The Thriller Zone

Podcast Host, Author & Voiceover artist Dave Temple interviews the giants of thriller fiction, films & television shows. If you enjoy podcasts with depth, get ready for Stories That Thrill!

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#1 Thriller Fiction Podcast in the World

STORIES THAT THRILL

If you enjoy thriller books, films & TV series and the writers who create them, then you’ll enjoy the #1 thriller fiction podcast in the world, The Thriller Zone.

Now in their 8th season, former radio host & current author Dave Temple talks with the best creative minds in the business for STORIES THAT THRILL!

If you're new to our podcast, check out any one of these popular episodes that get rave reviews!

From OLD MASTERS to NEW PRODIGIES and everything in between, these shows have become CLASSICS with our fans! Scroll through to enjoy one, two or more!

David Baldacci's Leap from Legal Thrillers to Historical Fiction

New York Times Bestselling Author Meg Gardiner and The Challenges of Researching Dark Subjects

Scott Turow: The Father of Legal Thrillers Shares His Journey from Law to Box Office Magic

Unlocking the Mind of James Patterson: Secrets from a Thriller Master

Tea, Tales, and Thrillers: The Adrian McKinty Experience

Marshall Karp's Killer Secrets: Writing Thrillers that Pack a Punch

From Elk Hunts to Epic Tales: C.J. Box's Journey to #25

Joe Kenda, author of All Is Not Forgiven

New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr discusses The Power of Emotion in Storytelling

Don Winslow, New York Times Bestselling Author of City In Ruins

Recent Episodes

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July 2, 2025

Fog and Fury: A Deep Dive with Rachel Howzell Hall

On today's 234th episode of The Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple sits down with Rachel Howzell Hall for a return performance to discuss her latest thriller FOG AND FURY. As always, Rachel is a superb guest, and she provides in...

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June 26, 2025

Thrills, Skills, and Publishing Deals: A Chat with Robert Gottlieb

Today, host Dave Temple is diving into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world with the legendary Robert Gottlieb, the chairman of Trident Media Group. Robert has the inside scoop on how books go from mere words on a page to...

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June 19, 2025

Four Years of Thrills: Megan Abbott Spills the Secrets!

Welcome to not only the 232nd episode of The Thriller Zone, but we are also celebrating our 4-YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!! Can you believe it? Four years of thrilling stories, incredible guests, and a whole lot of banter. Who better ...

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June 12, 2025

Why You Shouldn't Miss Thomas Trang's Debut: Dark Neon Dirt

Get ready to dive into the wild world of “Dark Neon Dirt,” because today's 231st episode with Dave Temple, the host of The Thriller Zone, we’re hanging out with debut author Thomas Trang. Let me tell you, this cat knows how t...

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June 5, 2025

Emily Bestler on Unmasking the Secrets of Bestsellers

On today's 230th episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple, get ready to dive into the thrilling world of book publishing with the fabulous Emily Bestler, a true rock star in the industry! We’re talking about her journey ...

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May 29, 2025

Lights, Camera, Read! Josh Mendoza Talks Books and Films

On today's 229th episode of The Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple dives into the thrilling world of indie authorship with the debut of Josh Mendoza and his book, *Shadow of the Eternal Watcher*. Right off the bat, this title ha...

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May 22, 2025

Double the Thrills: A Memorial Day Special!

The 228th episode of The Thriller Zone is a laid-back, celebratory throwback as host Dave Temple takes a breather for Memorial Day weekend. He’s treating us to a thrilling two-for-one special with interviews from two heavywei...

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May 15, 2025

Jack Stewart Unplugged: Co-Authoring and Crafting Thrillers

Get ready to dive into Episode #227 when host Dave Temple leads The Thriller Zone with an electrifying conversation in the world of Silent Horizons with his pal Jack Stewart! We’re kicking off this chat by unpacking the thril...

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May 8, 2025

Wes Browne's Success Recipe: Noir Crime, Craft Beer and Compelling Ch…

Welcome to our 226th episode of The Thriller Zone, as host Dave Temple welcomes Wes Browne, the mastermind behind the gripping novel 'They All Fall the Same,' for an enjoyable conversation. We chat about everything from the g...

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May 2, 2025

Air Marshal Turned Thriller Author Gary Quesenberry

Today's Bonus Episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple dives into a thrilling discussion with new author Gary Quesenberry, who's just dropped his debut book, *Homecoming*. We kick things off by exploring the gripping wor...

