Talking to Tana French About Her New Series

This podcast episode delves into the unique approach taken by author Tana French in crafting their latest standalone mystery novel. Breaking away from her successful Dublin Murder Squad series, French explores the events leading up to a murder, emphasizing the complex dynamics and relationships between the characters. The protagonist, Cal Hooper, a retired police detective, becomes entangled in a secretive rural community, facing challenging interrogations and navigating the delicate use of language. The episode also discusses the significance of land, the impact of a heatwave on the community, and French's decision to write from the perspective of the community rather than the detective. French's writing process, the development of characters, and the influence of experiences and observations on the creation of characters are also explored.