Happy Episode 150!! For this episode I had the absolute pleasure of hosting Gary Goldstein for his third book, Please Come to Boston. It’s a funny, nostalgic, and bittersweet look at first love at a time when exploring one’s sexual orientation and authentic self was riskier, more uncharted territory, yet with so many of the same defining issues that resonate today.

What a special episode, not only did we have a wonderful discussion about Please Come to Boston, but the insights Gary provided about the art of writing, how he writes, and his technique were incredibly illuminative. We discuss Gary’s authentic “own voice” that informs the character of Nicky, how Gary immersed himself in writing about 1970s Boston, we talk about Gary’s Long Island upbringing, book recommendations and more, Gary also gave us a sneak peek into the incredible things he’s working on next – and I cannot wait for each and every one. Gary, what a pleasure hosting you for this, my 150th episode!

Listeners, please don’t miss my interview with Gary on Episode 106. Once you listen, you’ll understand this reference: Fresno, I love you!)

Check out all of Gary’s books and screen treatments right here! Gary recommends: Colored Television by Danzy Senna; Long Island by Colm Toibin

Laced with atmospheric poetry and literature and set in the heart of Denver’s black community, They Can’t Take Your Name by Robert Justice is a gripping crime novel that pits three characters in a race against time to thwart a gross miscarriage of justice—and a crooked detective who wreaks havoc…with deadly consequences. This is the first in a three-part series of crime novels based upon the greatest injustice in our justice system-—wrongful convictions. The second in the series, A Dream in the Dark is on shelves right now, so don’t miss it!

For this episode, Robert Justice shares the very personal inspiration for his fiction debut, his love letter to Denver, his passion project, what he’s working on next, and more. Click here for more information about the Read a Book, Right a Wrong Project. Thank you so much for joining me, Robert!

Robert Justice recommends: No One Will Save Us by Julie L. Brown; The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison. Listen to the Crime Writers of Color Podcast here!

“This gripping, gritty noir is Upton Sinclair on hormones, the Coen brothers deep-fried.” ~ –Minneapolis Star Tribune about Broiler by Eli Cranor

Eli Cranor’s third book, Broiler, is another edge-of-your-seat noir thriller that exposes the dark, bloody heart of life on the margins in the American South and the bleak underside of a bygone American Dream. I was thrilled to host him for the third time to talk about his brand new book. He shared some very personal influences for this book, so give a listen. Eli joined us for Episode 87 and for Episode 120, if you want to catch up on either of those! Place your holds here for all Eli Cranor’s books. Thanks so much again, Eli!

Eli Cranor recommends: Holy City by Henry Wise; Great State of West Florida by Kent Wascom; A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. The work of Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen. Follow Eli Cranor on social media: @elicranor