Game of Books

On this week's Season 5 Finale episode, Christie & Cathi reflect on our jam-packed Season 5 while enjoying Cardinal Rule Wine. We tried both the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Pinot Noir ... what a delicious way to cheer our successful season! We started at Bouchercon 2022 and time flew with much fun had by all. Then we give a glimpse of what we plan to do in the off season and in Season 6. Episode Highlights (01:13) - Cardinal Rule Wine! (03:50) - Drink what you love, love what you drink! (06:10) - We started together at Bouchercon (09:13) - Lisa Unger revisited, best combo of dark mind and enjoyable human (11:51) - Should we share the Cardinal Rule? (13:55) - Cathi gets honest about her off-season goals (15:17) - Christie learned org skills from Cathi! (18:33) - Accountability anyone?

On this week's Crime Book Chat - April 2023 episode, Christie & Cathi get up close and personal with these inspirational crime fiction authors; Rick Bleiweiss (Murder in Haxford),  Kimberly G. Giarratano (Death of a Dancing Queen), Rebecca Keller (You Should Have Known), and Richard Meredith (Maskirovka). We learned the stories behind the stories and had a few laughs along the way. These generous and successful writers give writing tips and insights you won't want to miss! Episode Highlights (01:10) - Kimberly Intro (02:55) - Rick Intro (05:05) - Rebecca Intro (07:25) - Richard Intro (10:29) - Rebecca and Kimberly's main characters (19:36) - Rick and Richard's main characters (26:39) - Question in the Bottle: Travel the world, or use that money for something else (28:50) - What's been great, what's been surprising, what's been challenging? (45:23) - Final Question

On this week's Crime Book Chat - March 2023 episode, Christie & Cathi get up close and personal with these inspirational crime fiction authors, T. R. Hendricks (The Instructor), Karen Odden (Under a Veiled Moon), and Gary Grossman with Ed Fuller (Red Chaos). We learned the stories behind the stories and had a few laughs along the way. These generous and successful writers give writing tips and insights you won't want to miss! Episode Highlights (01:36) - T.R. Hendricks Introduction (05:31) - Gary Grossman Introduction (11:42) - Karen Odden Introduction (16:06) - Dealing with big themes (25:27) - How these writers write (33:57) - Question in the Bottle: Would you rather run 100 mph or fly 20 mph? (35:47) - How to jump out of an airplane 5 times (40:38) - Most surprising and most challenging parts of writing life (51:18) - It's magical to see your book on the shelf (53:22) - Final Question: Forming the GoB squad (57:35) - Contact info for the authors

On this week's Corks & Conversation with Ellie Marney episode Christie & Cathi chat with the award-winning author of suspenseful historical mystery, The Killing Code. We time-traveled to talk about kangaroos, #loveozyabookclub, and the power of reading! We loved all Ellie had to share from down under in Australia - such fun! Episode Highlights (02:05) - Time Travel and Kangaroos (06:45) - Writing about Washington D.C. from Australia (16:00) - Question in a bottle: One new hobby (21:30) - #LoveOzYAbookclub (26:00) - The Power of Reading! (31:30) - Final Question (33:57) - Contact Info

On this week's Corks & Conversation with Jennifer Herrera episode, Christie & Cathi talk with the debut author of the critically acclaimed thriller, The Hunter. We talked about small town crime, caves, bats and tik tok in addition to info on agents and authors. We loved all Jennifer had to share - such fun! Episode Highlights Episode Highlights (02:15) - Karin Slaughter Blurb (04:46) - Small Towns (08:30) - Copper Falls a real town? (11:17) - Caves (16:54) - Question in the bottle: Choose one chore to get done by magic (17:54) - Bat Stories (22:20) - An agent and an author (29:05) - TikTok (31:03) - Best friend is her agent (32:35) - Final Question (33:44) - Contact Info (34:19) - Christie's Bat Story  

On this week's Corks & Conversation with Tracy Clark episode, Christie & Cathi talk with the two-time Sue-Grafton Memorial Award winning author about her new book, HIDE, among other things! Tracy gives us the low down on writing serial killers, Noir at the Bar, Broadway Baby, and her hometown Chicago. We enjoyed every minute of this fun and informative conversation with Tracy! Episode Highlights (01:15) - Noir at the Bar experience (02:58) - Tracy thinks writing the demented mind is cool (03:43) - Christie agrees (07:56) - Cathi explains with the help of Stephen King (08:19) - What is Noir at the Bar anyway? (10:55) - What happens when you hand the book into the publisher? (12:07) - Tracy's a Broadway Baby (14:19) - Cathi's Chicago trip & tips (18:01) - Tracy puts real Chicago in her books

On this week's Corks & Conversation II with Kris Calvin episode Christie & Cathi meet up again with the amazing author of Under a Broken Sky. She is such an insightful person with so much to share with us and our listeners about her path to a grateful life. This has to be one of our most inspiring conversations! Episode Highlights: (04:56) Writing is what makes her want to live to be 100 (05:54) Just keep trying to find your thing! (07:51) Swimming in the Good! (09:07) Describe yourself in three words (14:08) Under a Broken Sky (23:51) Shout out to agent Abby Saul (25.22) Lee Child's Advice!  

On this week's GOBrecs Book Club - The House In The Pines episode Christie & Cathi return to our roots and talk wine, food, and mysteries.  We loved talking about this thriller by Ana Reyes which is also a Reese's Book Club pick. Check out the highlights and have a listen! Episode Highlights: (00:48) Reese's book club pick introduced by Christie (01:28) How many copies are we giving away? (02:10) No spoiler description of the story (04:16) What inspired Ana Reyes to write this book? (05:08) Book Club recipes from the book!  

On this week's Corks & Conversation with Lars Emmerich episode Christie & Cathi talk with the best-selling author of the Sam Jameson novels. His stand-alone thriller, Monarch, delves into international espionage through the mysterious Quinn. A fast-paced story that includes murder and deception, with a little love in the mix. We enjoyed every minute of this fun and informative conversation with Lars! Episode Highlights (01:20) - What Should our readers know about Quinn? (03:08) - Does Quinn work for the government? (04:24) - Do you plan when you write? (05:39) - Bring together public discourse with writing (08:55) - Question in a bottle: What would you do to inconvenience the jerks of the world? (10:20) - Firing Amazon (13:24) - Do you mail the books out yourself? (18:04) - Mostly E books/ kindles (21:30) - You're interesting history (23:35) - Final Question

On this week's Crime Book Chat - February 2023 episode, we get up close and personal with four delightful crime fiction authors, Lisa Black (Red Flags), Tammy Euliano (Misfire), Jodé Millman (Hooker Avenue), and Terri Parlato (All The Dark Places). We learned the stories behind the stories and had a few laughs along the way. These generous and successful writers give writing tips and even a creepy tale or two. You won't be disappointed if you are looking for laughs, insights, and inspiration! (01:07) - Tammy Euliano Introduction (02:41) - Terri Parlato Introduction (03:43) - Lisa Black Introduction (05:59) - Jodé Millman Introduction (08:36) - Where do the characters and plot come from? (17:57) - What is your process? (25:48) - Question in the bottle: Would you rather give up cussing or ice cream (28:53) - What about the writing and publishing industry surprised and challenged you (33:10) - What is some advice and what are you working on next? (38:09) - Forming the GOB squad (40:40) - How to reach out to the authors

On this week's Corks & Conversation with Elle Grawl episode, Christie & Cathi talk with the author of One of Those Faces, a creepy thriller that involves murder among dopplegangers. We loved the book! Such an insightful and funny conversation, including discovering Elle's favorite dinosaur! Episode Highlights: (05:45) Doppelgangers (13:17) Who doesn't love J.T. Ellison? (21:04) Dinosaur awards (24:11) Don't give up!

On this week's Corks & Conversation with Matt Witten episode Christie & Cathi talk with the author of Killer Story, a thrilling novel about a true-crime podcaster whose investigative methods might be criminal. Very interesting and as podcasters we, of course, think Matt Witten has a very active imagination! You'll love our insightful and often funny conversation about journalism and the ethics of spending money from questionable sources! Episode Highlights: (02:20) Dry January (05:40) Journalism is having a tough time (13:57) Losing a job (19:46) What would you do? (31:13) Project Runway

On this week's Crime Book Chat - January 2023 episode, Christie & Cathi get up close and personal with four delightful crime fiction authors, Mindy Carlson (Her Dying Day), Meredith Hambrock (Other People's Secrets), Raquel V. Reyes (Calypso, Corpses, and Cooking), and M. E. Roche (A Haunting on Dunbar Lane). We learned the stories behind the stories and had a few laughs along the way. These generous and successful writers give writing tips and even a creepy tale or two. You won't be disappointed if you are looking for laughs, insights, and inspiration! Episode Highlights: (11:20) Halloween décor turned deadly (12:45) Dumpster baby embraces her identity (14:55) Agatha Christie's disappearance (16.16) Chardonnay to the rescue (18:37) Ghosts appear (seriously)  

On this week's Corks & Conversation with James Byrne episode Christie & Cathi talk with the elusive author of the thrilling novel, The GateKeeper. This fun talk was full of wit, insights and inspiration. They get to the bottom of using pseudonyms and casting book characters for the screen. You'll love this last chat of 2022! Episode Highlights: (14:26) cheers to Lionel Messi! (15:09) apartment dweller (17:43) Luckiest Guy in the World (21:55) Ever wondered about using a pseudonym? (24:24) Cast your book!

