely do you find a book this multi-dimensional, or a guest who's got this vivid of an imagination. But today, you do.

Sit back, relax (if you can), and enjoy my briefer-than-most conversations with a true genuis. And just wait until you hear his Advice For Writers; it will sound familiar at first, but notice the twist he puts on it.

To learn more, visit: GradyHendrix.com. Follow us at TheThrillerZone.com and on Twitter @thethrillerzone. Don't forget you can watch us here: YouTube.com/TheThrillerZone

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "thethrillerzone@gmail.com"

Mentioned in this episode:

THE STORY FACTORY

Today's episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is sponsored by The Story Factory, an entertainment company representing many of the biggest fiction and non-fiction authors in the world.

On today's 115th Episode of an all new season of The Thriller Zone, I'm stoked and honored to welcome New York Times Bestselling author, Brad Taylor.

I've been trying to get Brad on The TZ for a long time now, and finally our stars and paths and chicken bones all crossed and connected. And just in the nick of time, as his latest military-flavored thriller, The Devil's Ransom, drops on Tuesday, January 24th.

What perfect timing, right? Brad helps me (a) Kick off a New Year, (b) he officially launches our 4th Season, and (c) we get to compare notes on BBQ, Best Beaches in the country, Texas vs South Carolina (in the fight for Southern Supremacy-ish), and (d) we get the INSIDE SCOOP on where he gets some of the nicknames of his NYT bestselling series.

If you'd like to pre-order a copy today, I'll provide a link at the bottom of this page. And trust me, if you're a PIKE LOGAN fan (his lead guy), you'll snatch this puppy up in a blink!

If you're not familiar with Brad, here's bit of nifty background: Brad Taylor was born on Okinawa, Japan, but grew up on 40-acres in rural Texas. Graduating from the University of Texas, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry, where he served for more than 21 years, retiring as a Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel. During his service, he held numerous Infantry and Special Forces positions, including eight years in 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta, where he commanded multiple troops and a squadron. Finally, he has conducted operations in support of US national interests in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other classified locations.

Now, just a few things you will hear in the show that I think it's worth noting for future, deeper consideration. Several of them are as follows:

Charleston, South Carolina is a mighty fine city. And worth visiting if you ever get a chance.

Folly Beach is quite possibly one of the nicest beaches on the East Coast.

Mount Pleasant is just as its name states: a pleasant place to live (although there are no mountains in the area).

Lewis Barbecue is one helluva restaurant. It's Texas style, and created by the owner, founder, and master of BBQ, John Lewis. John never cuts corners, unless you’re talking about burnt ends of, course. The pit master’s cult-like following can be attributed to his unerring dedication to barbecue, from welding his own custom-designed smokers to waking up at 4 a.m. to tend to the fire, he takes his meat seriously. Barbecue enthusiasts have flocked to his pits for years, waiting in long lines to get a taste of his expertly smoked pork spareribs, beef ribs, “Texas hot guts” sausage, oxtail, and his legendary beef brisket.

You can stop in and enjoy (but forget reservations) here: 464 N Nassau St, Charleston, SC 29403. Call ahead to see if they have a spot: +1 843 805 9500, but go anyway.

Also, if you're an aspiring writer like me, or a seasoned professional like Brad T, you need a rock-solid, -kicking, and super- website. As you'll hear in the show, we're both fans of the dudes & gals over at Authorbytes.com who built, manage and support our sites.

Brad's is: BradTaylorBooks.com. Mine is: DavidTempleBooks.com. You can follow BT on Twitter @bradtaylorbooks and DT @thethrillerzone

Lastly, if you want to buy Brad's THE DEVILS RANSOM, CLICK HERE. I don't get anything from this, I just believe in his talents.

Perhaps in the (near) future, Amazon will bless me with some kind commissions, but they will NEVER come out of YOUR pocket. So there!

Are you still reading?

If you are, you really ARE a fan. Now, click the BUTTON and LISTEN to the podcast,...

On this 114th "micro-episode" of The Thriller Zone, yours truly gives you a super brief update of where #TheTZ stands as it pertains to the New Year.

In short, (1) our guest authors will join us to record on Mondays, (2) then those new shows will now drop on Wednesdays, (3) authors of all ranks, that's self-pub'd, newbies, or New York Times Bestsellers, can now advertise on our podcast!

With super reasonable rates, just a very few rules, and lots of exposure, this seems to be a terrific way for everyone to win. 

Why? Because authors get exposure, this podcast gains a bit of help to defray costs, and listeners get to meet and learn about many authors they may not have known about. 

One last bit of news, because my lovely wife, Tammy, brought so much goodness and light to the Year End Extravaganza, and because of popular demand, she has agreed to return to co-host The Thriller Zone in the future. 

Okay, that's it for now, and while this isn't an "official podcast, complete with Super Star Talent and such," it marks what's in store for the new year.

Last thing: Whether you're a brand new author, or an esteemed New York Times Bestseller, you can appear on the show. All you need is to follow these brief criteria:

1. You must have traditionally published at LEAST ONE book in 2022, and have plans to publish again in 2023,
2. If self-published, you must have published in 2022, also have plans to publish in 2023, and have at least 70 reviews on Amazon or Goodreads,
3. You must have a Social Media Platform, with no less than 500 followers on ANY social channel. That's it!

The reason for these rules is that there's only so many slots on the show, and the host has only so much time to read/prep/record/post (as well as write his own books). So thanks for playing along.

As mentioned in the promo, if you'd like to advertise your book(s) on this podcast, go to: TheThrillerZone.com then contact us at thethrillerzone (at) gmail, and thank you!

Cheers, David Temple

CLICK TO WATCH HERE

Mentioned in this episode:

Advertize on TheTZ

Are you an aspiring thriller writer? Have a book coming out soon? Want to get noticed...AND sell books? How about advertising on TheTZ! Rates are super reasonable, we offer a captive audience, and, well, who doesn't love The Thriller Zone? Let's talk: thethrillerzone at gmail.

The Thriller Zone promises to wrap 2024 in a BIG way...Stay Tuned! Questions? Just write us at "thethrillerzone@gmail.com"

Mentioned in this episode:

THE STORY FACTORY

Today's episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple is sponsored by The Story Factory, an entertainment company representing many of the biggest fiction and non-fiction authors in the world.

On today's 113th Episode of The Thriller Zone, we celebrate 2022 with THE DAVE & TAMMY TOP 10 YEAR END EXTRAVAGANZA!

Today’s show is extra fun because I get to spend it with my beautiful and talented wife, Tammy. By the way, it just so happens we’ll be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary tomorrow; so, there's an extra reason to celebrate.

Our show will highlight some of the very best entertainment we’ve enjoyed this past year. That includes our “Top 10 Favorite Books, TV Series and Movies of ’22." 

And before you get butt-hurt you didn’t make the list, no need to worry because many of the 50-to-60 (or so) guests this past year didn’t make it either. I say 50 to 60 only because there were times I hosted 2 episodes a week, while at others, there may have been only one. Either way, there’s plenty of entertainment to go around, so let's have FUN!

Also, while Tammy and I certainly have different tastes, we share a good many favorites, mainly because we devour so much entertainment together on any day, night or weekend.

There are so many people to thank for making this show possible, mainly because YOU, my faithful listener and/or viewer. Without YOU there on the other end of this microphone, well, frankly, I’d just be talking to myself. So, thank you.

Also, I want to say thanks for all the 5-star reviews you’ve given The Thriller Zone over the past year, either by ApplePodcasts, Spotify, directly on our website, TheThrillerZone.com, or any other podcast listening space. 

Again, thank you, the kind words mean a lot and let us know we’re being enjoyed all around the world.

Special thanks for the support of the following people who have helped make The Thriller Zone the hotspot for thriller writers and readers around the globe:

Meg Gardiner

David Ellis

Chris Hauty

Wanda Morris

Andrews-Wilson

Don Winslow

Peter Farris

Brian Freeman

Scott Blackburn

Ace Atkins

Andrew Child

Nick Petrie

While this list doesn't come close to exhausting the vast talent who made appearances on the show, it represents the names mentioned in the show today.

Special Thanks to the following people who helped support us in "quiet ways..."

THANK YOU:

Jack Carr ... Eric Bishop ... Mark Westmoreland ... Tom Colgan ... Joe Kenda ... Samantha Bailey ... Simon Gervais ... J. Todd Scott ... David Pepper ... Connor Sullivan ... Rick Bleiweiss ... Eli Cranor ... Kelly J. Ford ... Sarah Pearse ... Tracey Devlyn ... Dean Koontz ... Amina Akhtar ... Brad Thor ... Jane Friedman ... Brian Lebeau ... Steve Stratton ... Don Bentley ... Joey Hartstone ... Mark Greaney ... Frank Zafiro ... Tori Eldridge ... Joshua Hood ... Alma Katsu ... Marc Cameron ... Bobby Matthews ... Ward Larsen ... Kris Tsetsi ... Aaron Philip Clark ... Avanti Centrae ... Matt Scott ... Jeffery Deaver ... Ted Flanagan ... Louise Candlish ... Stephen Hunter ... JB Stevens ... Emilya Naymark ... Todd Kniss ... JD Barker ... John Gilstrap ... Nick Kolakowski ... Chris Swann ... Janosh Neumann (aka ?) ... Luke McCallin ... Ted Bell ... Kevin Tumlinson ... Nicole Baart ... Kent Krueger ... Mullin & Mabry ... William Boyle ... PJ Vernon ... David McCloskey ... Sean O'Rourke ... Fred Burton ... Suzanne Chazin ... Caitlin Rother ......