Meet the Thriller Author (Author Interviews)

Alan Petersen
Meet the Thriller Author (Author Interviews) Podcast

Interviews with bestselling authors of Mystery, Thriller & Suspense books hosted by Alan Petersen.

  1. AUG 27

    MTTA 205: Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado

    Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado have teamed up for an amazing collaboration! Both Jeffery and Isabella have been on the podcast before, so it was a thrill to have them both on for this episode! Deaver is an internationally acclaimed, number-one bestselling author whose works have graced bestseller lists across the globe. With his novels sold in 150 countries and translated into twenty-five languages, Deaver’s prolific career includes 48 novels, 100 short stories, and even a nonfiction law book. He is a two-term president of Mystery Writers of America and was recently named a Grand Master of MWA, joining the ranks of legendary authors like Agatha Christie and Walter Mosley. Deaver has been honored with numerous awards, including Lifetime Achievement Awards from Bouchercon, Strand Magazine, and the Raymond Chandler Award in Italy. His work has inspired film and television adaptations, including the HBO movie Dead Silence and the Universal Pictures feature The Bone Collector. Connect with Jeffery Deaver… Link Twitter Facebook Instagram Amazon Isabella Maldonado is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author who transitioned from a distinguished career in law enforcement to crime writing. As the first Latina to achieve the rank of captain in the Fairfax County Police Department near Washington, D.C., and a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Maldonado brings an authentic, gritty realism to her writing. Her bestselling FBI Special Agent Nina Guerrera series has captivated readers and caught the attention of Netflix, which is adapting it into a feature film starring Jennifer Lopez. Connect with Isabella Maldonado… Link Facebook Twitter TikTok Amazon YouTube Fatal Intrusion, the first collaboration between Deaver and Maldonado, pits a Homeland Security investigator and her former quarry against a ruthless ring of serial killers making their way through California. Books by Jeffery Deaver Books by Isabella Maldonado Show Notes & Transcript Jeffery Deaver and Isabella Maldonado Interview (Episode 205)

  2. AUG 6

    MTTA 204: Vannessa Cronin

    Have you ever wondered what goes into selecting the best mystery and thriller books of the year? In this episode of Meet the Thriller Author, I chat with Vannessa Cronin, a senior editor at Amazon Books, to uncover the intricate process behind curating their top picks. Vannessa, with her extensive background in the book industry and a lifelong passion for literature, shared insights about her journey and the exciting trends shaping the mystery and thriller genres today. From her early days in Ireland, immersed in a family of book lovers, to her current role at Amazon, Vannessa’s dedication to the world of books is nothing short of inspiring. She has worked in the book industry as a book buyer, a sales rep, an Amazon Bookstore curator, and now an Amazon Books senior editor. She covers the mystery, thriller & suspense category but, really, there’s almost no genre she won’t read. She arranges her life so that she is never very far from a book (or ten), which is why her car resembles a mobile library. She and her vast book collection live in Seattle. Amazon Twitter Best mystery and thriller series of 2024 so far, as chosen by the Amazon Editors… Show Notes and Resources * Episode 204 features Vannessa Cronin, a Senior Editor at Amazon Books, who focuses on mystery and thriller genres. * Alan announces his new psychological thriller, “The Basement,” currently a hot new release on Amazon. * Vannessa discusses her journey from Ireland to the U.S., her roles in the book industry, and her current position at Amazon. * Vannessa shares her passion for the mystery and thriller genres, influenced by an early reading list given by a colleague. * She highlights the challenges and rewards of her job, including staying on top of genre trends and the growing diversity among authors. * Vannessa and Alan discuss the Amazon editors’ list of the best mystery and thriller series of 2024 so far, featuring six notable books. * They delve into specific books by authors like Tana French, Don Winslow, James Lee Burke, and Walter Mosley. * Vannessa also recommends lesser-known titles such as “Nest of Vipers” and “The Comfort of Ghosts,” highlighting their unique settings and themes. * The conversation concludes with a preview of upcoming trends in the genre and a sneak peek into anticipated book releases for August. Click here for the full transcript Please note that the transcript for this episode is AI-generated by an app and only lightly edited by a human, so there might be some errors. [00:00:01.100] – Alan PetersenWelcome to Meet the Thriller Author,

    33 min
  3. JUN 25

    MTTA 203: Ace Atkins

    Ace Atkins is a New York Times best-selling author and former crime beat reporter. In this episode, Atkins discusses his journey from journalism to fiction writing, emphasizing the importance of real-world experience and good writing skills. He talks about his extensive career, including his role in continuing Robert B. Parker’s iconic Spencer series and his own Quinn Coulson series. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of journalism and the importance of local reporting. Atkins reveals that his deep Southern roots and personal experiences heavily influence his novels, which are often set in the South. Atkins introduces his latest novel, “Don’t Let the Devil Ride,” a standalone book set in Memphis, which features a private detective named Porter Hayes and a woman named Addison McKellar whose husband has vanished without a trace. Connect with Ace Atkins Facebook Instagram Twitter Amazon Link Latest Book Photo by Bill Dabney More Books from Ace Show Notes & Transcript * Podcast Introduction: Alan Petersen introduces episode 203 of “Meet the Thriller Author,” featuring guest Ace Atkins, a New York Times best-selling author. * Guest Introduction: Ace Atkins, a former crime beat reporter, has written 30 books, including the Quinn Coulson series and novels continuing Robert B. Parker’s Spencer series. * Journalism Background: Atkins discusses his transition from a crime beat reporter to a crime novelist, emphasizing the importance of real-world experience and good writing skills. * Southern Influence: Atkins shares his deep southern roots and explains why most of his books are set in the South, highlighting the region’s complexity and inspiration. * Spencer Series: Atkins talks about being chosen to continue the Spencer series, describing his dedication to maintaining Robert B. Parker’s writing style and the process involved. * New Book: “Don’t Let the Devil Ride” is Atkins’ latest novel, inspired by a gospel song and set in Memphis, involving characters Addison McEller and Porter Hayes. * Writing Process: Atkins outlines his flexible writing process, which includes outlining and allowing characters to drive the story, emphasizing the importance of commitment. * Historical vs. Contemporary: Atkins enjoys writing both contemporary and historical novels, noting the challenges of marketing historical crime fiction.

    32 min
  4. MAY 28

    MTTA 202: Susan Elia MacNeal Author Interview

    Susan Elia MacNeal is the author of the New York Times, Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today bestselling Maggie Hope mystery series. The series began with the Edgar Award-nominated and Barry Award-winning Mr. Churchill’s Secretary, which is now in its 23rd printing. Susan graduated from Nardin Academy in Buffalo, New York, and cum laude with honors in English from Wellesley College. Her first job was as the assistant to novelist John Irving in Vermont. She then worked as an editorial assistant at Random House, assistant editor at Viking Penguin, and associate editor and staff writer at Dance Magazine in New York City. As a freelance writer, she authored two non-fiction books and wrote for the publications of New York City Ballet. Susan is married to Noel MacNeal, a television performer, writer, and director. They live with their son in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Her latest book, “The Last Hope,” brings readers along on Maggie’s final adventure. Connect with Susan Elia MacNeal Twitter Facebook Goodreads Amazon Link Latest Book Other Books Show Notes and Transcript Summary * In this episode, I interviews Susan Elia MacNeal, a New York Times best-selling author known for her Maggie Hope mystery series set during World War II. * Susan Elia MacNeal shares her experience working as an assistant for John Irving and the valuable lesson she learned about being a professional writer. * She discusses her inspiration for choosing the World War II period for her books, mentioning a visit to the Cabinet War Rooms in London. * We chat about Susan Elia MacNeal’s latest book in the Maggie Hope series titled “The Last Hope,” where Maggie is on a mission to assassinate Heisenberg. * Historical figures like Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel, and Heisenberg are incorporated into the series based on documented facts. * Susan Elia MacNeal talks about her writing process, research methods, and the challenges of balancing historical accuracy with creating an engaging mystery. * Susan Elia MacNeal’s series has been optioned by Magnolia Hill Productions and Warner Brothers for television adaptation. * Susan Elia MacNeal offers advice for aspiring mystery writers, emphasizing the importance of following one’s obsessions and finding a unique niche. Video Transcript Note: This transcript was machine generated and subsequently reviewed and edited minimally by a human, Alan, for accuracy. Please be aware that there may still be errors and typos. Click here for full transcript [00:00:01.120] – Alan PetersenYou are listening to Meet the Thriller Author,

    27 min
  5. MAY 14

    MTTA 201: Ajay Chowdhury

    Ajay Chowdhury is a tech entrepreneur with a knack for storytelling and innovation. Ajay kicked off his journey in the literary world with his children’s book, ‘Ayesha and the Firefish,’ back in 2016. But it’s his crime fiction that’s really making waves. Starting with ‘The Waiter’ in 2021, which not only snagged a Sunday Times crime book of the month title but it has also been optioned for television. The fourth book in his Kamil Rahman series ‘The Spy,’ was published on April 4, 2024 On the business front, Ajay has been the founder or CEO of several startups, including Shazam (sold to Apple), Seatwave (sold to Ticketmaster) and LineOne (sold to Tiscali). He has served on the boards of Lionhead, Department of Culture Media and Sport, Arts Council London, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), and Historic Royal Palaces amongst others.

