Love Lies in the Throes of Rhetoric by Anthony Gedell is an incredible debut featuring a rookie PI thrust into the deadly game of hunting a killer on the loose as fast-paced, intertwining narratives collide with volatile characters in an unforgettable story. Praised as “literary lightning” by Eli Cranor and a “white-knuckle thrill ride” by Jamal Mayfield, this is a gripping read that crackles with intensity.

In this episode, we explore literary crime novels as the new American novel—a lens through which to examine society. We discuss how writers are detectives in their own right and how Anthony approaches novel writing as a form of journalism. He also shares fantastic book recommendations and gives us a sneak peek at what he’s working on next. A huge thank you to Anthony Gedell for joining us—I can’t wait to have you back for whatever comes next!

Read Anthony Gedell’s short story, American Made. Find Anthony on X: @AnthonyGedell and on Instagram: @anthonygedell.

Anthony Gedell recommends: Smoke Kings by Jamal Mayfield; the work of the following authors: Richard Price; John Woods, Danielle Cheloskey; Chris HardingThornton; Alfred Hayes; David Means; Joan Didion; Mary Gaitskill; Eli Cranor; Marlon James; Flannery O’Connor; Suzanne Crain Miller.