Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Catching up with David Liss

I met David Liss in a Walmart in Phoenix, but he didn't make a big impression on me until we got into an argument in the back of a limousine a couple of hours later.  It was the first day of the very first Thrillerfest, and I have considered David a friend ever since.  I am not even gong to ask what he considers me, because he is a very snarky man.  You should know that about him.

He does a good job of hiding his snarkliness in the interview below.  Nor does he fully demonstrate his sense of humor, but he's a delightfully funny guy.  What does come through loud and clear is just how smart and knowlegeable he is.  "Smart" doesn't seem to be a word he wants to be tarred with, but I can't help it.  I've only read one of his novels, The Whiskey RebelsIt knocked my socks off!  There was nothing overly challenging or inaccessible about it, but the novel had a deeply satisfying complexity.  The headline of the review linked above was "Absolutely the best mystery I've read in ages!"  Several years later, it's still high on the list, and I'm still hoping for a sequel.

I had the pleasure of catching up with David last month in New York.  It was T-fest time again.  I hadn't realized that a new book was on the way, but the minute I heard about The Twelfth Enchantment, I wanted to get my hands on a copy.  Somehow I failed to do so, but it goes on sale today, so at last the wait is over.  Not to be completely superficial, but I love the title and I love the cover.  And after talking with David about the story, I seriously can't wait to dive in!

One more thing...  Remember that month of kvetching about having no voice?  It started in NY.  (David was like, "No, Susan, your voice sounds totally normal."  Snarky!)  So, I'm just going to mention that I do not sound like this, and I truly apologize to all listeners.  But David does most of the talking, and his end of the conversation is well worth listening to.  It's a casual discussion between friends, not a formal interview, and I hope you enjoy it!


2 comments:

  1. Excellent interview, Susan! I actually have not read David Liss as of yet, but am very interested in The Twelfth Enchantment. It will be my introduction.

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  2. Awesome, Becky. I'll look forward to discussing it after we've both read it!

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