Welcome to Unreliable Sources—a quick hit of mystery, murder, and mayhem.

Season two kicks off with thriller author Mike Donohue remembering Dolly Parton's legacy as a champion of reading. He also covers the McIlvanney Prize shortlist, a library perk that tracks how much your card saves you, and what an ampersand in a screen credit really means.

He spotlights new releases from Richard Osman, Garry Disher, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and the final Dave Gurney novel from John Verdon.

Then he asks how dark is too dark, ranking seven of the darkest crime series from bleak but restrained to the genre's outer edge, with honest content warnings for each.

Books & topics mentioned:
– Dolly Parton's favorite books & the Imagination Library
– 2026 McIlvanney Prize shortlist
– CrimeReads' most anticipated mysteries & thrillers of fall 2026
– Chicago Public Library's savings receipts (Salon)
– An Ode to the Ampersand by Adam Gopnik (Town & Country)
– Ghost Barn by John Verdon
– We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman
– Sanctuary by Garry Disher
– Mother Daughter Sister Stranger by Hank Phillippi Ryan
– The darkest crime series deep dive: Tana French, Val McDermid, Karin Slaughter, Stieg Larsson, Jo Nesbø, Mo Hayder, and Pierre Lemaitre
What I'm reading/listening to:

The Spy Coast (Tess Gerritsen), Northwoods (Amy Pease — audio), plus a writing update on Max Strong #9

📚 Like twisty books and tense shows? Subscribe for bi-weekly episodes packed with killer reads, news, and sharp takes.

Free books from Mike: SLEEPING DOGS, the Max Strong prequel, plus the short story collection OCTOBER DAYS. Get them at mikedonohuebooks.com/podcast

🌐 Learn more: https://mikedonohuebooks.com

Until next time—stay sharp, follow the clues, and don't trust anyone who skips to the end.