Murder, Mystery and Mayhem Laced with Morality

Dr. Katherine Hutchinson Hayes
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Books
  • Updated Weekly

Murder, Mystery, & Mayhem Laced with Morality is a gripping learning and networking hub for writers who dare to explore the shadows—without losing sight of the light. Rooted in suspense, thriller, mystery, and crime, this podcast features powerful conversations with authors, publishing professionals, and experts in law enforcement, psychology, forensics, editing, marketing, and storytelling craft. Each episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to write stories that are authentic, compelling, and unforgettable. Whether you’re crafting a high-stakes thriller, a redemptive romance, a memoir born from lived experience, or faith-based nonfiction, you’ll gain practical insight on character development, research, storytelling structure, and navigating the publishing journey—where truth matters, justice has a voice, and light pierces through the darkness with the spoken and written word.

  1. 1d ago

    TK BUSH—The Author of Unveiled Discusses Her Process of Developing a Pyschological Suspense

    T.K. Bush on Writing Unveiled While Working in Healthcare What does it take to write a psychological thriller while working full-time in healthcare? On this episode of Murder Mystery and Mayhem Laced with Morality, I talk with T.K. Bush, author of Unveiled, about her writing process. We discuss how she balances writing with her work as a radiographic and cardiovascular technologist, and how that experience shapes her stories. In Unveiled, Tessa Brooks has rebuilt her life after an accident stole her memories. When a man from her past returns, buried truths threaten the life she has made. Listen to our conversation, follow the podcast for more mystery and suspense with purpose, and visit T.K. Bush at tkbush.com⁠.  #TKBush #Unveiled #AuthorInterview #WritingProcess #WritingLife #PsychologicalThriller #SuspenseBooks #BookPodcast

    TK BUSH—The Author of Unveiled Discusses Her Process of Developing a Pyschological Suspense

  2. Sep 20

    Duncan Ritchie— What happens when truth itself becomes a weapon?

    When technology can manipulate information faster than we can verify it, who—or what—do we trust to tell us the truth? Join us for a thought-provoking conversation where murder, mystery, mayhem, technology, politics, and morality collide. Duncan spent thirty years advising governments and companies on energy, infrastructure, transactions, and policy. He has also written nonfiction for international organizations, including the Asian Development Bank and the United Nations Environment Program, advocating for policy changes and investment related to climate change. Now, he has turned his experience with governments, policy, finance, and global affairs toward fiction. The Truth Chamber began with a series of “what if?” questions Duncan started exploring in 2022. What might happen if outside forces attempted to exploit America’s political divisions? How could artificial intelligence change the battle over information? And what happens when people trying to protect democratic institutions begin questioning how far they themselves should go? The resulting novel combines political intrigue, artificial intelligence, assassination attempts, foreign influence, disinformation, and moral dilemmas in a high-stakes story about the increasingly complicated relationship between truth and power. At the center of the novel is Admiral Liam Driscoll, a grieving man drawn into presidential candidate Anna Hoffman’s campaign as political violence escalates. Their team recruits a Stanford Ph.D. student developing an AI technology known as the Truth Chamber, hoping it can help uncover who is behind the violence. But the conspiracy extends far beyond one campaign. As domestic turmoil collides with international ambitions, Liam and his team confront an unsettling question: How much can you compromise the principles you are trying to protect before you become part of the problem? Dr. Katherine and Duncan explore: Duncan’s journey from investment banking and international policy work to political thriller author The real-world concerns and “what if?” questions that inspired The Truth Chamber How he created a fictional American presidential race while separating speculation from reality The Truth Chamber itself and the possibilities and dangers of AI in determining what is true Disinformation, propaganda, foreign influence, and the manipulation of public perception The global power struggles operating behind the novel’s domestic political conflict Liam Driscoll’s central moral dilemma: how far can someone go to protect democratic institutions without compromising the principles behind them? The challenges of writing politically charged fiction for readers who may bring very different perspectives to the story How Duncan’s career and international experiences informed the novel’s geopolitical world Why thriller fiction offers a compelling space for exploring uncomfortable questions about truth, technology, morality, and power What Duncan is writing next Duncan Ritchie is a former—he jokingly says “recovering”—investment banker who grew up on a plantation in North Borneo and graduated from the University of Western Australia. During a thirty-year career, he advised governments and companies on major energy and infrastructure transactions and policy. He has also written persuasive nonfiction for multilateral organizations, including ADB and UNEP, focusing on climate-related policy and investment. Concerned by international conflict, political extremism, and growing questions surrounding misinformation, Duncan began developing speculative “what if?” scenarios in 2022. Those ideas eventually became his political thriller, The Truth Chamber. Duncan now lives in Tasmania with his Malinois pup, Aletheia—Alé for short—who, thinks he is slightly mad. The Truth Chamber is a speculative political thriller examining AI, disinformation, foreign influence, political violence, power, morality, and the fragile boundary between protecting principles and violating them.

    Duncan Ritchie— What happens when truth itself becomes a weapon?

  3. Sep 13

    Lou Pugliese Returns— Author of "The Portal" takes us through the thrill of life after death in his latest suspense

    🎙️ What happens when the extraordinary enters an ordinary life—and certainty gives way to mystery? We welcome back author Lou Pugliese, whose new thriller, The Portal, has just been released! 📖 From an international career with Toyota to teaching business in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Lou brings a wealth of experience, extensive travel, and a love of obscure research to his fiction. His stories weave subtle paranormal elements into realistic relationships, exploring the emotional consequences of events that defy explanation. Now settled in Green Cove Springs, Florida, with his wife Kathy and their dog Mitch, Lou also hosts the Florida Writers Association’s monthly Clay County chapter.Stay in touch with Lou: https://loupuglieseauthor.com/ ✨ Tune in, follow the podcast so you never miss an episode, and share this post with a friend who loves a mystery! #MurderMysteryAndMayhemLacedWithMorality #LouPugliese #ThePortal #AuthorInterview #MysteryReaders #ThrillerBooks #Bookstagram #WritingCommunity #FloridaAuthors #SuspenseMeetsSubstance

    Lou Pugliese Returns— Author of "The Portal" takes us through the thrill of life after death in his latest suspense

  4. Sep 6

    Kelly Borjas—The Author of High Exposure Discusses Love, Hope & Adventure

    HIGH EXPOSURE: Romance, Danger & Faith with Debut Author Kelly Borjas What happens when a travel blogger running from her past—and from God—stumbles across a dead body in a snow-covered Colorado town? On this episode of Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes welcomes debut romantic suspense author Kelly Borjas for a conversation about faith, fiction, danger, romance, and the journey from aspiring writer to published novelist. Kelly’s debut novel, High Exposure, launches an adventure-driven romantic suspense series from Kregel Publications. Travel blogger Julia Stevens arrives in snowy Silverberg, Colorado, determined to complete one final assignment before beginning a new career in journalism. But Silverberg forces Julia to confront more than she bargained for—including the sport connected to her sister’s death, the God she’s been running from, and a dead body that may be connected to something far more dangerous. Enter Cade Haskins, a former DEA agent who has returned home after a failed mission to help care for his father. When Julia’s curiosity leads her dangerously close to a meth ring, Cade finds himself drawn back into the kind of danger he hoped he’d left behind—and increasingly drawn to Julia. Kelly joins us to talk about the inspiration behind High Exposure, creating suspense and romance against the breathtaking—and unforgiving—backdrop of Colorado, writing characters wrestling with faith and loss, and the long road to becoming a traditionally published author. We also explore Kelly’s own story. A love of inspirational fiction that began when an eighth-grade teacher handed her a Janette Oke novel eventually grew into a passion for writing stories filled with adventure, escape, unforgettable love, grace, and hope. Kelly grew up in Southwest Colorado and earned her degree in Communication Studies from Biola University and a master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies from Azusa Pacific University. She now lives on California’s Central Coast with her husband and three boys. When she isn’t writing romantic suspense, she enjoys boating, camping, running, spending time outdoors, and podcasting with The Lit Ladies Podcast. Kelly is represented by Lynette Eason of The Steve Laube Agency. High Exposure releases September 15, 2026, from Kregel Publications. Learn more about Kelly, High Exposure, and her upcoming books at KellyBorjas.com. Website: KellyBorjas.com #KellyBorjas #HighExposure #RomanticSuspense #ChristianRomanticSuspense #ChristianFiction #InspirationalFiction #SuspenseBooks #FaithAndFiction #ChristianAuthors #DebutAuthor #KregelPublications #BookPodcast #AuthorInterview #MysteryAndSuspense #RomanceReaders #FaithHopeAndLove #BooksWithHope #TheLitLadies #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #MurderMysteryMayhemLacedWithMorality