He is currently a Managing Director and Senior Partner at BCG Digital Ventures, globally responsible for their ‘deep tech’ businesses, and Chair of Cambridge Enterprise, Cambridge University’s spinout arm. He is a Trustee of the renowned Cheek by Jowl Theatre Company and is a board member of Enacte – a San Francisco based South Asian Theatre Company.

He was selected to be part of the Asian Power 100 – the 100 most influential and powerful Asians in the UK and was selected as one of 2016’s Sunday Times top 100 BAME business leaders in the UK. Ajay has been honest and outspoken about his embracing Artifical Intelligence as a fiction writer. He’s been invited on several television shows on the BBC discussing the use of AI in Crime Writing. And even debated the legendary debating thriller author, Frederick Forsyth on the use of AI in writing. So I was delighted Ajay accepted my invitation to be on ‘Meet the Thriller Author’ to discuss his crime trillers, writing process, and about AI for writers, which is a contentious subject in the writer and publishing community. Connect with Ajay Chowdhury Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Amazon Link Latest Book Other Books by Ajay Chowdhury Show notes and Transcript In this episode… * Ajay Chaudry discusses his writing process, including how his background in technology influences his crime novels. * He talks about using artificial intelligence (AI) as a writing tool and the controversy surrounding AI in writing and publishing. * Ajay emphasizes that AI is used as an editor on demand and for generating ideas, but not for actual writing due to its limitations in character development. * The conversation touches on the evolving role of AI in the publishing industry, potential copyright issues,

    32 min
  6. APR 16

    MTTA 200: Brian J. Morra

    Brian J. Morra has spent his career in intelligence and national security beginning with his time as a decorated Air Force Intelligence officer and through his many years as a senior executive in the aerospace and defense industry. Brian was encouraged to write the story of The Able Archers by many friends who convinced him that his unique, personal insight could bring the story to life of how humanity narrowly avoided extinction in the fall of 1983. His writing is based on first-hand experience and the stories of the many intriguing people he’s encountered over the years Brian grew up in Virginia and is married to Tracy, who is an outstanding story editor. They split their time between homes in Virginia and Florida. When Brian isn’t writing, he is a corporate board member, enjoys cycling, playing guitar and piano, and visiting with his two grandchildren. The second installment of The Able Archer series, “The Righteous Arrows” will be published on April 16, 2024. Connect with Brian Link Facebook Amazon Latest Book Other Books Show Notes & Transcripts In this episode: * Morra’s debut novel, “The Able Archers,” won awards for military fiction and delves into the 1983 nuclear war crisis. * He discusses his approach to balancing real-world experiences with fictional storytelling, drawing from his background in intelligence work. * The conversation covers Morra’s involvement in a Netflix documentary on the Cold War and the importance of arms control in today’s nuclear landscape. * Morra gives a sneak peek into his upcoming novel, “The Righteous Arrows,” focusing on the Soviet war in Afghanistan, and shares insights on writing processes and advice for aspiring writers. Transcript (Click here for fulltranscript) Please note that a machine generated this transcript, and a human made only minimal edits, so there may be errors/typos. [00:00:03.280] – Alan PetersenYou are listening to Meet the Thriller Author, the podcast where I interview writers of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense books. I’m Alan Petersen, an author of mysteries and thrillers myself, and it’s been a privilege to interview amazing authors in the genre that I love to write and read. So far, I’ve interviewed over 200 authors, including thriller icons like Dean Koontz, Walter Moseley, Tess Gerritsen, Lee Child, and many, many more. You can find an archive of all my interviews with show notes, resources, book reviews, and a lot more over at my website at ThrillerAuthors.com. From there, you can also join my Thrilling Reads newsletter for book deals on great thriller and mystery books. So head on over to thrillerauthors.com. And check all that out. [00:00:47.960]In this episode of the podcast, Number 200, you’ll be meeting Brian J. Morra. Brian is a former United States intelligence officer and a retired senior aerospace executive. He helped lead the American intelligence team in Japan that uncovered the true story behind the Soviet Union’s shoot down of K...

    42 min
  7. APR 2

    MTTA 199: Dana Perry

    Dana Perry is an award-winning author of crime fiction and a journalist in New York City where he has had a long career as a top editor at the New York Post, New York Daily News, Star magazine and NBC News. As R. G. Belsky, he is a contributing writer for The Big Thrill magazine and has published 20 novels—all set in the New York city media world The first three novels in his new Nikki Cassidy series, starting with THE NOWHERE GIRLS, will be published on April 2. Dana Perry’s latest series, starting with “The Nowhere Girls,” introduces readers to the intriguing character of Nikki Cassidy, an FBI agent with a troubled past. Set in a small town in Southeastern Ohio, the story unfolds as Nikki delves into a new case, uncovering secrets that lead her to revisit the unsolved mystery of her sister’s abduction and murder. Perry’s skillful storytelling weaves together a tale of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages. What sets Dana Perry’s writing apart is his ability to draw inspiration from real-life events and infuse them into his fictional narratives. With a knack for creating strong, kick-ass female characters like Nikki Cassidy, Perry brings a fresh and dynamic energy to the thriller genre. His background as a journalist covering high-profile cases such as the Son of Sam serial killer adds a layer of authenticity to his storytelling, making his novels both captivating and thought-provoking. If you’re looking for a thrilling escape into a world of mystery and suspense, Dana Perry’s books are a must-read for any fan of the genre. Connect with Dana Perry Facebook Twitter Goodreads Amazon Link Other books by Dana Perry Show Notes and Transcript * Dana Perry, an award-winning author of crime fiction and journalist, was interviewed in this episode. * Dana Perry has had a long career as a top editor at the New York Post, New York Daily News, Star magazine, and NBC News. * Dana Perry also writes under the name R. G. Belsky and has published over 20 mystery novels, all set in the New York City media world. * Dana Perry discusses his writing process and transition from journalism to full-time authorship. * He talks about his experience writing under pressure and meeting deadlines due to his background in journalism. * Dana Perry does not outline his novels and enjoys letting the characters surprise him as he writes. * He shares insights into his new book series featuring FBI agent Nikki Cassidy,

    46 min
  8. MAR 19

    MTTA 198: Ron Corbett

    Ron Corbett author interview. Ron Corbett is a former radio host and newspaper columnist, his first book of fiction was Ragged Lake, the debut novel in the Frank Yakabuski mystery series, and an Edgar Award nominee for Best Original Paperback. His latest novel, CAPE RAGE (Berkley Hardcover; on sale March 19, 2024) is a follow-up to his “dynamite new series debut” (New York Times Book Review) The Sweet Goodbye featuring undercover agent, Danny Barrett who is in the rugged landscape of the Pacific Northwest, where he is caught between a family of criminals and the psychopath who is tracking them down. The father of four, Ron is married to award-winning photo-journalist Julie Oliver and still lives in his hometown of Ottawa, Canada, where he writes his novels from the study of a century-old house, “not far from a good river.” In this episode, author Ron Corbett discusses his background as a journalist and how it influenced his transition into writing mystery and thriller novels. He shares insights into his writing process, mentioning how he often starts with scenes and then strings them together to form the narrative. Ron also talks about the inspiration behind his Danny Barrett series, where the protagonist is an undercover police officer who moves around different locations for each novel, adding a unique dynamic to the storytelling. Furthermore, Ron delves into his latest novel, “Cape Rage,” the second book in the Danny Barrett series, where he introduces a powerful family and a psychopathic character to create suspense and intrigue in the story. He talks about the setting of the novel on an island and the challenges faced by the protagonist as he investigates a bank robbery while dealing with suspicion from the family. Ron also mentions his upcoming project set in Florida with a circus theme, highlighting his interest in circus performers and the unique history of Gibsonton, known for its association with the circus community. Connect with the author… Facebook Twitter Amazon Goodreads Link Latest Book Other Books by Ron Corbett Show Notes & Resources * Ron Corbett talks about his two mystery series, the Frank Yakabuski mysteries and the Danny Barrett Thriller series. * Ron Corbett’s latest novel, “a href="https://amzn.

    44 min
4.6
out of 5
31 Ratings

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Interviews with bestselling authors of Mystery, Thriller & Suspense books hosted by Alan Petersen.

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