Ep29: Meet Carter Wilson: From the USA Today bestselling author of “The Dead Girl in 2A” and “The New Neighbor,” comes a chilling new thriller that forces the question — Are murderers always the bad guys?

Meet the Author: Carter Wilson is the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of ten psychological thrillers, known for their emotional intensity, tight pacing, and sinister twists. His work has received starred reviews from every major trade publication, has won multiple awards, and has been optioned for television and film. His 2025 release, Tell Me What You Did, was selected by Barnes & Noble as a national monthly pick.

Carter is also the creator and host of Making It Up, a podcast featuring unscripted conversations with other writers about the unpredictable journey of the creative process. In 2021, he launched Unbound Writer, a company offering coaching, immersive retreats, and online programs for writers at all stages of their careers. A seasoned public speaker and dynamic event moderator, he travels frequently to conferences, festivals, and workshops. He lives in Erie, Colorado.

Born in New Mexico, Carter grew up in Los Angeles and later attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He has lived in cities across the country—including Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Miami—before settling in Colorado in 1996. His global travels, both personal and professional, have become a lasting influence on the settings and psychology of his work.

Carter began writing in 2003, when a creative exercise in a continuing-education class turned into a 400-page manuscript. He’s been writing ever since. Alongside his novels, he has contributed short fiction to several publications, including R.L. Stine’s acclaimed YA horror anthology Scream and Scream Again. Click here to learn more about Carter Wilson.

About his newest book: SheReads calls Carter’s book one of the Most Anticipated Thriller of 2025, #1 New York Times bestselling suspense author Lisa Gardner says it’s “a brilliant thriller…I didn’t just read this book, I devoured it in an adrenaline-fueled frenzy!” From the USA Today bestselling author of The Dead Girl in 2A and The New Neighbor comes a chilling new thriller that forces the question: are murderers always the bad guys?

Here’s the story: She gets people to confess their crimes for a living. He knows she’s hiding a terrible secret. It’s time for the truth to come out. Poe Webb, host of a popular true crime podcast, invites people to anonymously confess crimes they’ve committed to her audience. She can’t guarantee the police won’t come after her “guests,” but her show grants simultaneous anonymity and instant fame―a potent combination that’s proven difficult to resist. After an episode recording, Poe usually erases both criminal and crime from her mind. But when a strange and oddly familiar man appears on her show, Poe is forced to take a second look. Not only because he claims to be her mother’s murderer from years ago, but because Poe knows something no one else does. Her mother’s murderer is dead. Poe killed him. Click here to buy Tell Me What You Did.

About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com

Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com.

Elaine’s Literary Salon

About Elaine’s Restaurant:  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.