    Kelly Borjas—The Author of High Exposure Discusses Love, Hope & Adventure

  5. Aug 30

    Chad Boudreaux—National Security & What is Takes to Lead When The Stakes are High

    🎙️ Chad Boudreaux on Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality What does it take to lead when the stakes could not be higher? In this compelling episode, I speak with Chad Boudreaux about leadership, national security, resilience, public service, and navigating extraordinary responsibility. Chad’s remarkable career includes serving in several high-ranking positions at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he was hired the night before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He later served in as Deputy Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, advising Secretary Michael Chertoff on significant matters confronting the newly established department. Chad went on to become Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, bringing together an extraordinary breadth of government, legal, and corporate experience. In this episode, we discuss service, courage, decision-making, resilience, and the experiences that shape the stories we tell. Learn more about Chad Boudreaux:Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/chadboudreauxWebsite: https://www.chadboudreaux.com/about/ Follow the podcast, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. After listening, share the moment that made the greatest impression on you. #ChadBoudreaux #PodcastGuest #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #LacedWithMorality #SuspenseWithSubstance #Leadership #NationalSecurity #HomelandSecurity #DepartmentOfJustice #ExecutiveLeadership #LegalLeadership #PublicService #Resilience #CourageousLeadership #AuthorPodcast #PodcastInterview #MustListenPodcast

    Chad Boudreaux—National Security & What is Takes to Lead When The Stakes are High

  6. Aug 23

    Lauren Johnson— Author of The Soufflé Always Rises Discusses The Grit, Glory & Grind of Cozy Mystery Writing

    What happens when a 54-year-old woman loses her marriage, her job, and nearly everything she owns—and decides to start over in Paris? In this episode of Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes welcomes debut author Lauren Johnson, author of The Soufflé Also Rises, a hilarious and fast-paced midlife reinvention mystery. Lizi Cleverly is broke, unemployed, and determined to pursue her long-forgotten dream of becoming a novelist. But when she lands in Paris, an unexpected hotel stay puts her in the middle of the notorious Harry Winston jewel heist. Soon, Lizi and her much younger friend Frankie are running from the Serbian mafia while trying to stay ahead of a trail of dead bodies. Lauren talks about midlife reinvention, second chances, fearless women, humor, mystery, friendship, and why it's never too late to become the person you're meant to be. If you love witty mysteries, unforgettable women sleuths, Parisian adventures, and a healthy dose of mayhem, this is an episode you won't want to miss! The Soufflé Also Rises by Lauren JohnsonBook 1 of the Lizi Cleverly Midlife Badass Detective Series Buy *The Soufflé Also Rises* on Amazon Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality features fascinating authors, compelling mysteries, unforgettable characters, and the moral questions hiding beneath the mayhem. Because sometimes the best stories don't just entertain us—they make us think. Listen. Subscribe. Share. And join the conversation! #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #LacedWithMorality #LaurenJohnson #TheSouffleAlsoRises #LiziCleverly #MidlifeBadass #MidlifeReinvention #MysteryFiction #WomenSleuths #MysteryAuthor #BookPodcast #AuthorInterview #BookLovers #ParisFiction #WomensFiction #SecondChances #NeverTooLate #BookRecommendations Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality: Lauren Johnson📖 Get Lauren's Book🎧 About the Podcast

    Lauren Johnson— Author of The Soufflé Always Rises Discusses The Grit, Glory & Grind of Cozy Mystery Writing

  7. Aug 16

    Annette Griffin & Franella Smith—Who Is Hunting Whom? — The God Hunter and the Search That Changes Everything