On this week's GOBrecs Book Club - Lessons in Chemistry and Maid for Love episode Christie & Cathi return to their roots and talk wine, food, and mysteries.  Wait, no! They diverged to historical fiction and romance! But still enjoyed some wine and food ... or cranberry margaritas! And it was so much fun! Episode Highlights: (02:07) Christie's gift from Korea (03:10) Marie Force Romance Writer (04:10) Why we love romance (in addition to crime fiction!) (09:35) Cranberry Margaritas! (10:40) Lessons in Chemistry (16:15) Christie's book club (18:09) Read Happy!  

Highlights: (10:23) Lazy women's research (11:47) The playlist that goes with the book! (14:12) The women are flawed and the men have big issues…. (15:10) Sisterly love and admiration (19:07) Running theme in both books (21:12) Mountain climbing for the win (33:09) Pinch me moment

On this week's Corks & Conversation with Jeffery Deaver episode, Christie & Cathi talk with the Master of Ticking-Bomb Suspense about what readers want, serial killers and why plotters have it right. His latest Colter Shaw book, Hunting Time, is a page turner and the new CBS series, Never Game, based on the first in this series is sure to be a hit! With over 40 best-selling novels, Jeff knows his stuff!   Episode Highlights: (06:01) Jeffrey Deaver knows what his readers want! (09:58) It's all about the reader (10:20) Research! (13:40) What's scarier than a serial killer? (16:54) Which would you chose? (26:04) Dear Pantsers (30:13) Writer dodgeball

On this week's episode, Black Friday Deals, Crime/Wine Merch, and Read Happy, Christie & Cathi discuss their favorite concerts, new Game of Books podcast merchandise, Read Happy journal, and other gift ideas for the holidays.  Episode Highlights: (01:00) Taylor Swift tickets (04:10) Christie's best concerts (04:36) Bruce Springsteen! (08:39) Come for the Crime, Stay for the Wine! (11:57) Gift Idea: Read Happy! (14:50) Epic Giveaway (17:47) Christie dancing on the beach (21:00) Gift Idea 2: James Patterson (23:28) Gift Idea 3: Burnout Mug (26:45) Gift Idea 4: Heated Mittens   All the links on our website gameofbookspodcast.com

On this week's Corks & Conversation with A.G. Riddle episode, Christie & Cathi delve into the mind of a best-selling science fiction thriller author and end up talking about wine shopping, writing, time travel, and, of course, dinosaurs! We enjoyed lots of laughs with this best-selling author of Lost in Time. Episode Highlights: (03:14) Highly recommended by Anthony at Total Wine (04:10) Wish it got easier (06:39) Writing Time Travel every 7 years (10:49) A new twist on time travel (17:01) a vacation with no budget (26:50) not popular advice (31:09) dinosaurs!  

On this week's Corks & Conversation II with Lisa Unger episode, Christie & Cathi talk with the Master of Suspense who also happens to be a funny, smart, and inspiring woman! Every minute of this chat is chock full of humorous and thoughtful topics. From growing up as a book omnivore to celebrating the release of book 20, Lisa Unger shares her thoughts on DNA testing and vacation rental fears, hardwired personalities, dark thoughts on Autumn, and advice for creatives.  Episode Highlights: (03:00) Cheers to Book #20! (06:36) DNA testing (09:43) Rental scaries (16:50) Did she fight with Jeffrey Deaver?? (17:13) Hardwired personalities (21:58) Literary Omnivore (23:08) dark thoughts on Autumn (28:04) Wise advise for creatives (34:30) Kayak analogy Get a copy of Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six here: Bookshop.org  or  Amazon.com    

On this week's Crime Book Chat - November 2022 episode, Christie & Cathi get up close and personal with four wonderful crime fiction authors, Steve Stratton (Shadow Tier), Deborah Levison (A Nest of Snakes), Marco Carocari (Blackout), and Joel Shulkin (Toxic Effects). They shared some great stories about life and writing books! You won't be disappointed if you are looking for laughs, insights, and inspiration!   Highlights (02:48) Debut: Shadow Tier is a revenge book from Steve Stratton (04:07) Debut: A Nest of Snakes from Deborah Levison about abuse at a school (07:00) Marco Carocari's debit Blackout features an unrealiable naratator turned suspect (08:34) Joel Shulkin's sequel Toxic Effects is the 2nd in Memory Thief series (13:09) Joel: too close for comfort bus ride (17:14) Steve: his book started in real life in the drug war in Mexico (28:02) What's the most useful thing you own? (39:15) Debbie: Lee Child story (48:14) Marco: Authenticity Get a copy of Steve Stratton's Shadow Tier here: Bookshop.org  or  Amazon.com Get a copy of Deborah Levison's A Nest of Snakes here: Bookshop.org  or  Amazon.com Get a copy of Marco Carocari's Blackout here:  Bookshop.org  or  Amazon.com Get a copy of Joel Shulkin's Toxic Effects here:  Bookshop.org  or  Amazon.com

On this week's GOBrecs Book Club episode, Christie tells a scary story to get us ready for Halloween. Then we recommend Stephen King's latest book, "Fairy Tale."   Highlights (03:10) A ghost story (07:36) Gotcha! (08:37) Battle between good and evil (09:30) What would you write to make you happy? (11:54) Chucky beer

On this week's Corks & Conversation with Zac Bissonnette episode Christie & Cathi talk with Zac Bissonnette about Hollywood memorabilia, celebrity stories from Bette Davis to Bette Midler, and the popularity of cozy mysteries like his latest book, A Killing in Costumes.   Highlights: (03:13) The best cozies out there (03:36) Tea on the mind (07:28) Agatha Christie festival rules (09:03) “That is totally realistic” (11:58) Perry Como (13:33) Joan Crawford and Bette Davis stories (19:18) Barry Manilow and Bette Midler stories (23:37) The reason we all love cozies (27:46) Procrastination Get a copy of A Killing in Costumes here: Bookshop.org  or  Amazon.com   Zac Bissonnette Links: website: www.zacbissonnette.com Twitter:  @ZacBissonnette    Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea:  https://www.harney.com/ Crimson Ranch Red Blend: https://www.crimsonranchwines.com/    

On this week's Corks & Conversation II with Ashley Winstead episode we have such fun, again, one year later and two books later! Yes, Ashley wrote both a romance and a dark thriller, The Last Housewife,  since our last chat. This time we loved how our conversation flowed from straws, to writing for the mood, to creative process, to No Doubt. Lots of laughs and wine in between.   Highlights (04:14) Teeth whitening tips (06:46) “I just can't contain my brain.” (07:46) Mood reading and writing (09:16) Pandemic author dreams come true on book tour (11:15) Where the magic happens (16:39) Creative Freedom with book #2 (23:35)  Donny Osmond (34:30) author brand; pseudonym or no?   Get a copy of The Last Housewife here: Bookshop.org   or  Amazon.com   Ashley Winstead Links: website: ashleywinstead.com  Twitter:  @AshleyWinstead Instagram: @ashleywinsteadbooks

On this week's GOBrecs Book Club episode, Cathi shared Daniel Silva's latest book, Portrait of an Unknown Woman. We were together at Bouchercon for this book talk that devolved into season 5 planning and comparing hotel ice machines! Episode Highlights: (01:48) Together again (04:22) Season 5 changes (05:04) A hole in Cathi's book shelf! (08:29) Christie's email oops (11:07) This one is all about the art (14:10) an ice story Our website https://www.gameofbookspodcast.com Daniel Silva's website https://danielsilvabooks.com/

On this week's Corks & Conversation with Faye Snowden episode we have a fun talk about diverse voices in crime fiction, murder in the family and Louisiana as a setting for her latest book, A Killing Rain.   Episode Highlights: CA to LA (07:41) The great migration (08:40) Kay Scarpetta/Patricia Cornwell (10:30) I can't believe you tell that story! (15:36) Murder her husband??! (22:09) Keep going (30:37)   Get a copy of A Killing Rain here:  Bookshop.org  or  Amazon.com   Faye Snowden Links: website: fayesnowden.com Facebook:  @faye.snowden.9 Twitter:  @faye_snowden Instagram:  @fayesnowden Ghost Pines Red Blend: https://www.ghostpines.com/ Crimson Ranch Red Blend: https://www.crimsonranchwines.com/

On this week's Corks & Conversation with Linda Hurtado Bond, we have a lively chat about love and evil, Santoria, and her latest book, All The Broken Girls.   Episode Highlights: An evil story that will give you shivers (08:32) A Santeria expert (11:42) Just let her read! (14:36) What is life like without romance? (16:34) How much do you make??? (21:21) A love note to the love of family (26:14) Breast cancer survivors blossom! (26:56)   Get a copy of All The Broken Girls here: Bookshop.org or Amazon.com   Linda Hurtado Bond Links: website: https://www.lindabond.com/ Facebook: @authorlindabond Twitter: @authorlindabond Instagram:  @authorlindahurtadobond

Christie and Cathi discuss romance writing with Jasmine Guillory, author of the new book "Drunk On Love."   Highlights: These characters are in charge of the book (07:01) Lisa Cron fan club (09:12) Writing by hand by accident (09:50) Writing is tricking yourself into things (15:10) Nightowls (16:44) Another lawyer turned writer (20:38) Amazon Short Stories with KeKe Palmer (27:10) Game of Books Blog Jasmine Guillory's Website

Christie and Cathi are joined by bestselling author, David Ellis. His new book is "Look Closer."   Highlights  It doesn't get old (02:36) RBG fans (03:50)  The Scott Turow Fan Club (10:30)  Grumpy Dwarf (19:12)  Early mornings: it's like a vacation every morning (21:56)  All of life is will (26:38)  His start with James Patterson (29:00) Game of Books Blog David Ellis's Website Read Happy: The Ultimate Reading Journal

Cathi and Christie are back for their best season yet! On this opening episode, they preview what to expect in the next few months and show off some of the new available merch.

Christie and Cathi, while together at Sleuthfest 2022, give their recap of the conference.

Christie and Cathi chat with Fiona Barton, author of the new mystery novel "Local Gone Missing." The group discusses plungers, talking to animals, and becoming an author later in life. 

Christie and Cathi are joined by Mark Greaney, author of "Armored" and "The Gray Man". Mark shares the story of his writing career from a few 'practice' novels, to co-writing with Tom Clancy, to today's big movie release of "The Gray Man." 

Christie and Cathi share their recommendations for July reading with "The Match" by Harlan Coben and "Bloodline" by Jess Lourey. They preview each book and provide their book club food and wine pairings. 

Christie and Cathi are joined by Don Bentley, author of the Matt Drake series and two Tom Clancy Jack Ryan, Jr. novels.  With a pre-writing life that sounds like he lived one of his characters, Don explains how his background influences his writing. He also shares how it felt to write in the Jack Ryan universe. 

Cathi and Christie continue their conversation about their experiences in NYC at ThrillerFest 2022. 

Christie and Cathi share their favorite parts of day one at ThrillerFest 2022 in NYC. Along with the panels for the day, they also discuss ConsultFest. To be continued in Part Two.

It's the offseason, but Cathi and Christie are back to give their reading recommendations for June. This month, they chose "Find Me" by Alafair Burke and "One of Us Is Dead" by Jeneva Rose.

For our season four finale, Christie and Cathi recap the year and look forward to the offseason. They are joined by past guest Veronica Gutierrez who teaches us how to make the GOB Aperol Spritzer. Click here to check out Veronica's cocktail book Click here for all the information on our exciting new reading journal and merch

Cathi and Christie chat with Davida Breier about her book “Sinkhole.” While they drink Layer Cake Shiraz, they discuss nostalgia, zines, and scuba diving.

Christie and Cathi chat with Lydia Kang, author of “The Half-Life of Ruby Fielding.” They talk about science, ghosts, and breaking gender stereotypes.

Christie and Cathi begin May by sharing their recommendations for books and the wines and foods to go with them. The books this month are “The Family Plot” by Megan Collins and “Her Name is Knight” by Yasmin Angoe

Christie and Cathi talk to William Maz, author of the book “The Bucharest Dossier.” As they drink Meiomi Pinot Noir, William explains Romanian history and gives his advice to writers.

Christie and Cathi are joined by Emilya Naymark, author of "Behind the Lie." They discuss night writing, Eastern Germany, and weird food combinations. The wine this week is actually a beer: Pilsner Urquell.

Cathi and Christie talk to J.D. Allen, author of the Sin City Investigation Series. As they drink 19 Crimes, the group discuss murderabilia, accidental romance novels, and the wide world of writer conferences.

Cathi and Christie talk to Katie Lattari about her book “Dark Things I Adore.” The group drink Castello del Poggio Moscato as they discuss synesthesia, tattoos, and Katie's famous neighbor.

Cathi and Christie share their recommendations for April. Christie chose “The Survivors” by Jane Harper, and Cathi chose “Run Rose Run” by Dolly Parton and James Patterson. They give their food and wine picks for each book.