On today's BONUS episode, 144th to be exact, we're so very pleased to welcome fan and friend Michael Dolan, Publisher at Winding Road Stories. Besides being a terrific guy who's a legend in the publishing business, Mike has a vast network of connections, an in-depth knowledge of all things publishing, and a keen insight and talent for spotting those up-and-comer authors who are primed for stardom. On this episode, it's fun to speak with someone from New York because, like most all New Yorkers, M...
Aug 24, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 144
On today's 143rd episode of The Thriller Zone, we're delighted to welcome the talented and charming Lucy Clarke, author of The Hike. Lucy has eight destination novels under her writing belt including: The Sea Sisters, A Single Breath, No Escape, Last Seen, You Let Me In, The Castaways, One Of The Girls, and now The Hike. Lucy's novels have sold over a million copies and are published in more than 25 territories worldwide. The Castaways is currently being filmed on location in Fiji and Greece, wi...
Aug 21, 2023•48 min•Season 5Ep. 143
On today's 142nd episode of The Thriller Zone, we welcome the talented and oh-so-very-funny Edgar-winning author Erin Flanagan, author of Come With Me. Don't let that outlandish & thoroughly engaging humor fool you, because this woman knows how to write, and engage, and thrill, page after page. Today, we discuss, besides her latest thriller, so many real-life situations. I won't spoil the surprise, and instead ask that you kick back and enjoy. Trust me, it's one of the most engaging times th...
Aug 14, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 142
On today's 141st episode of The Thriller Zone, we welcome Brian Freeman, author of The Bourne Defiance, the latest in the Robert Ludlum award-winning Jason Bourne Series. This is Brian's return to The TZ, and as always, we have a blast. Brian is upbeat, engaging and very personal. He's also one helluva thriller writer. In fact, this could be my favorite Freeman/Bourne thriller yet, as I say when I tell Brian, "Fast action, complex storylines, and memorable characters; everything you hope for in ...
Jul 24, 2023•40 min•Season 5Ep. 141
On today's 140th episode of The Thriller Zone, I'm pleased to introduce you to debut author Bruce Borgos. His book, The Bitter Past, is a superb read, and adept given it's his first traditionally published thriller novel. In the tradition of Craig Johnson and C. J. Box, Bruce Borgos's The Bitter Past begins a compelling series set in the high desert of Nevada featuring Sheriff Porter Beck. Here's an excerpt that shares the mind of this terrific writer. Porter Beck has worked in the shadows befor...
Jul 17, 2023•39 min•Season 5Ep. 140
Now that we're in Season Five of The Thriller Zone, it's good to see Summer, it's good to meet new authors, and it's always good to read entertaining books. On today's 139th episode, we welcome Scott Von Doviak, author of Lowdown Road. Join a heart-racing road trip across 1970s America as two cousins make the heist of their lives and must avoid the cops and criminals hot on their tails. It’s the summer of ’74…Richard Nixon has resigned from office, CB radios are the hot new thing, and in the gre...
Jul 10, 2023•34 min•Season 5Ep. 139
On today's 138th episode of The Thriller Zone, now in our FIFTH SEASON, we welcome the smart, engaging, and incredibly talented New York Times Bestselling Author, Rachel Howzell Hall. Rachel joins me today to discuss her latest thriller WHAT NEVER HAPPENED. It’s murder in paradise as a woman uncovers a host of secrets off the rocky California coast in a gripping novel of suspense by New York Times and Wall Street Journal-bestselling author Rachel Howzell Hall. Colette “Coco” Weber has moved to h...
Jun 28, 2023•43 min•Season 5Ep. 138
On today's 137th episode of The Thriller Zone, now celebrating our 5th Season, I'm thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author Megan Abbott, author of BEWARE THE WOMAN. I can attest that it's a genuine page-turner you'll be reading as quickly as possible. Yes, it's good. Megan Abbott is the Edgar-winning author of the novels The Turnout , Give Me Your Hand , You Will Know Me , The Fever , Dare Me , The End of Everything , Bury Me Deep , Queenpin , The Song Is You and Die a Little . Her...
Jun 21, 2023•42 min•Season 5Ep. 137
On today's 136th episode of The Thriller Zone, we welcome Matthew Quirk, the brains behind Netflix's smash series #TheNightAgent, and his latest ripped-from-the-headlines #politicalthriller INSIDE THREAT. Matt is an engaging, intelligent, and hilarious man with intrigue, life stories, and jokes to spare. He's easily one of the finest writers of this generation. Michael Connelly says of The Night Agent, "This is one of the best thrillers to come along in years." Lee Child echoes with, " Stay-up-l...
May 31, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 136
On today's 135th Episode of The Thriller Zone, our second Bonus Episode this month, I'm pleased to welcome the multi-talented author, Alisa Valdes, author of Hollow Beasts . Her latest thriller follows protagonist Joni Luna, a woman who, after a long stint in academia, leaves Boston for the wilds of New Mexico to start a new life as a game warden. Alisa found early success with her other books: The Feminist and the Cowboy, The Three Kinds, The Husband Habit, Dirty Girls on Top, The Dirty Girls S...
May 29, 2023•29 min•Season 4Ep. 135
On today's Bonus Episode of The Thriller Zone, I welcome New York Times bestselling author Frank Bill. Frank has written a rough-around-the-edges thriller called Back To The Dirt. Rough, because it's scrappy. Don't let the puppy on the photo fool you; his prose is chock full of ass-kicking, take-no-names grit. Give a listen as he blends his experiences with those of his father, crafting a page-turner that shines. To quote Christine Tran and her starred review on Booklist, she says, “Bill draws w...
May 22, 2023•35 min•Season 4Ep. 134
On today's 133rd episode of The Thriller Zone, I'm happy to hang out with a significant thriller author who has become a good friend. Chris Hauty, creator of the Haley Chill Series, is unleashing his latest book on May 23rd. Chris and I sat down together, face-to-face even, at my old friend Jonathan Ayala's studios in Glendale, CA. Thanks Jonathan. This was my first in-person podcast with an author since launching this show nearly two years ago. Fun fact: our 2-year anniversary will be next mont...
May 17, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 133
On today's episode of The Thriller Zone, I welcome New York Times bestselling author T. J. Newman, the two-time blockbuster writer of action thrillers you read quickly and never forget. She debuted a year ago and instantly rocketed to the top of the New York Times bestselling lists with the book FALLING. One year later, she's once again enjoying the sweet flavor of success with a follow-up action thriller in DROWNING: The Rescue of Flight 1421. Not only that, she's taking Hollywood by storm by c...
May 15, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 132
This month is turning out to be epic to this podcast; I mean, it's one great hit after another, to borrow an old radio phrase. Today, I welcome New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr to discuss his latest thriller, Only The Dead. Jack is well-known in the #militarythriller community for his "been there/done that" true-to-life details, action-packed page-turning thrillers, and atop all the military awards, the hunting expertise, the love of sharp objects, and the mastery of the written word,...
May 10, 2023•39 min•Season 4Ep. 131
Welcome to one of the best podcast episodes of 2023. Why? Because my guest is the multi-award-winning New York Times bestselling author Don Winslow. With nearly two dozen novels under his belt, many of which have experienced international best-seller status, Don has spent a better part of 30 years honing his immense writing craft. With the debut of his "City Trilogy," which includes last year's smash hit, "City on Fire," followed up this year with "City of Dreams," the only thing left to do is t...
May 03, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 130
David Darling is an up-and-coming author, with several books under his belt, including the latest reality-bending thriller, Edge Of Time. He has been self-publishing for some time, now has an agent, and is "this close" to getting his career going. On today's 129th BONUS Episode of The Thriller Zone, David and I talk about his latest book, of course, but we also talk about life in Canada, his time of service in the Army, what it takes to be a writer today, his routine (read: substantial self-disc...
Apr 21, 2023•51 min•Season 4Ep. 129
T. R. Hendricks is the debut author of the military thriller, The Instructor . From the opening line to the last page, you know you're in the hands of an up-and-coming thriller master. Join me on today's 128th episode of The Thriller Zone, your front-row seat to the very best thriller writers in the world, for fiction, television and film. Tim and I talk about the book, of course, but we also dig into this background as former United States Army captain who served as tank platoon leader, then as...
Apr 12, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 128
Steven James is the bestselling author of 18 novels, many of which have won more than a dozen awards, and include books from The Bowers Files Series, The Gevin Banks Experience, The Blue Trilogy (YA), and his newest, The Travis Brock Series. On today's 127th episode of The Thriller Zone, I'm happy to welcome someone for whom I have great respect, as Steven is able to write in multiple genres, both fiction and non-fiction, as well as educational books about the craft of writing. BROKER OF LIES is...
Apr 05, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 127
On today's 126th episode of The Thriller Zone, I'm excited to welcome New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author of over two dozen riveting thrillers! Bob's been a talent I've dreamt of having on the show for a very long time; at least since I launched this podcast nearly two years ago. Finally, we have time to sit down and discuss his prolific body of work. It includes: The Tracy Crosswhite police series, the Charles Jenkins espionage series, the David...
Mar 29, 2023•47 min•Season 4Ep. 126
On today's 125th episode of The Thriller Zone, I'm pleased to welcome New York Times Bestselling author of " A Killing Of Innocents, " Deborah Crombie. This is Deborah's latest in the Duncan Kincaid & Gemma James mystery series. Today, we chat about her latest mystery-thriller, about living in rural Texas, about her fondness (she'd say "obsession") with all things UK, and we dive into some "off the beaten path" items (certainly my style), which include her passion for English gardens, classi...
Mar 15, 2023•38 min•Season 4Ep. 125
On today's 124th episode of The Thriller Zone, I'm thrilled to welcome William "Bill" Landay, author of All That Is Mine I Carry With Me. I was first introduced to Bill as the creator of "Defending Jacob," the episodic series on Apple+ starring Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery, and Jaeden Martell. Mark Bomback created the limited drama series that is a gripping, character-driven thriller based on the 2012 New York Times best-selling novel of the same name by Landay. My wife and I loved the series! ...
Mar 01, 2023•55 min•Season 4Ep. 124
On today's 123rd Episode, we meet Mystery writer Rick Bleiweiss to talk about his much expected "Murder in Haxford," another Pignon Scorbion Mystery. Today is a Bonus Episode, which means there will be bonus material on the show. Sure, we talk about the book, which is a delightful read, and is reminiscent of Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot. But we also go off on several tangents that include epigenetics (the study of how your behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way you...
Feb 24, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 123
On today's epic episode of The Thriller Zone, I'm happy and honored to welcome back Andrews-Wilson, the dynamic duo of military thrillers. Their latest novel in the Tier One Series, DEMPSEY, is already getting huge buzz. I first met Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson nearly two years ago. Soon after, they agreed to appear on my startup podcast, The Thriller Zone, and today marks their third appearance. Brian and Jeff have talent to spare, as they craft not one or two, but four different series: Tier ...
Feb 22, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 122
On today's 121st episode of The Thriller Zone, we welcome New York Times Bestselling author of BURNER, his latest thriller in the Gray Man Series. Yes, his Gray Man became a film starring Ryan Gosling. Yes, he's written 23 page-turning, non-stop action thrillers that have amazed and enthralled readers around the world. And yes, Mark "Gray Man" Greaney is on #TheTZ. Today, we discuss many topics: #family #guns #thrillers #violence #safetyfirst #writing #writingcommunity #thrillers, #thrillermovie...
Feb 15, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 4Ep. 121
On today's 120th Episode of The Thriller Zone, a bonus episode we might add, I'm happy to welcome the lovely and talented Lexie Elliott, author of Bright and Deadly Things. Lexie is the author of three other smash hits: How To Kill Your Best Friend, The Missing Years, and her debut, The French Girl. This week she lights up the charts with her latest psychological thriller that The Guardian calls "Uncannily creepy," and Pop Sugar calls "Utterly unnerving and completely engrossing." Perhaps what s...
Feb 13, 2023•45 min•Season 4Ep. 120
On today's 119th episode of The Thriller Zone I am double-stoked to present a power-packed podcast. Why? I have not one but TWO super-stars on the show. The first superstar is my lovely and talented wife and today's co-host, Tammy. As I'm sure by now, especially if you've caught any of the shows where Tammy worked by my side, she's a delight to watch and listen to. The second superstar and our VSG, or Very Special Guest, is Joey Hartstone. You may recall meeting Joey last June when he came on th...
Feb 08, 2023•59 min•Season 4Ep. 119
On today's 118th episode of The Thriller Zone, I'm happy to sit down with the multi-talented & prolific crime-thriller novelist, Mr. Eric Beetner. Eric has a style that has some of the biggest names around shouting his praise. Meg Gardiner, author of Into The Black Nowhere says, "Last chances, double-crosses, and a cop who has to shoot his way out of a fortified skyscraper-what's not to love? ALL THE WAY DOWN rips!" Publisher's Weekly says of Beetner's work, "[His] searing novel bulldozes it...
Feb 01, 2023•51 min•Season 4Ep. 118
On today's Special 2-Hour Bonus Episode of The Thriller Zone, we honor the life of one of the world's finest talents. New York Times Bestselling author Ted Bell passed away this past week, leaving behind a loving family, and a legion of avid fans. As the creator of the Alex Hawke Series, among other titles, I will fondly remember Ted as a Southern gentleman with a stylish flair, a wonderful sense of humor, and a genuine zest for life. Today's show features two past episodes of The Thriller Zone,...
Jan 26, 2023•2 hr 17 min•Season 4Ep. 117
On today's 116th episode of The Thriller Zone, you're in for a something completely different. Our guest is New York Times Bestselling Author Grady Hendrix and he's written a book called How To Sell A Haunted House. Yes, it's a thriller. Yes, it's horror story. And yes, it's bloody funny. Rarely do you find a book this multi-dimensional, or a guest who's got this vivid of an imagination. But today, you do. Sit back, relax (if you can), and enjoy my briefer-than-most conversations with a true gen...
Jan 25, 2023•36 min•Season 4Ep. 116
On today's 115th Episode of an all new season of The Thriller Zone, I'm stoked and honored to welcome New York Times Bestselling author, Brad Taylor. I've been trying to get Brad on The TZ for a long time now, and finally our stars and paths and chicken bones all crossed and connected. And just in the nick of time, as his latest military-flavored thriller, The Devil's Ransom, drops on Tuesday, January 24th. What perfect timing, right? Brad helps me (a) Kick off a New Year, (b) he officially laun...
Jan 18, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 115
