On today's 234th episode of The Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple sits down with Rachel Howzell Hall for a return performance to discuss her latest thriller FOG AND FURY. As always, Rachel is a superb guest, and she provides insights and instincts like few other writers. There's a reason she's atop the best-selling charts! Fog and Fury is the star of today’s show, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this conversation! Rachel our fantastic guest and prolific author, is back to chat about her new t...
Jul 02, 2025•45 min•Season 9Ep. 234
Today, host Dave Temple is diving into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world with the legendary Robert Gottlieb, the chairman of Trident Media Group. Robert has the inside scoop on how books go from mere words on a page to bestsellers that everyone’s talking about. We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to run a top-tier talent agency and what separates a good writer from a great one. As we chat, Robert shares his journey from being an assistant at the William Morris Agency to...
Jun 26, 2025•44 min•Season 9Ep. 233
Welcome to not only the 232nd episode of The Thriller Zone, but we are also celebrating our 4-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!! Can you believe it? Four years of thrilling stories, incredible guests, and a whole lot of banter. Who better to celebrate with than #1 New York Times Bestselling author Megan Abbott, author of The Turnout. Today's chat is all about celebrating our fabulous four-year anniversary of the podcast...but perhaps as equally important, we're going to do a deep-dive on her latest riveting t...
Jun 19, 2025•50 min•Season 9Ep. 232
Get ready to dive into the wild world of “Dark Neon Dirt,” because today's 231st episode with Dave Temple, the host of The Thriller Zone, we’re hanging out with debut author Thomas Trang. Let me tell you, this cat knows how to spin a tale, and we kick things off by gushing over his book that’s got all the thrilling vibes you’d expect—think crime, grit, and a dash of clever banter. Thomas shares his journey from the shipping industry to the literary scene, proving that you can go from navigating ...
Jun 12, 2025•56 min•Season 8Ep. 231
On today's 230th episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple, get ready to dive into the thrilling world of book publishing with the fabulous Emily Bestler, a true rock star in the industry! We’re talking about her journey from studying English at Columbia to being the Senior VP and Editor-in-Chief at Emily Bestler Books. With a resume that boasts 79 New York Times bestsellers, she's not just any editor; she’s a literary wizard making dreams come true for authors everywhere. We’ll chat about w...
Jun 05, 2025•39 min•Season 8Ep. 230
On today's 229th episode of The Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple dives into the thrilling world of indie authorship with the debut of Josh Mendoza and his book, *Shadow of the Eternal Watcher*. Right off the bat, this title has got some serious flair! Not only does it have a cover that could make even the grumpiest bookworm smile, but it’s also packed with enough tension and excitement to keep you on the edge of your seat. Josh, who’s also an indie filmmaker, brings a unique perspective to storyt...
May 29, 2025•32 min•Season 8Ep. 229
The 228th episode of The Thriller Zone is a laid-back, celebratory throwback as host Dave Temple takes a breather for Memorial Day weekend. He’s treating us to a thrilling two-for-one special with interviews from two heavyweights in the thriller genre, Jon Katzenbach and Matthew Quirk. First up is Jon Katzenbach, who shares insights about his riveting work, *Jack's Boys*, while reminiscing about his journey from a crime reporter to a bestselling author. Dave and Jon dive into the intricacies of ...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Season 8Ep. 228
Get ready to dive into Episode #227 when host Dave Temple leads The Thriller Zone with an electrifying conversation in the world of Silent Horizons with his pal Jack Stewart! We’re kicking off this chat by unpacking the thrilling journey of co-authoring this new gem, blending Jack's storytelling magic with Chad Robichaux's real-life experiences. Expect some juicy tales about the creative process, the ups and downs of writing alongside someone else, and a sprinkle of witty banter that keeps thing...
May 15, 2025•26 min•Season 8Ep. 227
Welcome to our 226th episode of The Thriller Zone, as host Dave Temple welcomes Wes Browne, the mastermind behind the gripping novel 'They All Fall the Same,' for an enjoyable conversation. We chat about everything from the gritty reality of rural noir to the culinary chaos of running pizza joints and crafting beers. Wes spills the beans on how his background as a criminal defense attorney spices up his storytelling, making us ponder the fine line between right and wrong—much like a good pizza t...
May 08, 2025•39 min•Season 8Ep. 226
Today's Bonus Episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple dives into a thrilling discussion with new author Gary Quesenberry, who's just dropped his debut book, *Homecoming*. We kick things off by exploring the gripping world of his main character, Case Younger, an air marshal who's trying to escape a violent past but soon finds himself in a small town where chaos reigns. Gary’s got a unique perspective on this, having been an army veteran and a Federal Air Marshal himself, which means he’s se...
May 02, 2025•18 min•Season 8Ep. 225
Hello and welcome to Episode #224 with host Dave Temple. It's your #1 Thriller Fiction, Film & TV Podcast where Dave interviews the giants of thriller fiction. And today, we’re happy to have #1 New York Times bestselling author, the legendary David Baldacci. David is here to chat about his latest book, "Strangers in Time!" This isn’t another legal thriller; instead, Baldacci has taken a delightful detour into historical fiction, and trust me, it's a ride you want to buckle up for. We’ll unpa...
May 01, 2025•50 min•Season 8Ep. 224
Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of listener love on this episode of the Thriller Zone! I’m David Temple, your trusty host, and today, we’re flipping the script a bit – instead of chatting with an author, I’m pouring over some fantastic emails from you lovely folks. Whether it’s your favorite moments from past episodes or insights from our thrilling guests, I’m here to share it all. Like, Tammy’s got a soft spot for Adrian McKinty’s coffee chat, and Heather’s raving about character development...
Apr 24, 2025•12 min•Season 8Ep. 223
On today's 222nd episode of the world-famous Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple sits down with New York Times bestselling author Adrian McKinty, creator of the Sean Duffy Series. Together, they’re diving deep into the thrilling world of storytelling and chatting about the magic of writing first drafts and how every aspiring author should just finish that story, no matter how messy it gets. Adrian, a multiple New York Times bestselling author and Dave's new best buddy, shares some seriously cool ins...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 8Ep. 222
On today's 221st and BONUS episode of The Thriller Zone, I dive into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world with my good friend Mark Gottlieb, Senior VP and top literary agent at Trident Media Group. I'm your host Dave Temple, and Mark is back to drop some serious knowledge bombs about what it takes to make it as an author in today’s thriller-happy market. We chat about the importance of having a killer query letter—because let’s face it, that’s your golden ticket to getting noticed. By the wa...
Apr 11, 2025•47 min•Season 8Ep. 221
Join host Dave Temple for episode #220 as he takes us on a wild and thrilling ride in the world of crime fiction as we chat with the incredibly talented Nick Kolakowski! Nick has a new book out, "Where the Bones Lie," that’s packed with dark humor and gripping storytelling. He shares his journey from travel journalist to novelist, revealing how his experiences shape his characters and plots—like a master chef whipping up a deliciously twisted dish! Dave & Nick dive into the art of writing, c...
Apr 10, 2025•52 min•Season 8Ep. 220
On today's 219th episode of The Thriller Zone with host Dave Temple, we dive into the world of thrillers with New York Times bestselling author Eric Rickstad. This show is like a rollercoaster ride through the dark alleys of crime fiction, and Eric’s latest book, 'Remote the Six', isn't just another run-of-the-mill serial killer tale; it’s a captivating blend of FBI drama and the uncanny world of remote viewing, where the line between reality and the supernatural gets a little blurry. As Eric ex...
Apr 03, 2025•35 min•Season 8Ep. 219
On today's 218th episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple, we're diving into the heart of thriller fiction as we chat with Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy, and Byrdie Bell, the daughter of the late Ted Bell, a New York Times Bestselling author. We launch discussing "Monarch," the new thriller penned by Steck which respects the legacy of Ted’s iconic Alex Hawke series. I for one, feel it's a deeply emotional ride filled with heartfelt moments and behind-the-scenes stories that’ll give you the ...
Mar 20, 2025•44 min•Season 8Ep. 218
On today's 217th episode, we’re diving into the mind of the legendary Marshall Karp, a true master of the thriller genre and co-author with the great James Patterson. You’re in for a genuine treat as we unpack Karp's latest book, "Don't Tell Me How to Die," a gripping tale about a woman on a mission to secure her family’s future after receiving a terminal diagnosis. Karp is known for his sharp storytelling and knack for creating compelling characters, while Temple's humor shines as he asks Karp ...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 8Ep. 217
Thriller writer Tess Gerritsen, the brilliant mind behind over 30 award-winning novels, is back on our podcast, and we're diving headfirst into her latest gem, "The Summer Guest," here on our 216th episode of Season 8; perhaps our best season yet! Right off the bat, Tess shares her magical writing process, where her characters practically write themselves—talk about a fun twist on the typical writing grind! We’ll chat about The Martini Club, where retired spies tackle mysteries, and explore the ...
Mar 06, 2025•35 min•Season 8Ep. 216
On today's 215th episode, host Dave Temple is diving into the wild world of C.J. Box's latest thrill ride, Battle Mountain, the 25th installment in his Joe Pickett series. Can you believe it? Twenty-five! That’s like a silver anniversary for books! In a conversational style that feels like eavesdropping on a couple of good friends catching up, this episode of the Thriller Zone podcast takes us behind the scenes, as C.J. chats with Dave, as they reminisce about the journey of creating Joe Pickett...
