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Preston & Child discuss Dead Mountain

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In this captivating event hosted by The Poisoned Pen Bookstore, bestselling authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child delve into their latest work, Dead Mountain, and share insights, anecdotes, and a few surprises.

The conversation began with a casual exchange between the authors about their surroundings. They later dived into the heart of the matter – their latest release, and the fourth installment in the Nora Kelly series.

Douglas and Lincoln touched on the evolving roles of their characters, especially FBI agent Corey Swanson, who’s been steadily taking center stage alongside Nora Kelly. They teased with the idea that Corey might be overshadowing Nora, adding layers of complexity to the series.

They mentioned the mysterious real-life events that inspired Dead Mountain – the infamous Dyatlov Pass incident, where experienced hikers met a tragic, unexplained fate in Russia’s Ural Mountains. Doug and Lincoln explored the eerie details of the case, from frozen bodies to missing eyes and tongues, adding an element of intrigue to their novel.

Later, they discussed how they transplanted the Russian mystery to the unique New Mexico setting for the book, complete with rugged landscapes and historical layers, drawing readers into a world of archaeological mysteries and FBI investigations. The authors also shared their fascination with the region’s rich history, where petroglyphs and hidden treasures abound.

As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that Dead Mountain is not only a gripping mystery but also a narrative that brings their beloved characters together in a way readers haven’t seen before.

While the release date for their next book remains undisclosed, readers can look forward to more exciting adventures from this dynamic writing duo, including the final book in the Pendergast series and a collection of true stories by Douglas Preston.

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Geri Krotow discusses The Kielbasa Killer

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In a captivating virtual chat, author of humorous cozy mysteries Geri Krotow discusses The Kielbasa Killer, with John Charles from The Poisoned Pen. The session offers book lovers a peek into the creative mind behind the novel, along with a wealth of insights and anecdotes.

Prior to writing, Krotow served in the Navy as Intelligence Officer. She earned a Master’s Degree in Information Systems, got deployed to South America, Europe and Greenland and was the first female Intel officer on the East Coast to earn Naval Aviation Observer Wings.

In the interview, Krotow shares her military background and the process of getting published. “Mystery readers and the mystery genre allow me to put my mind in investigative mode, which is what I did in the Navy.” She also discusses her transition from romance writing to mystery writing. Throughout the chat, Krotow emphasizes the importance of enjoying the writing process and staying true to oneself as an author.  “I’ve learned to relax and not put as much pressure on myself” she said. “Instead, I focus on enjoying the writing process and staying true to my storytelling style.”

Her new mystery novel, The Kielbasa Killer, revolves around Lydia Winooski, a baker in Western New York who returns to her hometown to open her own bakery and cafe serving Polish American food. All is fine until a dead body turns up in her backyard smoker, making Lydia and her grandmother prime suspects, and setting the stage for a captivating mystery. As the story unfolds, Geri seamlessly weaves Polish-American culture into the narrative, introducing readers to a unique blend of traditions and festivities, while a blossoming romance adds a touch of warmth to the intrigue.

Geri’s meticulous research process comes to light as she shares her journey into Polish cuisine, butchering techniques, and historical elements. Drawing from personal memories and YouTube videos, she captures the essence of Polish dishes, tantalizing readers’ senses and immersing them in the cultural experience.

If this glimpse into The Kielbasa Killer and Geri’s storytelling resonated with you, spread the word for others to enjoy it too. If you’d like to explore other cozy mysteries, check out our Book Clubs. There’s one just right for you.

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Mari K Eder discusses her tribute to The Girls Who Fought Crime

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In this virtual author chat, retired military general and writer Mary K Eder shared details about her latest book, The Girls Who Fought Crime, in conversation with John Charles from The Poisoned Pen.

The novel shines a long-overdue spotlight on the remarkable women who made significant contributions to law enforcement during World War II. 

Eder’s writing journey took a remarkable turn as she transitioned from her military career to crafting compelling crime fiction. “I’ve always been a writer, whether writing press releases or feature stories,” she reveals. The book emerged from her fascination with the unsung heroines of history, like the valiant members of the Masher Squad, who patrolled the streets and subways to protect women from harassment, inspired and led by Mary “Mae” Foley, the country’s first female investigator, who hunted rapists and serial killers before women had the right to vote.

Facing challenges in her research due to limited records, Eder turned to libraries, archives, historical sources, and newspapers to shed light on the often overlooked role of women in law enforcement during that era. Despite scant records, Eder’s meticulous research revealed their remarkable journey and unwavering dedication.

In the session, she invites the audience to explore the lives of these incredible women who defied norms and pushed boundaries. “Women make good actresses, so they can go undercover and no one will suspect them”. She also draws parallels between the past and the present, showcasing the potential of a more diverse police force in addressing modern challenges. “Research has shown that when women are involved in incidents, there is less chance of violence and more opportunities for better outcomes.”

Eder shared insights into her writing process, emphasizing the importance of consistency. Drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou, she emphasized the value of showing up to write every day, even if it means working on seemingly mundane aspects of the book. She also acknowledged the influence other authors had on her writing style, particularly for their ability to entertain readers while providing valuable insights, which made her aspire to deliver a similar blend in her own works.

Reflecting on her own journey, Eder urged young writers to persevere through challenges and setbacks, and stressed that although success might not come overnight, consistent effort and dedication can yield meaningful results. Finally, she reflected on the publishing process, whose pace she humorously compared to a glacier’s movement,  and shared some of the unique challenges and quirks of the industry.

The event offered a captivating insight into women’s impact on law enforcement, as depicted in her book The Girls Who Fought Crime, and into the mind of the woman behind it. Through meticulous research and passionate storytelling, Eder’s work offers a fresh perspective on history while celebrating the tenacity and contributions of remarkable women from the past.

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Jack Carr discusses Only the Dead

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In an illuminating virtual session hosted by The Poisoned Pen, acclaimed author Jack Carr, took center stage to discuss his latest work -and longest so far, Only The Dead. He also shared details of his transition from military service to a successful writing career. His journey underscores the importance of purpose, dedication, and the unwavering support of loved ones.

Drawing inspiration from Stephen Hunter‘s The 47th Samurai, Carr crafted a novel of truth and redemption, exploring multi-generational characters to enhance his stories. Carr’s remarkable narrative style and in-depth research have contributed to his novels’ success, opening doors to adaptations like a spin-off series for Amazon starring Chris Pratt and Taylor Kitsch.

The session, hosted by our founder, Barbara Peters, unveiled Carr’s distinctive writing process. Unlike conventional trends, Carr’s narrative is fueled by authenticity rather than market pressures. His books delve into decision-making, redemption, and the human psyche’s intricate layers. His process involves using a dedicated computer and email account solely for idea cultivation, an innovative approach that reflects his commitment to his craft.

Carr announced his upcoming venture into a new dimension, crafting a series of narrative nonfiction. His upcoming book delves into the 1983 Beirut Embassy bombing, a gripping story poised to captivate audiences with a unique blend of authenticity and revelation.

If you enjoyed this insight into Jack Carr‘s journey, we encourage you to share on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the latest news from your favorite authors.

James Patterson discusses Cross Down

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In this exciting virtual event from The Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona, renowned author James Patterson shared some insights about his latest book, Cross Down.

Patterson discussed the book’s origins, revealing it all began at the old Commodore Hotel in New York City and the suspense he felt after being told he won the Edgar Award for his first Alex Cross novel, thinking it was a hoax.

He also touched upon his collaboration with co-author Brendan Dubois and the process they go through to create their books. Patterson shared details about the storyline, including a retired CIA agent, Alex Cross, in Washington, D.C., dealing with jurisdictional disputes and a series of seemingly unrelated incidents.

Throughout the discussion, Patterson shared thought-provoking comments on themes such as trust, government, and societal divisions, and emphasized the importance of storytelling and research in his writing process.

In Patterson’s own words, “I’m not involved; I’m crazy involved.” He discussed the importance of keeping readers engaged and not letting the story become predictable. He also discusses his love for writing bookshots, which provide readers with a quick and accessible reading option.

Patterson also mentioned his involvement in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting independent bookstores and promoting reading among younger audiences.

If you found this conversation as fascinating as we did, consider sharing it on your social media. And if you want to stay up-to-date with more exciting book-related events, don’t forget to subscribe to The Poisoned Pen newsletter.