Book Talk with Cara Putman

Host Cara Putman catches up with fan-favorite guest and writing friend Katherine Reay to discuss her upcoming novel, The Undercover Bookshop! Combining the charm of classic Golden Age detective fiction with real-life Cold War espionage, Katherine crafts a story that feels like "a delicious scone of an escape" with a little clotted cream on top.

Katherine breaks down her meticulous historical research process—including her rule that only books published before November 1949 could be referenced in the text—and explains how she balanced real MI5 history with a lighthearted coming-of-age story. She and Cara explore why post-WWII England in 1950 mirrors our own post-pandemic world, how she uses literary references as a "shared love language" with her readers, and why she keeps returning to bookshop settings in her fiction.

Plus, stay tuned for our signature Lightning Round, where Katherine drops television recommendations, her top Austen and C.S. Lewis favorites, and her ultimate favorite word!

• Welcome & Intro: Cara welcomes back writing friend Katherine Reay to talk about her new mystery-laced historical novel, The Undercover Bookshop.

• Homage to Golden Age Mysteries: Sliding nods to Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Father Brown, Marjorie Allingham, and Josephine Tey into the story.

• The 1949 Cutoff Rule: Katherine’s strict research boundary to ensure historical accuracy.

• Introducing Gemma Brown: The kooky, loveable 22-year-old protagonist searching for belonging after childhood displacement in WWII.

• A Spy as a Secondary Character: Why Katherine chose a lighter, coming-of-age perspective over a heavy spy point of view.

• Setting the Scene in Great Rollright: Researching the actual 1950 English village (population 247) down to the high street layout and constabulary placement.

• Uncovering the Real Historical Spy: How research in Ben Macintyre's work and Oxford museum debates revealed gaps in classified MI6 files, leaving room for fictional "what-ifs".

• Thinking "In Books": Why bookshops recur in Katherine's novels and how literary allusions build community with readers.

• Historical Hooks & Parallel Timelines: Finding the emotional connection between 1950 post-war rationing/uncertainty and modern post-pandemic life.

Guest Website: KatherineReay.com (Use the contact page to email her directly—she replies to all emails herself!)

Instagram: @katherinereay

Facebook: Katherine Reay Author

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

Welcome to Book Talk! Today we're diving into the haunting, sweeping vistas of 1960s Northern Michigan with my good friend, author Janyre Tromp. Janyre is renowned for her rich, atmospheric historical fiction, and in this episode, we're discussing her captivating Gothic suspense novel, Burning in the Raven Tree. I loved this fun, relaxed chat about Janyre's writing journey, her unique approach to storytelling, and the intricate details of her latest work.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll discover in this absolutely page-turning episode:

• The "Rapid Release" Strategy: Janyre explains the publishing industry's "rapid release" strategy, where she's publishing a book roughly every six months. This involves a pivot in her writing, incorporating myth and magical realism into her historical suspense, imagining how mythological and folklore characters influence real history.

• "Burning in the Raven Tree": A Deep Dive: she's publishing a book roughly every six months. This involves a pivot in her writing, incorporating myth and magical realism into her historical suspense, imagining how mythological and folklore characters influence real history.

• "Burning in the Raven Tree": A Deep Dive: ◦ Intriguing Premise: The story features a disgraced Chicago lawyer, a woman accused of a decade-old murder, and a town steeped in rumor and superstition. Most uniquely, the book features a tree that is part of the story and even has a point of view. ◦ Northern Michigan Setting: Janyre, a Michigander herself, discusses her "natural obsession" with her home state, particularly the Leelanau Peninsula. She explains how the remote, densely forested landscape, combined with the immense Great Lakes—which she calls "freshwater oceans" with the highest concentration of shipwrecks in the world—creates an inherently eerie and mythical backdrop for her Gothic novel. ◦ Weaving Myth and Folklore: Learn how Janyre skillfully blends local folklore, such as the real-life phenomenon of "shoe trees" in Michigan, with deeper mythologies. For "Burning in the Raven Tree," she chose Ukrainian and Polish Slavic myth, specifically the World Tree. ◦ The World Tree's Role: The World Tree is central to the narrative, separating the mortal world from the gods and acting as a prison for the underworld. In the story, the raven tree is dying, trying to hold down evil, and has witnessed the events that led to Coin's accusation. ◦ The Terrifying Baba Yaga: One of the characters recruiting help to destroy the tree is the Baba Yaga, a creepy forest witch from Slavic myth with her own sense of justice. The town even calls Coin the Baba Yaga.

◦ Historical Context & Themes: The novel explores themes of true justice, dealing with trauma from the past, and the significant societal changes of the 1960s regarding child protection and family laws. ◦ Characters: Coin & Marcus: Coin is seen by the community as a "monster or a coarse woman who sees specters in the woods," a "witch". Marcus, a brilliant and gentle lawyer, aims to prove her innocent, even as he struggles with the town's secrets and his complicated past relationship with Coin.

• Behind the Scenes: Janyre is not only an author but also a published photographer and even designs her own book covers, having drawn the raven tree and the Egyptian outline for "The Scorpion Thief". This episode is a must-listen for fans of historical fiction, Gothic suspense, and anyone fascinated by how history and mythology intertwine. Don't miss this engaging conversation that promises to entertain and enlighten!

Connect with Janyre Tromp: • Website: jaynretromp.com (sign up for her newsletter for extra treats and a free ebook!).

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

Welcome back to Book Talk with Cara! In this episode, we're thrilled to present a captivating conversation with the ultimate thriller insider, Ryan Steck, the acclaimed author of the Matthew Redd series, founder and editor-in-chief of The Real Book Spy, and even a continuation author for Ted Bell’s iconic Alex Hawke series.

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Cara for a fun, relaxed chat that feels like a conversation over coffee and tea, rather than a data dump. Cara, a thriller enthusiast herself who grew up on authors like Tom Clancy and currently inhales books by Daniel Silva and Vince Flynn, guides Ryan through an insightful discussion about his writing, career, and his latest Matthew Redd thriller, Target Down.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll discover in this adrenaline-packed episode:

• From Reviewer to Renowned Author: Learn how Ryan's years as "The Real Book Spy" – analyzing the best in the genre and growing his readership to around 3 million readers a year – uniquely shaped his approach to pacing, plot twists, and building tension in his own Matthew Redd series. He knows what readers want!

• The Genesis of Target Down: Dive into the exciting premise of Target Down, featuring former operative Aaron Decker who cashes in a major favor with Matthew Redd after a Russian mafia home invasion. Ryan reveals this book is a reimagining of his very first unpublished manuscript, exploring themes of old military debts, tactical relocation, and relentless action across Michigan, Yellowstone, and Montana.

• Matthew Redd: Vince Flynn Meets C.J. Box: Ryan shares his ambition to write a series that blends the action-driven pace of Vince Flynn with the deep character focus of C.J. Box, Matthew Redd's character is a "sledgehammer in a scalpel's world" who also grapples with the challenges of being a hero with a family.

• Unconventional Writing Methods: Get an exclusive look into Ryan's unique writing process, including his fascinating habit of writing the last chapter first to ensure a satisfying ending for readers. He also explains his "write what you want to read" philosophy and how his real life – including his best friend Mikey Durhammer and his 144-pound Rottweiler, Rubble – inspires his characters.

• The Art of the Hook: Discover Ryan's secret to instantly grabbing a reader: a great first line or opening sentences that make you "want to know more".

• Beyond the Books: Cara and Ryan also "geek out" about intellectual property law and his surprising journey as a part-time seminary student who had to learn to write "bland" academic papers.

This episode is packed with insights for aspiring writers, thriller fans, and anyone curious about the journey of an author. Don't miss this engaging conversation that promises to entertain and enlighten!

Connect with Ryan Steck:

• Social Media: @TheRealBookSpy and @RyanSteckAuthor
• Website: TheRealBookSpy.com
• Substack: The Real Book Spy Substack

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

Welcome back to Book Talk! I’m your host, Cara Putman, and today we’re stepping into the glamorous, intoxicating world of post-WWII Paris with Australian author Christine Wells. Christine is a former corporate lawyer turned historical novelist who masterfully brings incredible, resilient women to life on the page. In this episode, Christine sits down with me for a fun, relaxed chat that feels like a conversation over coffee and tea, much like the previous discussion, rather than a dry data dump. You might not know this, but I'm also an attorney, and I guide Christine through an insightful discussion about her writing, career, and her captivating new book, The Lost Perfumes of Paris. We even "geek out" over our shared legal backgrounds and how it influences our writing.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll discover in this scent-sational episode:

• Scent-Sational Research & Artistry: Learn how Christine delved into the "delicate, highly technical world of mid-century perfumery" for The Lost Perfumes of Paris, and how she captures evocative scents on the page. She shares insights from perfume courses she took, including one in Paris, and her decision to focus on the creative aspect over overwhelming chemistry, ensuring readers aren't "bogged down".

• A Woman's Fight for Recognition: Dive into the fascinating dynamic of Élodie Limeaux, a daughter fighting her own father to gain a foothold in her mother’s legacy at the House of Limeaux. Christine reveals this struggle is inspired by real-life perfumer Patricia de Nicolaï, a celebrated perfumer from the Guerlain family who faced similar gender bias in a male-dominated industry.

• High-Stakes Competition: Explore the "Essence of Paris" contest within the book, Élodie's fictional path to independence and securing crucial investment, loosely inspired by real "Young Perfumer Awards".

• From Law to Literature: Discover how Christine’s legal background – much like mine – helped her become a "fast, clean writer" and equipped her with strong research and analytical skills for crafting believable plots involving business rivalries and corporate sabotage. She also humorously notes how it taught her to "add" descriptive detail rather than cut.

• The Allure of Post-War Paris: Understand why the mid-century era in Paris was the perfect canvas for a story about "resilience, beauty, and renewal". You'll also hear intriguing facts about perfume innovation during WWII and the surprising lack of "snobbery" among perfumers regarding synthetic notes.

