Julie Carrick Dalton is the New England-based author of The Last Beekeeper, longlisted for the Massachusetts Book Award, and Waiting for the Night Song, winner of the New Hampshire Writers’ Project’s People’s Choice Award for Best Novel, an Amazon Editor’s pick for Best Books of the Month, and a Most Anticipated 2021 novel by CNN, Newsweek, USA Today, Parade, and others. A member of the teaching faculty of Drexel University’s Creative Writing MFA Program and a recent Visiting Lecturer at Tufts University, Julie is a frequent speaker on the topic of Fiction in the Age of Climate Crisis at universities, conferences, libraries, and museums, nationally and internationally. Her writing has appeared in Chicago Review of Books, Orion, Newsweek, The Boston Globe, Electric Literature, Lit Hub, and other publications. Her third novel, The Forest Becomes Her, will be published by St. Martin’s Press in 2026. When she isn’t reading or writing, you can probably find Julie digging in her garden, skiing, kayaking, walking her dogs, or trying to keep track of her four adult children. 

You can learn more about Julie at: https://juliecarrickdalton.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Katelyn Marie Peterson graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has written freelance pieces for various newspapers. When she isn’t typing on her laptop, she enjoys movie marathons, singing showtunes in the car, and cozying up with a good book. Katelyn resides in Connecticut with her husband and two children, a stay-at-home mom with a passion for Romance. You can learn more at her website: https://www.katelynswriting.com/

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Emily Carpenter is a bestselling author of suspense novels including Burying the Honeysuckle Girls, The Weight of Lies and Gothictown. Born and raised in Brimingham, Alabama, she graduated from Auburn University and worked in New York City as an actor, producer, screenwriter, and behind-the-scenes soap opera assistant for the CBS shows As the World Turns and Guiding Light. She now lives with her family outside Atlanta, Georgia, and can be found online at http://EmilyCarpenterAuthor.com 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Lee Goldberg is a #1 NYT Bestselling author. He broke into television with a freelance script sale to "Spenser: For Hire." Since then, his TV writing & producing credits have covered a wide variety of genres, including sci-fi (SeaQuest), cop shows (Hunter, The Glades), martial arts (Martial Law), whodunits (Diagnosis Murder, Nero Wolfe), the occult (She-Wolf of London), kid's shows (R.L. Stine's The Nightmare Room), T&A (Baywatch), comedy (Monk) and utter crap (The Highwayman). His TV work has earned him two Edgar Award nominations from the Mystery Writers of America.

His two careers, novelist and TV writer, merged when he began writing the "Diagnosis Murder" series of original novels, based on the hit CBS TV mystery that he also wrote and produced, and later wrote the 15 bestselling novels based on "Monk," another show that he worked on. He is co-creator of the hit Hallmark movie series "Mystery 101." He also he teamed up with Janet Evanovich to write the #1 New York Times bestselling Fox & O'Hare novels ("The Heist," "The Chase," "The Job," "The Scam," "The Pursuit"). His most recent books include "Movieland" (the 4th novel in the Eve Ronin series), "Malibu Burning" (the first novel in the Sharpe & Walker series) and the genre-bending thriller "Calico."

You can learn more about Lee at his website: https://leegoldberg.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Priya Parmar is the author of the novel, Vanessa and Her Sister, a New York Times Notable Book, as well as co-author of the musical, Sylvia (London Old Vic), nominated for the Olivier Award for Best Original Musical. ​

She believes in rescuing animals, veganism, protecting the ocean, and stories. She splits her time between Hawaii and Connecticut with her family and four rescue dogs. You can learn more at: https://www.priyaparmar.net/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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T.K. Bush, a seasoned radiographic/cardiovascular technologist with more than two decades of medical experience, has also been a prolific writer since childhood. Married, with a blended family of 4 children and two Bengal cats, she bravely navigates the complexities of family life, healthcare, and the stimulating world of literature.

Bush’s love of reading and writing gives her a unique storytelling voice, shaped by her medical background. Drawing on her own experiences with relationships and trauma, she creates stories that guide readers toward forgiveness, acceptance, and grace, even in the toughest situations. You can learn more at: https://www.tkbush.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Robert Bailey is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Boomerang as well as the Jason Rich series (Rich Justice, Rich Waters, and Rich Blood), the Bocephus Haynes series (The Wrong Side and Legacy of Lies), and the award-winning McMurtrie and Drake legal thriller series (The Final Reckoning, The Last Trial, Between Black and White, and The Professor). He also wrote the inspirational novel The Golfer’s Carol. The Mediator is his twelfth novel.

