Meet the Thriller Author (Author Interviews)

Alan Petersen
  • 4.6 (33)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Meet the Thriller Author (Author Interviews)

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

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    MTTA 214: Gregg Hurwitz

    Excited to welcome back bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz to the podcast. Gregg Hurwitz is the New York Times, #1 internationally bestselling author of 24 thrillers, including the Orphan X series, and two award-winning thriller novels for teens. His novels have won numerous literary awards, graced top ten lists, and have been published in 33 languages. Gregg currently serves as the Co-President of International Thriller Writers (ITW). Gregg has written screenplays for or sold spec scripts to many of the major studios (including SWEET GIRL and THE BOOK OF HENRY), and written, developed, and produced television  for various networks. He is also a New York Times bestselling comic book writer, having penned stories for AWA (Knighted and the critically acclaimed anthology NewThink), Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin). He has published poetry, numerous academic articles on Shakespeare, taught fiction writing in the USC English Department, and guest lectured for UCLA, and for Harvard in the United States and internationally. In 2022, he helped write the opening ceremony of the World Cup. In the course of researching his thrillers, he has sneaked onto demolition ranges with Navy SEALs, swum with sharks in the Galápagos, and gone undercover into mind-control cults. Currently, Gregg is actively working against polarization in politics and culture. To that end, he’s produced several hundred commercials and creative content which have gotten several hundred million views on digital TV platforms. His editorial pieces have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, The Huffington Post, The Bulwark, The Telegraph, Salon, and others. Connect with Gregg Hurwitz Link Facebook Instagram X YouTube Amazon Gregg Hurwitz Nemesis (Latest Book) Other Books by Gregg Hurwitz Show Notes & Transcirpts Summary: * Episode 214 welcomes Gregg Hurwitz, known for the Orphan X series, discussing his latest book, “Nemesis.” * Gregg Hurwitz reflects on the journey of writing 10 books in the Orphan X series, sharing insights into character development. * “Nemesis” is set for release on February 11, 2025, and Gregg will embark on a significant book tour across the United States. * The book “Nemesis” explores a clash between main character Evan Smoak and his close friend Tommy Stojack, highlighting emotional and philosophical themes. * Gregg emphasizes the importance of character development alongside action and suspense in his writing process. * He conducts extensive research for his novels, consulting with experts to incorporate cutting-edge technology a...

    27 min

  2. JAN 28

    MTTA 213: Jerri Williams

    In this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Jerri Williams, a former FBI special agent turned bestselling author and podcaster. With 26 years in the Bureau, Jerri specialized in major economic fraud investigations, uncovering schemes where “with a gun, they can steal hundreds, but with a lie, they can steal millions.” Now retired, she’s using her real-world experiences to tell compelling crime stories and debunk common FBI myths. Jerri is the host of the popular podcast FBI Retired Case File Review, which has over 10 million downloads. On the show, she interviews retired agents about high-profile cases, offering listeners an authentic look at the FBI. Her expertise also extends to her book, FBI Myths and Misconceptions: A Manual for Armchair Detectives, where she breaks down 20 common clichés about the Bureau found in books, TV, and movies. In addition to her nonfiction work, Jerri writes crime fiction, including the novels Pay to Play and Greedy Givers. Her stories feature FBI agent Kari Wheeler, a flawed but relatable investigator balancing family life and dangerous cases. Her books are must-reads for fans of authentic crime fiction. During this episode, we discuss Jerri’s fascinating career, her transition to writing and podcasting, and her advice for aspiring authors. Connect with the author: Link Facebook Instagram X Amazon Jerri Williams Books Non-Fiction Show Notes & Resources Summary: * Episode 213 features Jerri Williams, a former FBI agent with 26 years of experience in economic fraud investigations. * Jerri Williams transitioned into writing crime fiction, podcasting, and consulting for TV networks after retiring. * Her podcast, “FBI Retired Case File Review,” features interviews with retired FBI agents and has over 10 million downloads. * Jerri authored “FBI Myths and Misconceptions,” a guide debunking common clichés about the FBI, and two crime novels. * Her career faced challenges as she was among the first Black female agents in the FBI during a male-dominated era. * Williams discusses the difficulty and fascination of fraud cases, particularly a $350 million Ponzi scheme she investigated. * Her writing process involves outlining and using Scrivener, and she is currently working on new crime fiction. * She consults for TV networks to ensure accurate FBI portrayals, working on shows like “Class of ’09” and “Duster.” * Jerri Williams encourages aspiring writers to trust their work but seek...

    40 min

  3. JAN 14

    MTTA 212: J.D. Barker

    J.D. Barker is the New York Times and international best-selling author of numerous novels, including DRACUL and THE FOURTH MONKEY.  His work has been broadly described as suspense thrillers, often incorporating elements of horror, crime, mystery, science fiction, and the supernatural. He is also a frequent collaborator with James Patterson (their latest novel, THE WRITER, will be published on May 17, 2025). J.D.’s books have been translated into two dozen languages, sold in more than 150 countries, and optioned for both film and television. Barker resides in coastal New Hampshire with his family. Connect with J.D. Barker Facebook Instagram TikTok X Amazon Link Latest Book J.D. Barker Books Show Notes & Resources Episode Summary: * JD Barker is a bestselling author, known for novels like “Dracul” and the 4MK Thriller series, and is collaborating with James Patterson. * Barker’s journey to success was gradual, shaped by a childhood steeped in reading and writing without the distraction of TV. * Despite a corporate career in finance, Barker pursued writing, working as a book doctor and ghostwriter, which greatly honed his craft. * He indie published his first novel, “Forsaken,” which gained attention and led to a traditional publishing deal for his next book, “The Fourth Monkey.” * Barker discusses the evolving publishing landscape and the advantages of hybrid publishing, including his own imprint deal with Simon & Schuster. * He emphasizes the importance of understanding the business and marketing side of writing for success in the industry. * Barker is involved in writing collaborations with other authors and values the creative synergy these partnerships bring. * He highlights the significance of branding and maintaining control over the presentation of his work, even in contracts with co-authors. * Barker’s experiences with film and TV adaptations have been varied, with several projects optioned but not yet produced. * He advises aspiring writers to write consistently and understand the importance of marketing and brand building in achieving success. JD Barker Interview Transcript Click here for full transcript This transcript was generated by AI and only lightly edited, so there may be errors or typos. [00:00:00.000] – Alan PetersenHi, everybody. This is Alan Petersen with Meet the Thriller Author. And on the podcast today, I have JD Barker, who is a New York Times and international bests...

    39 min

  4. 12/31/2024

    MTTA 211: Vannessa Cronin (Amazon Sr. Editor)

    Best thriller books 2024 as chosen by the Amazon Editors In the latest episode of “Meet the Thriller Author,” host Alan Petersen closes out 2024 by welcoming Vannessa Cronin, a Senior Editor for Amazon Books. Vannessa offers an insider’s perspective on how the Amazon Editors curated their list of the Best Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense Books of the year, describing the passionate debates and in-depth discussions that go into each decision. She also highlights key industry trends—from genre-blending to increased diversity in authorship—that defined 2024’s top picks. Two standout titles include “The God of the Woods” by Liz Moore and “All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker, praised for their intricate plots and emotional intensity. Beyond recapping 2024, Vannessa shares a sneak peek into what thriller fans can expect in 2025, spotlighting emerging authors and exciting new releases on the horizon. Plus, she gives aspiring writers her best advice for crafting compelling openings—essential for keeping readers hooked and avoiding the dreaded “DNF” (Did Not Finish). To see the Amazon Editors’ Best Mysteries and Thrillers of 2024, click here. And if you’d like to check out Alan Petersen’s personal Top Five of the year, click here. Best Thriller books 2024 Show Notes & Resources Summary: * The podcast “Meet the Thriller Author” hosted by Alan Petersen features Vannessa Cronin, a senior editor for Amazon Books. * Vannessa discusses Amazon’s selection process for the best mystery, thriller, and suspense books of 2024. * The editorial team reads extensively and compiles a “best of the month” list, which contributes to the annual “best of the year” list. * The selection process involves debates and discussions among the editors, who have over 100 years of combined publishing experience. * Books with strong emotional range and genre-blending have been significant trends in 2024. * Social commentary and diverse voices are increasingly evident in the thriller genre. * Vannessa highlights the importance of engaging opening chapters to avoid books being marked as “DNF” (Did Not Finish). * Vannessa shares her excitement for upcoming books in 2025, including works by Alan Eskins and Joseph Finder. * Emerging authors, like Kirsten Modglin, who self-publish through platforms like KDP, have the potential to break into mainstream success. * Vannessa advises aspiring writers to hook readers early to avoid losing potential word-of-mouth promotion. Author Mentions: * Baalu Girma – Oromay

    37 min

  5. 12/03/2024

    MTTA 210: Marcia Clark

    In the latest episode of the “Meet the Thriller Author” (#210) I had the pleasure of welcoming back to the podcast bestselling author and former prosecutor in the L.A. District Attorney’s office, Marcia Clark. In this compelling Marcia Clark interview we delve into her new book, “Trial by Ambush,” which explores the sensational 1953 case of Barbara Graham. The book highlights the perils of media distortion and systemic injustice, drawing parallels to modern-day issues. Clark shares insights into her extensive research process, including her quest for historical trial transcripts, and reflects on her unique perspective as a former prosecutor. The episode also touches on the challenges of balancing fiction and nonfiction writing and the broader implications of true crime stories in today’s society and a lot mor. I even had to ask her about the The Menendez Brothers case. Marcia Clark is the author of Guilt by Association, Guilt by Degrees, Killer Ambition, and The Competition, all part of the Rachel Knight series. A practicing criminal lawyer since 1979, she joined the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office in 1981, where she served as prosecutor for the trials of Robert Bardo, convicted of killing actress Rebecca Schaeffer, and, most notably, O. J. Simpson. The bestselling Without a Doubt, which she cowrote, chronicles her work on the Simpson trial. Clark has been a frequent commentator on a variety of shows and networks, including Today, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, and MSNBC, as well as a legal correspondent for Entertainment Tonight. Connect with Marcia Clark Link Facebook Instagram X Goodreads Amazon Latest Book Marcia Clark Books Samantha Brinkman Legal Thrillers Rachel Knight Legal Thrillers Marcia Clark’s Memoir of the OJ Simpson Trial Show Notes and Transcript * Clark’s latest book, “Trial by Ambush,” explores the 1953 Barbara Graham case, highlighting media distortion and systemic injustice. * The book reveals new insights and documents about Graham’s trial, which had not been thoroughly covered before. * Clark discusses the challenges of researching old cases and obtaining trial transcripts from archives. * She reflects on the media scrutiny she faced during the O.J. Simpson trial, drawing parallels with Barbara Graham’s experience.

    50 min

  6. 11/05/2024

    MTTA 209: Noelle West Ihli

    Noelle West Ihli is a best-selling author known for her gripping psychological thrillers that captivate readers with their heart-stopping suspense and intricate character development. Debuting in 2021 with “The Thicket,” Ihli quickly made a name for herself in the thriller genre, crafting narratives that often explore survival against daunting odds. Her approach to storytelling is deeply influenced by her fascination with true crime and her background in editing and ghostwriting before turning to writing her own novels. Ihli’s novels, such as “Gray After Dark”, “Ask for Andrea“, and “Run On Red,” frequently feature strong female protagonists and are set against eerie, wilderness backdrops that heighten the tension and suspense. Her works are not only a favorite among thriller fans, but have also gained recognition on platforms like BookTok, where her stories continue to resonate with a broad audience and her books are tagged as the “Best of #BookTok” by Amazon. With a penchant for weaving lesser-known historical crimes into modern narratives, Ihli’s storytelling is both innovative and immersive, inviting readers to explore their own fears and anxieties through her characters. Her latest work, “None Left to Tell,” is a historical thriller based on the Mountain Meadows Massacre, showcasing her ability to blend factual events with fictional storytelling. Noelle lives in Idaho with her husband, two sons, and two cats. When she’s not plotting her next thriller, she’s scaring herself with true-crime documentaries or going for a trail ride in the foothills (with her trusty pepper spray). Connect with Noelle: Instagram Facebook Amazon Latest Book Noelle West Ihli Books Show Notes & Transcript Summary * Alan Petersen hosts episode 209 of the “Meet the Thriller Author” podcast, featuring Noelle West Ihli. * Noelle discusses her love for the thriller genre and how it inspired her to transition from editing and ghostwriting to writing her own novels. * Her first published book, “The Thicket,” was released in 2021 after initially pursuing traditional publishing. * Influences on her writing include authors like Mary Higgins-Clarke and Harlan Coben. * Noelle’s novels often include survival elements and focus on strong female characters and their psychological perspectives. * She talks about her writing process, which involves creating comprehensive outlines that she eventually set...

    28 min

  7. 10/15/2024

    MTTA 208: Jeffrey Archer

    Jeffrey Archer, whose novels include the Clifton Chronicles, the William Warwick novels and Kane and Abel, has topped bestseller lists around the world, with sales of over 300 million copies. He is the only author ever to have been a #1 bestseller in fiction, short stories and non-fiction (The Prison Diaries). A member of the House of Lords for over a quarter of a century, the author is married to Dame Mary Archer, and they have two sons, two granddaughters and two grandsons, and divide their time between homes in London, Cambridge and Mallorca. Connect with the author: Link Facebook X Instagram YouTube Latest Novel Other Books Show Notes & Transcript In the latest episode of the “Meet the Thriller Author” podcast, host Alan Petersen sits down with the illustrious novelist Jeffrey Archer. Renowned for his gripping storytelling and intricate plots, Archer has sold over 300 million copies of his books across more than 100 countries. His works have captivated readers for decades, and his latest novel, “An Eye for an Eye,” continues this tradition. The novel, which is the seventh installment in the William Warwick series, promises to deliver the same twists and turns that fans have come to expect. Archer’s unique blend of fiction and insider knowledge from his political career makes his novels both exciting and insightful. Archer’s journey with the character William Warwick is particularly fascinating. Originally conceived as a fictional character within another series, Warwick has grown into a fully-fledged protagonist in his own right. Archer explains how Warwick’s career progression from a young constable to potentially the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police was carefully planned across eight books. Each novel tackles a different aspect of police work, with “An Eye for an Eye” focusing on international negotiations and high-stakes drama involving a handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence. Archer’s meticulous research, including consultations with experts like former detectives, adds authenticity to his narratives. The podcast also delves into Archer’s writing process, which is both rigorous and traditional. Starting his day at 5:30 AM, Archer writes multiple drafts by hand, a method that has served him well throughout his career. Each book goes through 14 drafts before publication, reflecting his dedication to perfecting his storytelling craft. Archer emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance, likening the process to the dedication of a prima ballerina at the Royal Ballet. This disciplined approach, combined with his natural storytelling ability,

    31 min

  8. 10/01/2024

    MTTA 207: Jenny Milchman

    Jenny Milchman is the Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of five novels. Her work has been praised by The New York Times, New York Journal of Books, San Francisco Journal of Books, and many more. She has earned spots on multiple “Best Of” lists, including PureWow, POPSUGAR, The Strand, Suspense, and Big Thrill magazines, and has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Shelf Awareness. Four of her novels have been selected as Indie Next Picks. In addition to her novels, Jenny’s short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine. Most recently, her piece on book touring was included in the Agatha Award-winning collection Promophobia. Jenny is launching a new series with Thomas & Mercer, introducing psychologist Arles Shepherd, a character who fights to save the most vulnerable children while battling her own inner demons. The Usual Silence is the first book in that series which will be published on October 1, 2024. She lives in the Hudson Valley with her family. In this episode, Jenny Milchman shared insights into her journey from a psychotherapist to a successful author. Milchman’s latest novel, “The Usual Silence,” delves into the suspenseful world of child psychotherapy, drawing from her professional background. As she explained, her career in psychology significantly influenced her writing, providing a unique depth and realism to her characters and plots. This transition wasn’t straightforward; it took Milchman over two decades and multiple rejections before her work found its audience. Her perseverance is a testament to the importance of determination and passion in the creative process. And a lot more, so make sure to check it out. Connect with Jenny Milchman Facebook X Instagram Amazon Link Other Books by Jenny Milchaman Show Notes In this podcast interview, Alan Petersen speaks with Jenny Milchman about her latest suspense novel, “The Usual Silence,” which delves into the psychological background of psychotherapy with children, a field Jenny worked in before starting her writing career. Jenny shares how her experiences as a psychotherapist influenced her writing, particularly a case involving a violent five-year-old that inspired her to write suspense novels. The conversation highlights Jenny’s journey to becoming a published author, including the numerous rejections she faced before her eighth manuscript was finally accepted, thanks to the intervention of a respected author. Jenny also discusses the significance of true crime podcasts in her latest book and how she integrates tough, real-life subjects like trauma and abuse into her novels while ensuring the characters ultimately find some form of triumph. She reflects on her unique writing process, which involves collecting ideas in a filing cabinet and writing without a strict outline.

    30 min
See All (215)

4.6
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

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

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada