Description
Do all crime novel mysteries need to be resolved? This episode's pick: In the Woods by Tana French, the award-winning, Celtic-mist-soaked psychological mystery that launched the Dublin Murder Squad. When a young girl is found murdered at an archaeological dig, detective Rob Ryan is forced back into the very woods where he once vanished as a child, an incident he has no memory of, except for his blood-soaked shoes. As Rob and his partner Cassie Maddox investigate, the line between past and present blurs. It’s atmospheric, character-driven, and the kind of book that makes you glance over your shoulder at every little noise. This week’s guest - Dervla McTiernan is an internationally bestselling Irish-Australian crime writer and a great friend of ours. She’s the powerhouse behind the Cormac Reilly series, as well as the gripping standalones The Murder Rule and What Happened to Nina? . Her novels have topped bestseller lists around the world and earned shelves of awards, and we’re thrilled to have her with us. In this episode, we cover: Dervla being a superstar. What Dervla loves about Tana French’s writing. The expectations of a crime novel. Unreliable narrators. What makes a great villain. Authors reading their own reviews 📚 Books Mentioned on the Pod Tanya French – The Likeness Tanya French – Secret Place Tanya French – The Witch Elm Stephen King – The Outsider Stephen King – Lisey’s Story Marian Keyes – This Charming Man Rhys Bowen – The Royal Spyness Series 💋 And, of course, we rate it: Kiss, Kill, or Marry? Which way did the votes fall? You’ll have to listen in… ⏰ Timestamps 1.0 Welcome to Only Fans for Middle Aged Ladies in Glasses Cum-unity. 2.03 – Meet Dervla McTiernan – Just how many awards is it legal to win?? 4.35 – Meet Tanya French – Into the Woods (not as many awards as Dervla..!) 6.45 – Anthea bans Dervla for all time – serves her right. 9.39 – Time to Kiss, Kill, Marry! 12.13 – Dervla’s favourite backhanded compliment (looking at you Lit-fic!) 13.44 – Rach tries to sort out Rob Ryan’s love life. 14.36 – What do you MEAN they don’t solve the crime?? 18.43 – Just because people have been murdered, doesn’t mean we can’t have fun. 20.40 – Is Rob Ryan a bit immature? 21.41 – Rosalyn – DO NOT DATE. 24.20 – Rob – unreliable narrator? Liar? MURDERERERER?? 24.40 – Dervla sensationally admits to ripping off Steven King and Marian Keyes. (we’ll never tell…) 29.43 – The joy of reading to your (disinterested) partner. 35.12 – Dervla recommends reading the back of the Cornflake box. 39.24 – Demon Copperhead. What a pile of crap! 40.34 – Brutal honesty – is the best policy. Sometimes. 41.34 – Reading reviews – fun for ALL the family! 42.20 – Dervla’s favourites. 45.02 – Dust off Persuasion – and drag out your piano forte! Jane Austen rides again. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readingbetweendeadlines.substack.com/subscribe