Top Shelf with Carol Ann Tack

Set against the unyielding backdrop of the Great Depression with an unforgettable cast of ornery characters, The County Line by Steve Weddle is a lyrical, loving celebration of community and opportunity in 1933 America. For this episode, Steve talked about outlaw camps, his deep dive into the history of the 1930s, his character development, and his “downright dazzling” debut novel, Country Hardball. He also shares some excellent book recommendations. I had such a blast, thank you so much Steve!

Steve Weddle recommends:  Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett; Little Underworld by Chris Harding Thornton; Negative Tilt by Bobby Matthews; Something Bad Wrong by Eryk Pruitt.

For this episode I was thrilled to host Anders de la Motte, one of Sweden’s most cherished crime writers, to talk about his latest American release, The Mountain King. This page-turning thriller is the first bestselling installment in his new Leo Asker series and The Mountain King is not to be missed. The son of a librarian, Anders talks all about his love of reading, being in the library during off hours, his love of Agatha Christie, his writing origin story and so much more. Thank you Anders!

Anders recommends: the work of Jo Nesbo; Long Bright River by Liz Moore; the work of Agatha Christie. Place your hold here for books by Anders de la Motte!

Follow Anders on Facebook and Instagram: @andersdelamotte

For this episode I was thrilled to host Guggenheim Fellow author Ellen Feldman to discuss her latest release, The Trouble With You. Ellen shares the inspiration behind this captivating 1940s NYC tale of women’s roles in the aftermath of WWII, the legacy these women left behind, and how it paved the way for the women’s movement of the 1970s. Ellen also provides a sneak peek into her next project and offers some fantastic book recommendations. Author Stacy Schiff says “The Trouble With You is exhilarating.” Thank you for joining me, Ellen!

Ellen Feldman recommends: the work of Lissa Evans; The Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard; The Group by Mary McCarthy

“Titles pop into my head as I’m falling asleep.” ~ Heather Levy

What a thrill to host Heather Levy for this episode! I missed Heather for her debut Walking Through Needles and to say I was excited to host her for Hurt For Me, is an understatement! Edgar Award-nominated author Jess Lourey says, “Levy’s latest grips you by the throat from page one and never lets up. It’s a riveting, sexy, twisty mystery full of beautiful writing and characters you can’t help but care about.” And boy is that the truth about this terrific dark romance! For E137, we talk about the fabulous Hurt For Me, her debut Walking Through Needles, wine, cookies, and so much more! Loved every minute, thank you Heather!

Heather Levy recommends: Almost Surely Dead by Amina Akhtar; Safe and Slow by Laura McHugh; The Devil and Mrs. Davenport. Heather’s favorite spot to buy cookies is: Creative Cookie Corner. 

“Roofers are the best storytellers…” ~ Amy Jo Burns

We kick off 2024 the right way with author Amy Jo Burns! She sat down with me to talk about her 2024 release, Mercury, a compelling family drama about the Joseph family that takes place in the town of Mercury. The Josephs are a roofing family and their bonds of loyalty are tested when they uncover a long-hidden secret at the heart of their blue-collar town. The characters will stay with you long after you turn the last page. We also chat about her terrific debut Shiner, what she’s working on next, and more. Thank you Amy Jo!

Follow Amy Jo Burns on Instagram: @burnsamyjo

Amy Jo Burns recommends East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

Top Shelf is ending 2023 with the glorious Glory Be, a fantastic mystery by debut author Danielle Arceneaux. Glory Be is “Murder She Wrote” with an African American lead. Instead of Cabot Cove, readers will find themselves in Lafayette, Louisiana and you will want to take that journey!  Glory Be is the first in a vivid and charming crime series set in the bayou, introducing readers to the hilariously uncensored amateur sleuth Glory Broussard. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club. For this episode Danielle Arceneaux talks about writing her debut, what’s next for Miss Glory herself and so much more. Glory Be is a must read, a perfect gift, and a series we all look forward to. Thank you so much for joining me Danielle!

Danielle Arceneaux recommends: The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman; The Housekeepers by Alex Hay