Suspense Radio

Kelli Clare and EC Frey will be joining us today for 60 minutes of Suspense Radio. Kelli Clare "Hidden": A gripping romantic thriller that will take you deep into the dark corners of obsession and family intrigue. “Sensual and riveting.” —J. Kenner, New York Times bestselling author “Captivating, provocative, and fast-paced.” —Kerry Lonsdale, Wall Street Journal bestselling author “Elegant prose … a sublimely written story.” —Kirkus Reviews EC Frey: "Entangled Moon": t only takes one moment to change everything. Long ago, Heather left her old life behind. Now, she has everything: a marriage to a handsome executive, a managerial human resources position in a powerful multinational, and a beautiful daughter. And she will do anything to keep it that way.

Guest: Carolyn Wheat - award-winning mystery writer Bio: As a writing instructor and author, Carolyn brings a unique perspective to understanding and crafting crime novels. She shares her unique insights and explains the difference between mystery and suspense in this in-depth interview. All shows are brought to you by Suspense Magazine / Suspense Publishing. Check out www.suspensemagazine.com for more information on everything we have going on.  Also if you would like to contact or have any questions for guests or the hosts, simply email [email protected]

Kate Carlisle: "Buried in Books, a Bibliophile book": In the latest in this New York Times bestselling series, matrimony and murder collide as San Francisco book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright walks down the aisle. . . Brooklyn has it all covered. She's triple-checked her wedding to-do list, and everything is on track for the upcoming ceremony with the love of her life, security expert Derek Stone.  Not everyone has been as lucky in love as Brooklyn. Her old library college roommates Heather and Sara lost touch twelve years ago when Sara stole Heather's boyfriend. Brooklyn was caught in the middle and hasn't seen her former besties since their falling-out. When they both arrive in town for the annual librarians' convention and then show up at her surprise bridal shower, Brooklyn is sure drama will ensue. But she's touched when the women seem willing to sort out their differences and gift her rare copies of The Three Musketeers and The Blue Fairy Book.    Brooklyn's prewedding calm is shattered w

Today we have author Jenny Milchman talking about her latest book Jenny Milchman " Wicked River": "Wicked River is partly a who-is-my-husband-really story, partly a horror-in-the-wilderness story, and partly a Manhattan-family drama, all rolled up in elegantly propulsive prose, and shot through with sinister suspense."—LEE CHILD, New York Times bestselling author Six million acres of Adirondack forest separate Natalie and Doug Larson from civilization. For the newlyweds, an isolated backcountry honeymoon seems ideal-a chance to start their lives together with an adventure. But just as Natalie and Doug begin to explore the dark interiors of their own hearts, as well as the depths of their love for each other, it becomes clear that they are not alone in the woods. Because six million acres makes it easy for the wicked to hide. And even easier for someone to go missing for good. As they struggle with the worst the wilderness has to offer, a man watches them, wielding the forest like a weapon. He wants somet

Guest: Paul Leyden, actor, director, and screenwriter Bio: Listen in to a lively conversation with the multi-talented writer and director of the twisty indie horror flick COME BACK TO ME. Paul unpacks his writing process and offers advice for those hoping to break into the industry.  Host Steven James: bestselling author of the Bowers Files. To find out everything about Steven, visit www.stevenjames.net.  For the Story Blender, visit www.thestoryblender.com All shows are brought to you by Suspense Magazine: www.suspensemagazine.com  email [email protected] to talk to any of the guests. 

Guest: McNair Wilson Bio: As an actor, author, and former Disney Imagineer who came up with the idea for the Tower of Terror, McNair has spoken on creativity and performed in 33 countries. His insights into imagination will inspire you, whatever project you might be working on. Listen in and be inspired.    Host Steven James:  Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.” And RT Book Reviews promises, “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.” Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. In his podcast “The Story Blender,

Adam Hamdy: "Freefall": Eight months after confronting Pendulum, John Wallace is losing himself in a dangerous warzone in a misguided attempt at penance for what he has done. But an assassination attempt makes Wallace realise that he has once again been targeted for death. This time, Wallace is prepared and, tracking down his would-be assassin, he discovers a link to his nemesis, Pendulum. The link is the missing piece of a puzzle that has tormented FBI Agent Christine Ash ever since they confronted Pendulum, but with no Bureau support she has been unable to pursue her case. Wallace's proof breaks it, but also exposes them both to terrible danger.  Confronted by a powerful, hidden enemy, Ash and Wallace must overcome impossible odds if they are to avert a dangerous challenge to the networked world that threatens to destroy our way of life.

