What are You Reading? What are You Writing? ep. 364 with James Foley

James Foley returns to What Are You Reading? What Are You Writing? to discuss Blue Ridge, the second novel in his Lisa Owens crime-thriller series and the follow-up to Treasure Coast.

When the homes of three prominent Black members of Congress are bombed in Washington, D.C., FBI agent Lisa Owens is thrust into a case with national implications. Still finding her footing inside the Bureau, Lisa is smart, determined, and capable—but not always convinced she belongs.

Karen and Jim talk about what he loves about Lisa as a protagonist and how she continues to evolve in the second book of the series.

They also explore his decision to move the action from Florida to Washington, D.C., and what that shift allowed him to do with the story. Against the backdrop of political violence, institutional division, and racial hatred, Jim discusses the challenges of writing a political thriller during a troubled and polarized time without losing sight of character and suspense.

The investigation ultimately takes Lisa into the Blue Ridge Mountains, where present-day danger collides with long-buried history.

Watch or listen to hear Karen and Jim discuss the continuing Lisa Owens trilogy, what comes next, and, as always, books worth adding to your TBR.