Redefining the Missing Girl Narrative With Emiko Jean

In this episode, Emiko Jean discusses flipping the script on the traditional missing girl narrative in her new police procedural, The Return of Ellie Black.

This week, we’re joined by New York Times bestselling author Emiko Jean to discuss her latest police procedural novel, The Return of Ellie Black.

In today’s episode, Emiko offers a behind-the-scenes look at her writing process for The Return of Ellie Black, including the extensive research involved in portraying true crime elements and what missing girl narratives have been missing from their portrayals. She also opens up about the emotional challenges of writing certain scenes through the darker aspects of this thriller.

Don’t miss this week’s bonus book list, where we offer 23 atmospheric books perfect for your fall book stack. This list includes cozy fantasy, moody thrillers, and magical realism.

Patrons can join us for a bonus spoiler-filled conversation with Emiko Jean, where we discuss the surprising plot twists in The Return of Ellie Black ending, and her plans for the upcoming Detective Chelsea Calhoun series.

Meet Emiko Jean

Emiko Jean is a New York Times bestselling author of adult and young adult fiction. Her books have been published in over 30 languages and have been featured by Good Morning America as a GMA Book Club pick and by Reese Witherspoon as a YA Book Club pick. Her work has appeared in Marie Claire, Entertainment Weekly, Time, Cosmopolitan, Shondaland, and Bustle. She lives in Washington with her husband and two kids.

Mentioned in this episode:

NEW BONUS BOOK LIST: 24 Atmospheric Books to Get Lost In

Join the November Book Club Chat (This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel)

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean

Under the Bridge Limited Series

Under the Bridge by Rebecca Godfrey

What Happened to Nina by Dervla McTiernan 

Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean

Other books by Emiko Jean:

Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

Empress of all Seasons by Emiko Jean

We’ll Never Be Apart by Emiko Jean

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