KPL Podcast

 This week on the KPL Podcast, we explore A History of the World in Six Plagues with historian Edna Bonhomme. Through riveting storytelling and rigorous research, Bonhomme traces the devastating impact of pandemics across centuries and continents—from Port-au-Prince to plantation-era America—revealing how disease and systemic inequality have long gone hand in hand. Don’t miss this powerful look at the hidden connections between contagion and injustice. 

This week on the KPL Podcast, we’re joined by special guest Andrew Kuhlman to talk about Austen’s Pride—the dazzling new musical now playing at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. In this imaginative reworking of Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen herself takes center stage, embarking on a journey of self-discovery. As the iconic romance between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy unfolds in a fresh light, Austen uncovers surprising truths about her characters—and herself. 

Recommendations

Sandstorm by James Rollins (book1 of Sigma Series)

This week on the KPL Podcast: When the Blum family trades Brooklyn for a quiet Maine college town, they expect a fresh start—until a shocking event on Hazel’s first day of senior year shakes everything. Hazel Says No is a warm, witty debut about family, identity, and the ripple effects of change. A small-town story with big heart and unforgettable characters.

Author Reads

Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley

The Compound by Aisling Rawle

On Beauty by Zadie Smith

Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark

In this week's KPL Podcast episode we dive into The World’s Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully.  A sharp-tongued Boomer sleuth teams up with her eager Gen Z assistant to solve a suspicious death at a wealthy family's estate on Lake Champlain. What looks like suicide might be murder—and the deeper they dig, the messier it gets. Full of wit, twists, and intergenerational tension, this feel-good mystery proves even “just okay” assistants can surprise you. 

Author Reads

Psychopath by Patric Gagne

All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum and Me by Patrick Bringley

This week on the KPL Podcast, we spoke with Maxie Dara about A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer. The story is a cozy mystery with a paranormal twist, following grim reaper Kathy Valence as she investigates a murder within her department. The story blends humor, heart, and a unique premise to explore themes of family, love, and personal growth. 

Dead and Breakfast by Kate Kingsbury

A Rip Through Time by Kelly Armstrong

This week on the podcast we have Aaron John Curtis here to tell us about his debut novel.   In Old School Indian, a sharp and tender novel, Abe Jacobs—facing a terminal diagnosis—returns to the Rez after decades away. As he reckons with his crumbling marriage, a skeptical healing ceremony, and his own past, Abe embarks on a moving journey of self-discovery, family, and cultural reconnection. 

Sour Cherry by Natalia Theodoridou

Big Chief by Jon Hickey

A Council of Dolls by Susan Mona Power

Stop Me If You Heard This One by Kristen Arnett

Life of the Party by Olivia Gatwood

Whoever You Are, Honey by Olivia Gatwood

The Devil Three Times by Rickey Fayne

In this week's KPL Podcast episode, Alicia Thompson brings us a swoony second-chance romance set on a cruise with a reunited band, Never Been Shipped.

Micah is determined not to repeat past mistakes—no drama, no falling in love. But when her former bandmate (and best friend) John steps back into her life, the sparks are impossible to ignore.  Listen to learn more.

Author Reads

All's Fair in Love and Pickleball by Kate Spencer

The Prospects by KT Hoffman

The Breakup Tour by Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka

Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

In this episode, we dive into Don’t Sleep with the Dead by Nghi Vo—a haunting, magical companion to The Chosen and the Beautiful. Set in the late 1930s, Nick Carraway is still pretending—about his past, his identity, and his humanity—until a familiar figure from 1922 returns. Dead or not, Gatsby isn’t finished with him. A reimagining of The Great Gatsby like you’ve never heard before.

Author Reads

Looking for Hamlet by Marvin W. Hunt

The Lies of Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi

This week on the KPL Podcast we have debut author Lucas Schaefer to tell us about his novel, The Slip.  This is an American novel about a missing teenage boy, cases of fluid and mistaken identity, and the transformative power of boxing. This novel was named a Most Anticipated Book of 2025 by The New York Times, The Washington Post, and NPR.  Listen to learn more. 

Author Reads:

White Teeth by Zadie Smith

NW by Zadie Smith

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

Leg: the Story of  Limb and the Boy Who Grew from It by Greg Marshall

Afterlives by Abdulrazak Gurnah

Paradise by Abdulrazak Gurnah

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

The Known World by Edward P. Jones

Welcome back to the KPL Podcast.  This week we spoke with Jessie Rosen about her new novel, All The Signs.  If you are into astrology than you'll enjoy this fun, light hearted novel about a doctor who's life is turned upside down with she learns she's out of alignment with her star chart. Listen to learn more. 

Author reads

Hot Air by Marcy Dermansky

It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan

Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson