Books & Looks

Today we're joined by Diane Bergner, a Florida-based author and Vice President of Development at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Bergner, a former attorney, shares the parallels between her career journey and the intriguing lead character of her book, "The Royal Coconut Beach Lunch Club." We explore the glamorous and gritty world of non-profit work, reflecting the layered narrative of B...

Today we welcome Justin Reash, the executive director of the International Churchill Society. Join us as we navigate the complex and fascinating life of Sir Winston Churchill - the celebrated British leader who authored over 40 million words and left an indelible impact on history. Justin shares intriguing insights about Churchill's writing process, character, and legacy, as well as fascinating ti...

Travel back in time with esteemed author Craig Russell to explore the enthralling world of his latest novel, "The Devil's Playground." With a backdrop of 1920s Hollywood, Russell presents a riveting blend of historical fact and fiction that will capture the imagination of film buffs, history lovers, and avid readers alike. This episode dives into the book's compelling narrative, follows the myster...

Prepare for a journey to the heart of Hawaii as we discuss the engrossing Koa Kane mystery series and much more on this episode of "Books and Looks". Dive into "Retribution", the latest thrilling entry in the series, where the islands themselves become vivid characters under the pen of Robert McCaw, today’s guest and master storyteller. McCaw opens up about his fascinating journey from math schola...

Today we have the pleasure of hosting award-winning author Will Thomas. We dive deep into his latest book, "Heart of the Nile," part of his captivating detective series set in the Victorian era. Will shares his unique writing process, his insights on the historical context of his series, and his future plans for his characters, Barker and Llewelyn. In the second half, I share my personal take on t...

Today we welcome Claudia Gray, acclaimed YA author turned historical mystery novelist. We dive into her latest work, "The Late Mrs. Willoughby", a captivating merger of Jane Austen's nuanced world-building with Agatha Christie's intrigue. Experience a unique behind-the-scenes tour as Gray unpacks her career transition, the inspirations behind her new series, and her approach to appealing to both A...

I'm thrilled to bring you an engaging conversation with Brittany Butler, debut author of "The Syndicate Spy". Brittany, a former CIA tracker, draws from her real-life experiences to craft a gripping narrative set 30 years into the future. We discuss how her unique perspective informs the depiction of women in espionage, and the intricate dance between agencies like the FBI and CIA. We'll also touc...

Today we have a compelling conversation with debut author Mary Ann Miller. At 63, she has penned an enthralling murder mystery, "Bones Under the Ice", set in a small Indiana town. We'll delve into her late blooming writing career, her captivating novel's storyline, and the inspirations behind her lead character, Jhonni Laurent. We'll also discuss the thought-provoking issues her book brings to lig...

Ever heard of Paul Runyan, the unassuming golf prodigy nicknamed "Little Poison"? Join author John Dechant as he unveils the secrets behind Runyan's extraordinary short game and lasting impact on the sport. In this captivating interview, Dechant delves into Runyan's unconventional journey from humble beginnings as an Arkansas farm boy to his triumphs against golf's greatest legends. Learn how Runy...

Today I dive into E.J. Copperman's intriguing blend of science fiction and cozy mystery, "Ukulele of Death." Follow the adventures of Fran and Ken Stein, clone detectives on a quest to help people find their natural-born parents and unravel the mystery surrounding a valuable ukulele. I also sit down with author Martha Anne Toll to discuss her debut novel, "Three Muses," a powerful exploration of t...

Today we are joined by Faith Matson from Oceanview Publishing to discuss the latest book releases, captivating international settings, and the importance of book cover designs. Learn about upcoming titles like "Retribution," "Rumor of Evil," "Incentive for Death," and "Cultured," as well as the intricacies of the book cover design process. Plus, don't miss a brief review of the inspiring golf stor...

Embark on an enthralling journey with this captivating episode as we unravel the complex world of Joanne Leedom-Ackerman's thrilling novel, "Burning Distance." Spanning continents and decades, the book weaves a tale of love and the international arms trade. Discover the fascinating insights and experiences that informed Ackerman's writing, including her time living in London, interviewing a former...

Dive into the captivating world of Brendan Slocumb's novels in this episode of Books & Looks. Explore the intriguing intersection of music, race, and neurodivergence in Slocumb's works, as well as his own journey as a musician and author. From creating a fictional musical catalog to the challenges and triumphs of representation, Slocumb's passion for storytelling comes to life. Listen in as we...

Join us on this thrilling episode of Books and Looks as we dive into the world of Arctic exploration, airships, and political intrigue. I interview author Mark Piesing about his gripping book "N-4 Down," which uncovers the lesser-known story of the 1928 Arctic airship crash. Discover how Umberto Nobile's ambition and Mussolini's political machinations intertwined with the Heroic and Machine Ages o...

Dive into the captivating world of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Willa Cather in this enthralling episode of Books and Looks. Today I talk to Ashley Olson, the passionate Executive Director of the Willa Cather Foundation, about Cather's fascinating life and career, as well as the Foundation's tireless efforts to preserve and promote her incredible legacy. Discover the connection between Cather's b...

Today I interview Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Paul Pringle about his book "Bad City." Join us as we delve into Pringle's investigative reporting on a series of scandals at the University of Southern California (USC), including the shocking abuse of patients by a campus gynecologist and a medical school dean providing drugs to young, vulnerable people. Pringle shares his experiences covering...

Today I reveal the captivating secrets of the perfume world in Dominique Roques' "In Search of Perfumes" and the daring escapades of Arizona's train bandits in Doug Hocking's "Southwest Train Robberies." Immerse yourself in the intoxicating world of scent making, from the fragrant fields of Andalucia to the exotic sandalwood market in Australia, and uncover the untold stories of the Wild West's mo...

Today I interview author Mark Shrager about his book, "The First Kentucky Derby." Shrager provides insight into the history and sociology of horse racing, including the demise of black jockeys in the sport. He discusses his background in writing, including his experience writing procedure manuals for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Shrager also explains how the Kentucky Derby was born out...

Today we are joined by none other than author James A. Scott to discuss his latest release, "The Blood of Patriots and Traitors," the second book in the Max Geller mystery series. Follow the action-packed story of Max Geller, a former CIA agent living in Australia who is blackmailed into returning to Russia to bring out a Soviet defector with critical information about the Russian plan to invade i...

Today I speak with author and animal welfare lawyer Fred M. Kray about his book on the death of the legendary racehorse Alydar. Kray shares the story of how he became interested in animal law and his journey investigating the suspicious circumstances surrounding Alydar's death in 1990. The conversation covers the financial pressures facing Alydar's owner, Calumet Farm, and the involvement of Lloyd...

Today we hear from Matt Witten, a TV writer turned novelist, as he shares his journey to becoming a successful writer. From promising himself to keep writing during a challenging time in his life, to writing for hit TV shows and getting published, Matt's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. He shares insights into the TV writing process and his experience writing novels,...

Today I review "Killer Story" by Matt Witten. This relevant mystery tells the story of two friends, Lily and Petra, who went their separate ways after meeting at camp. When one of the girls is murdered, Petra sets out on a mission to find the killer and bring justice to her friend. Along the way, she starts her own podcast to share her findings and shed light on the challenges and consequences of...

Join us as we dive into the gripping non-fiction book 'Bad City' by Paul Pringle, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. This book exposes the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, chronicling the tale of a young girl's overdose and the shocking events that followed. This is a must-read for anyone who loves LA and its Noir side. Get ready to be stunned and amazed by the investigative reporting of Paul Pr...

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to interview my good friend and author, Kevin Doherty, about his latest book, 'Landscape of Shadows.' In this episode, we delve into Kevin's thought process and ideas behind writing, as well as his extensive research on the unorganized resistance in occupied France during World War II. This conversation offers a unique and fascinating perspective on the resis...

Delve into the world of unknown authors and books, starting with "Red Chaos" by Ed Fuller and Gary Grossman. This political thriller is the third book in a series, but it's not as well-known as it should be. Explore the geopolitics of the book and why it's worth reading.  Then, a look at the historical fiction novel, The Antiquarian written by Alfred Balm. The book is based on true events, and tel...