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These new mystery novels are 'whodunits' that might as well be called 'whydunits'

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October 10, 2025

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Today’s episode features two mystery novels with special twists. First, The Killer Question is a story told via emails, WhatsApp messages and texts. When a new trivia team becomes suspiciously successful, egos are hurt and a body is found in the river. In today’s episode, author Janice Hallett joins NPR’s Scott Simon for a conversation about the mystery that unfolds. Then, Kill Your Darlings is a novel written in reverse: The murderer is revealed in the first chapter. In today’s episode, author Peter Swanson talks with NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly about the marriage at the center of the story.

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First The Killer QuestionJanice HallettNPRs Scott SimonThen Kill Your DarlingsPeter SwansonNPRs Mary Louise KellyNPR Privacy Policy

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These new mystery novels are 'whodunits' that might as well be called 'whydunits' · NPR Podcasts · Sentinel