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The Thriller Zone

If you enjoy thriller books, films & TV series and the writers who create them, then you’ll enjoy the #1 thriller fiction podcast in the world, The Thriller Zone. Now in their 8th season, former radio host & current author Dave Temple talks with the best creative minds in the business for STORIES THAT THRILL!
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Episodes

Legal Thrillers and the Art of Tension with Robert Dugoni

On today’s 204th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple engages with bestselling author Robert Dugoni, exploring his journey as a writer, the intricacies of storytelling, and the challenges of adapting books for Hollywood. With 4 different series, 6 complete stand-alone novels, and a couple of short stories to boot, Bob is a critically acclaimed New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post , and #1 Amazon Bestselling author, reaching over 9 million readers worldwide. David &...

Nov 04, 202439 minSeason 7Ep. 204

Unveiling Cold Trail with author Taylor Moore

On today’s 203rd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes author Taylor Moore to discuss his latest book, Cold Trail. The conversation covers Taylor's experiences at BoucherCon, family updates, and insights into the writing process. Taylor also shares the journey of creating Garrett Kohl’s character and the intertwining themes of adventure and heart in his storytelling. Their discussion touches on Taylor's past as a CIA intelligence officer and how it influences his writing and p...

Oct 28, 202444 minSeason 7Ep. 203

The New Reacher IN TOO DEEP with author Andrew Child

On today’s 202nd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes Andrew Child, who discusses his writing process, the appeal of the Jack Reacher character, and the collaborative effort with his brother, Lee Child. They delve into the simplicity of Reacher's adventures, the importance of reader engagement, and the significance of cover design in storytelling. Andrew also shares insights into his personal projects and the challenges of balancing them with the Reacher series. In this engag...

Oct 21, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 7Ep. 202

Ryan C. Coleman’s Billy the Kid: Where Fact Meets Fiction

On today’s 201st episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes debut author Ryan C. Coleman to discuss his novel 'Billy the Kid.' Together, Dave and Ryan explore Ryan's journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, his transition from television writing to novel writing, and the inspiration behind his book. The conversation delves into the blending of fact and fiction in storytelling, the themes of family and belonging in Billy's life, and the organized crime elements of the Wild West. Ryan sh...

Oct 14, 202437 minSeason 7Ep. 201

Celebrating 3 years & 200 Episodes with The Real Book Spy's Ryan Steck

In this celebratory 200th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple engages in a lively conversation with Ryan Steck, widely known as the Real Book Spy. They reflect on the evolution of the thriller genre, the impact of influential authors like Ted Bell, and the challenges of navigating the publishing landscape. The discussion also highlights the importance of passion in writing, the reality of author marketing, and the emergence of new talent in the thriller space. With a mix of humor and...

Oct 07, 20241 hr 36 minSeason 7Ep. 200

From UK to Canada: Rio Youers' Unconventional Voice in The Bang Bang Sisters

Hello and welcome to today’s 199th…and BONUS episode of The Thriller Zone, I’m your host David Temple, and I invite you to an engaging conversation with my new friend and outstanding writer, Rio Youers. Rio and I discuss his latest novel, The Bang Bang Sisters—a non-stop, rock’ n roll vigilante thriller that’s sure to please our hard-core grunge thriller fans. Today, we discuss Rio's writing journey, influences, and the unique style of his work, which blends elements of rock and roll with thrill...

Sep 27, 202442 minSeason 7Ep. 199

Lee Goldberg's Ashes Never Lie, and the Power of Humor in the Thriller Genre

On today’s 198th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple welcomes author Lee Goldberg to discuss his latest book, 'Ashes Never Lie.' The two men delve into Goldberg's writing process, character development, and the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing. Goldberg shares candid advice for aspiring authors, emphasizing the importance of making a strong first impression and the value of character-driven storytelling. In today’s engaging conversation, Lee discusses th...

Sep 23, 20241 hr 41 minSeason 7Ep. 198

From Hong Kong to Hollywood: Author DJ Williams' Story

On today’s 197th episode of The Thriller Zone, now in Season 7, I’m happy to introduce my listeners & readers to an engaging conversation with my new friend, and fantastic author, DJ Williams, a rising star in the thriller genre. Today, we discuss DJ’s journey from growing up in Hong Kong to becoming a successful author. We delve into the intricacies of the publishing world, comparing traditional and indie routes, and explore the writing process, including the importance of editing and chara...

Sep 16, 20241 hr 43 minSeason 7Ep. 197

From Archeology to Forensics: Kathy Reichs, New York Times Bestseller

On today's 196th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews #1 New York Times Bestselling author Kathy Reichs to discuss her latest book, Fire and Bones. David and Kathy also discuss her career as a forensic anthropologist and the inspiration behind her popular character, Temperance Brennan. They also touch on the success of the TV show "Bones," which was based on Reichs' books; it's a character-driven show with humor even as it deals with violent death. FIRE AND BONES follows fo...

Sep 09, 202430 minSeason 7Ep. 196

New York Times Bestselling Author TJ Newman on Worst Case Scenario and her biggest fear

On today’s 195th & Final episode of Season Six of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews New York Times Bestselling Author TJ Newman about her latest book, Worst Case Scenario . They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the research process, and the challenges of writing a plot-heavy thriller. Ms. Newman shares her gratitude for the success of her previous books and the joy of connecting with readers. The conversation also touches on the importance of creating emotional connecti...

Jul 29, 20241 hr 13 minSeason 6Ep. 195

Debut author Henry Wise Explores Southern Roots and Writing Southern Noir

On today’s 194th episode and FINAL SHOW of SEASON SIX, we welcome Henry Wise, author of the debut thriller Holy City, as he joins David Temple on The Thriller Zone. David and Henry discuss Henry's Southern roots and how they influenced his writing, his experience at both Virginia Military Institute and Ole Miss. MORE importantly they discuss the process of getting his book published. Best of all, we explore the themes and characters in Holy City, highlighting the complexity of the South and the ...

Jul 22, 202426 minSeason 6Ep. 194

Bruce Borgos, author of Shades of Mercy, on Creating Genuine Characters with Personal Experiences

On today’s 193rd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews author Bruce Borges about his latest book, Shades of Mercy. They discuss the process of writing and the fear of not being able to recreate the success of previous books. They also touch on topics such as imposter syndrome and the importance of giving oneself permission to acknowledge their own talent. The conversation then shifts to the experience of attending writer conferences and the value of connecting with other aut...

Jul 15, 202444 minSeason 6Ep. 193

New York Times Bestselling Author Brian Freeman

On today’s 192nd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews author Brian Freeman about his latest book, Break Every Rule. They discuss the importance of engaging readers' emotions, the balance between description and pacing, and the challenges of writing a second book in a series. Freeman shares his writing process and emphasizes the significance of pre-orders for authors. Temple praises Freeman's ability to create authentic characters and compelling settings. The episode conclud...

Jul 08, 202445 minSeason 6Ep. 192

Steve Stratton pops by The TZ for a Summer Bonus Episode

On today's Bonus Episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews author Steve Stratton to discuss Steve's journey as an author, the success of his audiobook, and the release of his novella. They also touch on the challenges of the publishing industry and the importance of networking and community in the thriller genre. The conversation highlights the themes of perseverance, adaptation, and the power of short stories/novellas in the industry. To learn more and take advantage of Steve's...

Jul 05, 202417 minSeason 6Ep. 191

David & Tammy Temple present The Thriller Zone TOP 20 Summer Reads

On today’s 190th episode of The Thriller Zone, David and Tammy Temple discuss their TOP 20 SUMMER READS ! David shares his formula for selecting the books and highlights a variety of thrillers, including military, political, and southern thrillers. They also mention debut authors and books that are in development for TV series. The episode concludes with a discussion about upcoming changes to the podcast for Season 7, they briefly share about David's battle with cancer and upcoming non-fiction b...

Jul 01, 202425 minSeason 6Ep. 190

The Thrilling Plot of Echo Road by Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh

On today’s 189th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews authors Melinda Lee and Kendra Elliott about their collaborative novel, Echo Road. The two guest authors discuss how they came together to write the book, and their process of alternating chapters and maintaining consistent character voices. Elliot and Leigh also talk about their experiences with author Lee Goldberg and the importance of social media in the publishing industry. The episode ends with a brief elevator pitc...

Jun 24, 202420 minSeason 6Ep. 189

New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr discusses The Power of Emotion in Storytelling

On today’s 188th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr about his latest thriller, Red Sky Mourning . Jack and Dave discuss Carr's growth as a writer and his commitment to constantly improving his craft. They also touch on topics such as imposter syndrome, complacency, and the importance of emotional connection in storytelling. Carr shares his excitement for book tours and the opportunity to personally thank his readers, while br...

Jun 19, 202431 minSeason 6Ep. 188

May Cobb is the author of The Hollywood Assistant

On today’s 187th episode host David Temple celebrates THE THRILLER ZONE’S three-year anniversary with author May Cobb. They discuss May's journey from being David's first guest to having her book, The Hunting Wives, adapted into a TV series. May shares her experience working in Hollywood and the surreal feeling of seeing her book come to life on set. They also talk about May's writing process and her best advice for aspiring authors. The episode ends with MAY providing some real down-to-earth in...

Jun 17, 202426 minSeason 6Ep. 187

A Suspenseful Journey into 1950s Florida by Edgar-winning author Lori Roy

On today's 186th BONUS Episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple is happy to welcome two-time Edgar Award-winning Author Lori Roy as she discusses her latest book, Lake County. The book is set in 1950s Florida and follows the story of Addie Ann, a young woman who tells a lie to pursue her dream of becoming a Hollywood actress. However, her lie puts her family in danger and leads to a collision with the Tampa mafia. Lori shares her background as a tax accountant turned writer and her journe...

Jun 14, 202424 minSeason 6Ep. 186

New York Times Bestselling Author Meg Gardiner and The Challenges of Researching Dark Subjects

On today’s 185th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews New York Times bestselling author Meg Gardner. They discuss a wide variety of topics, including Meg's collaboration with Michael Mann on Heat 2, her writing process, and her latest book, Shadowheart. They also deep-dive Meg’s other books, as well as discussing Meg’s experiences with research, and the challenges of writing a sequel to a popular movie. A terrific insight comes when Meg discusses researching dark and distur...

Jun 10, 202437 minSeason 6Ep. 185

David Ignatius, New York Times Bestselling Author and Washington Post Columnist

On today's 184th episode of The Thriller Zone, a BONUS episode at that, we're pleased to welcome Washington Post Contributor and New York Times Bestselling Author David Ignatius. On this podcast, David talks with us about his latest thriller, Phantom Orbit , and shares the inspiration and research behind his latest thriller, as well as the real-world events that influenced the plot. Our hefty conversation delves into the complexities of satellite warfare, the role of technology in espionage, and...

Jun 07, 202428 minSeason 6Ep. 184

Ryan Steck is The Real Book Spy and author of Out For Blood

On today’s 183rd episode of The Thriller Zone we’ve a special treat. If you’re a fan of Thriller & Crime Fiction, then you’ve no doubt heard of The Real Book Spy. Well, today we sit down with Ryan Steck to discuss his latest thriller OUT FOR BLOOD. This latest entry picks up where the last Matthew Redd thriller left off…with one exception. Redd’s danger is deeper. And the read is not only longer, but richer in scope. Yeah, it’s a good one! On today's show Ryan and I discuss a whole plethora ...

Jun 03, 202455 minSeason 6Ep. 183

John Katzenbach, #1 International Bestselling Author of Jack's Boys

On today's 182nd episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews #1 International bestselling author John Katzenbach about his book Jack's Boys. They discuss the nature of storytelling in thrillers and the importance of creating complete and psychologically attuned characters. Katzenbach also shares how his experience as a criminal court reporter influenced his fiction writing. John also talks about growing up in the shadow of his father, former US Attorney General Nicholas Katzenbach...

May 27, 202458 minSeason 6Ep. 182

New York Times Bestselling author Eric Rickstad and his thriller Lilith

On today's 181st episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews New York Times Bestselling author Eric Rickstad about his book " Lilith ." Lilith explores the theme of school shootings and the emotional impact on the victims and their families. Mr. Rickstad discusses his background as a writer and the influences that shaped his storytelling style. He also shares his thoughts on writing series versus standalone novels and the challenges of addressing previous events in a series. The c...

May 20, 202452 minSeason 6Ep. 181

Debut author James Cox explores the Cyberpunk Landscape in the thriller Grand Theft AI

On today’s 180th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews film director and debut author James Cox about his breakout hit novel, Grand Theft AI. The conversation covers Cox's background in directing, his influences, and the process of writing the book. They discuss the cyberpunk landscape of the story, the immersive technology called Wetwire, and the future history of the world. Cox also shares his passion for detail and authenticity in science fiction and the blending of reali...

May 13, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 6Ep. 180

Joe Reid, writing as Parker Adams, discusses his new thriller The Lock Box

In this 179th episode of The Thriller Zone, host David Temple interviews thriller writer Joe Reid, also known as Parker Adams, about his latest book, The Lock Box. The conversation covers various topics, including the inspiration behind the book, the use of pen names, and Reid's background as a marine biologist and patent lawyer. He discusses the process of writing fiction and how it relates to his work as a litigator. The discussion also delves into the character of Monna Locke, a female army v...

May 06, 20241 hr 4 minSeason 6Ep. 179

Scott Carson and The Power of Voice in Writing

On today’s 178th episode of The Thriller Zone , David Temple and Scott Carson , author of Lost Man's Lane, discusses his writing process and the importance of voice in storytelling. He shares his experience working with a private investigator and how it influenced his latest novel. Carson also talks about the power of face-to-face interviews and the impact of feedback on the writing process. Scott offers advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of reading widely and keeping goals c...

Apr 22, 202438 minSeason 6Ep. 178

From Swiss Banker to Bestselling Author: The Journey of Chris Reich

Welcome to the latest episode of The Thriller Zone with special guest, Christopher "Chris" Reich . In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Chris Reich, a renowned author known for his thrilling novels. The host, David, engages in a captivating conversation with Chris, exploring his journey as a writer and the inspiration behind his successful series and standalone novels. Chris shares insights into his writing process, revealing how he transitioned from a corporate career to pursue his p...

Apr 15, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 6Ep. 177

Andrews-Wilson, authors of FOUR MINUTES

On today's 176th episode of The Thriller Zone , host David Temple interviews Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson, the authors of the book 'Four Minutes.' The conversation starts with some lighthearted banter having to do with "silly hats,' but soon delves into the authors' busy writing schedule and their upcoming projects. A highlight comes when they share their collaboration with Tom Clancy's estate and the research they conducted with the US Navy for their Clancy novels. The authors also explain the...

Apr 08, 202448 minSeason 6Ep. 176

Don Winslow, New York Times Bestselling Author of City In Ruins

On today’s 175th Episode of The Thriller Zone , now in our 6th Season, we’re happy to invite Don Winslow into our home for a face-to-face interview that, as you’ll quickly notice, is truly a one of a kind opportunity for this host, and for you as an audience member. Don, as you may know, is a renowned thriller writer who has decades of experience as a seasoned writer, creating one hit after another. Today, Don discusses his journey as an author and the challenges he faced in the publishing indus...

Apr 01, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 6Ep. 175
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