Episode 7: Thrill Seekers

The Watchung Booksellers Podcast

In this episode of the Watchung Booksellers Podcast, authors Laura Sims and Hillary Frank discuss thrillers--how we define them, why we are drawn to them, and how they compare in different mediums: print, audio, film, and television.
Our Guests:
Laura Sims is the author of How Can I Help You, a New York Times, Publishers Weekly, Book Riot, and CrimeReads Best Book of the Year. Her first novel, Looker, was included on “Best Books” lists including Vogue, People Magazine, and Real Simple. An award-winning poet, she has published four poetry collections.

Hillary Frank is the award-winning creator and host of The Longest Shortest Time and Here Lies Me. She is also the author and illustrator of three young adult novels and a collection of essays called Weird Parenting Wins. Her audiobook, Wedlocked, is a feminist domestic thriller releasing in 2025.
Books:
A full list of the books mentioned is available here.

Resources:
Rear Window
Twin Peaks
Get Out
Promising Young Woman
Severance
No One Will Save You
Parasite
Baby Reindeer
Law & Order: SVU

Books:
A full list of the books and authors mentioned in this episode is available here.

Register for Upcoming Events.
The Watchung Booksellers Podcast is produced by Kathryn Counsell and Marni Jessup and is recorded at Silver Stream Studio in Montclair, NJ.

The show is edited by Kathryn Counsell and Bree Testa. Special thanks to Timmy Kellenyi and Derek Mattheiss.

Original music is composed and performed by Violet Mujica.

Art & design and social media by Evelyn Moulton. Research and show notes by Caroline Shurtleff.

Thanks to all the staff at Watchung Booksellers and The Kids’ Room!

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1. Episode 7: Thrill Seekers (00:00:00)

2. What Makes a Thriller (00:00:11)

3. Industry Definitions (00:03:50)

4. Plotting and Outlining (00:09:54)

5. Audio Versus Written Thriller (00:13:12)

6. Influence of Media on Writing (00:14:32)

7. Trailers and Spoilers (00:15:09)

8. Movies and TV as Inspiration (00:17:58)

9. The Appeal of Voyeurism (00:21:14)

10. Untouchable Topics (00:28:49)

11. Building an Audience for Thriller Audiobooks (00:30:58)

12. Book Recommendations (00:33:39)

13. Upcoming Events and Credits (00:40:03)