A fun chat with Rachel Van Dyken all about her new book Fallen Gods, her Norse heritage, the mafia, and sweater wearing cats. Plus – Dave once again embarrasses himself in class (several times), Laura is at Brassfest to support Dave and Sylvia, and Andrew’s students are complaining to the dean. We also recommend: What She Saw by Mary Burton, King Sorrow by Joe Hill, and Star Rust by Jon Kiln.
We’re joined by Tod Goldberg for a fun chat all about his book Only Way Out, baseball memorabilia, the importance of book titles, and the time he got pulled over for singing. Plus – Dave has a freshman fiasco story and Laura has a parade critique. We also recommend: Everything Matters! by Ron Currie Jr., Snake-Eater by T. Kingfisher, and Fragment of Flame by D.K. Homberg and Dan Michaelson.
A fun chat with Matthew Pearl all about his new book The Award, hot chocolate, astronauts, and the trouble with being surrounded by writers. Plus – Dave pays tribute to his Dad, Laura gets pulled over, and Andrew is spending more time working on his garage. We also recommend: Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber, Old Man’s Patch by Jon Kiln, & The Woodcutter by Reginald Hill. Audiobook of the Week is What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown.
A fun chat with Ann Packer all about her new book Some Bright Nowhere, why she has no problem doing awful things to her characters, avoiding small talk, and the secret to her butterscotch pudding. Plus – Dave don’t get dressed up for no one.
We’re joined by Karen White for a fun chat about her new book The Lady on Esplanade, creepy dolls, ghost encounters, and New Orleans potholes. Plus – Laura has a celebrity sighting at a Nuggets game, Dave gets feedback from his Principal, and Andrew has a massive Halloween. We also recommend: Saltcrop by Yume Kitasei, The Magpies by Mark Edwards and Rise of the Living Forge by Actus. Audiobook of the Week is Columbine by Dave Cullen.
A fun chat with Mia Sheridan all about her new book The Fix, man-eating bears, and how DIYing helps her writing. Plus – Dave’s school has too many fire drills, Laura is on the lonely girl diet, and Andrew’s got his hands full with middle schoolers. We also recommend: Play Nice by Rachel Harrison, Unbound by Michael Miller, and Show Don’t Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld. Audiobook of the Week is Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes.
A fun chat with Kelley Armstrong all about her new book The Haunting of Paynes Hollow, folklore, audiobook narrators, and bears. Plus – Dave has some wacky stories from his play.
A fun chat with Trilina Pucci all about her new book One Killer Night, the San Francisco 49ers, Capri Suns, and gummy worms. Plus – Dave’s students struggle with 80s music.
We’re joined by Christa Carmen for a fun chat all about her new novel How to Fake a Haunting, ghost tours, horror movies, and how her husband falling asleep while watching TV gave her the idea for the book. Plus – Dave gets an unexpected gift, Laura learns the hard way she’s not a sourdough chef, and Andrew is still trying to get rid of his clarinets. We also recommend: Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen, My Friends by Fredrik Backman, and You Belong Here by Megan Miranda. Audiobook of the Week is The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman.
We’re joined by Sarah Hawley for a fun chat all about her new book Princess of Blood, her intricately detailed world building process, and her experience in stage combat. Plus – Dave avoids small talk at all costs, Laura shares embarrassing stories about her family, and Andrew gets a new truck. Again. We also recommend: The Compound by Aisling Rawle, Spaceship in a Bottle by Jonathan Brazee, and Save Me, Stranger: Stories by Erika Krouse.
A fun chat with Jane Hamilton about her new book The Phoebe Variations, big families, housing Sigourney Weaver, and possums. Plus – Dave and Andrew have an eventful weekend in Baltimore, and Laura spends quality time with Sylvia at school. We also recommend: One Dark Night by Hannah Richell, The Wrong Hands by Mark Billingham, and Flybot by Dennis E. Taylor. Audiobook of the Week is Double Indemnity by James M. Cain.
We’re joined by Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado for a fun chat all about their new book The Grave Artist, their prodigious output, and upping the serial killer game. We also recommend: The Lottery Ticket by CJ Williams, How Bad Things Can Get by Darcy Coates, and The King of Video Poker by Paolo Iacovelli. Audiobook of the Week is Know My Name by Chanel Miller.
A fun chat with Lou Berney all about his new book Crooks, seeing the world through a criminal lens, the OKC Thunder, and Judge Reinhold. Plus – Dave and Laura hit the Ikea for meatballs and more and Andrew takes too many kids to the Weird Al concert and there is a major incident. We also recommend: Hemlock and Silver by T. Kingfisher, Caught Stealing by Charlie Huston and Broken Universe by D.K. Landtroop.
A fun chat with Claire Douglas all about her new book The Wrong Sister, driving in England, creating twists, and how she uses an alarm to stay distraction free while writing. Plus – Dave learns a lot of names, Laura breaks down a marching band incident, and Andrew attends a monster mash. Again. We also recommend: Annie Bot by Sierra Greer, Death at the White Hart by Chris Chibnall, Forged in Battle by Marc Alan Edelheit, Audiobook of the Week is The Woman Who Lied by Claire Douglas.
We’re joined by Gareth Brown for a fun chat about his new book The Society of Unknowable Objects, competing against himself, his inability to focus on audiobooks, and the uncomfortable comment he overheard at a book club. Plus – Dave is mocked at his back to school faculty meeting, Laura sees a movie she will NEVER forget (for all the wrong reasons), and Andrew plays siren sound effects while giving his kid driving lessons. We also recommend: Past Lying by Val McDermid, Life Will Be the Death of Me: . . . and you too! by Chelsea Handler, Daughter of Dragons by Jack Campbell. Audiobook of the Week is Void Moon by Michael Connelly.
A fun chat with M. W. Craven all about his new book The Final Vow, why he reads his one star reviews, serial killer tropes, and Snakes & Ladders. Plus – Dave finds an ingenious way to avoid small talk with other teachers, Laura takes her daughter to lunch, and Andrew kicks off his new school year. We also recommend: Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson, Don’t Tell Me How to Die by Marshall Karp and The Nanite Legacy by D Levesque. Audiobook of the Week is The Last Dance by Mark Billingham.
Another fun chat with Karin Slaughter all about her new book We Are All Guilty Here, the joy of world building for a new series, the trouble with citizen detectives, and the Cowboy Junkies. Plus – Dave recounts some silly theater teacher trainings.
A fun chat with Scott Carson all about his new book Departure 37, the other famous Vonnegut, the race to build the first nuclear bomb, and Doomtown. Plus – Dave has a run-in at the landfill, Laura is thrifting, and Andrew prepares for his first week of teaching. We also recommend: The Recruiter by Gregg Podolski, A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan, and The Derand Protocol by D. Levesque. Audiobook of the Week is King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby.
A fun chat with J.T. Ellison all about her new book Last Seen, sociopaths, growing in a tiny town, and how she parlays her dreams into material. Plus- Dave has visitors from out of town, Laura helps facilitate a pet adoption, and Andrew has issues with his cruise. We also recommend: These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean, The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang, and My Husband by Maud Ventura translated by Emma Ramadan. Audiobook of the Week is The Borrowed Hills by Scott Preston.
A fun chat with Brian Freeman all about his new book The Bourne Escape, writing three books a year, the importance of dogs (in books), and how he got the job writing the Bourne series. Plus – Dave and Laura have a bear encounter while on vacation, and Andrew attends a concert featuring The Weekend. We also recommend: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, Necroscope by Brian Lumley, and The Seventh Artifact by David Collins. Audiobook of the Week is The Last Manager by John W. Miller.
A fun chat with Lynn Painter all about her new book Maid for Each Other, the genius of Pretty Woman, how she makes her wavering attention work for her as a writer, and her struggles to create conflict. Plus – Laura stays at a most confusing hotel in Crested Butte.
A fun chat with J. Randy Taraborrelli all about his new book JFK: Public, Private, Secret, the truth behind Rose’s cottage, what Jack’s war hero status tragically meant for the family, and the amazing source he talked to for the book. Plus – Dave and camping cannot see eye to eye.
A fun chat with Giano Cromley all about his new book American Mythology, woodworking, scopaesthesia, and his lifelong obsession with writing about Bigfoot. Plus- Dave and Laura have company.
We’re joined by Dana Elmendorf for a fun chat about her new book Ghost Birds, bears, and a spine tingly real life ghost story. Plus – Dave gets Tom Sawyered… AGAIN!
A fun chat with Victoria Helen Stone all about her new book Bald-Faced Liar, the Satanic Panic, and paranoia run amok. Plus – Dave does not want your discounts, Laura is amused by the police, and Andrew witness a disturbing Mom on the street. We also recommend: My Sister’s Grave by Robert Dugoni, Daughter of Dragons by Jack Campbell, and The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark. Audiobook of the Week is I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally.
A fun chat with Kendra Elliot all about her new book Her First Mistake, the trouble with analyzing books, and the right time to explode things. Plus – Dave and Laura attend the No Kings rally and Andrew is fascinated by submarine shows. We also recommend: Murder Takes a Vacation by Laura Lippman, The Tale of the Travelling Mender by Jason Hill, and Half an Inch of Water: Stories by Percival Everett. Audiobook of the Week is The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain.
