This week, Josh and Dietrich suggest some good entry level books for science fiction, whether you're a hesitant reader or someone who feels that scifi isn't worth your time.  We discuss the geniuses of the genre, including Philip K Dick, Orson Scott Card, Arthur C Clarke, and more, as well as looking at some brilliant standalones that highlight the strengths of this genre.  In addition, Dietrich gets the opportunity to meet a remarkable nonfiction author, while Josh takes some advice from the brilliant Neil Gaiman, and is quite glad he did.  You can send any questions or comments to questions@librarypolice.net.

This week, Josh and Dietrich put Dietrich's fancy new journalism degree to use as they look at some of the biggest news stories effecting the book industry lately.  At the top of the list is the anti-trust lawsuit issued by the FCC against Apple and some major book publishers, and JK Rowling's foray into adult fiction.  We also look at a new phenomenon in erotica, some surprising statistical data regarding young readers, and the triumphant arrival of Stephen Colbert into the children's book market.  Josh also discusses a brilliant take on the serial killer novel, and Dietrich looks at a group of documentaries, including one about a childhood hero of his.  You can send questions or comments to questions@librarypolice.net.

This week, we open our mailbag and tackle a host of tiny topics from our listeners, as well as a few suggested through Twitter and Facebook.  One listener explains how his marriage is in jeopardy thanks to his love for George RR Martin and his loathing of Stephanie Meyer, another suggests a serial killer novel set in Stalinist Russia, a third asks us to examine dystopian fiction, and quite a bit more. In addition, Josh revisits the excellent Audrey Niffenegger and discusses her struggles to match her amazing debut, and Dietrich talks about a brilliant and hysterical HBO miniseries.  You can send questions or comments to questions@librarypolice.net.

This week, Josh and Dietrich are joined by their significant others, Maria Mauthe and Jennifer Finley, who provide a much-needed female perspective on the long-awaited discussion of the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. We discuss our concerns with Bella Swan as a character, the surprisingly strong character creation, and why we believe this series became such a phenomenon. Mostly, however, we acknowledge that we didn't find the books particularly strong, and where we believe they stumbled in our opinion. In addition, Josh steps back into HP Lovecraft, Jennifer talks about her first Stephen King novel, and we wrap up with a train wreck of a finale.  Hey, it was late.  You can send questions and comments to questions@librarypolice.net.

This week, Josh and Dietrich look at the newly released adaptation of "The Hunger Games", and discuss how it compares to the remarkable book.  They discuss the benefit of hiring good actors and then letting them do their jobs, the power of silence and subtlety, and the difference between a good movie and a faithful adaptation.  Also, Josh explores Terry Pratchett's swing at YA fiction, while Dietrich finally dives into the incomparably brilliant "20th Century Ghosts" by Joe Hill.  They wrap up with a discussion of movies ranging from a Cold War masterpiece to a movie featuring dancing puppets.  You can send questions and comments to questions@librarypolice.net.

This week, Josh and Dietrich tackle one of the most familiar plot devices in modern fiction: the serial killer.  We discuss the very long shadow that Thomas Harris cast over this genre when he created Hannibal Lechter, and why authors should be very cautious to attempt to emulate what Harris did. We also discuss our least favorite tropes of serial killing, and why you should avoid them like the plague.  Also, Josh reads the latest Joe Lansdale novel, Dietrich explores the world's most famous equation, and they both rave about the shockingly outstanding 21 Jump Street film.  You can send questions or comments to questions@librarypolice.net.

This week, Josh and Dietrich return to one of their favorite topics: short fiction.  Steering clear of usual favorites like Stephen King and John Connolly, the pair look at some of their favorite stories they've ever read, including gems by JD Salinger, Tobias Wolfe, Joe Hill, Harlan Ellison, Philip K. Dick, and more. If you're interested in reading some of these, links to online copies will be included in the post for the show on the website.  Finally, Josh discusses a brilliant film which he fears will struggle due to its origin, and Dietrich concludes an science fiction epic in the newest of storytelling forms with Mass Effect.  You can send any questions or comments to questions@librarypolice.net.

This week, Josh and Dietrich sit down with their second book club selection, "White Noise" by Don Delillo. Josh explains how it's a book that he admires much more than he enjoys, and Dietrich... well, Dietrich has his own loud and angry thoughts about this post-modernist classic.  Also, Dietrich continues his exploration of the Chaos Walking trilogy, Josh discusses a brilliant story by Joe Lansdale, and they conclude with a look at some television and movies, including a remarkable pilot for the show "Awake" that has them both concerned for the show's future.  You can send questions or comments to questions@librarypolice.net.

This week, Josh and Dietrich attempt to decipher the mystery of the bestselling juggernauts: those authors who can sell half a million copies simply by slapping their name on a dust cover.  What makes authors like Danielle Steele, Stephen King, and Agatha Christie so much more successful than so many others? Does a spot in this most exclusive of clubs speak to the quality of the book?  We also discuss the brilliant debut novel by author Robert Pobi, "Bloodman", and Dietrich leaps into the "Chaos Walking" trilogy.  Finally, we wrap up with a disappointed review of the film "J. Edgar" and Josh takes a trip to the two extremes of filmmaking quality with "Casablanca" and "The Room."  You can always contact us at questions@librarypolice.net.

This week, Josh and Dietrich examine action sequences in books.  What are the details that make some gunfights come alive while some car chases induce yawns?  We look at excellent examples by Pat Conroy, Orson Scott Card, and more, while Dietrich invites wrathful emails by claiming that Tolkien was a flop with action.  Josh claims no responsibility for these wild allegations.  Also, they discuss a documentary about the Black Panthers, Josh wraps up the Chaos Walking trilogy, and Dietrich details his adventures as a morbidly obese Jedi Knight.  Yes, it's one of those episodes.  You can send questions or comments to questions@librarypolice.net.