The Buddies finally crack open an airport bookstore staple with James Patterson’s 1993 debut of Alex Cross, “Along Came a Spider.” The Buddies debate whether Cross is a devoted single dad or a hypocrite who hates the media right up until he needs a favor, why the D.C. police desperately needed a PR person, and who thought hypnotizing the defendant in the middle of a trial was a good idea. Plus, they dig into Patterson’s 300-book co-author empire, mount a passionate defense of Yorkshire pudding, and debate the merits of the egg-and-jelly omelette. So, stop saying “cool bean” and sneaking sneaking in the back door with Sampson, and instead join us to chat about an Alex Cross original.

Intro (0:00-1:39)

Stock Up/Down (1:40-34:23)

Favorite Scene/Love/Hate (35:26-48:29)

Movie/TV Show Discussion (48:30-51:28)

Conclusion (51:29-53:45)

NEXT BOOK: Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

The Buddies are in the cutting room this week for Rough Cuts, the brand-new comedy from Glenn R. Miller, and the author himself stops by to talk shop. Set in the 1920s, the story pits a Hollywood director chasing his legacy against a young Ohio minister who’s just been handed the power to censor movies. Glenn tells the story behind the story, which starts with a box of real censorship cards found in his mother-in-law’s attic. The Buddies talk satire, silent film, and how every page of this book has a joke. They also look up too many fancy words, argue about oatmeal, and debate communion wine during Prohibition. Press play, and don’t censor yourself.

Intro (0:00-0:49)

Interview (0:53-32:09)

Post Interview Discussion (33:13-50:16)

NEXT BOOK: Along Came a Spider by James Patterson

The Buddies head down under for Sally Hepworth's darkly compelling "Mad Mabel". The Buddies had a lot of questions after reading the newly released mystery/dark-comedy. Namely: How old does a child need to be to take accountability for their actions? What makes a good/bad neighbor, and what is the definition of ‘dark humor’. Find out the answers to all of this and more on this weeks podcast. So, pack your umbrella and some tissues, we guarantee you’ll be Mad/you are Mad if you miss this one.

Intro (0:00-2:38)

Stock Up/Down (2:39-38:37)

Favorite Scene/Love/Hate (38:38-53:24)

Casting the Movie (53:25-54:26)

Conclusion (54:27-58:22)

NEXT BOOK: Along Came a Spider by James Patterson