Northwest Passages: Phillip Margolin

AIR DATE: Thursday, June 18th 2009

Thriller author and former criminal defense lawyer Phillip Margolin joins us for the next installment of our writers series, Northwest Passages. His latest book, Fugitive, includes murder, prison riots, philandering con artists as Oregon defense attorney Amanda Jaffe returns to take on her toughest case yet. 

Margolin has a stack of more books to his name. We'll talk about his work, of course, plus what it takes to write bestselling thrillers — and where he draws the line between the real life he saw as a criminal defense lawyer and the stories he spins from his mind.

Have you read any of Phillip Margolin's books? What do you think?

Tagged as: books · literature · northwest passages · phillip margolin

Photo credit: HarperCollins

COMMENTS: (5 total)

Good Morning. 

I have enjoyed reading several of Mr Margolin's books; especially "Gone But Not Forgotten".  It is great to hear his voice and his comments on writing - I will now enjoy reading his books even more.

Thanks Emily for bringing him on your show.  Also, great topic.

Regards,

Jean-Paul

Jean-Paul —

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Having managed a local independent book store for 30 years, I must say Margolin was the best from the standpoint of relations with his fans.  At book signings he stayed as long as people were there and treated everyone as if they were special guests.  I love his books.  At first I wondered if, as a native Oregonian, I like them because I could recognize places in the story.  I soon decided I liked them because they were absorbing and well written!!!! 

A fan and former bookie!

bookperson —

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I had the pleasure of meeting Phil many years ago as he sat

alone late one night at a Fred Meyer book signing.  The years have been good for him, and I applaud his books and his success. 

Like Phil, I am an avid reader and a full time lawyer, would Phil encourage or discourage real life practice experiences as a basis for writing fiction? 

Bryan - Bend, Oregon

bryanlaw —

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Another Big Fan!!! Love Amanda Jaffee and demonstrating a strong women character in your crime novels.

Also, I travel a lot for work and enjoy the local references in your work! Keep reminding the world of the great landmarks here.

Can't wait to read your new one!!!

DrKeelyK —

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A belated thanks for this great show - I'm always glad to hear about writers and stories with an Oregon connection.

For those who like Mr. Margolin's work, Kate Wilhelm has a series of books (1991-2008 and going strong) about a defense lawyer (Barbara Holloway), her retired lawyer dad Frank, and other well-crafted recurring and occasional characters, with all her stories set in Oregon, mostly in Eugene. Although Kate may be most famous for her award-winning science fiction, these stories are their equal, in my opinion.

OregonBookworm —

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