We’re joined by Peter Swanson for a fun chat all about his new book Kill Your Darlings, backwards storytelling, the Exorcist steps, and the reason why halfway through writing his books it’s all he can do not to quit them. Plus – Dave and Andrew are Tom Sawyered and Laura hits up a swanky country club and wonders where all the money went. We also recommend: The Hustler by Walter Tevis, Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker, and Red Rowan: Book 1: Forester’s Son by Helen Gosney. Audiobook of the Week is The Lemon Man by Keith Bruton.
A fun chat with Mark Stevens all about his new book No Lie Lasts Forever, classical music, baseball, and his fascinating connection to They Might Be Giants. Plus – Dave’s strange persona lends itself for some strange first impressions.
We’re joined by Bradeigh Godfrey and Alison Hammer for a fun chat all about their new Ali Brady book Battle of the Bookstores, the genius of You’ve Got Mail, having fun with tropes, indie bookstores, and cannoli taste tests. Plus – Dave expounds on his running > cycling theory.
A fun chat with Maggie Stiefvater all about her new book The Listeners, fancy hotels, capital letter conversations, and the (shockingly small) number of pages she gives a book before deciding whether or not to keep reading it. Plus – Dave & Laura move Sylvia into her first apartment, Dave has some end of the year shenanigans regarding keys, and Andrew gets a smart ring. We also recommend: Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay, The Last Paladin by Roman Savarovsky and You’d Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace. Audiobook of the Week is The Gathering by C.J. Tudor.
A fun chat with Chris Pavone all about his new novel The Doorman, an unforgettable doorman he once knew, why he was wearing a tuxedo on the subway, and his quest to visit every major league ballpark. Plus – The best place to get a snow cone.
A fun chat with Linwood Barclay all about his new book Whistle, taking the leap into the supernatural, train derailments, fish guts, and why he will never wear tan khakis when he has to read in front of an audience again. Plus – Dave acts the fool on FOX45 in Baltimore, Laura is dog training, and Andrew has a giant rattlesnake encounter. We also recommend: Murder at Gull’s Nest by Jess Kidd, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano, and A Thief’s Gift by James Haddock. Audiobook of the Week is The Man in Black: Four Dark Tales by Stephen King.
A fun chat with Anthony Horowitz all about his new book Marble Hall Murders, Bond music, why he writes with pen and ink, and the creative manner in which he exacts revenge on his old teachers. Plus – Dave gets a MAJOR AWARD, Laura has a time of it moving Sylvia out of her dorm, and Andrew gets kicked out of the classroom by his mentor teacher. We also recommend: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, Downfall and Rise by Nathan A. Thompson, and Table for Two by Amor Towles. Audiobook of the Week is Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman.
A fun chat with Robert Bailey all about his new book The Boomerang, Julio Jones, the problems with Big Pharma, and the healing power of yellow legal pads. Plus- Dave is disciplined by his Principal (again), Laura recaps the African Dance Final at CU, and Andrew’s son is writing speeches. We also recommend: Arcane Artificer by Andrew Karevik, Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb, and Galway’s Edge by Ken Bruen. Audiobook of the Week is Hello Molly by Molly Shannon.
A fun chat with Nat Cassiday all about his new book When the Wolf Comes Home, the importance of content warnings, shapeshifters, and his Lovecraftian one man show. Plus – Dave bungles PSAT proctoring, Laura has the best seat in the stadium (for once), and Andrew’s kid is the Easter Bunny. We also recommend: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, First Orbit by Nathan A. Thompson, and Harm’s Way by Stephen White. Audiobook of the Week is Head Cases by John McMahon.
We’re joined by Abbi Waxman for a fun chat all about her new book One Death at a Time, unnecessary birthing scenes, crying at Instagram reels, and why she loves a good Irish goodbye. Plus – Dave is shocked at his fellow teachers’ attitudes concerning AI, Laura goes under the knife, and Andrew has concerns about his teacher certification program. We also recommend: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix, Dragons of Dorcastle by Jack Campbell and Nobody’s Hero by M. W. Craven. Audiobook of the Week is A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost.
We’re joined by Belinda Bauer for a fun chat all about her new book The Impossible Thing, her habit of wearing watches that don’t work, her Call of Duty skills (or lack thereof), and making sure the bird doesn’t talk. Plus – Dave and Laura share more horror stories from Greece including another student injury and a passport incident, and Andrew reveals his recently discovered celebrity lookalike and it’s a doozy! We also recommend: Some Choose Darkness by Charlie Donlea, Tales from the Gas Station by Jack Townsend, & Star Blade by J.N. Chaney and Scott Moon. Audiobook of the Week is Gathering Mist by Margaret Mizushima.
