This week we are joined by Samantha Downing! Samantha Downing is an internationally bestselling thriller author whose books have appeared on the Sunday Times and USA Today. 

Her debut novel, My Lovely Wife, was nominated for Edgar, ITW, and Macavity awards in the US, the CWA award in the UK, and was the winner of the Prix des Lectrices award in France. Her latest thriller, Too Old For This, was released in August 2025 in the US.

In this episode, Samantha Downing shares her unique approach to writing, emphasizing the importance of morning routines and the creative process. She discusses her journey to publication, the influences that shaped her writing, and how her personal experiences have impacted her work. We discuss how personal struggles can shape characters in literature, particularly in the context of Samantha's latest book featuring a retired serial killer. We also explore challenges of writing crime fiction in a modern world filled with technology and surveillance, and the importance of research in creating believable narratives. Give this episode a listen!

Recommendations From This Episode: 

The Thursday Murder Club

Murder She Wrote

Look Closer 

Follow Samantha Downing: @smariedowning

Follow Carly: @carlyjmontag

Follow Emily: @thefunnywalsh

Follow the podcast: @aloneatlunchpod

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