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May 1, 2025

David Baldacci's Leap from Legal Thrillers to Historical Fiction

Hello and welcome to Episode #224 with host Dave Temple. It's your #1 Thriller Fiction, Film & TV Podcast where Dave interviews the giants of thriller fiction. And today, we’re happy to have #1 New York Times bestselling auth...

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April 24, 2025

Thrills and Thanks: A Cozy Listener Mail Session with Dave

Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of listener love on this episode of the Thriller Zone! I’m David Temple, your trusty host, and today, we’re flipping the script a bit – instead of chatting with an author, I’m pouring over s...

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April 17, 2025

Tea, Tales, and Thrillers: The Adrian McKinty Experience

On today's 222nd episode of the world-famous Thriller Zone, host Dave Temple sits down with New York Times bestselling author Adrian McKinty, creator of the Sean Duffy Series. Together, they’re diving deep into the thrilling ...

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April 11, 2025

Unlocking Book Publishing Secrets with Agent Mark Gottlieb

On today's 221st and BONUS episode of The Thriller Zone, I dive into the nitty-gritty of the publishing world with my good friend Mark Gottlieb, Senior VP and top literary agent at Trident Media Group. I'm your host Dave Temp...

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April 10, 2025

From Celebrity Journalist to Crime Thriller Writer: Meet Nick Kolakow…

Join host Dave Temple for episode #220 as he takes us on a wild and thrilling ride in the world of crime fiction as we chat with the incredibly talented Nick Kolakowski! Nick has a new book out, "Where the Bones Lie," that’s ...

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April 3, 2025

Serial Killer Conversations: 'Remote the Six' with Eric Rickstad

On today's 219th episode of The Thriller Zone with host Dave Temple, we dive into the world of thrillers with New York Times bestselling author Eric Rickstad. This show is like a rollercoaster ride through the dark alleys of ...

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March 20, 2025

Ryan Steck puts his heart into writing MONARCH for Ted Bell's legacy

On today's 218th episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple, we're diving into the heart of thriller fiction as we chat with Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy, and Byrdie Bell, the daughter of the late Ted Bell, a New York Tim...

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March 13, 2025

Marshall Karp's Killer Secrets: Writing Thrillers that Pack a Punch

On today's 217th episode, we’re diving into the mind of the legendary Marshall Karp, a true master of the thriller genre and co-author with the great James Patterson. You’re in for a genuine treat as we unpack Karp's latest b...

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March 6, 2025

Tess Gerritsen Talks Characters: How Her Books Nearly Write Themselve…

Thriller writer Tess Gerritsen, the brilliant mind behind over 30 award-winning novels, is back on our podcast, and we're diving headfirst into her latest gem, "The Summer Guest," here on our 216th episode of Season 8; perhap...

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Feb. 20, 2025

From Elk Hunts to Epic Tales: C.J. Box's Journey to #25

On today's 215th episode, host Dave Temple is diving into the wild world of C.J. Box's latest thrill ride, Battle Mountain, the 25th installment in his Joe Pickett series. Can you believe it? Twenty-five! That’s like a silver...

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Feb. 13, 2025

The Gray Man's Journey: Mark Greaney on Writing, Research, and Realism

On today's 214th episode of The Thriller Zone with Dave Temple, we're diving deep into the thrilling world of writing with none other than Mark Greaney, the mastermind behind the Gray Man series, and his latest page-turner, "...

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Reviews

Great Interviews

"David Temple’s laid back style of interview makes for really engaging conversations. A must for mystery and thriller fans."

JSWBRI | Dec. 30, 2023

Top Notch!

"Just discovered this podcast and have to say top notch! These interviews are invaluable, especially if you're a writer like me. Really enjoyed the Koontz and Kent Krueger ones especially. Keep up the…"

Tristram_Shandy | Oct. 1, 2023

The Thriller Zone with David Temple is my daily ritual!

"The Thriller Zone with David Temple has become a ritual for me! I never miss an episode. David’s down-to-earth style is as engaging as it is insightful. I’ve learned so much here that I've recommende…"

Gary Quesenberry, Author of HOMECOMING | May 8, 2025

Top Notch!

Tristram_Shandy | Oct. 26, 2023

It’s a Thrill in the ThrillerZone!

"Host David Temple, author, actor and radio legend, does an outstanding job with these interviews. These aren’t out of David’s bunker basement - they’re done by a pro, and he gets the big authors to o…"

JCircle0277 | July 7, 2023

Always a great conversation!

"The Thriller Zone is an auto-listen for me. I love hearing more about the author’s new book, but it’s the expertly excavated behind-the-scenes information about David Temple’s guests that keeps me tu…"

Tracey Devlyn | May 4, 2023

Great Interviews

"David Temple’s laid back style of interview makes for really engaging conversations. A must for mystery and thriller fans."

JSWBRI | Nov. 17, 2022

I Love This Show!

"David Temple is engaging and affable. His highly accomplished guests are as interesting as the thrillers they write. I look forward to each new episode."

mp4Reviews | Oct. 13, 2022

Best new-ish podcast ever

"It’s been years since I was an obsessive reader of mystery/thriller novels, but The Thriller Zone has revived my addiction. I’m ordering too many books, but I can’t help it. The authors interviewed a…"

krispykritter74 | July 28, 2022

Top Shelf Podcast

"This is the best listen for fans of thrillers, books, and podcasts in general. David Temple provides insight into the work and entertainment for the listener, all while providing space for the guest …"

Joey Hartstone | June 15, 2022

A Must Listen Podcast

"Not usually a podcast listener, but having listened to The Thriller Zone and the interview with Nicole Baart, I am hooked! David’s line of questions is both entertaining and insightful. Am now a subs…"

M Carlson | Nov. 9, 2021

A must-listen!

"For lovers of mysteries and thrillers, David Temple’s The Thriller Zone is an amazing resource! Five out of Five stars!"

Ted Flanagan | Oct. 31, 2021

It’s a Thrill in the ThrillerZone!

JCircle0277 | July 1, 2007

Always a great conversation!

Tracey Devlyn | April 1, 2005

I Love This Show!

"David Temple is engaging and affable. His highly accomplished guests are as interesting as the thrillers they write. I look forward to each new episode."

mp4Reviews | Dec. 1, 2010

Best new-ish podcast ever

krispykritter74 | Dec. 30, 2023

Top Shelf Podcast

Joey Hartstone | Dec. 30, 2023

Bravo!

"Great interviews! Engaging authors. I walk away having learned something new every time."

Tammy Temple | July 28, 2021

Great show

"David Temple is a class act and a consummate professional. He asks great questions and has some fascinating guests. Highly recommended!"

Tmccauley_nyc | Jan. 29, 2024

How does Temple do it?

"THIS is the podcast that ANYONE who enjoys reading crime/mystery/suspense thrillers should listen to. Just look at Dave's guests: they're the biggest AND the best. Thanks, #TZ"

Joshua Harmon | March 25, 2024

The Thriller Writing Masterclass

"Whether you're a student of the genre or just a fan, there's no better place to be than the Thriller Zone! While numerous shows offer a front-row seat to today's best thriller writers, only one delve…"

LS Goozdich | April 18, 2024

Just when you think Temple's topped himself...

"...he lands yet another impressive interview. YES, I love hearing from the "Big Authors," but I also appreciate this host taking time to introduce us to new authors. Thank you!"

Ellen Landau | May 6, 2024

David's a five star narrator who's easy to work with!

"After hearing David on The Thriller Zone podcast I knew he was the right narrator to bring my book to life. The result is well beyond my expectation; he's a five-star narrator who's easy to work with…"

Steve Stratton | June 3, 2024

Congrats on an amazing run!

"Three years, what a feat! Thank you so much for all you do...for readers, for writers, for fans of thrillers. And sure, take some time off, but please hurry back...there are a lot of books out there …"

Richard Allen | July 23, 2024

Great podcast in general

"I enjoy this podcast. But I wish the guests were more diverse and not so homogeneous. There are so many thriller writers who are women and people of color, but they hardly ever get featured."

Scherzo411 | July 28, 2024

Temple is the Pro's Pro

"“David Temple is the pro’s pro, knowledgeable and engaging, and The Thriller Zone is always a blast—as both a guest and a listener. I never miss an episode.”"

Meg Gardiner, #1 New York Times bestselling author | Nov. 1, 2024

Writers interesting talk on writing.

"Dave gets some fascinating insights about a really hard process."

Scor80 | Feb. 16, 2025

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