Welcome to our 226th episode of The Thriller Zone, as host Dave Temple welcomes Wes Browne, the mastermind behind the gripping novel 'They All Fall the Same,' for an enjoyable conversation. We chat about everything from the gritty reality of rural noir to the culinary chaos of running pizza joints and crafting beers.

Wes spills the beans on how his background as a criminal defense attorney spices up his storytelling, making us ponder the fine line between right and wrong—much like a good pizza topping debate! Plus, there’s a side of humor that’ll have you chuckling as we explore the hilariously chaotic life of his character, Burl Spoon.

The episode kicks off with a nostalgic nod to their last encounter at Bouchercon in sunny San Diego, where Wes's warm demeanor left a lasting impression on Dave. They dive headfirst into Wes's eclectic background as a criminal defense attorney and restaurateur, which perfectly fuels his storytelling prowess.

Browne's dual life of defending the accused and managing multiple pizza restaurants provides a treasure trove of material for his writing, particularly in the Kentucky noir genre.

The conversation flows smoothly into Wes's writing journey, with a spotlight on his first published work, 'Hillbilly Hustle,' a novel steeped in the quirky realities of small-town America, where pizza and pot intersect in unexpected ways.

With a blend of humor and seriousness, Wes shares anecdotes from his pizza shop, revealing a past where ordering a 'spinach special' had a whole different meaning. He reflects on how the pandemic reshaped his law practice and how he transitioned into writing full time. Listeners get a peek into Wes's creative process, as he discusses the complexities of crafting characters who are, at times, morally ambiguous yet relatable.

So grab a slice (or a beer if you’re feeling fancy), and let’s dig into this episode that’s packed with juicy stories and clever banter!

Learn more about Wes at WesBrowneAuthor.com (and don't forget the letter e at the end of Browne).

Links referenced in this episode:

• indiebound.org
• twodandelionsbookshop.com
• countryboybrewing.com
• bluestallionbrewing.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Country Boy Brewing
• Apollo Pizza
• Crooked Lane Books
• Ballast Point
• Blue Stallion Brewing
• Kroger
• Two Dandelions Bookshop
• Red Spotted Newt