We welcome back best-selling crime novelist Tod Goldberg to talk about one of his favorite books, by one of his favorite authors. Daniel Woodrell's 2006 novel was the basis for the 2012 film of the same name, which netted Jennifer Lawrence an Oscar nomination at the age of 20. The movie is a pretty faithful adaptation of the novel, though the book's musical language and rich detail make it worth a read even for those who've seen the film.

We talk about the book's fresh take on a familiar story structure--the "hero's quest"--and how it both fits and doesn't within the "crime" genre. We also talk to Tod about his own work, how he develops the plots of his novels, why he no longer gives readings, and lots more. Including our first-ever Book Fight blind item!

You can learn more about Tod, and his many books, at his website: https://todgoldberg.com/

And check out the Hannukah noir anthology he recently edited for Penguin Random House, Eight Very Bad Nights.

Thanks for listening!