Feb 20, 2025•38 min•Season 8Ep. 215
On today's 214th episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple, we're diving deep into the thrilling world of writing with none other than Mark Greaney, the mastermind behind the Gray Man series, and his latest page-turner, "Midnight Black." I'm so pleased that Mark carved out time for a fourth appearance on the Thriller Zone, and let me tell you, it’s a blast! As you can imagine, his new book Midnight Black, promises all the excitement and intrigue fans have come to love. Mark opens up about ho...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 8Ep. 214
On today's 213th episode of The Thriller Zone, we're doing something just a little bit differently. You see I recorded this episode with the lovely and talented Ashley Erwin nearly three years ago...April 2022, to be exact. Long story short, I pushed it aside to edit it, while waiting for the book to drop, and, well, the book got delayed, I misplaced the show file, and wouldn't you know I found this just this week and thought...why not air it now? Ashley, you don't mind, do you? Maybe it can enj...
Feb 06, 2025•37 min•Season 8Ep. 213
This 212th episode of the Thriller Zone hosted by Dave Temple, features a captivating interview with Scott Turow, the legendary author known for his contributions to the legal thriller genre. Scott, known as the pioneering author of legal thrillers, discusses his latest novel, "Presumed Guilty," which continues the story of Rusty Savage from his ground-breaking bestseller, "Presumed Innocent." The conversation unveils Scott's journey from aspiring writer to a celebrated author, revealing the int...
Jan 30, 2025•46 min•Season 8Ep. 212
On today's 211th episode of the #1 thriller podcast, The Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple welcomes the literary titan James Patterson, marking a significant highlight in the podcast's eighth season. The two scribes dive into the world of thriller fiction, discussing Patterson's illustrious career, which includes a staggering number of bestsellers and a unique blend of characters like Holmes, Marple, and Poe in his latest release, 'Holmes is Missing'. Temple reflects on Patterson's influence on hi...
Jan 16, 2025•51 min•Season 8Ep. 211
Welcome to the 3rd annual Dave & Tammy Year-End Extravaganza! This special episode features our favorite Top Ten lists, where we dive into the best books, audiobooks, films, and television series of the year. Join us as we celebrate the stories that captivated us, from thrilling novels to heartwarming films, all while sharing our personal insights and experiences. Tammy, my wonderful wife and life-sidekick, brings her unique perspective, and our audience absolutely loves her contributions! G...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Season 7Ep. 210
On today's 209th episode of The Thriller Zone, the conversation unfolds with host David Temple welcoming back Adam Hamdy, an acclaimed author whose latest work, 'Deadbeat', is the focal point of their engaging dialogue. As they reminisce about their previous interactions, Temple expresses his admiration for Hamdy's unique storytelling abilities and narrates how much he has grown as a writer since their initial meeting. The episode dives deep into the essence of 'Deadbeat', which is described as ...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Season 7Ep. 209
From CIA to Novelist: David McCloskey & The Art of Espionage On today’s 208th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes back former CIA analyst and author David McCloskey to discuss his latest thriller, The Seventh Floor. The conversation explores the intersection of social media and author branding, the development of McCloskey's protagonist Artemis Proctor, and the balance between authenticity and storytelling in espionage thrillers. McCloskey shares insights into the challe...
Dec 09, 2024•56 min•Season 7Ep. 208
On today's 207th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews New York Times bestselling author Danielle Trussoni about her latest thriller, 'The Puzzle Box.' Together, their engaging conversation covers the inspiration behind the book, the unique character of Mike Brink, and the cultural influences from Trussoni's time in Japan. The dialogue explores themes of power, gender, and the writing process, emphasizing the importance of character development and reader engagement. Trusson...
Dec 02, 2024•44 min•Season 7Ep. 207
On today’s 206th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes back author Jack Stewart to discuss his latest work in the Battleborn series, particularly the third book, Bogey Spades. The conversation delves into Jack's experiences as a military pilot, insights from the Top Gun movies, and the realities of aviation training. They also explore Jack's writing process, his aspirations beyond military thrillers, and how his day job as a pilot influences his storytelling. The episode provi...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 7Ep. 206
On today’s 205th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes back author Steve Urszenyi to discuss his latest book, 'Out in the Cold.' The conversation explores Steve's journey as a writer, the development of his female protagonist Alex Martel, and the themes of isolation and resilience in his work. Temple and Urszenyi also delve into the importance of research in writing, Steve's literary influences, and valuable writing advice for aspiring authors. As they wrap up, Steve shares a ...
Nov 11, 2024•31 min•Season 7Ep. 205
