book recommendations – The Inside Flap: A Weekly Book Podcast

The Lost Art Of Writing Letters With Colleen Oakley

April 4, 2023 by Laura Medicus Interiors

A fun chat with Colleen Oakley all about her new book The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise, Salt-N-Pepa songs, video games, leg shakers, and why she makes her kids write letters. Plus – we continue our London trip recap.

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Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 199 Burning On Chocolate

February 16, 2023February 21, 2023 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Dave’s belt is too tight, Laura burns herself on a chocolate chip, and Andrew loses at Monopoly. Our book recommendations include: The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton, Meru by S.B. Divya, and Cinema Speculation by Quentin Tarantino. Audiobook of the Week is The Devil Himself by Peter Farris.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 187 Mountain Lions & Coyotes & Robert Crais Oh My!

November 3, 2022November 2, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We have a fun chat with Robert Crais all about his new Elvis Cole and Joe Pike novel Racing the Light, his love of cooking, hiking the LA canyons, the best time to drive in Los Angeles, coyotes, and what his go to taco is. Plus – Dave has no time for smack talk, Laura meets an odd duck of a clerk at a music store and Andrew sets up a haunted walk. We also recommend The Max by Ken Bruen and Jason Starr, Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng, and Mockingbird by Walter Tevis. Audiobook of the Week is Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark by Cassandra Peterson.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 184 What’s The Deal With Bay Leaves With Bobby Finger

September 21, 2022September 27, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Bobby Finger for a fun chat about his debut novel The Old Place, Texas towns, new tats, old beans, “see me” teachers, and the puzzling existence of bay leaves. Plus – Dave shares a harrowing story from his school involving a police led evacuation. We also recommend: The Good Sister by Gillian McAllister, The Lost Village by Camilla Sten, and King of Ashes by Raymond E. Feist.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Typing Like Tom Hanks With Ali Hazelwood

August 29, 2022August 28, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We have a fun chat with Ali Hazelwood all about her new novel Love on the Brain, cackling while writing, the future of brain exploration, playing badminton poorly, and typing like Tom Hanks. Plus – Dave puts his foot in his mouth in front of his students. Again.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 180 How To Write For Dorothy Parker With Gill Paul

August 18, 2022August 18, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

A fun chat with Gill Paul all about her new book The Manhattan Girls, the Algonquin Round Table, the challenge of writing for Dorothy Parker, how to create a narrative arc from facts, and mobsters. Plus – Dave has a yogurt related incident while driving, Laura has issues with doors, and Andrew’s tripping over animatronic parts. We also recommend: Written in Red by Anne Bishop, Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister, & For Sale: Spaceship by Douglas Michaels. Audiobook of the Week is Dangerous Rhythms: Jazz and the Underworld by T.J. English.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Fighting The Urge To Curse With Dwyer Murphy

August 13, 2022August 12, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We chat with Dwyer Murphy all about his novel An Honest Living, running in New York City, auction house coffee, and his tremendous urge to curse. Plus – we share some cruddy retail stories.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 178 Pumping Iron With Mohsin Hamid

August 4, 2022August 3, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

A fun conversation with Mohsin Hamid all about his new novel The Last White Man, how everything changed for him after 9/11, the importance of trying new things, how fiction allows you to become a child again, his workout regimen, and the genius of A Fish Called Wanda. Plus – Dave receives the glass booth treatment, Laura gets a needle shot up her foot, and Andrew is pulled over by cops on the same date three out of the last four years. We also recommend: The Heavenly Table by Donald Ray Pollock, Honor by Thrity Umrigar, and The Interstellar Slayer by Scott Baron. Audiobook of the Week is Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 177 How To Doom A Novel With Christina Dodd

July 27, 2022August 2, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Christina Dodd for a fun chat about her new thriller Point Last Seen, why she had to abandon her cruise ship book, the friendly Canadian airport security, her amazing fire pit, and the bad luck she’s had with some of her choices of novel settings. Plus – Dave orders the wrong sandwich, Laura discusses The Lumineers concert, and Andrew is outraged over 1883. We also recommend: The Church of Baseball by Ron Shelton, The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley and The Ruins by T.W. Piperbrook. Audiobook of the week is Open by Andre Agassi.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 174 Forest Mushrooms With Will Dean

July 7, 2022July 6, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Another fun chat with Will Dean! We talk about his latest thriller First Born, Bernie the wonder dog, forest mushrooms, how to take weapons on planes, twins, getting up on rooftops in New York City, and why he doesn’t sleep on planes. Plus: Dave believes Competitive Parade Following should be a sport, Laura walks into a stranger’s house, and Andrew is befuddled by the lack of July 4th excitement. We also recommend: The Switch by Beth O’Leary, Walk the Vanished Earth by Erin Swan, Nolyn by Michael J. Sullivan. Audiobook of the Week is The Golden Season by Madeline Kay Sneed.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 173 Plague Pits & Ghosts With Elly Griffiths

June 29, 2022June 28, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Elly Griffiths for a fun chat about her latest Ruth Galloway mystery The Locked Room, plague pits, the time she used the same name for different characters, The Grey Lady Ghost, and why you should never wear the same outfit as the dust jacket photo of your book. Plus – Dave has stories from his camping trip, Laura buys a new outfit that makes her look like a fisherman, and Andrew has a bad restaurant experience. We also recommend: Breathless by Amy McCulloch, The House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland, & Artifact by Joshua James. Audiobook of the week is The Hop by Diana Clarke.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 173 How To Grift Your Friends With Julie Clark

June 22, 2022June 21, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Julie Clark for a fun chat about her new novel The Lies I Tell, the psychology of con artistry, real estate scams, being a self-taught author, graphic design, Joan Jett, and what makes June & July special. Plus – Dave pokes fun at his father-in-law, Laura pokes fun at Dave, and Andrew’s buying pills. We also recommend: The Island by Adrian McKinty, Of Sea and Shadow by Will Wight, and The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager. Audiobook of the Week is The Wrong Side by Robert Bailey.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 170 Cars, Cake & EEGs

June 2, 2022June 1, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

This week: Dave doesn’t get his promised cake, Laura takes Sylvia in for an EEG, and Andrew goes car shopping. Again. Our recommendations are: The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward, A Bond Broken by J.T. Wright, and The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow. Audiobook of the week is With A Mind To Kill by Anthony Horowitz.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 169 Running Barefoot Through Books With Isabel Cañas

May 26, 2022May 26, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

A fun chat with Isabel Cañas about her debut novel The Hacienda, how she’s afraid of the dark, why she spend a lot of time in an unfinished basement as a kid, hot priests, and what it means to run barefoot through books. Plus – Dave goes to the track, Laura screams while falling and is laughed at, and Andrew hosts a host of Girl Scouts. We also recommend: Suburban Dicks by Fabian Nicieza, Bullet Train by Kotaro Isaka, & The First Born Academy by Isla Frost. Audiobook of the Week is Pet Sematary by Stephen King.

Race Day Uniform

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Remembering The Betamax With Stephen Lloyd

May 17, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Stephen Lloyd for a fun chat about his new book Friend of the Devil, the differences between novel writing and screenwriting, being an insufferable drama student, when football was REALLY violent and tackling the serious issue of Betamax vs. VHS. Plus – Dave’s students get some outsized reactions while performing in public.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

How To Terrorize Your Friends With Jennifer McMahon

April 29, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We chat with Jennifer McMahon about her new novel The Children on the Hill, using her childhood and love of movie monsters as inspiration, how her first short story was about a haunted meatball, terrorizing her friends at slumber parties, writing what scares you, and her favorite movie snacks. Plus – Dave rants about trail closures for raccoons.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 166 History, Horror & Spiders With Alma Katsu

