Richard Osman, author of the beloved Thursday Murder Club series, joins NPR's Scott Simon to discuss his new novel, We Solve Murders. Osman reveals his creative shift from a duo to a detective trio facing a supervillain who uses chat GPT. The conversation dives into themes like fame, the nuances of human nature, and character motivations that blur the lines between good and evil. Osman also shares insights on the role of humor in storytelling and the importance of exploration in writing.

Don Winslow, a celebrated author known for his gripping crime novels, discusses the conclusion of his Danny Ryan trilogy with NPR host Scott Simon. Winslow shares insights about his 30-year journey writing this series and his deep personal connection to the protagonist. They explore themes of loyalty, ambition, and the impact of Greek tragedies on his storytelling. Winslow also reveals his decision to retire, driven by a desire to focus on political activism and the importance of democratic engagement.

Rumaan Alam, author of 'Entitlement,' discusses the ethical dilemmas of wealth through the journey of Brooke, a woman tasked with helping a billionaire decide how to give away his fortune. Alongside NPR's Scott Simon, they explore whether we're witnessing a new Gilded Age. Topics include the challenges of philanthropy, the intersection of wealth and identity in art, and the balance between creativity and family life. Alam thoughtfully examines how proximity to great wealth reshapes personal ambitions and ethics.

Ken Krimstein, the creator of a compelling graphic novel, dives into the intriguing intersection of two intellectual giants, Albert Einstein and Franz Kafka, who both called Prague home in the early 20th century. In conversation with NPR's Scott Simon, they discuss how their paths crossed socially and musically. The vibrant cafe culture of Prague served as a backdrop for their mutual search for truth, stimulating their groundbreaking ideas. Krimstein vividly imagines how these two minds might have influenced each other in profound ways.

Kat Tang, the author behind the debut novel 'Five-Star Stranger', joins NPR's celebrated host Scott Simon to delve into the intriguing world of hired relationships. They discuss the unique premise of an app that allows people to rent strangers for personal roles, like a father figure. Tang reveals the emotional complexities of these artificial bonds, pondering themes of loneliness, sacrifice, and identity. Their conversation takes a humorous turn, emphasizing the bizarre yet relatable nature of human connections in a digital age.