The Book Case

Episoder

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  Jennifer McMahon and the Allure of Haunted Towns 20.08.2026 30min

  Jennifer McMahon has been called the Shirley Jackson of her generation.  Her newest, Stay Unburied is a fascinating look at what can happen to a small town when beset with an almost inhuman pandemic, and how they turn on each other as the diseases claims victim after victim (sound familiar?). Come join us for a great conversation with Jennifer in which we talk abut her ides, her process, and how there is a touch of the scary in so many of the classics we love. Find books mentioned on The Book Case: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned in this week's episode: Stay Unburied by Jennifer McMahonThe Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahonMy Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahonThe Winter People by Jennifer McMahonThe Drowning Kind by Jennifer McMahonPromise Not to Tell by Jennifer McMahonKin by Tayari JonesThe Lottery by Shirley JacksonBeloved by Toni MorrisonLord of the Flies by William GoldingHamlet by William Shakespeare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Meg Richardson and the True Voice of Adolescence 13.08.2026 30min

  This is an interesting show, because the person who really championed the read this week was Arlene Gibson, the matriarch of the Gibson Family. A lifelong school teacher and administrator for girls’ schools, she fell in love with Paradise Pawn by Meg Richardson. And when Arlene tells us to do something, we do it. Paradise Pawn in the story from the perspective of a young 14 year old girl named Jackie who works in a Pawn Shop in Florida. Full of humor, heart and an adolescent voice that is sincere and true to a very difficult age, this is a great book. If the age of young teenagers confuse you (maybe you are a mom, dad, caregiver or yourself a 14 year old girl) this book is an eye opener and a heartbreaker. We talk to both Arlene and Meg. Join us! Find books mentioned in The Book Case: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this episode: Paradise Pawn by Meg Richardson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Chris Bohjalian Writes His Most Personal Novel 06.08.2026 39min

  Chris Bohjalian is prolific to say the least. With about 25 novels under his belt, he hits the bestseller list often with his unforgettable characters and twisty plots. But his newest, The Amateur, is his most personal novel to date. The narrator, Mira, was a caddy, just as Chris was for most of his high school career. And she is a writer, just like Chris, her sense of humor and feelings about writing are pure Chris. It’s a page turner with some terrific writing. And we talk to Elderberry and Plum, a new bookstore in Springfield, Illinois. Join us! Find books mentioned in The Book Case:   https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this episode: The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian The Jackal’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian The Princess of Las Vegas by Chris Bohjalian The Lioness by Chris Bohjalian Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian The Red Lotus by Chris Bohjalian The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian The Sleepwalker by Chris Bohjalian The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson The World According to Garp by John Irving Lolita by Vladimir Nabakov All the World Can Hold by Jung Yun Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Stephanie Soileau and the Richness of Cajun History 30.07.2026 32min

  Should the Waters Take Us a is a novel of great beauty…centered around the swamp letters in the south of Louisianna. Whereas so many novels focus on story and character-this one focusses on place and how this place has shaped the lives of the characters that live there. As climate change shifts the land beneath our feet and oil companies have raided the Acadian swamps for their natural resources, the Cajun background is ever changing, and often full of tragedy. We also talk to Final Draft, the bookstore in Kansas that JUST opened. We check in to see how their opening went and how they are feeling now. Join us! Find books mentioned in The Book Case: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this episode: Should the Waters Take Us by Stephanie Soileau Last One Out Shut Off the Lights by Stephanie Soileau On Witness and Respair by Jesmyn Ward Gilead by Marilynne Robinson As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner Les Miserables by Victor Hugo The Hill by Harriet Clark Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  An Injustice in the Justice System 23.07.2026 35min

  Pamela Colloff is an accomplished investigative journalist and has written "Catch the Devil" about a frighteningly prolific jailhouse snitch.  Paul Skalnik testified in dozens of cases that inmates in Florida prisons had confessed their guilt to him.  Often prosecutors won convictions based largely on Skalnik’s testimony including four cases where he was instrumental on putting men on Florida’s death row.  One of them, Jim Dailey, was convicted of murdering a 14 year old girl.  Despite evidence that has come out since Dailey’s conviction, he sits on Florida’s death row.  He has been there over 40 years unable to get a new trial.  Colloff repeatedly met Skalnik who said he would tell her the truth about all his testimonies.  He never did.   But Colloff has reported the story in brilliant detail and writes about how often prosecutors use jailhouse snitches knowing their testimony may be tainted.  Skalnik’s repeated claims of jailhouse confessions defied credulity... so why did prosecutors continue to put him on the stand?  Why didn’t judges disallow his testimony?  Why did appellate courts accept his word?  It’s a compelling story - worth a reader’s time. Find books mentioned in The Book Case: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this episode: Catch the Devil by Pamela Colloff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Double Header: Jenny Jackson and Scott D. Reich 16.07.2026 34min

  Jenny Jackson’s newest, The Shampoo Effect, tells the story of an insular gang of year-round beach residents who have known each other all their lives. Until one member of their clique begins to date outside of the group-they are generally an exclusive “they go out on and off” type of friends. So how will they handle a new girlfriend they don’t know or with whom they have so little in common? The book is nuanced, funny and asks the question: what does marriage mean in the current world? We also talk to Scott D. Reich whose book One Day in September tells the story of a historic baseball game that evolved into the All-Star game we know today. Join us! Find books mentioned on The Book Case: ⁠https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this week's episode: The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson One Day in September by Scott D. Reich Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Paul Tremblay: AI and the Not So Distant Future 09.07.2026 34min

  Paul Tremblay has written a science fiction book that will prompt all sorts of important questions about AI, the role of consciousness in humanity, and how writers might have to work around AI in order to keep their work original and sustainable and it’s called DEAD BUT DREAMING OF ELECTRIC SHEEP. We love a book that poses important questions like these while still being a good page turner, and this is one of those. This is the story of Julia, a semi professional video gamer asked to take remote control of a body in a vegetative state. It’s suspenseful, strange, and will leave you with all sorts of questions about the age in which we live. We also talk to Final Draft Books in Wichita Kansas, which is opening this weekend (TAKE NOTE WICHITA). This husband and wife owner team bring a starry eyed excitement to the store that will charm the pants of all our listeners. Join us! Find books mentioned on The Book Case: ⁠https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this week's episode: Dead But Dreaming of Electric Sheep by Paul Tremblay Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay The Pallbearer’s Club by Paul Tremblay Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? By Phillip K. Dick The Feeling of Life Itself: Why Consciousness Is Widespread but Can't Be Computed by Christof Koch 2666 by Robert Balano Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Kevin Powers and the Art of Writing War 02.07.2026 38min

  Kevin Powers’ Children of the Wild is a book about Roy and Ennis, two friends on a farm who sign up for WWI, one excited for battle, one a feral child baffled by war. What does war do to friendship? To the minds of men? We talk to Kevin, a veteran of the war in Iraq, about his ability to write war so well and the effects of PTSD on his characters. We also talk to Bartleby Books in Vermont…join us! Find books mentioned on The Book Case: ⁠https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this week's episode: Children of the Wild by Kevin Powers A Line in the Sand by Kevin Powers A Shout in the Ruins by Kevin Powers Letter Composed During a Lull in the Fighting by Kevin Powers The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien Catch-22 by Joseph Heller The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Barabbas by Par Lagerkvist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Our Favorites of 2026….So Far 25.06.2026 38min

  2026 is half over. And Kate turned 50 on June 16th. So in honor of all of this half life, we decided to talk about our favorite books so far of 2026. Tana French, Tayari Jones, Ann Patchett and Allegra Goodman all made the list, but there are so many books we have loved this year that we think we mention just about all of them. Then we quiz each other on rapid fire and get sort of gooey about it. Join us! Find books mentioned on The Book Case: ⁠ https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302   Books mentioned on this week's episode:  Kin by Tayari Jones The Keeper by Tana French This is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman Whistler by Ann Patchett The Godfather by Mario Puzo A Prayer for Owen Meaney by John Irving The Hero Next Door by Martha Raddatz On Witness and Respair by Jesmyn Ward More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen The Things We Do Not Say by Elizabeth Strout Python’s Kiss by Louise Erdrich Bomb Shelter by Mary Laura Philpott The Power Broker by Robert Caro The Holy Bible Martyr by Kaveh Akbar There, There by Tommy Orange The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Carlos Barragan Shows Us Why Online Scams Work 18.06.2026 37min

  Carlos Barragan’s book The Yahoo Boys schooled us on the huge and terrifying world of online moneymaking scams. From the romance scams (pretending to be a man or woman you are not, wooing others into sending you money), to celeb scams (pretending to be a celebrity for money), all the way to adoption scams (send us money, we will get you a baby). As horrible as these schemes are, Barragan takes an in depth look at the scammers, specifically in the community of Ikotun, Nigeria, painting a thorough portrait of the scammers and the loneliness in our world that allows them to thrive. Find books mentioned on The Book Case: ⁠https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this week's episode: The Yahoo Boys: Love, Deception and the Real Lives of Nigeria’s Romance Scammers by Carlos Barragan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Martha Raddatz Recognizes the Heroes Next Door 11.06.2026 39min

  Martha Raddatz is a war correspondent, one of the biggest household names in front line reporting. Her newest book, The Hero Next Door tells the story of the service men, women and the caregivers who bring honor to the uniform. From celebrations to heartbreak, these are the stories that have stayed with Martha throughout her decade of brave work, shadowing families and soldiers both on and off the battlefield. We are also talking to a mother daughter team that run LALA Books in Lowell, MA. Join us for two great conversations! Find books mentioned on The Book Case: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned in this week's episode: The Hero Next Door by Martha Raddatz The Long Road Home by Martha Raddatz Eragon by Christopher Paolini Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ann Patchett and an Audience! 04.06.2026 44min

  Ann Patchett has written a new novel, and if you are a listener to this show, you know we are both huge fans of her work. Her newest, Whistler, is beautiful book about grace, kindness, the relationships we can’t let go and what we learn of ourselves in a crisis. When we asked if we could come down to Parnassus in Nashville TN, she said yes. So, with great enthusiasm we hopped on planes and did The Book Case in front of a live audience at her Parnassus Bookstore in Nashville. We also have the tail end of our interview with Jesmyn Ward. I mean…Jesmyn Ward AND Ann Patchett? Doesn’t get better than that. Join us. Find books mentioned on The Book Case: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this week's episode: Whistler by Ann Patchett Bel Canto: The Annotated Edition by Ann Patchett The Dutch House by Ann Patchett These Precious Days by Ann Patchett The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett State of Wonder by Ann Patchett Commonwealth by Ann Patchett Run by Ann Patchett This is the Story of a Marriage by Ann Patchett Truth & Beauty by Ann Patchett Tom Lake by Ann Patchett Taft by Ann Patchett Things in Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak The Correspondent by Virginia Evans The Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Jesmyn Ward on Pain and Beauty 28.05.2026 29min

  Jesmyn Ward is arguably one of the most important writers of our generation.  She has won two National Book Awards before fifty (first woman to do that and first Black woman to do that). And in this, her new essay book, ON WITNESS AND RESPAIR, she writes essays on everything from Faulkner to Hurricane Katrina. This book is in part a look back at some of her most impactful essays, speeches, and book introductions-but this is also a remarkable book full of pain, fascination and joy. Join us in our conversation with one of the generations most thoughtful and talented writers. Find books mentioned on The Book Case: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this week's episode: On Witness and Respair by Jesmyn Ward Let us Descend by Jesmyn Ward Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward Salvage the Bones by Jesmyn Ward Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward The Fire This Time by Jesmyn Ward Where the Line Bleeds by Jesmyn Ward Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates Heavy by Kiese Laymon In Cold Blood by Truman Capote The Years by Nicholas Delbanco Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  J. Ryan Stradal Edits and Delivers 21.05.2026 33min

  It has been quite a few months since we checked in with J. Ryan Stradal, our writer in residence. He is in his editing stage, making sure that the latest draft he delivers is the best he can do. AND, he has a title-NEXT WEEK WHEN THINGS CALM DOWN (we love this title). We talk to him about where he is, why it takes so long to get a book out and how is feeling about this very personal novel. We also talk to The Nook in Lancaster PA about how and why they got into the book business. Join us. Find books mentioned on The Book Case:   ⁠https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned in this week's episode:   Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal   Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal   Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Laurie Frankel, Impossible Realism and Caroline Bicks’ Childhood Ghosts 14.05.2026 37min

  Today The Book Case has another two for one. Laurie Frankel’s newest, ENORMOUS WINGS is funny, thought provoking and will have you questioning the vitality of choosing everything in your life from those first steps towards independence to dying with dignity. An incredible read you won’t want to put down. Caroline Bicks talks to us about her newest, MONSTERS IN THE ARCHIVES. In it, she explores the archives of Stephen King’s early works and tells us why he is enormously popular and worthy of academic study. Join us! Find books mentioned on The Book Case: ⁠https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned in this week's episode: Enormous Wings by Laurie Frankel One, Two, Three by Laurie Frankel Family Family by Laurie Frankel This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel The Atlas of Love by Laurie Frankel Goodbye For Now by Laurie Frankel Monsters in the Archives: My Year of Fear with Stephen King by Caroline Bicks Shakespeare, Not Stirred by Caroline Bicks and Michelle Ephraim Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Elizabeth Strout Tries Something New 07.05.2026 33min

  Elizabeth Strout has departed from Olive Kittredge, Lucy Barton and Burgess Boys; she has even departed from Maine. Her newest, THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY, introduces us to Artie Dam, a teacher in Massachusetts who is just as full of depth, pain and laughter as any character Strout has ever written. Haunted by the divisiveness that has beset our nation, he searches for meaning in his family and his work, and is upended by a secret he never saw coming. A wonderful book full of Strout’s amazing ability to explore the follies and foibles of the human mind, THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY will charm you and such you in. Join us for a conversation about why she chose to depart from her already beloved characters to explore someone new. Find books mentioned on The Book Case: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned in this week's episode: The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth StroutTell Me Everything by Elizabeth StroutOlive, Again by Elizabeth StroutLucy By the Sea by Elizabeth StroutOh William! By Elizabeth StroutMy Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth StroutOlive Kittredge by Elizabeth StroutAnything is Possible by Elizabeth StroutAmy and Isabelle by Elizabeth StroutThe Burgess Boys by Elizabeth StroutAbide with Me by Elizabeth StroutWinter by Elizabeth StroutThe Old Man and the Sea by Ernest HemingwayThe News from Dublin by Colm ToibinLove and Summer by William Trevor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Books for Mother's Day 30.04.2026 31min

  If you had a mother who was a strong influence in your life, we wanted to honor her with this week’s Book Case episode. Sometimes we want to find all the right words to tell mom how much she meant to us and we can’t find them. This week we share some great books that would make terrific gifts for Mother’s Day. From Mary Laura Philpott to Niall Wiliams to Whoopi Goldberg, there is something in this week’s Book Case for every type of mom. Grab a pen and paper and join us to make your Mother’s Day shopping easy this year. Join us! Find books mentioned on The Book Case: ⁠https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302   Books mentioned on this week's show:   Where Rivers Part by Kao Kalia Yang Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg The Time of the Child by Niall Williams Life: A Love Story by Elizabeth Berg Bomb Shelter by Mary Laura Philpott Class Clown by Dave Barry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Jason Reynolds on Music, Reading and Writing 23.04.2026 36min

  Jason Reynolds is one of the best young adult writers of our generation. But don’t let the label fool you into thinking that young adult writing hasn’t provided some of the most important books in the American Literary Canon (Catcher in the Rye? To Kill a Mockingbird?). His latest, Soundtrack, explores the life of teenagers busking great music in New York subway stations. It is also about the fact that even though we are born into a family that never leaves us, our chosen family of friends is just as important. Funny, gritty and brilliantly written, this is a book that brings to you all the sights and smells of New York City, both above and underground. Jason speaks so beautifully also about writing and the importance of reading…well, we got addicted to just listening to him. Join us and you will see why. Find books mentioned on The Book Case: ⁠https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this week's show: Soundtrack by Jason Reynolds Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds All American Boys by Jason Reynolds Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds Miles Morales, Spider-Man by Jason Reynolds The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds When I was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds As Brave as You by Jason Reynolds Ghost by Jason Reynolds Coach by Jason Reynolds Patina by Jason Reynolds Sunny by Jason Reynolds Lu by Jason Reynolds The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka Black Boy by Richard Wright Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jasmyn Ward Heavy: An American Memoir by Kiese Laymon Monster by Walter Dean Myers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Why Are Boys Falling Behind On Reading? 16.04.2026 36min

  The Book Case is largely about talking to authors, yes, but we believe that reading is critical for everyone. We believe it is most important for kids, that raising readers is one of the most important duties a parent can perform. But we read a study recently that said boys reading scores are lower than girls. And not just in the US, boys reading scores are lower internationally as well. Why? What is the key to teaching boys to read, and to love it for life? We are joined by Dr. Sean Reardon at Stanford author of the study as well as Dr. Nakia Townes President of Accelerate, which is studying how to turn and research into action for our kids. Finally, we are joined by Brayden Piper and his mom Lauren, who have been helped by Accelerate’s efforts to elevate boys love of reading. We had a piece on Good Morning America a few weeks ago that touched on these issues, but in this podcast we take a deep dive. Join us for this important discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Tana French Mixes Ireland and the Old West 09.04.2026 43min

  We are going full Ireland on this show.  First, we talk to the incredible Tana French about her newest, The Keeper.  Set in rural Ireland it combines great mystery writing with the classic American Western. Does that sound like it is a long shot? Not with Tana’s talent. We then go from a fascinating conversation with a great author to Hodges and Figgis, our first international bookseller, smack in the middle of Dublin. It’s all Irish and on this week’s Book Case, so pull up a pint and join us. Find books mentioned on The Book Case: ⁠https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/shop/story/book-case-podcast-reading-list-118433302 Books mentioned on this week's show: The Keeper by Tana French In the Woods by Tana French The Likeness by Tana French Faithful Place by Tana French The Searcher by Tana French The Secret Place by Tana French Broken Harbor by Tana French The Witch Elm by Tana French The Trespasser by Tana French The Hunter by Tana French Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith The Secret History by Donna Tart Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Ulysses by James Joyce  Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien The City We Became by N.K. Jemison We by Yevgeny Zamyatin All Systems Red by Martha Wells A Psalm From the Wild Built by Becky Chambers The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices