Suspect: Sean Chercover
Known Aliases: Shifty Canuck, Secret New Yorker...
Occupation: Writer, Troublemaker
Last Known Location: Chicago, IL & Toronto, Canada


Listen in as Sean talks about tackling "The Outfit" (no, not the blog) in his 2008 Shamus award winning debut, Big City, Bad Blood, his hot-off-the-presses follow-up, Trigger City, and the strange (and alcohol induced) genesis of P.I. Ray Dudgeon's name. Sean also reveals his dirty little culinary secret...the traitor!


Up Next: Declan Burke

Suspect: Victor Gischler
Known Aliases: Mr. Apocalypso (yes, I made that up)
Occupation: Writer, College professor
Last Known Location: Baton Rouge, LA

Listen in as Victor talks about his latest novel, Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse, his "Gun Quartet" crime novels, the Punisher comic extravaganza and his founding involvement (or lack thereof) with Plots with Guns. Victor also reveals his picks to star in the movie version of Go-Go Girls and the five, er...six essential items for the Post-Apocalyptic Survival Kit. And, an IFQ first! Gischler fails to produce 3 titles on his TBR pile and is forced to answer a dreaded penalty question.


To listen to the interview, click on the player below, or subscribe through iTunes here (it will prompt you to open iTunes, then take you to the podcast subscription).

Up Next: Sean Chercover

Suspect: J. D. Rhoades
Known Aliases: Dusty Rhoades (he wouldn't cop to any others)
Occupation: Lawyer, Columnist and Writer
Last Known Location: Carthage, N.C.

Listen in as J.D. talks about his latest standalone thriller, Breaking Cover, what's in the works with his Jack Keller series, and his growing interest in writing for comics. He also reveals the location of the best barbecue in North Carolina and which fictional character he'd least like to meet in a dark alley.


To hear J.D. read the first chapter of Breaking Cover, click here.

To listen to the interview, click on the player below, or subscribe through iTunes here (it will prompt you to open iTunes, then take you to the podcast subscription).

Up Next: Victor Gischler

Suspect: Anthony Neil Smith
Known Aliases: The Enforcer, Dubh, Opinionated Jackass
Occupation: Writer, Assistant Professor of English and Director of Creative Writing at Southwest Minnesota University (whew!)
Last Known Location: The Great White North...er, southern Minnesota


Listen in as Neil talks about his latest book, Yellow Medicine and the revival of the infamous e-zine, Plots with Guns. He also reveals who he'd tap to write the score for The Drummer: The Musical, admits to having seen a few musicals himself, and discloses his dangerous lack of familiarity of mukluks.




To listen, click on the player below, or subscribe through iTunes here.

Up Next: J.D. Rhoades

The Bloody Scots - Part 5

Suspect: Ian Rankin
Known Aliases: King of Tartan Noir, God
Occupation: Writer
Last Known Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Listen in as Ian talks about his Inspector Rebus series, the recent explosion in the Scottish arts scene, and how his years in London and France influenced his use of Edinburgh in his books. He also reveals what fictional characters he'd pay good money to see in a cage fight and the weirdest question he's ever been asked in an interview (and no, it wasn't one of mine).


To listen, click on the player below or subscribe through iTunes here (it will prompt you to open iTunes, then take you to the podcast subscription).

Up Next: Anthony Neil Smith

The Bloody Scots - Part 4

Name: Ray Banks
Known Aliases: Knucklebuster, DangerBalls
Occupation: Writer, Day Job Drone
Last Known Location: Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England (but he was born in Scotland...swear!)

Listen in as Ray talks about his Cal Innes P.I. series (Saturday's Child, Donkey Punch, No More Heroes, etc.), what kinds of characters he likes and the challenges of writing a P.I. novel set in the U.K. He also reveals his leading picks for "Saturday's Child: On Ice," the P.I. cliche that needs to be retired, and explains how he'd manage the caber toss with his giant coconuts.

*Lovely (and evidently rare) photo of smiley Ray by Mary Regan.

Up Next: Ian Rankin

THE BLOODY SCOTS: PART 3

Suspect: Stuart MacBride
Known Aliases: Bearded Wonderboy, Stuart MacBeard, Crime Write-ist
Occupation: Write-ist, General Naughtiness
Last Known Location: Aberdeen, Scotland

Listen in as Stuart talks about his Logan McRae books, his new novella Sawbones, and his latest idea for Skeleton Bob. He also spills about what two writerly folk he'd pay to see thumb wrestle and, and answers the essential sporran question - furry, or smooth?

*Warning, those seeking an in-depth exploration of the finer points of Stuart's work will likely be appalled by the pervasive naughtiness and lack of seriousity in this interview. If the terms 'cock weasel' and 'nipples' offend you...well, you have been warned & should act accordingly.

Up Next: The Saturday Boy, Mr. Ray Banks.

THE BLOODY SCOTS, PART 2

Suspect: Donna Moore
Known Aliases: Kafka, Queen of Shoes!
Occupation: Writer, Reader, Some Scary Day Job Involving Financial Stuff
Last Known Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Join us this week as Donna talks about her Lefty Award winning P.I. spoof, Go to Helena Handbasket, her love of reading, and her Alaskan school adventures. She also reveals the real purpose of Scotland's super sweet soda (Irn Bru), her thoughts on the Loch Ness Monster, and why Johnny Depp could play all the male characters in the movie version of Go to Helena Handbasket.

Up next: Scottish crime write-ist and Bearded Wonderboy, Stuart MacBride

Suspect: Russel D. McLean
Known Aliases: Badgerboy, Russ-poo, Crimey Crimerson
Occupation(s): Writer, bookseller, reviewer, columnist
Last Known Location: Dundee, Scotland

Listen in as Russel spills about Crime Scene Scotland (the original and Crime Scene Scotland Review), his love of hand-selling books and his upcoming debut novel, THE GOOD SON (coming this Fall from Five Leaves). He also gives practical sporran advice for the novice kilt-wearer, shares the best book-as-weapon story I've ever heard, and explores the perils of gastronomical upset at a mystery convention.

Up Next: Scottish author and avid reader, Donna Moore.

Suspect:Steven Torres
Occupation: Writer, English professor
Known Aliases: None
Last Known Location: Ellington, CT

Listen in as Steven talks about his Precinct Puerto Rico series (see, Steven...I got it right!) and his latest effort, The Concrete Maze. He shares some personal experiences that inform his writing, discusses why war is a recurring theme in his work and gives a very practical reason for wanting to spend a day with Dashiell Hammet's Sam Spade.

Up Next: Scottish author (and all 'round crime fic dude) Russel McLean

Suspect: Steve Mosby
Known Aliases: The Notorious B.O.M. (Boring Old Me)
Occupation: Author
Last known location: Somewhere in Leeds (that's in the U.K. for you non-Brits)

Listen in as Steve talks about his take on serial killers in The 50/50 Killer, the influence of science fiction on his writing, and his thoughts about research. Steve also reveals what's on his desk, what he was like in high school & what fictional character he'd like to hang out with for a day.

Steve's latest book, Cry for Help, is available for pre-order (release date is May 29, 2008).

Up next: author Steven Torres.

Suspect: David Morrell
Known Aliases: Rambo's Daddy
Occupation: Writer
Last Known Location: Santa Fe, NM

Listen in as David talks about his most famous creation, John Rambo, the secrets of his career longevity, and his role in the International Thriller Writers (ITW) organization. He also reveals what writer he'd most like to spend an afternoon with, what crime fiction cliche needs to be retired and talks a bit about his first holiday book, The Spy Who Came for Christmas.

Up Next: British crime writer Steve Mosby.

Suspect: Charles Ardai
Known aliases: Richard Aleas, Charles Gordon Lemuel Cork, and a bunch of other ones I don't know about...watch him -  he's shifty!
Occupation: Author, Editor for Hard Case Crime
Last known location: New York City, NY

In this week's show, Charles talks about his two novels (Little Girl Lost and Songs of Innocence, why Las Vegas can be a cool place to write, and why "Schizophrenia Can Be Fun" may be the title of his autobiography. He also shares his pick(s) for who he'd like to write the score for Little Girl Lost - The Musical, and why he doesn't get sick of reading 'n writing.

Suspect: Christa Faust
Known aliases: Faust Fatale
Occupation: Author
Last known location: Los Angeles, CA

In this week's show, Christa Faust talks about her latest book, Money Shot, her thoughts on why both men and women will dig the novel, and the ultimate silliness of the cozy vs. hard-boiled/noir divide. She also explains why writing tie-in novelizations (Snakes on a Plane) is like working in a cheese doodle factory, talks about why she's a "now girl" and what is likely to appear as the epitaph on her tombstone.

Suspect: Brett Battles
Known aliases: The Brett-in-ator (okay, I made that up)
Occupation: Thriller writer, entertainment industry computer graphics something-or-other
Last known location: Los Angeles, CA

Listen in as Brett talks about the crazy ride to publishing his first novel, The Cleaner and his latest projects - the Killer Year anthology and the forthcoming second book in the Jonathan Quinn series, The Deceived. A self-avowed seat-of-the-pantser, Brett explains his writing process and reveals the one item no self-respecting international spy will leave home without.

To listen, click on the player in the side bar, subscribe via RSS reader (button in sidebar), or subscribe through iTunes here (it will prompt you to open iTunes, then take you to the podcast subscription).

Suspect: Zoë Sharp
Known Aliases: Ummm...can't think of any
Occupation: Thriller writer, Freelance photographer, world traveler, motorcycle maven
Last Known Location: Lake District, England

Listen in as Zoë talks about her Charlie Fox series, her foray into noir with her short story in the anthology. She also spills about where the best place to go for a motocycle ride in England is and explains why she has spent shells dug out of a piece of body armor on her desk.

If you want to hear more from Zoë, check out her bi-monthly blog posts over at Murderati.


To listen, click on the player in the side bar, subscribe via RSS reader (button in sidebar), or subscribe through iTunes here (it will prompt you to open iTunes, then take you to the podcast subscription).

Suspect: Ken Bruen
Known Aliases: Benign Thug, the Pope of Galway
Occupation: Reigning King of Irish noir/hard-boiled crime fiction (that's a writer to you...)
Last Known Location: Galway, Ireland

Listen in as Ken talks about his Jack Taylor series (and how Inspector Brant is threatening to take over), the swans in Galway, and some of his more, uh, colorful book events. He also reveals (and answers) the one question he hasn't been asked that he really wants to answer - namely, what he really thinks of the Irish police.

*photo by Mary Regan of NYC Photo

Next week's suspect: British author, Zoë Sharp.

Suspect: Kris Neri
Known Aliases: Hmm, can't think of a single one!
Occupation: Author, Writing Instructor, Independent Bookstore Owner
Last Known Location: Sedona, Arizona

Listen in as Kris talks about the juggling act of writing, teaching and running The Well Red Coyote. She also talks about some of her fave reads of the year, the mysteries of where to shelve books, and what fictional character she'd like to take on a hike in the red rocks of Sedona.

Suspect(s): Ruth and Jon Jordan
Known Aliases: #1 Crime Fic Fans, Mr. & Mrs. "Killer" Crimespree (okay, I totally made those up...get over it)
Occupation: Bouchercon Fanatics, Crimespree Magazine owners, Massive Readers
Last known location: Milwaukee, WI

In this week's show, Ruth and Jon spill about their love affair with B'Con (including next year's con in Baltimore), Crimespree Magazine, and their fave reads of 2007. Listen in as they tell all about what will make them abandon a book, what makes Milwaukee a nifty town to live in and their weapons of choice for editing.

Suspect: Maddy Van Hertbruggen
Known Aliases: Her Royal Maddness, The Maddinator
Occupation: Mystery addict - avid reader, owner/co-founder of 4MA list serve, book reviewer (plus one of those day job things to feed the addiction)
Location: Somewhere Deep in the Heart of Texas

This week we talk with hard-core mystery addict, Maddy Van Hertbruggen. Listen in as we chat about the readers list serve (4MA or For Mystery Addicts) that she started, some of her fave reads of the year, and her thoughts on how to deal with those pesky Texas Jackalopes.

You can also check out some of her book reviews over at the fab Reviewing the Evidence.

Suspect: Seth Harwood
Age: Yeah, okay, I dunno
Occupation: Writer, Podcaster, Creative Writing college prof.
Last known location: Bezerkley, er, Berkley, CA

In this week's episode, Seth talks about how his Jack Palms series, how he got into podcasting his novels and his upcoming print release of Jack Wakes Up. We find out what's on Seth's TBR list, who he'd like to see star in a Jack Palms movie, and what he would do if he could spend a day with his protagonist.

Visit his website to find out more about how to make every Sunday a Jack Palms Sunday. You can also check out the start of his second book in the newest issue of Thrilling Detective.

Suspect: Mark Billingham
Age: Hmm?
Occupation: Author, stand-up comic, all 'round troublemaker
Last known location: Lurking in London

In this episode, Mark talks about his Tom Thorne police procedurals, his upcoming stand-alone novel, IN THE DARK, and the foreword he wrote for the fab anthology, Expletive Deleted. He also joins in the debate about genre vs. literary novels and how much sex/violence/cussin' is too much. Find out what's on Mark's iPod, the perks of mentioning favorite restaurants in your novels and what celebrities are reading his books.

Suspect: Megan Abbott
Age: Haven't a clue, didn't ask
Occupation: Author, editor, college prof.
Last known location: New York City

Listen in this week as Megan talks about the slippery definition of noir, the women of noir (both those who write/wrote it and the characters in it), and the new anthology A Hell of a Woman: An Anthology of Female Noir. We also discuss Queenpin's Broadway musical potential and the best way to get those pesky bloodstains out of your favorite cocktail dress.

Suspect: Duane Swierczynski
Age: Young 'un
Occupation: Writer, Editor-in-Chief of Philadelphia City Paper
Last know location: The mean streets of Philadelphia, PA

In this week's episode, we talk with Duane about Blondes, redheads, comics, historical mysteries, and journalism. Listen in as we explore Duane's shocking revelations about his flute playing nerd years and his recent first-hand (er, nose) experience with feminine hygiene products.


*Warning: you're gonna need running shoes for your ears! This dude talks at warp speed.

Suspect: Anne Frasier
Age: I should really just skip this one, huh?
Occupation: Fab Writer Lady
Last known location: Somewhere in Minneapolis, MN

In this week's episode, we talk with Anne about PALE IMMORTAL and the further Tuonela, WI adventures in her upcoming book, GARDEN OF DARKNESS. Listen in to find out what she would do if faced with a (possible) real-life vampire, what her fav. classic horror movie is, and what decidedly unscary things are found on her desk.

Suspect: James Oswald
Age: Doesn't really matter, does it?
Occupation: Writer, animal poopologist
Last known location: Somewhere unpronounceable in Wales...

This week we talk with author James Oswald, who lives in Wales, but is a Scotsman and don't even think about calling him Welsh or he'll get a wee bit upset with you. Listen in as James talks about his supernatural/police procedural Debut Dagger nominated novel, NATURAL CAUSES, his tragic lack of Halloween experience, and the potential pitfalls of mixing a shepherdess costume with a beard.

Suspect: Kat Richardson
Age: Dammit, that's personal!
Occupation: Author of GREYWALKER series
Last known location: Seattle, WA

In this week's episode, Kat talks about her gritty paranormal P.I. books, who she'd pick to play the lead in GREYWALKER: THE MUSICAL, and what sends her Creep-O-Meter into the red zone.

For more info on Kat and her books, visit her website at www.katrichardson.com

Suspect: Charlie Huston
Age: Dunno
Occupation: Writerly dude
Last known location: Another lost soul in La-La Land, CA

In this week's episode, I talk with Charlie about his Joe Pitt books, the benefits of having an undead protagonist, and his status on the Most Wanted lists of PETA and Cozy Mystery Fans.

For more about Charlie and his work, visit his website

Check out his Moon Knight work here


Oh, and it WAS Kabuki. Here's the linky to the writer's website.

Suspect: Stephen Blackmoore
Age: Unknown - hey, not all the undead remember their death-days!
Occupation: Avid reader, writer, and some weird computer-related thing called "a day job."
Last known location: Lost somewhere in La-La Land, CA

In this week's episode, I grill Stephen about the perils of mixing horror and crime, the general squickiness of undead sex, and the tastiness (or lack thereof) of candy corn and wax lips.

Visit Stephen's R-rated blog (it's got fab linkage to his short stories, too)

Suspect: Allan Guthrie
Age: Um...what was the question?
Occupation: Writer, editor, lit. agent extraordinaire
Last known location: The corner of Trouble and Pearce, Edinburgh, Scotland

In this week's episode, we pitch hard questions at HARD MAN author, Allan Guthrie. Listen in to find out his thoughts on men in kilts, his baseball bat of choice, and more than you ever wanted to know about meat carrots and vegetarian haggis.

Suspect: Cornelia Read
Age: Where are your manners?!
Occupation: Author, raconteur
Last know location: San Francisco Bay area

In this week's episode, we drag Edgar-nominated author Cornelia Read in for questioning. We discuss Cornelia's books, A FIELD OF DARKNESS (nominated for an Edgar for Best First Novel by an American Author), and her up-coming book, THE CRAZY SCHOOL. You won't want to miss Cornelia describing how to turn an innocent laundry basket into a murder weapon, her version of a ferret Rapture, or her verdict on the sexiness of patchouli.

Our first victim:

Suspect: Daniel Hatadi
Age: Old enough to know better
Occupation: Crime fiction writer, reader, founder of Crimespace, erstwhile musician and all 'round trouble-maker
Last known location: Sydney, Australia

In this week's episode, we haul Daniel Hatadi in for questioning. Listen in as I ask him about Crimespace, his "left under the bed" first novel, and his unnatural attraction to a dead rubber chicken. We also find out how Daniel would bump off Prof. Plum, and what goes next to the shrimp on his barbie.