GO Between the Covers

Award-winning mystery fiction critic Oline Cogdill pick's the best of 2024's most captivating mystery and fiction titles. From Carl Hiaasen's hilarious Fever Beach to debut novels like Florida Palms by Joe Pan and We Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry, this episode is packed with recommendations for every reader.Explore crime thrillers, amateur sleuths, gritty Florida noir, and touching human stories. Plus, a thoughtful conversation on children's literacy and the rise in book bans makes this a must-watch for every book lover and advocate for the written word.🔎 Featured Books:Fever Beach by Carl HiaasenNight Share by Michael ConnellyMurder Takes a Vacation by Laura LippmanEl Dorado Drive by Megan AbbottSex and Death on the Beach by Elaine VietsFlorida Palms by Joe PanWe Don’t Talk About Carol by Kristen L. Berry

Anne Bocock sits down with best-selling author Joanna Campbell, creator of over 80 books, including the beloved Kiki Lowenstein and Cara Mia Delgatto mystery series. Joanna introduces us to her latest cozy mystery, Wednesday Wicked Ways, part of the Friday Night Mystery Club series—a heartwarming and sharp-witted story set in 1986 featuring journalist-turned-ad rep Craig Collins.

Listeners will love Joanna’s candid reflections on writing strong female protagonists, navigating sexism in the workplace, and how cozy mysteries offer a unique platform for exploring serious social issues in a reader-friendly format. You’ll also hear about the real-life inspiration behind Craig’s story and the decades-long journey it took to bring her to life.

Ann Bocock sits down with acclaimed crime fiction author Julia Dahl to dive deep into her haunting new novel, I Dreamed of Falling. Set in a seemingly quiet Hudson Valley town, the story begins with the mysterious death of a young mother—a tragedy that soon unravels into a web of secrets, regret, and hidden truths.

Julia shares the real-life inspirations behind the book, how small-town dynamics shaped her characters, and the powerful themes of motherhood, mental health, and identity that permeate the story. She also reflects on her own journey from journalist to bestselling novelist and explores how the legacy of COVID subtly influences her storytelling.

Whether you're a lover of psychological thrillers, emotional family dramas, or just crave a behind-the-scenes look at how compelling fiction is created, this conversation promises to captivate and inspire.

Featured Topics:

• The intersection of grief, mystery, and truth

• How journalism informs Julia’s fiction writing

• Generational divides and family dynamics

• Crafting characters that feel real, flawed, and unforgettable

Tune in and discover why I Dreamed of Falling is a mystery you won’t soon forget.

Pulitzer Prize finalist and esteemed historian Max Boot joins Between the Covers to delve into his acclaimed biography "Reagan: His Life and Legend", named one of The New York Times' Top 10 Books of 2024. In this compelling conversation, Boot offers a deeply balanced portrait of Ronald Reagan—a president celebrated for restoring American optimism but also criticized for controversial decisions on civil rights and the AIDS crisis.

Host Anne Bocock guides a thoughtful discussion on Reagan's biggest achievements, including ending the Cold War and revitalizing the American spirit, while also examining his political contradictions and complex personal legacy. Boot also reveals behind-the-scenes stories from his decade-long research journey, including interviews with Reagan’s closest allies—many of whom are no longer with us.

From Reagan's charisma and communication mastery to his policy missteps and long-lasting influence on today’s polarized politics, this episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand one of America's most consequential presidents through a modern lens.

What was supposed to be the ultimate spring break getaway—four girls, no parents, a luxury yacht in the Caribbean—quickly turns into a deadly mystery. One heiress disappears. Another is accused. And nothing is as it seems.We sit down with former journalist and bestselling author Jan Gangsei to discuss her latest young adult thriller, Dead Below Deck. With themes of wealth, privilege, PTSD, social media influence, and the price of loyalty, Gangsei crafts a compelling reverse-chronology mystery that explores what happens when secrets surface.From boarding school dynamics to mega yachts and murder mysteries, Dead Below Deck is a must-read for YA and thriller fans alike. Discover how Gangsei’s background in journalism and military life shaped the layers of this unforgettable novel—and why no one saw the twist ending coming.

We sit down with acclaimed author and playwright Julie Gilbert to explore the legacy of her great-aunt, Edna Ferber—Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and trailblazing woman of letters. Gilbert's new book, Giant Love, takes us behind the scenes of Ferber’s most controversial and celebrated novel, Giant, and the iconic film it inspired, starring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor, and James Dean.From Ferber’s unconventional childhood and her fight against anti-Semitism to her unapologetic presence in a male-dominated literary world, Gilbert paints a vivid portrait of a woman far ahead of her time. The conversation dives into Ferber's complicated Hollywood experience, her surprising friendship with James Dean, and the bold social commentary that made Giant both a bestseller and a lightning rod.🎬 Featuring:The controversy surrounding GiantFerber’s groundbreaking role in male-dominated HollywoodHer unlikely friendship with James DeanThe social consciousness in her fiction—and why it still matters

We sit down with bestselling author Samantha Green Woodruff to discuss her captivating new historical fiction novel, "The Trade-Off," set against the backdrop of 1920s Wall Street and the devastating 1929 stock market crash.

In this riveting conversation, Woodruff introduces us to her remarkable protagonist, Bee Abramitz—a brilliant, mathematically gifted daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants who dreams of breaking into the male-dominated world of Wall Street. Bee's journey is complicated by her family dynamics, particularly with her twin brother Jake, as they navigate different paths to success and wealth in America.

Woodruff reveals the fascinating historical research behind her novel, from the surprising existence of "Ladies Departments" at prestigious banks to the practice of short-selling that preceded the crash. She discusses how contemporary events like the GameStop short squeeze inspired her exploration of the moral complexities surrounding wealth and success.

Drawing from her own family history and her previous career in business, Woodruff crafts a story that examines the immigrant experience, gender barriers, anti-Semitism, and the roaring twenties' excess—all while building toward the inevitable financial catastrophe that changed America forever.

Whether you're a history buff, finance enthusiast, or simply love compelling historical fiction with strong female protagonists, this episode offers fascinating insights into both the creative process and a pivotal moment in American history.

Woodruff is also the author of the bestseller "The Lobotomist's Wife," another meticulously researched historical novel that examines a dark chapter in American medical history.

Between the Covers brings you intimate conversations with today's most compelling authors, exploring the stories behind their books and the passion that drives their writing.

What if the Confederacy had captured Washington, D.C.? In this riveting episode of Between the Covers, host Anne Bocock sits down with award-winning historian and author Robert Watson to uncover a little-known but critical moment in American history.

Watson’s latest book, Rebels at the Gate, explores the Confederates' daring 1864 attempt to seize the U.S. capital—a plot that came dangerously close to success. He takes us inside the dramatic events that unfolded as Confederate General Jubal Early and his army marched toward Washington, how a desperate Lincoln refused to flee, and why a single day’s delay may have saved the Union.

Discover the shocking details of this near-catastrophe, from a tiny, overlooked national cemetery to the role alcohol played in derailing the Confederate assault. Plus, learn how Union General Lew Wallace—better known as the author of Ben-Hur—made a bold, unauthorized move that may have changed the course of history.

Join us for a deep dive into this pivotal but largely forgotten moment in the Civil War.

What happens when an Emmy award-winning journalist quits his high-profile career to launch a true crime podcast with his 80-something mother—a Holocaust survivor and therapist? In Surviving the Survivor, Joel Waldman and his mother, Carmela, dive deep into gripping true crime stories, featuring top attorneys, detectives, and experts. Their unique dynamic blends investigative insight with Carmela’s sharp wisdom and unfiltered humor, making for a podcast that is as compelling as it is heartfelt.

In this episode, Joel and Carmela discuss their journey from human interest storytelling to finding their niche in true crime, the generational impact of trauma, and the brutally honest conversations that led to Joel’s book, Surviving the Survivor. Along the way, they explore resilience, grief, and the absurdities of life—always with wit, candor, and a dose of Carmela’s signature wisdom.

Bestselling thriller author Lisa Unger joins us to dive deep into her latest heart-pounding novel, Close Your Eyes and Count to 10. In this episode, Lisa reveals the inspiration behind her gripping storyline—a high-stakes game of hide and seek turned deadly—and how real-world experiences and social media culture shape her storytelling.

We discuss the psychology of fear, the influence of technology on human relationships, and the fine art of crafting jaw-dropping plot twists. Lisa also shares her organic writing process, why she never outlines, and how her own childhood experiences with crime have fueled her passion for suspense fiction.

Plus, she gives us an exclusive update on the Hulu adaptation of Confessions on the 7:45, starring Jessica Alba and directed by Eva Longoria!

If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, social media-fueled suspense, and behind-the-scenes insights from a master storyteller, this is an episode you can’t miss!