April 27, 2022May 6, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We talk to Alma Katsu about her new novel The Fervor, Japanese fire balloons, finding inspiration in civil unrest, and the inanity of the Japanese internment camps. Plus – Dave hides from the deans, Laura is forced to hop on yet another social media app, and Andrew forgets what grade his kids are in. We also recommend: The Hollows by Mark Edwards, City on Fire by Don Winslow, and A Warship Named Sky: A Hero’s Story by Saxon Andrew. Audiobook of the week is The Death and Life of Bobby Z by Don Winslow.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 165 Speaking Ill Of The Dead With Sascha Rothchild

April 20, 2022April 20, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

A fun chat with Sascha Rothchild about her new novel Blood Sugar, finding inspiration in the middle of the night, why she doesn’t care if you hate her book (you won’t), TV writing vs. novel writing, and why it’s okay to speak ill of the dead. Plus – Dave and his runny nose battle a mask on the airplane, Laura is over Millenials, and Andrew wants out of all group texts. We also recommend Litani by Jess Lourey, Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea, and The Emmisary by Michael J. Edwards.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 164 How To Be An Awful Collaborator With Sarah Pinborough

April 14, 2022April 17, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Sarah Pinborough for a fun chat about her novel Insomnia, being petrified of everything growing up, why she finds the horror she writes amusing, watching TV in the afternoon in lieu of working, and what makes her a terrible collaborator. Plus – Dave sees the worst theatrical performance of his life, Laura unsuccessfully channels her inner Johnny Appleseed, and Andrew’s getting too old to go to concerts. We also recommend: Seven Days by Alex Lake, Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel, and A Door Into Time by Shawn Inmon. Audiobook of the week is The Silent Wife by Karin Slaughter.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 163 Sharpshootin’ With Kate Quinn

April 6, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Kate Quinn for a fun conversation about her novel The Diamond Eye, the Ukranian sniper known as Lady Death, the timeliness of this book, her “method writing” experience, and how to know when to fictionalize. Plus – Laura needs business help, Dave can’t find the finish line, and Andrew dives deep into his wallet for a birthday dinner. We also recommend: Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano, No Second Chances by Rio Youers, and Fast Time At Aldmont High by Laurence Dahners. Audiobook of the week is Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

What To Pack For A Danish Picnic With Sara Blaedel

March 29, 2022March 29, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

A conversation with Sara Blaedel about her new novel A Harmless Lie, insect collecting, speaking in the voices of her characters, and the best foods to take when you’re picnicking in Denmark. Plus – Dave has a horrific half marathon tale.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Going Undercover With Ken Croke And Dave Wedge

March 22, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We chat with Ken Croke and Dave Wedge all about their riveting new book Riding With Evil: Taking Down The Notorious Pagan Motorcycle Gang. Ken talks to us about having the luck of the Irish, going undercover, how it affected his family, having to lie nonstop and remember those lies, and the fears of getting caught. Dave joins us to talk about writing the book and the great tool it will make for law enforcement. Plus – a bewildered Sylvia garners unwanted attention by wearing a Michigan sweatshirt in New Orleans.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 160 Why You Should Be A Food Critic With C. J. Box

March 11, 2022March 11, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined again by one of our favorite authors C. J. Box for a fun chat about his latest Joe Pickett novel Shadows Reel, his new favorite Denver Nugget player, incorporating the recent US civil unrest in his book, 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.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 159 Sleeping Behind An Electric Fence With Erica Ferencik

March 4, 2022March 4, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Erica Ferencik for an interesting conversation about her new novel Girl In Ice, sleeping behind an electric fence in Greenland, her relationship with fear, learning to be aware at all times, kayaking in the Iceberg Graveyard, and how she created her own Nordic language. Plus – Dave is the good cop, Laura relies on pencil marks on wood, and Andrew is a hero. We also recommend: Exit by Belinda Bauer, Road of Bones by Christopher Golden, and Battlefield Reclaimer by David North. Audiobook of the week is All Day is a Long Time by David Sanchez.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Quantum Physics & Dinosaurs With Rob Hart

February 28, 2022February 28, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

On this Inside Chat episode we talk to Rob Hart all about his new novel The Paradox Hotel, making sense of time travel, how he wrote for the future, and writing with his mother in mind. Plus – we see a movie we wish we hadn’t.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 156 Stalking Martha Stewart With Wendy Corsi Staub

February 10, 2022February 14, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Wendy Corsi Staub for a fun chat about her new book The Other Family, how she stalks Martha Stewart, getting her best ideas from her sons, Victorian death rituals, where you can find her rum cake recipe, and who her Amazing Race partner would be. We also recommend: A History of Wild Places by Shea Ernshaw, The Trees by Percival Everett, and Mother of Learning by Domagoj Kurmaic. Audiobook of the week is Beautiful Little Fools by Jillian Kantor. Plus – Dave’s classroom is a house of horrors, Laura readjusts vacation plans after study crime maps, and Andrew makes bank from the airlines due to an “overweight” plane.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 155 Flash Fiction & Running Zen With Charmaine Wilkerson

February 2, 2022February 9, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Charmaine Wilkerson for a fun chat about her debut novel Black Cake, writing short fiction, cake (naturally), the search for plausibility, the zen of running and how it pertains to writing, and her love of crunchy foods. We also recommend: Five Decembers by James Kestrel, The Maidens by Alex Michaelides, and Prodigies by Apollos Thorne. Audiobook of the week is I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh. Plus – Dave rails against school administrators, Laura finds herself aimlessly wandering and muttering to herself, and we’re both shocked by how much Andrew the tooth fairy doles out.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 153 When Books Become Trays With Elizabeth George

January 20, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Today we talk to Elizabeth George all about her new Inspector Lynley novel Something To Hide, teaching the craft of writing, what happens to her books when screenwriters get hold of them, her adoration of Idris Elba, and that time her husband used her book as a tray. We also recommend: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, The Ghostwriter by Alessandra Torre, and The Eve of Snows by L. James Rice. Audiobook of the Week is Steel Fear by Brandon Webb and John David Mann. Plus – Dave is publicly shamed while skiing, Laura takes a drugged dog to the vet, and Andrew’s hawking girl scout cookies.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 152 Buttered Popcorn & Stale Raisinets With Stephen Hunter

January 13, 2022January 20, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined once again by one of our favorite guests – Stephen Hunter. We chat all about his new book Targeted, his favorite Christmas snack, his aversion to new things, being a terrible short story writer, getting the names of his own characters wrong, and why he prefers old Raisinets. We also recommend: The Dry by Jane Harper, The Five Wounds by Kirstin Valdez Quade, Date Night on Union Station by E.M. Foner. Audiobook of the Week is The Treatment by Mo Hader. Plus – we discuss our personal COVID outbreaks and supermarket strikes.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 151 Driving and Crying

January 6, 2022 by Laura Medicus Interiors

A fun show today as we recap our trip to New York, Laura is witness to a Nair emegency, and Andrew hurts his back putting together Christmas presents. Our book recommendations are: Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy, How To Find Your Way in the Dark by Derek B. Miller, and Voyagers by Ben Bova. Audiobook of the week is Seasonal Work by Laura Lippman.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 149 The Fine Art Of The “Yes And” With Chip Brewer

December 16, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Chip Brewer for a fun chat about his debut novel Questions of Iron and Blood, fracturing his foot while running the Boston Marathon, thrillers based in reality, performing improv professionally, and the curse of having to finish reading a book no matter how bad it may be. We also recommend: The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green, Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay, and The Night Ranger by A. C. Cobble. Plus – Dave gives his colleagues a piece of his mind at a holiday function, Laura puts into motion Operation Snowday, and Andrew hits it big with his sports wager. Like really really big.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 146 Sherry Thomas Is The Unobservant Author