We’re joined by Bryan Gruley for a fun chat all about his new book Bitterfrost, hockey fights, Zambonis, and how he turned a bad reader review into an amazing T-shirt. Plus: Dave and Laura recap their disastrous Greek cruise ship experience and Andrew takes his kids to the movies. We also recommend: Tilt by Emma Pattee, Chain of Feathers by Seth Ring, and In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan. Audiobook of the Week is The Plea by Steve Cavanagh.
We’re joined by Jesse Q Sutanto for a fun chat all about her new book Vera Wong’s Guide To Snooping (on a Dead Man), rage watching tradwife videos, village cooking, and how her mom getting scammed helped inspire the book. Plus – Dave & Laura take 64 students to Greece and have a LOT to talk about.
A fun chat with Steve Cavanagh all about his book Witness 8, eccentric characters, New York City police gangs, and his fondness for the late great TV Guide. Plus – Dave and Laura prepare for their trip to Greece with 64 students.
Susan Meissner joins us for a fun chat all about her book A Map To Paradise, the beginnings of the Cold War, McCarthyism, and the millions of people displaced by WWII. Plus: Dave misunderstands why he’s protesting, Laura raves about Sylvia’s African Dance class midterm, and Andrew is on vacation in Mexico. Again. We also recommend: The Trespasser by Tana French, Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy, and Overworld by Rohan M. Vider. Audiobook of the Week is I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin.
This week we recommend: Isola by Allegra Goodman, Stranded by A. K. Duboff, and Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live by Susan Morisson. Audiobook of the Week is What in the World by LeAnne Morgan. Plus – Dave’s students mistake wig glue for styling mousse, Laura spies Sylvia reading her Kindle while playing in the pep band, and Andrew’s wife has shingles. Again!
We have a best of episode from March 12, 2022. C. J. Box joins us to chat about Joe Pickett, why he doesn’t save plot points for future books, the reason he spent some time as a food critic, and the delicacy that is the Rocky Mountain oyster. Plus – Dave gets no respect from his Principal, Laura has a horrific incident with Nelson the dog, and Andrew invests in a creative way to deodorize his son’s bedroom. We also recommend: Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain, Dead Silence by S. A. Barnes, and Shadow Sun Survival by Dave Wilmarth. Audiobook of the Week is Trust Your Eyes by Linwood Barclay.
A fun chat with Gillian McAllister all about her new book Famous Last Words, negotiating with hostages and toddlers, Mars bars, writing at night, and the insane amount of words that end up in the trash while she’s writing. Plus – Dave is heckled by several comedians, Laura takes a tumble, and Andrew negotiates with his son. We also recommend: The Store by Bentley Little, What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown, and An Unwelcome Journey by James E. Wisher. Audiobook of the Week is Prima Facie by Suzie Miller.
A fun chat with Charlotte Wood all about her new book Stone Yard Devotional, the appeal of escaping society, mice plagues, and learning to sit in silence. Plus – Dave’s music struggles, Laura’s puppy struggles, and Andrew is on holiday in Mexico. Woo. Hoo. We also recommend: The Mayors of New York by S. J. Rozan, Vita Nostra by Marina and Sergey Dyachenko, and Order of Architects by Oleg Sapphire and Yuri Vinokuroff. Audiobook of the Week is Spider’s Web by Mike Omer.
We’re joined by Gregg Hurwitz for a fun chat all about his new book Nemesis, his favorite Orphan X commandment, how writing is like an illness, and the two things you can never do in your novel. Plus – Dave is shocked by what his doctor does in the examination room, Laura is getting knocked out, and Andrew gives all his students editing access to the same document. What could possibly go wrong? We also recommend: Relic by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Domestication by Seth Ring, and Frank and Red by Matt Coyne. Audiobook of the Week is Vanishing Edge by Claire Kells.
We’re joined by Christopher Farnsworth for a fun chat all about his new book Robert B. Parker’s Buried Secrets, nicknames, hoarding, and what it was like discovering a dead body. Plus – Dave is almost run over by an officer on the go.
A fun chat with Carter Wilson all about his new book Tell Me What You Did, creative uses of tuba cases, talk radio, and how to be anonymously famous. Plus – Dave has a shower incident, Laura receives some poorly timed scary news, and Andrew brings gold into his classroom. We also recommend: Tom Savage by Jaxon Reed, None Left to Tell by Noelle W. Ihli, and Other Minds and Other Stories by Bennett Sims. Audiobook of the Week is Leslie Fuc*ing Jones by Leslie Jones.
A fun chat with Joseph Finder all about his new book The Oligarch’s Daughter, survival techniques, axe throwing, hitchhiking, and the secret power of the space blanket. Plus – Dave recaps his travels to Spain, Laura is shocked by Dave’s reaction to her face, and Andrew has a new congressperson. We also recommend: Skin Deep by Liz Nugent, Hunter’s Apprentice by Simon Shugar, and Extinction by Douglas Preston. Audiobook of the Week is On Herring Cove Road by Michael Kroft.