A retired attorney and registered mediator, Bailey lives in Huntsville, Alabama, with his wife, Dixie. They are the proud parents of three children, two dogs, and two cats. For more information, please visit the author’s website at http://www.robertbaileybooks.com 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Ben Leman is a businessman, rancher, and fourth-generation Texan whose appetite for adventure has carried him from the remote wilderness of Alaska to elk hunts in the mountain West and travels across the globe. A licensed pilot and lifelong explorer, Ben is of proud Scottish descent and has spent years studying the fierce clashes between Highland clans, research that inspired the heart of his debut novel, Between the Tines. His pursuit of authenticity has taken him to many of the very locations in Scotland featured in the book.

Guided by a deep love of country and community, Ben also served the public as both a County Judge and a State Representative in Texas—an experience that honed the political insight and sense of duty interwoven throughout his upcoming trilogy.

Today, Ben and his wife live on their family ranch in Central Texas, where they’re raising four children and a herd of dreams. You can learn more at his website: https://www.benlemanauthor.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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J. M. Shaw is a Canadian author of fantasy fiction who lives in Alberta with her husband and two young children. She’s been writing since childhood, building worlds from raw imagination and quiet observation, but it took years before she found the courage to share them. For Shaw, storytelling has always been more than a hobby; it’s a passion.

In 2019, Shaw was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, a turning point that brought clarity to a lifetime of feeling “too much” or “too different.” Her intense focus, emotional depth, and ability to live inside fictional worlds became not flaws but the superpowers of a neurodivergent mind. These qualities shape her stories, infusing them with realism, heart, and meaning, and giving her the courage to finally share her creative works. Her worlds may be fantastical, but her characters—flawed, searching, and deeply human—resonate on a personal level.

When she’s not writing, Shaw enjoys connecting with nature, curling up with a good book, and dreaming up new worlds. She also finds joy in encouraging young writers to pursue their own passions. You can learn more at: https://jmshawauthor.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Jocie is the author of over twenty novels, and hundreds of articles. Her non-fiction writing has appeared in numerous national magazines, and online blogs. She worked several jobs before landing her ideal one as a librarian, a perfect segue to becoming an author.

Her fiction writing has received awards for both her mystery and romantic comedy books. Writing humorous cozy mysteries, and romantic comedy, Jocie can find humor in almost every inappropriate thing. She lives in the Midwest on Dust Bunny Farm with her family, and the world’s calmest Border Collie, Ms. McNally.

When not writing, she grows ArnoldSwartzaWeeds in her garden, and plots strategic military maneuvers against hostile dust bunnies. You can learn more at her website: https://jociemckade.com/

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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USA Today bestselling author, Dragon nominee, and award-winning journalist, Jeffery H. Haskell, lives and breathes writing. A passion of his from a young age, he can’t remember a time when he wasn’t telling stories. As a full-time author, he now pursues his life’s calling with the help of his amazing family. The only thing he likes as much as spending time with this family, writing, and speaking about writing, is helping other authors be successful. He will continue to write until he dies, possibly longer if allowed. You can learn more at his website: https://jefferyhhaskell.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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USA Today Bestselling author, Sonali Dev, writes Bollywood-style love stories that let her explore issues faced by women around the world while still indulging her faith in a happily ever after.

Sonali’s novels have been on Library Journal, NPR, Washington Post and Kirkus Best Books of the year lists. She has won the American Library Association’s award for best romance, the RT Reviewer’s Choice award for best contemporary romance, the RT Seal of Excellence, and is a RITA Finalist.

Sonali lives in the Chicago suburbs with her very patient and often amused husband and two teens who demand both patience and humor, and the world’s most perfect dog. Find out more at http://sonalidev.com 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Kaira Rouda is an award–winning USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author of contemporary fiction that explores what goes on beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. Reviews have touted her novels as “pure genius” (SheReads), “an exceptional psychological thriller” (Publishers Weekly starred review) and promising to “keep you at the edge of your seat” (PopSugar). It is clear, one outlet shares, that “Kaira Rouda is the new mistress of domestic suspense” (Bookstr). Kaira’s work has been translated into a dozen languages and optioned for feature film. Three of her novels have been named Amazon Editor’s Picks for Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense. BENEATH THE SURFACE won a Zibby’s Book Award for Best Beach Read, and WE WERE NEVER FRIENDS was featured in People magazine. Kaira is active in the mystery and thriller writing community as a co-founder and co-host of the Killer Author Club, a live online show supporting authors. You can learn more at her website: https://kairarouda.com/  or  https://killerauthorclub.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Liisa Kovala is an award-winning Finnish-Canadian author and book coach. Her most recent historical novel, Like Water for Weary Souls, won a Global Book Award for women's fiction. Surviving Stutthof, recounting her father’s experiences as a Finnish merchant marine imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp in Poland, was short-listed for a Northern Lit Award in 2018 and was translated into Finnish. Liisa is a member of The Writers' Union of Canada and the Canadian Authors Association. Liisa also writes the Hygge House Cozy Mystery series as A. L. Jensen and Book 1 releases tomorrow! Her work explores her Finnish heritage and celebrates the northern landscape she calls home. You can learn more at her website: https://www.liisakovalabookcoach.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Romance author Maria Jane believes in the power of love. She sees that love may look messy and take a winding path, but there is magic in the journey. Her books are filled with fun moments, sweet gestures, surprising turns, and characters searching for their happily-ever-after. Craving your next HEA and/or HFN read? Find all of Maria’s Perfect romances, formerly writing as Tricia Copeland, and dive into a fun love story today at http://mariajaneromance.com 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Jennifer Lieberman is from Maple, Ontario Canada and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from York University in Toronto. Jennifer has appeared in over thirty stage productions in Toronto, New York City, Los Angeles, Europe and Australia; including her Award-Winning solo-show "Year of the Slut". In addition to her performance career she has produced over forty independent film and theatre productions and penned a number of screen and stage plays including the web-series "Dumpwater Divas" and the short films "Leash" and "Details" which both screened at the Festival De Cannes' Court Métrage among other international film festivals. She also has a vlog on YouTube called "I Never Thought I Would..." where she interviews fellow authors about doing things they never thought they would and the unexpected places it led them to. You can learn more at er website: https://www.yearofthewhat.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Wendy Walker is the USA Today Best Selling author of the psychological suspense novels Blade, All Is Not Forgotten, Emma In the Night, The Night Before, Don’t Look For Me, What Remains, American Girl and the Audible Original audio play, Mad Love. Her novels have been translated into 23 foreign languages, topped bestseller lists both nationally and abroad, and have been optioned for both television and film.

Wendy holds degrees from Brown University and Georgetown Law School. Prior to her writing career, Wendy trained for competitive figure skating, worked as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, and practiced both corporate and family law. She resides in Connecticut where she raised her three sons.

You can learn more at her website: https://www.wendywalkerbooks.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Andrew Givler is the author of The Debt Collection & Ironbound series. He is also a gaming YouTuber known as Sigils with over 1.4 Million subscribers. He loves making people laugh, video games, and food. (Not always in that order.) He lives in LA.

To learn more about him you can go to his website: https://www.andrewgivler.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Kristine Jensen is a lifelong storyteller whose career has included writing scripts, screenplays, and narratives for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. With a talent for bringing characters and ideas to life, she has spent decades distilling complex ideas into language that resonates.

Born and raised on a farm in South Dakota, Kristine found the spark for her debut novel in a box of handwritten club minutes kept by her grandmother—records of a real-life women’s group that met for more than sixty years. That discovery blossomed into Wednesday Club, a novel about inter-generational friendship, quiet resilience, and the search for belonging.

Now living in Oregon, Kristine writes fiction that honors women’s inner lives and the quiet beauty of small-town communities. You can learn more about the true Wednesday Club that inspired her work and the movement to create Wednesday Clubs everywhere at her wednesday-club website. https://www.wednesday-club.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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USA Today bestselling author, Mary Leo, writes small town, swoon worthy, sexy romance with enough humor to give you a giggle or two. She loves Italian food, a bubbly flute of Prosecco, meeting her fabulous readers, the company of other writers, and a cup of hot tea every morning. She's a city girl who adores a small town. When she's not writing, she's reading or binging on a great comedy series.

You can learn more about Mary on her Website: https://www.maryleo.com/

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Mia Heintzelman is a bestselling author of novels including Monopolove, The Friendship Contract, and The Accidental Crush. Her work has appeared on Book Riot, Romantically Inclined, and Readers Entertainment Radio. She writes fun, flirty, fiery romances about strong women and men with enough heart to fall for them. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can learn more at her website: https://www.miaheintzelman.com/  Enter the holiday giveaway on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miaheintzelmanauthor 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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T. Kingfisher is the vaguely absurd pen-name of Ursula Vernon, an author from North Carolina. In another life, she writes children's books and weird comics. She has been nominated for the World Fantasy and the Eisner, and has won the Hugo, Sequoyah, Nebula, Alfie, WSFA, Coyotl and Ursa Major awards, as well as a half-dozen Junior Library Guild selections.

This is the name she uses when writing things for grown-ups. Her work includes multiple fairy-tale retellings and odd little stories about elves and goblins.

When she is not writing, she is probably out in the garden, trying to make eye contact with butterflies. You can learn more at: www.redwombatstudio.com

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Angela Shupe’s debut novel, In the Light of the Sun is available now. Her short stories have appeared in various literary journals, and her essays have been featured in publications such as MetroParent, Women’s Adventure, and Relevant Magazine among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Detroit, and has worked as an editor and communications coordinator. She’s a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Historical Novel Society. You can learn more at her website: https://angelamshupe.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Lisa Morton is a screenwriter, author of non-fiction books, and prose writer whose work was described by the American Library Association’s Readers’ Advisory Guide to Horror as “consistently dark, unsettling, and frightening.” She is the author of four novels and 200 short stories and is a world-class Halloween and paranormal expert, and her awards include the Bram Stoker Award, the Rondo Hatton Award, and the Black Quill Award. Her latest releases include Calling the Spirits: A History of Seances and The Art of the Zombie Movie. Recent short stories appeared in Best American Mystery Stories 2020, Final Cuts: New Tales of Hollywood Horror and Other Spectacles, and Classic Monsters Unleashed. She has appeared on such popular shows and podcasts as Shock Docs, Coast to Coast, NPR’s Throughline, CNN’S Margins of Error, and Chinwag with Paul Giamatti and Stephen Asma, and is also the host of the weekly Ghost Report podcast. Lisa lives in Los Angeles and online at www.lisamorton.com

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Kelley Armstrong is the author of over 50 novels in mystery, fantasy and horror. believes experience is the best teacher, though she’s been told this shouldn’t apply to writing her murder scenes. To craft her books, she has studied aikido, archery and fencing. She sucks at all of them. She has also crawled through very shallow cave systems and climbed half a mountain before chickening out. She is however an expert coffee drinker and a true connoisseur of chocolate-chip cookies. You can learn more at: https://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Jeri Bronson was originally from Southern California. She now lives in Texas with her Coroner Investigator husband, who is the perfect resource for suspense novels. They have two grown children and two feisty part Siamese cats. Jeri enjoys outdoor hiking and exploring her new state. She takes long walks in the forest trails near her home for inspiration. In her spare time Jeri is a tennis fanatic sometimes watching matches when she should be writing. You can learn more at: https://jeribronson.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Jason Offutt teaches journalism at Northwest Missouri State University. He's the author of four previous books on paranormal topics, including Haunted Missouri and Paranormal Missouri (Schiffer), in addition to several novels. He has been interviewed on Whitley Strieber's Dreamland, Destination America, Binnall of America, Darkness Radio, The Paracast, and other prominent paranormal podcasts. Visit him at, www.jasonoffutt.com  

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Alma Katsu is the author of eight novels, most recently Red London, The Fervor, Red Widow, and The Deep. Prior to the publication of her first novel, she had a thirty-five-year long career as a senior intelligence analyst for several U.S. agencies, including the CIA and NSA, as well as RAND. Katsu is a graduate of the master's writing program at the Johns Hopkins University and received her bachelor's degree from Brandeis University. She lives in West Virginia with her husband and is a contributing reviewer for the Washington Post. You can learn more at her website: https://almakatsubooks.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Maureen Johnson is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of several YA novels, including 13 Little Blue Envelopes, Suite Scarlett, The Name of the Star, and Truly Devious. She has also done collaborative works, such as Let It Snow (with John Green and Lauren Myracle), and The Bane Chronicles (with Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan). Her work has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, Buzzfeed, and The Guardian, and she has also served as a scriptwriter for EA Games. She has an MFA in Writing from Columbia University and lives in New York City. - You can learn more at her website: https://maureenjohnsonbooks.com/ 

JAY COOPER is the illustrator and writer of 30 books for kids young and old, including the New York Times best-selling graphic novel The Last Comics On Earth and national best-seller Your Guide To Not Getting Murdered In A Quaint English Village. Jay takes silly books very seriously—he believes that reading for pure enjoyment leads to a lifetime of literacy. Jay is also a Clio award-winning creative director of theatrical advertising, and has crafted art and advertising for more than 150 Broadway shows. Born and raised in Delaware, Jay now resides with his wife and children in Maplewood, New Jersey. You can learn more at his website: https://www.jaycooperbooks.com/

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Sandra L. Barone is a writer, storyteller, and community leader whose work blends honesty, humor, and heart. A moderator for The Mom Link, Sandra supports a global community of women, men, and families seeking prayers, healing, and connection after loss. 

Her writing career spans multiple genres, from deeply emotional non-fiction to fiction that explores the complexities of the human spirit. For years, Sandra penned a beloved weekly column in the Pascack Press Newspaper titled I Just Need to Breathe. The final column, written after the passing of her son Drew, offered a heartfelt closing to the series while honoring the enduring bonds of family and love.

Through every story, whether drawn from her own life or crafted from imagination, she writes with a deep commitment to honesty, vulnerability, and the shared human experience. You can learn more at her website: https://sandrabaroneauthor.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Jeffery Deaver is the award-winning #1 international and New York Times bestselling author of numerous series, including Lincoln Rhyme, Colter Shaw, and Kathryn Dance, as well as the Sanchez & Heron series with Isabella Maldonado. Deaver’s work includes fifty novels, more than one hundred short stories, and a nonfiction law book. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into twenty-five languages. A former journalist, folk singer, and attorney, he was born outside Chicago and has a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri and a law degree from Fordham University. He was recently named a Grand Master of Mystery Writers of America, whose ranks include Agatha Christie, Elmore Leonard, and Mickey Spillane. For more information, visit www.jefferydeaver.com

Isabella Maldonado is the award-winning and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Nina Guerrera, Daniela Vega, and Veranda Cruz series, as well as the Sanchez & Heron series with Jeffery Deaver. Her books are published in twenty-four languages. Maldonado wore a gun and badge in real life before turning to crime writing. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the first Latina to attain the rank of captain in her police department, she retired as the Commander of Special Investigations and Forensics. During her more than two decades on the force, her assignments included hostage negotiator, department spokesperson, and precinct commander. She uses her law enforcement background to bring a realistic edge to her writing. For more information, visit www.isabellamaldonado.com

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Sebastien de Castell had just finished a degree in Archaeology when he started work on his first dig. Four hours later he realized how much he actually hated archaeology and left to pursue a very focused career as a musician, ombudsman, interaction designer, fight choreographer, teacher, project manager, actor, and product strategist. He sternly resists the accusation of being a Renaissance Man in the hopes that more people will label him that way.

Sebastien's acclaimed swashbuckling fantasy series, The Greatcoats was shortlisted for both the 2014 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fantasy, the Gemmell Morningstar Award for Best Debut, the Prix Imaginales for Best Foreign Work, and the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer. His YA fantasy series, Spellslinger, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and is published in more than a dozen languages.

Sebastien lives in Vancouver, Canada with his lovely wife and two belligerent cats. You can reach him at http://www.decastell.com

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Joel McKay is an award-winning writer based in Northern British Columbia. His fiction includes the fantasy adventure novel The Dungeoneers and the Treasure of Roan, the werewolf novella Wolf at the Door and short dark fiction anthology It Came From the Trees and Other Violent Aberrations. His short fiction has been published by Tyche Books, Eerie River Publishing, Sley House Publishing, Brigids Gate Press, Black Cat books and others.​

When not writing, he can be found fishing, hiking, biking or exploring the wilds of beautiful British Columbia with his family. You can learn more at: https://www.joelmckay.ca/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Tara Hodgson has called herself a teacher of teenagers for 17 years and is now thrilled to call herself a published author as well.

When she isn't teaching or writing, she is reading. She loves all genres of books, but especially YA Contemporary, Fantasy, and Dystopian.

She spends her downtime walking, camping, boating, and at home with her family and animals. You can learn more at her website: http://www.tarahodgson.ca/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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J.M. Shaw lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband and two young children. She and her family embarked upon a journey of understanding, acceptance, and life-long learning when they discovered their shared diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Writing is her passion and, with experience and interests in healthcare, psychology, martial arts, and personal training, she pours her unique insights and knowledge into all her creative fictions. You can learn more at her website: https://jmshawauthor.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Paulette Kennedy is the bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain and Parting the Veil, which received the prestigious HNS Review Editor’s Choice Award. She has had a lifelong obsession with the gothic. As a young girl, she spent her summers among the gravestones in her neighborhood cemetery, imagining all sorts of romantic stories for the people buried there.

After her mother introduced her to the Brontës as a teenager, Paulette's affinity for fog-covered landscapes and haunted heroines only grew, inspiring her to become a writer. Originally from the Missouri Ozarks, she now lives with her family and a menagerie of rescue pets in sunny Southern California, where sometimes, on the very best days, the mountains are wreathed in fog.

You can connect with her on Instagram at @pkennedywrites or her website: www.paulettekennedy.com 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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CC Robinson has been writing stories - mostly in her mind - since she was little. Since then, she’s undertaken various non-fiction and fiction works, blogs, and pens far too many emails. By day, she is a wife, mom, pastor and director of finance for her church in Cincinnati. By night, she throws on her superhero cape to rescue her own dystopian world, Divided. You can often find her in her garden, on the dance floor (salsa!), or curled up by the fire reading a book. You can learn more at her website: https://ccrobinsonauthor.com/ 

Our Book Lights listeners can download a free e-Book copy of Upheaval, the post-apocalyptic prequel to her Divided YA Dystopian series. The link is:

https://ccrobinsonauthor.com/booklights 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

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Mark Everglade is a cyberpunk author whose first novel hit #5 in its genre. His most recent book, Inertia, won the 2024 Fire and Ember Award for best sci-fi novel from a small publisher. His short stories have been featured beside authors such as Cory Doctorow, Cat Rambo, Walter Jon Williams, and Jim Keen. After spending his life studying sociology, he has been interviewed by NBC News and a BBC correspondent. You can learn more about Mark at his website: https://www.markeverglade.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Dawn M. Barclay writes fiction as D.M. Barr and nonfiction under her own name. A veteran travel reporter who has held senior editor or contributing editor positions at Travel Agent Magazine, Travel Life, Travel Market Report, and most recently, Insider Travel Report, she was the winner of the Lowell Thomas Gold award (2023) from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation for Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022). She is a mother of two and resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley. She is a proud member of SATW, New York Travel Writers Association, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and has held leadership roles in some of these organizations. You can learn more at her website: https://www.dawnbarclayink.com/ and her fiction can be found at: http://www.dmbarr.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

International bestselling author Tess Gerritsen took an unusual route to a writing career. A graduate of Stanford University, she later earned her MD at the University of California, San Francisco. While on maternity leave as a physician, she began to write fiction, publishing her first novel in 1987. She has since sold over forty million books in forty countries, winning both the Nero and RITA Awards.

Gerritsen’s novels have been major bestsellers around the world. Critics praise her books as “pulse-pounding fun” (Philadelphia Inquirer), “scary and brilliant” (Toronto’s Globe and Mail), and “polished, riveting prose” (Chicago Tribune). Publishers Weekly dubbed her the “medical suspense queen.”

Gerritsen’s series featuring homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles inspired the TNT television series Rizzoli & Isles.

Now retired from medicine, Gerritsen lives in Maine and writes full time. You can learn me at: https://www.tessgerritsen.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

EMILY CARPENTER, a former actor, producer, screenwriter, and behind-the-scenes soap opera assistant, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Auburn University. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, she now lives in Georgia with her family. You can visit Emily online at http://emilycarpenterauthor.com and to learn more about Gothictown’s Gentle Juliana, check out: https://gentlejuliana.com/  

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Liana Brooks is an American author who writes science fiction and sci-fi romance for people who like fast ships, big guns, witty one-liners, and happy endings. She enjoys writing science fiction in every form, from sprawling space operas (Fleet of Malik) to the antics of a superhero family (Heroes and Villains), as well as paranormal romances (All I Want For Christmas).

When she’s not exploring the sprawling realms of fiction she is a busy mother of four, traveler, language learner, and eclectic hobbyist who enjoys everything from woodworking and photography to cooking and embroidery. She lives somewhere between the bookshelves, quilts, and canvases with her wonderful husband, their beautiful pets, and all the children that want to be at home right now.

You can find out more on her website: https://www.lianabrooks.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Luce Sutherland has been reading juicy, erotic romance since before it was mainstream... when you couldn’t hide behind a Kindle, and you had to bring the illicit book to the register - and be judged by the cashier.

When those books became harder to find, she resorted to writing her own stories with delicious, dominant alpha heroes and the bold, sassy heroines they aim to tame. Luce lives with her own alpha husband in the Sunshine state, even though she gets sunburned walking from the car to the grocery store. She is passionate about living each day to the fullest, which includes nurturing authentic friendships, savoring Maui coffee, indulging in Scottish gin and being a devoted advocate for the benefits of self-care. Her motto is LIVE LIFE JUICY!

Please follow her on Instagram (lucesutherlandwrites) or check out her website: https://lucesutherland.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Tricia Copeland believes in finding magic. She thinks magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, viewing a beautiful sunset, or reading a book that transports us to another world. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Find all her titles from contemporary romance, now penned under Maria Jane, and fantasy, to dystopian fiction at www.triciacopeland.com

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Christa Carmen lives in Rhode Island. She is the author of The Daughters of Block Island, winner of the Bram Stoker Award and a Shirley Jackson Award finalist, the Indie Horror Book Award-winning Something Borrowed, Something Blood-Soaked, and the Bram Stoker Award-nominated "Through the Looking Glass and Straight into Hell" (Orphans of Bliss, Wicked Run Press). She has a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, an MA from Boston College, and an MFA from the University of Southern Maine.

When she’s not writing, she keeps chickens; uses a Ouija board to ghost-hug her dear, departed beagle; and sets out on adventures with her husband, daughter, and bloodhound–golden retriever mix. Most of her work comes from gazing upon the ghosts of the past or else into the dark corners of nature, those places where whorls of bark become owl eyes, and deer step through tunnels of hanging leaves and creeping briars only to disappear. You can find out more at: https://www.christacarmen.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Lisa Kessler is the author of the Practical Tarot deck and The Practical Tarot Method: Learning to Read Tarot Cards Intuitively and has been a professional tarot card reader for nearly twenty years, reading for clients all over the world. She’s a passionate teacher of tarot and has taught her Practical Tarot courses in the United States as well as online to international audiences. Her Tarot for Writers course has been presented at writer’s conferences and groups around the country to help creatives connect with their intuition through tarot cards. She also posts free weekly tarot readings on her YouTube channel.

Her fascination with the metaphysical world also led her to work as a docent at America’s Most Haunted Residence, the Whaley House, in San Diego where she gave tours and shared ghost stories with guests from around the globe. Her love for all things paranormal is also showcased in more than forty bestselling paranormal romance novels and thrillers. You can find out more about her books at http://AuthorLisaKessler.com 

When she’s not reading tarot or writing books, she’s coaching others to manifest the life of their dreams. You can learn more about her Metaphysical Manifesting at http://metaphysicalmanifesting.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

At the age of thirteen, when his best friend was interrogated by the police for over eight hours and confessed to a crime he didn’t commit, Victor Methos knew he would one day become a lawyer.

After graduating from law school at the University of Utah, Methos sharpened his teeth as a prosecutor for Salt Lake City before founding what would become the most successful criminal defense firm in Utah.

In ten years Methos conducted more than one hundred trials. One particular case stuck with him, and it eventually became the basis for his first major bestseller, The Neon Lawyer. Since that time, Methos has focused his work on legal thrillers and mysteries, earning a Harper Lee Prize for The Hallows and an Edgar nomination for Best Novel for his title A Gambler’s Jury. He currently splits his time between southern Utah and Las Vegas. You can learn more at: https://victormethos.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

USA TODAY bestseller Christi Barth earned a Masters degree in vocal performance and embarked upon a career on the stage. A love of romance then drew her to wedding planning. Ultimately she succumbed to her lifelong love of books and now writes contemporary romance. Christi lives in Maryland with her husband. You can learn more at: https://www.christibarth.com/

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

An award-winning author, Sheila English lives in California, USA where she is a producer, director and screenwriter for COS Productions, the top producer of book trailers in America, and a company she owns.

She has worked with authors such as George R. R. Martin, Christine Feehan, Karen Rose, Cory Doctorow, James Rollins and many more amazing authors.

When she isn't writing supernatural suspense she is an animal rights activist, loves dogs (and cats) and is a huge Doctor Who fan.

You can find out more at www.SheilaEnglish.com

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

International bestselling author Brad Parks is the only writer to have won the Shamus, Nero, and Lefty Awards, three of American crime fiction’s most prestigious prizes. His novels have been translated into fifteen languages and have won critical acclaim across the globe, including stars from every major pre-publication review outlet. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Parks is a former journalist with The Washington Post and The (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger. He is now a full-time novelist living in Virginia with his wife and two school-aged children. For more, visit www.BradParksBooks.com

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Tong Ge was born and raised in China and moved to Canada in 1988. She began writing the China China trilogy in 2004. Although she was challenged by learning to write in English and by her long-term disability, she persevered and since 2012 has published poetry and prose in English and Chinese in publications such as Prism, Ricepaper, Flow, Canadian Stories, and The Polyglot. Her new book The House Filler won an Independent Press Award for Best New Fiction. Tong Ge lives in Calgary, Alberta. Learn more at: https://tong-ge.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Amelia Diane Coombs is the author of the new dark comedic mystery Drop Dead Sisters, as well as four young adult novels, most recently All Alone With You, a JLG Gold Standard Selection. She’s a Northern California transplant living in Seattle, Washington, with her spouse and their Siberian cat. When she isn’t writing or reading, Amelia spends her time playing video and tabletop games, road-tripping, and hiking the Pacific Northwest. You can find out more at: https://www.ameliadianecoombs.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com 

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Crystal King is the author of In The Garden of Monsters, The Chef’s Secret and Feast of Sorrow, which was long-listed for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize and was a Must Read for the MassBook Awards. She is an author, culinary enthusiast, and marketing expert, and has taught at multiple universities including Harvard Extension and Boston University. She resides in Boston. You can find her at crystalking.com

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Mark Leslie would be the first person to admit he's still afraid of the monster under his bed. That might be why most of his books explore the darker side. In addition to penning a series of true ghostly tales (that include SPOOKY SUDBURY, HAUNTED HOSPITALS and CREEPY CAPITAL), he has written a few horror titles (I, DEATH, ONE HAND SCREAMING, and NOCTURNAL SCREAMS), is the editor of the horror anthologies CAMPUS CHILLS, FEEL THE FEAR, and SUPERNATURAL, and is the author of the humorous urban fantasy action/adventure 'Canadian Werewolf" series.

His other passions within the non-fiction realm include fan appreciation/trivia books about the classic modern films Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (THE CANADIAN MOUNTED), Die Hard (YIPPEE KI-YAY MOTHERF*****), and the upcoming Christmas Vacation (THE SH*TTERS FULL)

Proudly adopting the term "Book Nerd" for himself, Mark is most comfortable with a pen in hand, fingers on keyboard or with his nose stuck in a book.He can often be seen traveling to book events with a life-sized skeleton named Barnaby Bones. You can find out more at: https://markleslie.ca/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Darkness Prevails is a spooky storyteller extraordinaire hailing from the Ozarks of Arkansas. When he's not busy spinning yarns about things that go bump in the night on Eeriecast: The Horror Podcast Network or on his wildly successful YouTube channel, "Darkness Prevails," he can often be found wandering through the misty woods, searching for evidence of Bigfoot (or at least an excuse to use his night vision goggles).

Despite his fascination with the unknown, Darkness Prevails is also a devoted family man. He is the proud father of two terrors-in-training. His wife, who may or may not be a vampire, supports his creepy pursuits and even helps him research his latest hair-raising tales.

With a love for all things spooky and a knack for making even the bravest of souls quiver in their boots, Darkness Prevails is a force to be reckoned with in the horror genre.

Carman Carrion, a dedicated folklore enthusiast and the host of the Freaky Folklore and Destination Terror podcasts, is a storyteller passionate about the mysterious and the supernatural. Hailing from Bella Vista, Arkansas, Carman combines a love for writing with an insatiable curiosity about the darker side of storytelling.

Most days are spent in the cozy confines of the office, accompanied by two dogs, Gidget, and Oni, tirelessly researching folklore spanning the globe and crafting chilling narratives. With a love for writing and an insatiable curiosity about the darker side of storytelling, Carman Carrion weaves tales that captivate and intrigue, inviting listeners and readers alike to journey into the realms of the unknown.

In addition to her podcasts, Carman, along with her husband, seizes every opportunity to travel across the U.S., embarking on journeys that unravel the rich mosaic of history and folklore woven into the fabric of our country. Whether exploring tales in the cozy confines of her office or venturing into the eerie corners of the nation, Carman Carrion invites listeners and readers alike to join her on an intriguing journey into the unknown.

You can learn more about them on the Eeriecast site - https://www.eeriecast.com/

GIVEAWAY! - Tweet to @DarkPrevails with your best monster drawing and the hashtag #FolkloreFreak to win signed copies of their books!

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!

Jeremy Dauber is a professor of Jewish literature and American Studies at Columbia University, where he has also served as director of its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies. He received his undergraduate degree summa cum laude from Harvard and his doctorate from the University of Oxford, which he attended as a Rhodes Scholar. His most recent books are American Scary, American Comics: A History, which was featured on the cover of the New York Times Book Review, and Mel Brooks: Disobedient Jew.

​As “J.A. Dauber,” he is also the author of the YA novel Mayhem and Madness: Chronicles of a Teenaged Supervillain, which was a Young Adults’ Choice of the Children’s Book Council; a new middle grade novel, currently titled Press 1 For 1nvasion, will be published by Simon and Schuster’s Aladdin Books next year. 

He frequently lectures on topics related to American popular culture, Jewish literature, history, and humor at venues throughout the United States and internationally. You can learn more at his website: https://www.jeremydauber.com/ 

And for more about our host Lisa Kessler visit http://Lisa-Kessler.com

Book Lights - shining a light on good books!