Grey Matter with Michael Krasny

The latest episode of Grey Matter with Michael Krasny featured best-selling crime and detective novelist Michael Connelly, creator of Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller, and author of his 39th novel, "The Waiting."

The conversation began with Krasny asking Connelly how he decides which character to feature, since "The Waiting" stars Renée Ballard, though Bosch plays a major role. Connelly discussed the important advisory role of Ballard's prototype, Mitzi Roberts, the recently retired head of the Los Angeles cold case unit. He explained how the journalist in him uses real and current events as undergirdings to his fiction.

Connelly explored several real cases that influenced his latest novel, including two "pillowcase rapist" cases and the unsolved Black Dahlia murder. He also discussed the similarities between Miami and Los Angeles as destination cities, his role as executive producer in TV and movies, and his female characters, including Maddie Bosch. He shared his emotional connection to his characters and how he feels when they die or are killed, his literary and maternal influence, and what drew him to hard-boiled fiction.

The discussion then turned to why jazz is central to the Bosch novels and the challenges Connelly faces when writing about music. They explored how Bosch and Haller became half-brothers, the origin of Haller's Lincoln, and the important role new technologies play in many of Connelly's novels. The conversation concluded with insights into his writing style, work habits, advice for aspiring writers, and details about his current work in progress.

In a wide-ranging conversation with Michael Krasny, NPR Senior Editor and Correspondent Ron Elving provided insightful political analysis of the upcoming elections. The discussion began with an examination of polling efficacy and the impact of absentee ballots before delving into the roles of race and gender in the presidential race.

The conversation explored campaign tactics, including discussions of Trump being labeled a fascist and his characterization of the U.S. as a "garbage can." Elving and Krasny also addressed concerns about foreign interference and controversial NFL advertisements targeting Harris on gender issues.

Notable topics included the surprising absence of climate change as a major campaign issue, the continuing impact of the Dobbs decision, and the GOP's strategy of shifting abortion rights to state control.

The dialogue also covered economic concerns and inflation's influence on voters. The episode concluded with a comprehensive analysis of Trump's legal challenges, key legislative races, campaign finance, and the influence of celebrity endorsements on voters. A great overview!