A fun chat with Brad Meltzer all about his new book The JFK Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Kennedy―and Why It Failed, JFK as war hero, Jacqueline Kennedy’s friendship with her secret service agent, and the monster who almost killed Kennedy. Plus – Dave’s students have to undo all the “work” the actors did, Laura is outraged at the amount of WVU fans at a CU game, and Andrew sits in his school parking lot for hours. We also recommend: Redeployment by Phil Klay, You are Here by David Nicholls, and The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers. Audiobook of the Week is Severance by Ling Ma.
We’re joined by Heather O’Neill for a fun chat all about her new book The Capital of Dreams, why writers are dangerous, and the surprising reaction her daughter had to the mother character in the book. Plus – Dave takes multiple pies to the face, Laura’s father battles his Alexa, and Andrew is back and better than ever. We also recommend: No One is Safe by Phillip Fracassi and Cabin: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman by Patrick Hutchison, Audiobook of the Week is Scenes from my Life by Michael K. Williams.
A fun chat with Barbara Nickless all about her new book The Drowning Game, Singapore slings, and why she was compelled to hire a fact checker. Plus – Dave & Laura battle their coffee pot and lose to vinegar.
We unveil our favorite reads of 2024! Plus – Dave and Laura’s neighbors cut off their WiFi for a week, Dave fails in front of the Heisman, and Andrew’s on vacation with a ton of spiders.
Laura’s picks:
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman
The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl
The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eiger
Dave’s picks:
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
The Mercy Chair by M. W. Craven
Lost Man’s Lane by Scott Carson (246)
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (257)
James by Percival Everett
Andrew’s picks:
Orphan’s Quest by Terry Ironwood
The Secret of the Martian Girl by Colin Alexander
Warlock by Daniel Kensington
Quicksilver by Callie HartJake’s Magical Market by J.R. Mathews
A fun chat with Jane Corry all about her new book I Died on a Tuesday, swimming in the sea, where the title came from, and her experiences teaching writing to prison inmates. Plus – Dave is rattled while getting observed while teaching, Laura has a slight case of road rage, and Andrew visits and German market that wasn’t German. We also recommend: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst, Dissonance by Nicolai Gonella, and A Litter of Bones by J. D. Kirk.
A fun chat with Darby Kane all about her new book What the Wife Knew, writing in first person for the first time, and the surprising assist she got to start her career. Plus – Dave and Andrew recap their trip to Las Vegas and Laura’s dog brings her an unexpected “present.” We also recommend: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter, Rageborn by Simon Shugar, and We Solve Murders by Richard Osman. Audiobook of the Week is Dead Ground by M. W. Craven.
A fun chat with Victor Methos all about his new book The Silent Watcher, doing standup, Joseph Campbell, and his obsession with Batman. Plus – Laura has a bizarre encounter at the vet’s office.
We’re joined by T. J. English for a fun chat all about his new book The Last Kilo: Willy Falcon and the Cocaine Empire That Seduced America, how the anti Castro movement started it all, and how he scored exclusive interviews with Willy Falcon. Plus – Dave watches his team get destroyed live, Laura recaps a unique visit to the Doctor’s, and Andrew is dumpster diving. We also recommend: Knock Knock, Open Wide by Neil Sharpson, The Scholar and the Last Faerie Door by H. G. Parry, and Fairy Tale by Stephen King. Audiobook of the Week is Birdman by Mo Hayder.
A fun chat with G. T. Karber all about his new book Murdle: The School of Mystery, being asked to solve puzzles by strangers, bingo daubers, the fallacy with constellations, and the ineptitude of the Hardy Boys. Plus – Dave & Laura recap their Big Noon experience.
A fun chat with Graham Brown all about his new book Clive Cussler Desolation Code, merging human intelligence with machines, the Eagles, and the shark attack capital of the world. Plus – Dave & Laura take in a CU basketball game and Andrew is FED UP with Apple. We also recommend: A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik, Quicksilver by Callie Hart, and The Unraveling by Vi Keeland. Audiobook of the Week is All the Pieces Matter: The Inside Story of The Wire by Jonathan Abrams.
A fun chat with Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White all about their new book The Author’s Guide to Murder, pantaboots, prosecco, and why they will never divulge who wrote for which characters. Plus – Dave possibly commits election fraud while striking his set, Laura nurses their daughter, and Andrew is outraged at StubHub. We also recommend: Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by MJ Wassmer, The Bonnie Dead by Andrew Raymond, and The Faded Land by D. E. Sherman. Audiobook of the Week is Dead Simple by Peter James.
A fun conversation with Lou Berney all about his new book Double Barrel Bluff, short shorts, bats, and which actor is the king of sports movies. Plus – Dave’s production of Sweeney Todd gets interrupted by a fire alarm.
A fun chat with Peter James all about his new book One of Us is Dead, hanging out with Queen Camilla, getting detained by police in Moscow while out for a run, and what it was like to get an idea from someone he could actually use. Plus – Dave recaps the misadventures of building the set for his school’s production of Sweeney Todd.
Dave’s segment on Angels on Air – his part begins at 4:12.
Ticket info for East High School’s performance of Sweeney Todd
We’re joined by CJ Leede for a fun chat all about her new book American Rapture, viruses and spending lots of time in church as a kid. Plus – Dave recaps his family’s visit, Laura encounters some unruly football fans, and Andrew is setting up a haunted house. We also recommend: Nothing But the Bones by Brian Panowich, An Academy of Liars by Alexis Henderson, and I’m Afraid You Got Dragons by Peter S. Beagle. Audiobook of the Week is Never Lie by Freida McFadden.
A fun chat with Jason Rekulak all about his new thriller The Last One at the Wedding, pestering his UPS driver, wasting fire extinguishers, and his propensity for watching people. Plus – Dave’s building engineer is snooping around his sets again….
A fun chat with Rose Carlyle all about her new book No One Will Know, whale songs, swimming with sharks, and last minute epilogues. Plus – Dave rails against cyclists, Laura can’t rely on painters, and Andrew is just very busy. We also recommend: The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl, The Artifact by David Collins, and Worst Case Scenario by T.J. Newman. Audiobook of the Week is The Ascent by Adam Plantinga.
A fun chat with Alison Gaylin all about her new book Robert B. Parker’s Buzz Kill, energy drinks, and crashing David Hasselhoff’s wedding for Star Magazine. Plus – Dave is back on the picket line, Laura gets competitive at puppy kindergarten, and Andrew sinks even more money into his ill-fated clarinet collection. We also recommend: The Nature of Disappearing by Kimi Cunningham Grant, Wraith by M.R. Forbes, and Rovers by Richard Lange. Audiobook of the Week is We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer.
A fun chat with Matt Murphy all about his book The Book of Murder, surfing, being there for the victims, and what it’s like having to work closely with serial killers in the courtroom. Plus – Dave’s late, Laura’s early, and Andrew keeps copious quantities of booze on his kitchen counter. We also recommend: The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Matthieu, Joe Hustle by Richard Lange, and Scavengers of the Void by Michael Gnizak.
A fun chat with Janice Hallet all about her new book The Examiner, the Arts, writing bios, grading, and getting hooked on ASMR. Plus – Dave’s students (basically) do the hokey pokey with his work keys.
A fun chat with TJ Klune all about his new novel Somewhere Beyond the Sea, breaking stereotypes, the importance of learning Queer history, and who his favorite character in the book is. Plus – Dave turns musical auditions into a gambling game, Laura’s a dog walker extraordinaire, and Andrew’s learning the teaching ropes. We also recommend: The Wedding People by Allison Espach, War Child by John Van Stry, and California Bear by Duane Swiercynski. Audiobook of the Week is Broiler by Eli Cranor.
We chat with David Daley all about his new book Antidemocratic: Inside the Far Right’s 50-Year Plot to Control American Elections, why we should care about the Courts, gerrymandering, and how a minority can win in a democracy. Plus – Dave & Laura recount a harrowing gameday experience as they attempt to get to the CU football game.
We’re joined by Fiona Barton for a fun chat all about her new book Talking to Strangers, the dangers of dating apps, victim blaming, and the reason why she uses multiple narrators. Plus – Dave is in over his head after just one week of school, Laura recaps puppy kindergarten, and Andrew throws away $3000 makes a bizarre purchase. We also recommend: The Couple at the Lake House by James Caine, Oath of Vengeance by Dave Willmarth, and Smoke Kings by Jahmal Mayfield. Audiobook of the Week is Hunted by Abir Mukherjee.
We’re joined by Jesse Q Sutanto for a fun chat all about her new book You Will Never Be Me, momfluencers, her habit of bullying gamers, her insanely unique writing routine, and why she had to change her attitude while out and about in public. Plus – Dave is convinced his administration is spying on the teachers, Laura sweats (literally) through dropping Sylvia off at college, and Andrew is turning into a band parent. We also recommend: Burn by Peter Heller, Cascade Failure by L.M. Sagas, and Diavola by Jennifer Thorne. Audiobook of the Week is California Fire and Life by Don Winslow.
A fun chat with Karin Slaughter all about her new book This is Why We Lied, why she’ll never hike the Appalachian Trail, meeting Carol Burnett, and the reason her summer camp experience as a kid was traumatic. We also recommend: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, The Caretaker by Ron Rash, & Ascendant: A Progression Fantasy by EmergencyComplaints. Audiobook of the Week is Based on a True Story: A Memoir by Norm Macdonald. Plus – Dave tries out for a Denver Nuggets dance squad despite not having any dance skills, Laura is deep diving into the college mom discussion boards, and Andrew prepares to be a teacher.
We’re joined by Rick Jervis for a fun conversation all about his new book The Devil Behind the Badge: The Horrifying Twelve Days of the Border Patrol Serial Killer, putting the victim first, and understanding addiction. Plus- Dave recounts a bizarre story from the local year-round Halloween shop, Laura joins a new Facebook group and can’t look away, and Andrew has a transportation problem. We also recommend: The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim, Broken Bayou by Jennifer Moorhead and The Wizard Corps by Guy Antibes. Audiobook of the Week: Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
We chat with Marc Guggenheim all about his new thriller In Any Lifetime, parallel universes, the Mets, and what it was like writing for David E. Kelley. Plus – Dave is most displeased with his gym and NBC’s Olympics coverage.
We’re joined by Marian Keyes for a fun chat all about her new novel My Favorite Mistake, talking herself out of writing a much different book, and what it means to be a feathery stroker. Plus – Dave & Sylvia get matching trombone tattoos, Laura makes a massive mistake by eating the same breakfast for years, and Andrew doesn’t understand his kids. We also recommend: Four Winds by Kristin Hannah, Condemned, Book 1 by Vasily Mahanenko, and The Black Echo by Michael Connelly. Audiobook of the Week is The Nix by Nathan Hill.
A fun chat with Carol Goodman all about her new book Return to Wyldcliffe Heights, the trouble with naming characters, “refuges” for women, Gothic novels, and the influence of Dark Shadows. Plus – our thoughts on the Olympics.
A fun chat with David Ellis all about his new novel The Best Lies, powdered wigs, the Jaws theme, and how he incorporates twists into his books. Plus- we find out how college freshman meet each other.
We’re joined by one of our favorite guests Robert Justice for a fun chat all about his new novel A Dream in the Dark, Denver’s dark past, wrongful convictions, and the true story of a group of cops who investigate their own robberies. Plus – Dave has breaking news, Laura is obsessed with Love Island, and Andrew is so very busy. We also recommend: Middle of the Night by Riley Sager, Darkness, Take My Hand by Dennis Lehane, and Heir of an Ancient Bloodline by Dmitry Sheleg. Audiobook of the Week is The Unseen World by Liz Moore.
A fun chat with Lev Grossman all about his new book The Bright Sword, writing battle scenes, why the book took 10 years to write, and the problem with Merlin. Plus – Dave is on puppy duty, Laura recaps her visit to Maryland, and Andrew is cross country driving. We also recommend: Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne, Sunken Spaceship by Anthony J Melchiorri, and Here and Gone by Haylen Beck. Audiobook of the Week is Love Life by Rob Lowe.
Kate Quinn joins us for a fun chat about her new novel The Briar Club, the 50s, her love for the Red Sox, and why she included recipes in her book. Plus – Dave & Laura are sleep deprived thanks to the new puppy and Andrew attempts to pass the Science teacher exam. We also recommend: In My Time of Dying by Sebastian Junger, The Mercy Chair by M. W. Craven, and Devon Coal: A Mage From Shale by Michael Gnizak. Audiobook of the Week is Duma Key by Stephen King.
Liz Moore joins us for a fun chat about her new novel The God of the Woods, the Adirondacks, snakehead fish, and why she hated summer camp as a kid. We also recommend: Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay, All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker, and The Void Ripper by David Collins. Plus – Laura is puppy prepping and Andrew pranks Dave on the golf course. Audiobook of the Week is Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay.
We’re joined by Ace Atkins for a fun chat all about his book Don’t Let the Devil Ride, old movies, Elvis, and why he quit on his mustache. Plus- Dave is busted by an old coot for trespassing, Laura is collecting ghost stories from clients, and Andrew is blinded by Science. We also recommend: Those Girls by Chevy Stevens, The Wrong Button by David Collins, and Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy. Audiobook of the Week is Why Fish Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life by Lulu Miller.
Peter Swanson joins us for a fun chat about his new thriller A Talent For Murder, his love for dead authors, the Celtics, Lucky Jim, and why he could never be a teacher. Plus – Dave and Laura are puzzled by Canadian Fruit Loops and have a bear encounter. (Not at the same time.)
A fun chat with John Vercher all about his new book Devil is Fine, the trouble with unboxing videos, being hypercritical of his own work, magical realism and the bathrobe that kept it all going. Plus – Dave is mocked by a pair of hiking Australians.
A fun chat with Kirsten Miller all about her new book Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books, representing the real South, how nosy some people have become, and her obsession with mushrooms. We also recommend: In My Father’s Basement by T. J. Payne, The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong, and Mark of the Fool 7 by J.M. Clarke. Plus – Dave and Laura recap their Vancouver vacation and Andrew criss-crosses the country dropping off kids at various summer camps.
A fun chat with Kimberly Belle all about her new book The Paris Widow, blood antiquities, her love for Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and finally getting to write a book set in Europe. Plus – Dave has a panic attack while swimming during a triathlon, Laura is a blubbering mess on the day of graduation, and Andrew can’t get his heart rate down for his physical when someone flatlines in the next room. We also recommend: BETA: A Technological Nightmare by Sammy Scott, You Like it Darker by Stephen King, and The Ever King by L. J. Andrews. Audiobook of the Week is No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay.
We chat with Frank Figliuzzi all about his book Long Haul: Hunting the Highway Serial Killers, frustrated investigators, and the rough showering situation he faced while researching the book. Plus – Dave jinxes several student led productions.
A fun chat with Ruth Ware all about her new book One Perfect Couple, her obsession with The Traitors, and why a character burns a copy of a Ruth Ware book. Plus – Dave and Andrew play mini golf and eat snow cones, and Laura is amused by an audio snafu at an elementary school talent show. We also recommend: Intercepts by T.J. Payne, The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean, and Bearing Gifts by Sean Fenian. Audiobook of the Week is Lean on Pete by Willy Vlautin.
A fun chat with J.D. Barker all about his new book Behind a Closed Door, what he learned from working with James Patterson, the problem with chatGPT, and where all the flying cars we were promised are. Plus – an odd superstition plagues the crew at Laura’s job site.
A fun chat with Linwood Barclay all about his new book I Will Ruin You, turning the screw on his characters, why trigger warnings should be eradicated, and the profession that makes for the most annoying car buyers. Plus – Dave spends hours working on the Wi-Fi and is MOST DISPLEASED!
We’re joined by Sarina Bowen for a fun chat all about her new novel The Five Year Lie, her experiences blowing glass, and the weird things we see through our security doorbell cams. Plus – Dave is verging on moral bankruptcy, Andrew joins a Zoom meeting without realizing the insulting name he’s signed in under, and we say goodbye to our beloved dog Nelson. We also recommend: Rise of the Shadow Mage by James Haddock, Everyone is Watching by Heather Gudenkauf, and Darkside by Belinda Bauer. Audiobook of the Week is The Sleeper Lies by Andrea Mara.
We’re joined by A. Ashley Hoff for a fun chat all about With Love, Mommie Dearest: The Making of an Unintentional Camp Classic,Faye Dunaway’s perfectionism, and the origins of the phrase “not my first rodeo.” Plus – Dave encounters a sloooooooow driver, Laura attends a football game in the freezing rain, and Andrew’s kid is rolling down hills in his suit. We also recommend: Don’t Skip Out on Me by Willy Vlautin, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam M. Grant, & Bastard (Last Life #1) by Alex Osadchuk. Audiobook of the Week is The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriacou.
A fun chat with Elly Griffiths all about her new novel The Last Word, Wordle, writer’s retreats, and her cat’s posing problem. Plus – Dave botches a senior assassin assignment, Laura is ice cold at a banquet, and Andrew has a health care snafu. We also recommend: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo, The Other Side of the Wall by Andrea Mara, and Unintended Cultivator by Eric Dontigney. Audiobook of the Week is Malignant by Anita Waller.
A fun chat with Nick Medina all about his new book Indian Burial Ground, pow wows, rattlesnakes, and using horror to make change. Plus – Dave’s docent interaction at the Denver Botanic Gardens leaves him puzzled.
We’re joined by Anthony Horowitz for a fun chat all about his novel Close to Death, maps in books, name dropping, and playing fair with the reader. Plus – Dave is dismantling stages, Laura is cord cutting and Andrew is looking for schools. We also recommend: The Lesser Dead by Christopher Buehlman, How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin, Star Scrapper by J.N. Chaney & Matt Goodwin. Audiobook of the Week is Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent.
A fun chat with Charlie Huston all about his novel Catchpenny, how his depression changed the book, 80s nostalgia, and why he shudders when he remembers the way he used to dress. Plus – Laura and Dave recap a hectic visit to CU Boulder and Andrew’s finally trying to get rid of some of the animatronics in his basement. We also recommend: Lying in Wait by Liz Nugent, The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett, and A Sage’s Legacy by Xander Jade. Audiobook of the Week is A Cool Breeze on the Underground by Don Winslow.
The Inside Flap Book Podcast 