Southern Football Noir, Big Apple Sleuths & Spine-tingling Obsessions: Crime Fiction to Die For | Eli Cranor, Stephen Spotswood + Olivia Worley Moderated by: Michael Strecker

Eli Cranor, Stephen Spotswood, and Olivia Worley bring the full spectrum of contemporary crime fiction to life, from the gritty fields of Southern football noir to the shadowed streets of New York and the psychological thrills that keep readers on edge. Each author shares their approach to suspense, character, and moral complexity, revealing how setting, obsession, and human ambition drive stories that grip audiences. Moderated by Michael Strecker, New Orleans novelist and storyteller, the conversation explores the craft of building tension, the allure of detectives and antiheroes, and the ways modern crime fiction reflects both societal pressures and personal obsessions. Together, they illuminate why tales of danger, justice, and intrigue continue to captivate readers and redefine the genre. The New Orleans Book Festival brings the world’s leading authors to Tulane University for a multi-day celebration of their works. The Festival features both fiction and non-fiction and convenes readings, panel discussions, symposia and keynote speeches. It provides an opportunity for outlets, authors and readers to interact with each other in one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in the world.