• Beyond the Books: Christine shares travel anecdotes about Paris, including Christine’s love for Saint-Germain-des-Prés and a recommendation for Alain Ducasse's chocolate shop. This episode is packed with insights for historical fiction lovers, aspiring writers, and anyone fascinated by the blend of history, artistry, and strong female characters. Don't miss this engaging conversation that promises to entertain and enlighten!

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, host Cara Putman welcomes back Christy Award–winning author Michelle Griep! A self-proclaimed "Dickens aficionado," Michelle drops in to talk about her Christmas novella, Belle's Christmas Carol. Michelle shares the creative spark behind exploring Belle—the iconic woman who dumps Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol—and answering what happened to her ten years later. She dives into the research hurdles of writing a 19th-century court trial involving a handsome barrister, the challenge of staying creative after writing dozens of books, and her family's hilarious Christmas morning traditions (and the great "Breakfast Pizza Mutiny").

Stay tuned for our signature Lightning Round, where Michelle reveals her favorite book vibes, her pre-order bonuses, and where readers can get her exclusive Dickensian party kit!

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, host Cara Putman catches up with longtime friend and bestselling author Deborah Raney! Deb drops in to discuss her new release, Who Names the Stars?, the third standalone novel in her God Who series exploring different attributes of God's character.

Deb opens up about her life on the road traveling in a camper van with her husband, her joy in grandparenthood, and what it’s like having five different editors look at a manuscript before her husband catches the final typos. She shares the heartwarming behind-the-scenes story of writing this novel with her 93-year-old father as her chief Kansas ranching researcher, the challenge of writing a realistic modern-day "marriage of convenience", and why redemption remains the central thread of her storytelling.

Plus, stick around for our signature Lightning Round, where Deb reveals her secret "Easter egg" word hidden in every single one of her novels!

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, host Cara Putman sits down with first-time guest Christina Suzann Nelson! Known for her poignant women's fiction and her signature motto, "Hope in a world of trauma," Christina drops in to discuss her novel Orange is the Color of Goodbye.

Christina shares the powerful real-life inspiration behind the book—a video from a hospice worker about realistic expectations during end-of-life care—and how her own experience as a mother of six (including five adopted children) fuels her perspective on healing and resilience. They dive deep into the emotional weight of writing through dark themes, how Christina balances writing heavy women's fiction alongside fun cozy mysteries, and her unique pre-order surprise for readers!

Plus, don't miss our signature Lightning Round, where Christina reveals her favorite word, her TV show counterpart, and her go-to audiobooks!

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, host Cara Putman sits down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne! Currently working on her 80th book, RaeAnne drops in to discuss her latest release, The Rainy Day Bookshop—a charming intergenerational story blending women's fiction, small-town warmth, dual romances, and family restoration.

RaeAnne shares her transition from high school drama and ten years as a newspaper editor into full-time fiction writing, how journalism taught her that "everyone has a story," and why writing only gets harder the more experienced you become. She and Cara explore the dynamics of four generations of women living under one roof, the rise of reader culture and bookshop settings, and the story behind the book’s perfect cover design.

Plus, stay tuned for our signature Lightning Round, where RaeAnne reveals her favorite word (coincidentally shared with guest Deb Raney!), her top books of all time, and what cheers her up on a rainy day!

Learn more about RaeAnne and her books at: https://www.raeannethayne.com/

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

Join host Cara Putman for a delightful sit-down with New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen! Known for her beloved Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy series, Rhys drops in to talk about her gripping historical standalone novel, The Castle in the Glen.

In this episode, Rhys shares how a terrifying personal hiking mishap on Scotland’s Isle of Skye inspired the novel’s stark, gothic atmosphere. She also breaks down the tricky creative challenge of crafting a "book within a book," navigating character self-doubt, and how writing from home and using Google Earth brought the wild Scottish Highlands back to life.

Plus, stay tuned for our signature Lightning Round, where Rhys shares her top three books of all time, her ultimate writing community, and her favorite power word! Readers, look for The Castle in the Glen in August, and find Rhys online at RhysBowen.com, Facebook (Author Rhys Bowen), Instagram, and don't forget to sign up for her bimonthly newsletter at her website.

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!

In this episode of Book Talk with Cara, host Cara Putman welcomes back romantic suspense author Natalie Walters. They discuss Natalie's new book, Spies, Lies, and Alibis, which takes a thrilling turn blending romance and high-octane suspense. Natalie shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her latest novel, and her experiences, including a daring skydiving adventure in Dubai. They also delve into the themes of espionage, the moral dilemmas faced by her characters, and how she balances the romantic and suspense elements in her storytelling. With anecdotes about writing challenges and character development, this episode offers a fascinating look into the creation of a gripping and fun-filled book.

Want to watch this interview? You can see this episode as well as multiple others on YouTube! Enjoy!

If you enjoyed this conversation, I would be thrilled if you left a rating and review on your favorite podcast app and leave me a note below letting me know who you would love to see on the show!