Freddy Otash is in Purgatory. Literally… literarily. In James Ellroy’s novel, Widespread Panic, the corrupt cop turned sleazy private eye is in Purgatory expiating his sins when he is offered a fast-track to Heaven. All he has to do is write a tell-all.

Marginalia: James Ellroy On 'Widespread Panic'

From KMUW Studios and part of the NPR Network, Marginalia is a weekly 29-minute show hosted by Beth Golay. Episodes always features an author interview, and *sometimes* include editorial commentary, book reviews, indie bookstore reading recommendations and other marginalia to enhance the reading experience. Since 2015, Beth has interviewed hundreds of authors, including Pulitzer Prize–winners, US Poet Laureates and two Nobel Laureates.Several of Beth's interviews are included each year in NPR's Books We Love (formerly known as Book Concierge). And you can see the list of what Beth has read since she started keeping track in 2003.Listen to KMUW on Saturdays at 11:30 am CT, find episodes below, or subscribe to Marginalia wherever you get your podcasts.Marginalia is available to public radio stations through PRX.

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Marginalia: James Ellroy On 'Widespread Panic'

Marginalia: James Ellroy On 'Widespread Panic'

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