Guest: Tony Marr Tony Marr, Professional Storyteller Listen in as award-winning story spinner Tony Marr talks the craft of shaping powerful messages and presentations including how to use humor and step into the shoes of those you tell stories about, even someone as polarizing as Judas Iscariot. Host Steven James:  Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.” And RT Book Reviews promises, “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.” Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. In his podcast “The Story Blender,” he intervi

We have 60 minutes of great radio today. Charlie Donlea will be first and then we will be joined by Sisters in Crime talking about the organization.  Charlie Donlea: "Don't Believe It": From acclaimed author Charlie Donlea comes a twisting, impossible-to-put-down novel of suspense in which a filmmaker helps clear a woman convicted of murder—only to find she may be a puppet in a sinister game. The Girl of Sugar Beach is the most watched documentary in television history—a riveting, true-life mystery that unfolds over twelve weeks and centers on a fascinating question: Did Grace Sebold murder her boyfriend, Julian, while on a Spring Break vacation, or is she a victim of circumstance and poor police work? Grace has spent the last ten years in a St. Lucian prison, and reaches out to filmmaker Sidney Ryan in a last, desperate attempt to prove her innocence.  As Sidney begins researching, she uncovers startling evidence, additional suspects, and timeline issues that were all overlooked during the original inves

Kenneth Johnson: "The Darwin Variant":  Kenneth Johnson plunges readers into a day-after-tomorrow thriller about an imminent global catastrophe and explores how ordinary people respond to extraordinary circumstances. When the icy shards of a rogue comet fall to Earth, they bring an unknown virus that accelerates evolution to extremes. Suddenly, infected plants grow stronger, choking out those uninfected. Animals turn aggressive and deadly. The eyes of loved ones go cold, and infected neighbors begin exhibiting signs of brutal domination. In a small Georgia town, fourteen-year-old Katie McLane sees her neighbors changing, one by one. Dr. Susan Perry, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, uncovers the frightening scope of the menace. The infected aren’t just evolving. They’re conspiring to alter the very nature of what it means to be human. Katie and Susan become fugitives because of what they know, encountering bitter betrayals and lethal dangers, but also loves ignited and

Jon Land, Matt Ginsberg and Seamus Hefferman will join us for 90 minutes of great author talk.  Jon Land "A Date With Murder" (A Murder She, Wrote mystery book): Jessica Fletcher investigates a friend's murder and a dangerous dating service in the latest entry in this USA Today bestselling series... Jessica Fletcher takes up the case of her good friend Barbara "Babs" Wirth after Babs' husband Hal suffers a fatal heart attack that Jessica has reason to believe was actually murder. At the heart of her suspicions lies a sinister dating site Hal had used while he and Babs were having marital issues, a site that may be complicit in somehow swindling him out of millions.   Jessica's investigation reveals that Hal was far from the only victim and when his former business partner is also killed, a deadly pattern emerges. Jessica teams up with a brilliant young computer hacker to follow the trail but as she gets closer to the truth, two near misses force her to realize that she may very well be the next victim. 

Guest: Steve La Rue Steve LaRue, veteran Hollywood executive  Steve has worked at Paramount, NBC/Universal and 20th Century Fox where he championed such series as Battlestar Galactica, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The X-Files, The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Ally McBeal, and Farscape. He gives invaluable insights on pitches, passion, and how to break into the industry.    Host Steven James:  Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.” And RT Book Reviews promises, “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.” Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times

Guest: Michael Hauge Michael Hauge, Hollywood script consultant and story guru Since 1985 Michael has been one of the top coaches and story experts in Hollywood. He has consulted on projects starring (among many others) Will Smith, Morgan Freeman, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise and Reese Witherspoon.  Special deal: listeners of the show can click to www.storymastery.com/6stagechart for a free copy of Michael’s guide to the 6 stages of a Hollywood blockbuster story!    Host Steven James:  Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.” And RT Book Reviews promises, “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.”

Jeke Tapper "The Hellfire Club": The debut political thriller from Jake Tapper, CNN's chief Washington correspondent and the New York Times bestselling author of The Outpost-- 1950's D.C. intrigue about a secret society and a young Congressman in its grip Charlie Marder is an unlikely Congressman. Thrust into office by his family ties after his predecessor died mysteriously, Charlie is struggling to navigate the dangerous waters of 1950s Washington, DC, alongside his young wife Margaret, a zoologist with ambitions of her own. Amid the swirl of glamorous and powerful political leaders and deal makers, a mysterious fatal car accident thrusts Charlie and Margaret into an underworld of backroom deals, secret societies, and a plot that could change the course of history. When Charlie discovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of governance, he has to fight not only for his principles and his newfound political career...but for his life. 

Brian Anderews & Jeff Wilson will be talking about their book "Tier One, thriller book" Eric Jerome Dickey "Bad Men and Wicked Women":  As a low-level enforcer in Los Angeles, Ken Swift knows danger, but nowhere does he feel it more than in his tangled romances. Divorced from one woman, in love with another, and wrestling with a strong desire to get to know a third, his life is far from perfect, and it becomes all the more complicated when his troubled daughter resurfaces on the same day as a major job. Margaux is pregnant, bitter, and desperate: she needs $50,000 immediately, and she isn't above blackmailing Ken to get it. Yet even as the tension-filled father/daughter reunion escalates into a clashing of wills and desires that spread far beyond their family, Ken's latest contract spirals quickly out of control, and he finds it is not only his daughter looking to seek revenge.   

Rob Leininger, Charles Salzberg and K.J. Howe will be our guests on today's show. K.J. Howe "Skyjack": International kidnap expert Thea Paris is escorting two former child soldiers on a plane from an orphanage in Kanzi, Africa, to adoptive parents in London when the Boeing Business Jet is hijacked and forced to land on a deserted airstrip in the Libyan desert.  On the ground, Thea comes face-to-face with a former nemesis, a Sicilian don who wants something, or someone, on that plane. Her old foe imprisons her in the hangar and takes to the air with the boys and the passengers still aboard, mysteriously demanding that Thea use the resources of Quantum International to hijack a truckload of Syrian refugees bound for Budapest. He makes it clear he will return the passengers only when the truck and its contents are in his possession.  Thea, Rif, and the Quantum team must race against the clock to discover the don's true motives before any harm comes to the two boys and their fellow passengers. Revealing a de

Katia Lief, International bestselling author Join us as Katia shares her thoughts on story craft and idea germination as she discusses her latest thriller, A Map of the Dark, which she wrote under the pen name Karen Ellis. Learn techniques to improve your novel or short story, no matter what stage you’re in.  Steven James:  Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.” And RT Book Reviews promises, “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.” Equipped with a unique Master’s Degree in Storytelling, Steven has taught writing and storytelling on four continents over the past two decades, speaking more than two thousand times at events spanning the globe. In his podcast “The Story Blender,” he

Great show tonight! NYT bestselling author Steve Berry and award winning author Kelli Stanley. Steve Berry "The Bishop's Pawn":  The first case of New York Times bestseller Steve Berry’s iconic hero, Cotton Malone. History notes that the ugly feud between J. Edgar Hoover and Martin Luther King, Jr., marked by years of illegal surveillance and the accumulation of secret files, ended on April 4, 1968 when King was assassinated by James Earl Ray. But that may not have been the case. Now, fifty years later, former Justice Department agent, Cotton Malone, must reckon with the truth of what really happened that fateful day in Memphis. It all turns on an incident from eighteen years ago, when Malone, as a young Navy lawyer, is trying hard not to live up to his burgeoning reputation as a maverick. When Stephanie Nelle, a high-level Justice Department lawyer, enlists him to help with an investigation, he jumps at the opportunity. But he soon discovers that two opposing forces?the Justice Department and the FBI?ar

Laura Childs and Dennis Palumbo will be our guests on the show today.  www.dennispalumbo.com Check out "Head Wounds" fifth in the Daniel Rinaldi mystery series. www.laurachilds.com  Laura Childs "Plum Tea Crazy": Theodosia Browning investigates a Charleston steeped in tradition and treachery in the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs. While viewing the harbor's Gaslights and Galleons Parade from the widow's walk of Timothy Neville's Charleston mansion, local banker Carson Lanier seemingly tumbles over a narrow railing, then plunges three stories to his death. But a tragic accident becomes something much more sinister when it's discovered that the victim was first shot with a bolt from a crossbow.  At the request of the mansion owner, Theodosia investigates the tragedy and is soon neck deep in suspects. An almost ex-wife, a coworker, a real estate partner--all had motives for killing the luckless banker, but one resorted to murder to settle accounts.

Guest: Carter Wilson Carter Wilson, USA Today bestselling novelist Nationally acclaimed author Carter Wilson takes us deep into the world of suspense as he discusses his latest chiller Mister Tender’s Girl, inspired by the Slender Man attacks. You’ll also learn tips on telling bedtime stories to your children from a premier storyteller. Host Steven James:  Steven James is a national bestselling novelist whose award-winning, pulse-pounding thrillers continue to gain wide critical acclaim and a growing fan base. Suspense Magazine, who named Steven’s book THE BISHOP their Book of the Year, says that he “sets the new standard in suspense writing.” Publishers Weekly calls him a “master storyteller at the peak of his game.” And RT Book Reviews promises, “the nail-biting suspense will rivet you.”