    Who Is Hunting Whom? — The God Hunter and the Search That Changes Everything🎙️ What happens when a grieving child goes searching for God—only to discover that God was never lost in the first place? In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes sits down with award-winning authors Annette Marie Griffin and Franella Smith, co-authors of The God Hunter, an adventurous story about Simi, a young boy in Kenya who sets out on a courageous quest after losing his father. As Simi searches for answers, he encounters danger, friendship, wonder, and unexpected discoveries that challenge everything he thought he knew about God. But his greatest discovery may be the most profound: sometimes the One we're searching for has been searching for us all along. Join us as we explore the inspiration behind The God Hunter, the role of grief in children's stories, the importance of faith and representation, and how powerful storytelling can help young readers navigate life's biggest questions. ✨ In this episode, we talk about: The inspiration behind The God Hunter Simi's journey through grief and loss Why the story is set in Kenya Writing meaningful faith-based stories for children Courage, friendship, and finding hope The difference between searching for God and discovering that God has been present all along The power of collaboration between two authors How stories can open meaningful conversations between children, parents, and families Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author, acquisitions editor, columnist, writing instructor, and speaker who creates timeless stories designed to help readers find home. Franella Smith holds an MFA from Southern New Hampshire University and is an award-winning writer as well as a registered and licensed dietitian with more than 20 years of professional experience. 🎧 Listen, share, and join the conversation: What happens when we stop searching for God long enough to recognize that He has been with us all along? The answer might surprise you.

    Annette Griffin & Franella Smith—Who Is Hunting Whom? — The God Hunter and the Search That Changes Everything

  8. Aug 9

    Avellina Balestri: Where Faith, History, Mystery & Storytelling Collide

    What happens when faith, history, literature, music, and a love of the mysterious come together in one remarkable storyteller? In this episode of Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality, Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes welcomes Avellina Balestri, a Catholic author, editor, historian, speaker, and musician whose creative work spans historical fiction, poetry, essays, literary scholarship, and music. Avellina takes us on a fascinating journey through the stories and traditions that have shaped her imagination—from the Middle Ages and British history to Early America, the Long 18th Century, and Middle Eastern culture. We’ll explore her novels Saplings of Sherwood and All Ye That Pass By, her poetry collections Pendragon’s Shield and Torn by Grace, and her work as Editor-in-Chief of Fellowship & Fairydust. But there is much more to Avellina's story. She has participated in literary and interfaith conferences at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, hosted a Tolkien-themed literary conference at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, and contributed to more than forty publications. She is also a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who plays penny whistle, bodhrán drum, and autoharp and has performed with the Celtic band Across the Pond. Join us for a conversation about faith and fiction, history and imagination, the sacred feminine, literature, music, morality, and the stories that stay with us long after the final page. Could the past hold clues for how we understand the present? Can stories illuminate truth? And what happens when a love of history meets a deeply rooted faith? Press play and discover the fascinating world of Avellina Balestri. 🌐 Learn more about Avellina: avellinabalestri.com Murder. Mystery. Mayhem. Morality. And the stories behind the stories. #AvellinaBalestri #MurderMysteryAndMayhem #LacedWithMorality #ChristianAuthors #CatholicAuthors #HistoricalFiction #FaithAndFiction #ChristianPodcast #LiteraryPodcast #CatholicLiterature #HistoricalFictionAuthor #FaithBasedStories #WomenWriters #ChristianWriting #Storytelling #HistoryAndFaith #DressedInLovePress

    Avellina Balestri: Where Faith, History, Mystery & Storytelling Collide
See All (306)

Trailers

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Murder, Mystery, & Mayhem Laced with Morality is a gripping learning and networking hub for writers who dare to explore the shadows—without losing sight of the light. Rooted in suspense, thriller, mystery, and crime, this podcast features powerful conversations with authors, publishing professionals, and experts in law enforcement, psychology, forensics, editing, marketing, and storytelling craft. Each episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to write stories that are authentic, compelling, and unforgettable. Whether you’re crafting a high-stakes thriller, a redemptive romance, a memoir born from lived experience, or faith-based nonfiction, you’ll gain practical insight on character development, research, storytelling structure, and navigating the publishing journey—where truth matters, justice has a voice, and light pierces through the darkness with the spoken and written word.

Information