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

In this episode, thriller author Mike Donohue shares 13 creepy crime novels for spooky season, each rated two ways: how much dread it delivers and how graphic it gets. Plus Laura Lippman sends Mrs. Blossom to Tuscany, Peacock drops the trailer for Karin Slaughter's The Good Daughter, Arnold Schwarzenegger co-writes a thriller with James Patterson, Ian Rankin steps away from Rebus, Joe Lansdale says farewell to Hap and Leonard, and Goodreads finally adds half stars.

News: Murder al Dente by Laura Lippman: link · The Good Daughter trailer: link · The Protector by James Patterson and Arnold Schwarzenegger: link · The Heights by Ian Rankin: link · Petrified Dreams by Joe R. Lansdale: link · Goodreads half stars: link

New & Notable: You Let Me In by Lucy Clarke: link · Look What the Cat Dragged In by Jason Rekulak: link · Do You See What I See? by Peter Swanson: link · Raven by Lyndsay Faye: link

13 Creepy Crime Novels: We Have Always Lived in the Castle (Shirley Jackson), Wild Dark Shore (Charlotte McConaghy), Shutter Island (Dennis Lehane), The Sun Down Motel (Simone St. James), Strange Pictures (Uketsu), The Unknown (Riley Sager), Beautiful Ugly (Alice Feeney), Sharp Objects (Gillian Flynn), The Whisper Man (Alex North), The Last House on Needless Street (Catriona Ward), The Midnight Knock (John Fram), The Chestnut Man (Søren Sveistrup), All the Sinners Bleed (S.A. Cosby). Full list with ratings and content warnings: link

What I'm reading: Deceptions by Jeffery Deaver: link · Plot Twist by Harlan Coben (audio): link

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

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

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

In this episode, thriller author Mike Donohue covers Barnes & Noble's latest indie bookstore acquisition and what "independent" still means, the 2026 Ned Kelly Award winners, Quentin Tarantino's new Cliff Booth novel and film, and one reader's case for chopping up your books.

He spotlights new releases from Sarah Langan, Ann Cleeves, David McCloskey, and Michael Koryta, then dives into the most anticipated crime fiction of fall 2026 and winter 2027.

Books & topics mentioned:– Barnes & Noble acquires Joseph-Beth Booksellers– 2026 Ned Kelly Award winners, including Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth– The Adventures of Cliff Booth by Quentin Tarantino– Chop Up Your Books (Matt Kirkland)– Trad Wife by Sarah Langan– The Dying Light by Ann Cleeves– London Station by David McCloskey– Die Famous by Michael Koryta– The Most Anticipated Crime Fiction of Fall 2026 and Winter 2027–

What I'm reading: We Chase Shadows (Richard Osman): and Past Tense (Lee Child, audio)

Disclosure: Some links above are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

📚 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.

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.