November 19, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

A fun conversation with Sherry Thomas about her new Lady Sherlock book Miss Moriarty, I Presume?, not using the character of Moriarty as an antagonist, what makes a good villain, and writing for Holmes despite not being very observant in real life. We also recommend: The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki, Shoot The Moonlight Out by William Boyle, and Rocket Repo by CP James. Audiobook of the week is Black River by SM Hulse. Plus – Dave brings a knife to class, Laura is force fed Christmas music, and Andrew attempts surgery on himself and fails.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 145 Camping With Rabbits With Alice Henderson

November 10, 2021November 19, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

A fun chat with Alice Henderson about her new novel A Blizzard of Polar Bears, how she selects the species to write about for her books, how climate change is affecting polar bears, writing fight scenes, the best ways to fight climate change, learning Polish, and what its like living in a camper with a pet rabbit. We also recommend: Paranoia by Joseph Finder, Every Last Secret by A. R. Torre and Battleship Leviathan by Craig Martelle. Plus – Dave gets scolded by one of his students’ parents, Laura doesn’t like being called “young lady,” and Andrew hands out gifts!

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 144 Silly Questions With Jeffrey Archer

November 4, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We have a very funny chat with the great Jeffrey Archer all about his new book Over My Dead Body, his love for and bafflement of Americans, being passed by a letter box while running a marathon, why it’s important to write what you know, how his favorite sports teams can’t win, his writing routine, the founding fathers, and what he said to Jack Lemmon that made him cry. We also recommend The Collective by Alison Gaylin, Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon, and Fair Trade by Mackey Chandler. Plus – Dave’s theater students take their pants off while performing for elementary students, Laura is forced to join a marching band, and Andrew shops for clarinets.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 142 Drunken Pool Diving With Josh Malerman

October 13, 2021October 25, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We chat with Josh Malerman all about his new novel Pearl, having to write with his keyboard at an angle, how he maintains tension in his books, outdoing himself, and why he drunkenly jumped in a pool with his clothes on. We also recommend: The Handyman by Bentley Little, The Quiet Ones by Brandon Massey, and Suited for Life by Daniel Schinhofen. Audiobook of the week is The Prestige by Christopher Priest. Plus – Dave’s students create a fan Instagram page for him, Laura sprints while marching with the band, and Andrew gets an anonymous letter complaining about the plethora of animatronics in his yard.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 135 The Glamorous Art of Cigarette Smoking With Megan Abbott

August 12, 2021August 13, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Megan Abbott for a fun conversation about her new novel The Turnout, why she bought a pair of used ballet shoes from eBay, glamorous cigarette smoking, the exhaustive nature of showrunning, what it was like writing for The Deuce, and her multifaceted superstitions that affect the way she writes. We also recommend New Girl in Little Cove by Damhnait Monaghan, A Killer Plot by Ellery Adams, and Lost Contact by Nathan Hystad. The audiobook of the week is The Houseguest by Emilie Richards. Plus – Dave breaks down what it’s like to climb a 14er, Laura opens up the crawl space, and Andrew’s cats get locked in the bathroom and exact their revenge.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Inside Chat: Uncovering Secret Love Affairs With Stephanie Dray

July 6, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Today we chat with Stephanie Dray all about her new book The Women of Chateau Lafayette, the trouble with writing three separate timelines, America’s favorite fighting Frenchman the Marquis de Lafayette, discovering an old secret love affair while doing research and having to break it to the family, and much more! Plus – Dave hits the road with the cat.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Inside Chat: The Best Books of 2021 So Far With Amazon’s Sarah Gelman

June 15, 2021June 15, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Today we chat with Sarah Gelman from Amazon Books about the best books of 2021 thus far, the fights that go down amongst the editors to get their picks on the list, and the real reason she loves cookbooks.

Check out the full list here – https://www.amazon.com/Best-Books-of-the-Year-So-Far/b?ie=UTF8&node=3003015011

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Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 128 Who Needs Research? With Carter Wilson

June 10, 2021June 10, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Today we’re joined by Carter Wilson for a fun chat about his new thriller The Dead Husband, how he hates to do research for his books, the comments he gets at book clubs, small towns, and how being bored in a real estate relicensing class led to him becoming a writer. We also recommend: A Death At Seaside by Emma Jameson, What Waits For You by Joseph Schneider, and The Lost Secret by Vaughn Heppner. Our audiobook of the week is Day Zero by C. Robert Cargill. Plus – Dave & Laura do a deep dive on the psychology of Andrew, and we find out his kids are amazing trash generators.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 120 Out Of Africa With Bryan Christy

April 16, 2021April 15, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Today we’re joined by Bryan Christy for a fun chat about his debut novel In The Company of Killers, his career as an investigative journalist, why he decided to switch over to fiction from journalism, how growing up in a mortician’s family affected him, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and the time he got arrested in Tanzania going after ivory traffickers. We also recommend: Never Far Away by Michael Koryta, The Carrow Haunt by Darcy Coates, Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. Audiobook of the week is The Bone Maker by Sarah Beth Durst. Plus- Dave is stalked by a flock of geese, Laura discovers an intriguing hole in the backyard, and Andrew tests positive for COVID.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Inside Chat: Thinking Like An Animal With Brian Nelson

March 25, 2021March 24, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Today we chat with author Brian Nelson about his new thriller Five Tribes, the fine art of biohacking, technology as its own life form, the common bond between honeyguides and orcas, mirror neurons and thinking like an animal, Dungeons & Dragons, and how he gave his freshman English students the Unabomber Manifesto to read.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Inside Chat: Working Out With Lisa Renee Jones

March 14, 2021March 13, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Today we chat with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones about her new thriller The Poet, how her husband’s infatuation with serial killers helped inspire her to write the book, working out, her husband’s candy obsession, plotting with her husband, and finding resources for her novels in the strangest places.

Snowpocalypse

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 106 Divorce Ranches and Dust Covers with Julia Claiborne Johnson

January 6, 2021 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by the fabulous Julia Claiborne Johnson for a fun chat about her new book Better Luck Next Time, how her father worked on a divorce ranch and helped inspire her book, her struggle to remember people’s names, being blinded by the light at the Emmys, changing the ending almost too late, dust cover etiquette, her obsession with obits, and why her family refuses to go on walks with her in public. We also recommend: The Invitation by Rachel Abbot, The Art of Violence by S. J. Rozan, Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline. Audiobook of the week is Shed No Tears by Caz Frear. Plus- Dave gets a STOP WORK order, Laura sits on hold with aggressively vitriolic piano music, Andrew’s Christmas vacation is derailed by a beached whale.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Episode 102 Writing: A Loathe Story with Jeff Lindsay

December 2, 2020December 2, 2020 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Today we’re joined by the hilarious Jeff Lindsay for a waaaay too much fun chat about his excellent new thriller Fool Me Twice, how he loathes writing, his future one man show Off Book, writing plays for no audience, American archetypes, the lost meaning of Dexter, playing Scrooge in a department store window, and how his wife is Annie Oakley incarnate. We also recommend: The Rook by Daniel O’Malley, The Wicked Sister by Karen Dionne, and The Eons – Lost Orphan by Laer Carroll. Audiobook of the week is Alright Alright Alright: The Oral History of Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused by Melissa Maerz. Plus: Dave has horrific RBF, Laura is monitoring Sylvia’s progress as a professional conversationalist, & Andrew preps his giant Christmas inflatables.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Ep. 98 How To Spy On People With Simone St. James

October 21, 2020October 27, 2020 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Today we’re joined by Simone St. James for a fun conversation about her amazing book The Sun Down Motel, writing the book she wants to read, the sheer ‘70sness of Burt Reynolds, the lost art of microfiche, yellow edged pages on books, and karaoke go-tos. We also recommend: Cut to the Bone by Ellison Cooper, In the Valley by Ron Rash, and Hella by David Gerrold. Audiobook of the week is Goodnight Beautiful by Aimee Molloy. Plus – Dave goes back to school for one day only, Laura has a rat list, and Andrew creates a haunted house.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

Inside Chat: Concealed Weapons with LS Hawker

October 18, 2020October 18, 2020 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by the fabulous LS Hawker for a fun conversation about her books, opening up a pub during a pandemic, creating fitness videos in the 90s where the babies are the weights, working as a Kmart portrait photographer, writing with her daughter, basement exorcisms, the power of acupuncture, and the knife she keeps in her bra.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

For all your shopping needs use our IndieBound link or click on the banner below. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show as well as independent booksellers everywhere!

Check out our list of every book we’ve ever recommended on the show.

How To Embezzle Millions With Emily Gray Tedrowe

October 1, 2020 by Laura Medicus Interiors

An “Inside Chat” edition! We’re joined by Emily Gray Tedrowe for a fun conversation about her gripping new novel The Talented Miss Farwell, running, how to make a $50 million embezzler relatable, and the siren song of a Redneck Woman.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

You can find any of the books we recommend at any of the fine booksellers below. Clicking on the banner helps to help support the show and doesn’t cost you a cent extra!

For all your shopping needs use our Amazon link or click on the banner. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show! Here you will find every book we’ve ever recommended on the show. (Like, ever!)

Mile High Burro Racing With Heather Mateus Sappenfield

September 23, 2020September 23, 2020 by Laura Medicus Interiors

An “Inside Chat” edition! We are joined by Heather Mateus Sappenfield for a fun conversation about her new collection of short stories Lyrics for Rock Stars, the influence Colorado has on her writing, being inspired by a visit to the Molly Brown house, how stories arrive in her head fully formed, and how her father raced burros (a true ultra endurance sport).

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

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Ep. 92- Pugilism & Poetry with Joshua Bennett

September 6, 2020September 12, 2020 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Dr. Joshua Bennett for a fantastic and lively conversation about his amazing new collection of poetry Owed, how his father was his first hero, improvising 40 minute sermons as a four-year-old, the search for the average bear, and how boxing brings him peace. We also recommend: Kindred by Octavia Butler, Mountain Rampage by Scott Graham, and Legend of the Arch Magus by Michael Sisa. Audiobook of the week is Bye Bye Baby by Max Allan Collins. Plus- Dave’s students have a nickname for him, Laura spies on her daughter’s virtual classroom, and Andrew’s kids are at each other’s throats.

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Pop Stars and Fame With Elissa R. Sloan

September 2, 2020September 2, 2020 by Laura Medicus Interiors

An “Inside Chat” edition! We are joined by Elissa R Sloan for a fun conversation about her new book The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes, how she was inspired by America’s Next Top Model, the impossible standards women face, *NSYNC’s rotating cube, and how she held off getting therapy until after the book was finished.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

You can find any of the books we recommend at any of the fine booksellers below. Clicking on the banner helps to help support the show and doesn’t cost you a cent extra!

Ep. 89 Witch Hunting with Alexis Henderson

August 16, 2020August 16, 2020 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We’re joined by Alexis Henderson for a fun conversation about her bewitching novel The Year of the Witching, being home schooled and her experience with Right-wing Christianity, her favorite witches of all time, The Phantom of the Opera, and struggling to remember which scenes ended up in the finished version of her book. We also recommend All the Broken People by Leah Konen and Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson. Our audiobook of the week is Calibre by Ken Bruen read by Gerard Doyle. Plus – Dave can’t stop leaving home projects half finished, Laura starts a grease fire in a rental house, and Andrew has rattlesnakes in the backyard.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

You can find any of the books we recommend at any of the fine booksellers below. Clicking on the banner helps to help support the show and doesn’t cost you a cent extra!

Flying Off The Handle With Joseph Reid

August 12, 2020 by Laura Medicus Interiors

On this “Inside Chat” edition we are joined by Joseph Reid for a fun conversation about his thrilling new book Departure, having a plan for an evolving main character from the very beginning of the Seth Walker series, frequent flyer tips, how he’s not as high tech as you think, and what it’s like to experience four missed landings on one flight.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

You can find any of the books we recommend at any of the fine booksellers below. Clicking on the banner helps to help support the show and doesn’t cost you a cent extra!

Ep. 88 Buried Treasure with Kirsty Manning

August 9, 2020August 16, 2020 by Laura Medicus Interiors

We are joined by Kirsty Manning for a fun conversation about her new book The Lost Jewels, American optimism vs. Australian sarcasm, the Cheapside Hoard, the craftsmanship of jewelry, the timelessness of the human spirit, and how her novel was borne of procrastination. We also recommend Before You Go by Tommy Butler, Blacktop Wasteland by S. A. Cosby, and Gideon the 9th by Tamsyn Muir. Our audiobook of the week is Soul Circus by George Pelecanos. Plus – Dave goes to the DMV for the screaming, Laura is stressed out at a photo shoot, and Andrew goes horse riding and gets a biter.

HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!

You can find any of the books we recommend at any of the fine booksellers below. Clicking on the banner helps to help support the show and doesn’t cost you a cent extra!

Ep. 61 Author Sophie Hannah and More!

February 2, 2020February 5, 2020 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Author Sophie Hannah joins us for a chat about her new book Perfect Little Children, always asking “what if”, holding grudges, and writing murder mystery musicals. We recommend: Perfect Little Children by Sophie Hannah, The Night Visitor by Lucy Atkins, and Moon Palace by Paul Auster. Audiobook of the week is American Predator by Maureen Callahan narrated by Amy Landon. YA Shout out is Ariel by Sylvia Plath. Dave feels awkward in a waiting room, Laura unpacks Sylvia’s lunchbox and finds a huge cheese grater, and Andrew’s kid can’t decide whether to be a DJ or a Doctor.

You can find any of the books we recommend on the show at IndieBound. Use our link or click on the banner below to help support the show!

For your shopping needs use our Amazon link or click on the banner. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show! Here you will find every book we’ve ever recommended on the show. (Like, ever!)

Ep. 55 – Author Mitty Walters and More!

December 22, 2019December 30, 2019 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Author Mitty Walters joins us for a chat about his book Breaking Gravity, getting lost in books as a kid, and recounts a harrowing story about a murder he witnessed years ago. We recommend: Soon by Lois Murphy, Confessions by Kanae Minato , and A Pause in Space Time by Laurence Dahners. Audiobook of the week is Black Summer by M.W. Craven narrated by the prolific John Banks. YA book of the week is The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli. Also – Dave puts a stapler in Jello, Laura gushes about the gorgeous staff at Urgent Care centers, and Andrew gushes about blue cheese.

To find any of these books (and for ALL your shopping needs) use our Amazon link or click on the banner. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show! Here you will find every book we’ve ever recommended on the show. (Like, ever!)

Ep. 46 Author Catherine Ryan Howard and More!

October 20, 2019November 28, 2019 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Author Catherine Ryan Howard joins us for a highly entertaining talk about her latest crime thriller Rewind, how to think like a killer, her early love for Patricia Cornwell books and much more! We recommend: The House on Tradd Street by Karen White, Bad Games by Jeff Menapace, and Earthcore by Scott Sigler. Audiobook of the week is Summer of Night by Dan Simmons narrated by multi-talented Dan John Miller. YA book of the week is The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson. Dave gets in trouble sneaking around an Air Force Base, Andrew is literally laying down for the show and Laura describes screaming her way through a “Haunted Mansion.”

To find any of these books (and for ALL your shopping needs) use our amazon link or click on the banner. It doesn’t cost you a cent and helps to support the show! Here you will find every book we’ve ever recommended on the show. (Like, ever!)

Ep. 41 Author Sarah Pinsker and More!

September 15, 2019November 28, 2019 by Laura Medicus Interiors

Author Sarah Pinsker joins us for a chat about song writing versus fiction writing, trashing hotel rooms and her new book A Song For a New Day. We recommend: Craven Manor by Darcy Coates, Killfile by Christopher Farnsworth, and King’s Dark Tidings by Kel Kade. Audiobook of the week is The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson narrated by the incomparable George Guidall. YA book of the week is Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez.