Unlikeable Female Characters

Layne talks to legendary thriller author Tess Gerritsen about the unlikeable female character she just couldn’t kill off, the secret to keeping a long-running series feeling fresh, and why older women make the best spies (and serial killers).

Listen to Me, the 13th book in her popular Rizzoli & Isles series is out now (and click here for a complete list of the books in order, if you want to start from the beginning).

Also mentioned in this episode:

Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough

Tess’s medical thriller Harvest

Choose Me co-written by Tess and Gary Braver

Find out more about Tess on her website, Instagram, or Twitter.

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Kristen and Layne welcome multi-talented multi-genre author Sandra SG Wong for a chat about her new suspense novel IN THE DARK WE FORGET, the challenges of crafting a main character who has no idea who she is, and what it’s really like to road trip with a thriller writer.

In the Dark We Forget is out now wherever books are sold!

Also mentioned in the episode:

The Lola Starke series and Crescent City short stories by SG Wong

I've Pet That Dog Twitter account

Find out more about Sandra on her website, Instagram, or Twitter.

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Kristen and Layne recorded this feminist rant about abortion rights and the Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade back in May, but unfortunately it’s even more relevant now. You are cordially invited to scream with us (and then donate to your favorite abortion rights group, see below for a couple of ours).

Mentioned in this episode:

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Midwest Access Coalition

Women Have Options

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Kristen and Layne chat with author Juno Dawson about her new novel HER MAJESTY’S ROYAL COVEN, how to create a truly inclusive magical world, and the enduring power of the Spice Girls.

Mentioned in this episode:

Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson

This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson

Clean by Juno Dawson

Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

The Circle on Netflix

And of course, the Spice Girls

Find out more about Juno on her website, Instagram, or Twitter

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Layne welcomes Hannah Whitten for a chat about her new sisterhood-centric fantasy novel FOR THE THRONE, the power of being your own biggest fan, and how Adam Driver brings people together.

Shop Hannah’s books in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop (or here’s the B&N link if you want to get your hands on that sweet sweet special edition).

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Covens, creepy houses, weddings gone wrong, gay drama, disappearing acts, and plenty of men who deserve what’s coming to them—Kristen and Layne share their epic list of summer reads that’ll last you all the way until spooky season.

Shop the full list in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop!

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Kristen and Layne share a good scream about the disturbing public spectacle of the Depp v Heard case, how Amber Heard’s unlikeability has been used against her, and the bullshit myth of mutual abuse.

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Badass author (and actual ninja) Tori Eldridge returns to the show to discuss her new globe-trotting, century-spanning dark fantasy novel DANCE AMONG THE FLAMES, writing fiction that doesn’t give a damn about genre, and why power-hungry female characters can be so empowering.

DANCE AMONG THE FLAMES is out now, so pick up your copy (or any of Tori’s previous books) in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop.

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This very special episode is an Unlikeable Female Characters first: a sneak peak at soon-to-be-premiered musical! Layne welcomes playwright and composer Hannah Gregory for a chat about her original folk musical based on WUTHERING HEIGHTS, classic unlikeable female character Cathy Earnshaw, and the perils of white feminism past and present.

If you’re in the Cincinnati area, you can buy tickets to WUTHERING: A MUSICAL ON THE MOORS here; the rest of us will have to content ourselves with the amazing demo tracks on Hannah’s Bandcamp.

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Our own Wendy Heard returns to the show for a chat about her latest YA thriller DEAD END GIRLS, how to fake your own death for fun and profit, and what’s on her personal gay agenda. Grab your copy of DEAD END GIRLS (or any of Wendy’s other books) in the official Unlikeable Female Characters Bookshop.

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