Hey guys, are you looking for the Epstein list of bigshot pedo clients to be revealed? Well, that’s not The List this is about. Sorry.
Nope, it’s an interview with international bestselling author Steve Berry about his latest suspense thriller, ‘The List.” You’ll discover the chilling tale of a company in Georgia that eliminates their most expensive employees to control costs.
They simply knock them off. Why pay them? Just get rid of them, permanently.
Berry also discusses his dedication to historical preservation through his nonprofit, History Matters, and shares insights into his writing process and influences. Don’t miss this episode filled with intriguing stories and writing wisdom!
Meet the Mastermind: Steve Berry
Steve Berry is no stranger to gripping narratives. With over 40 novels and short works to his name, his tales have captivated readers globally, with translations in 41 languages and over 26 million books in print. Beyond writing, Steve is dedicated to historical preservation through his nonprofit, History Matters. He has also served on prestigious boards, including the Smithsonian Library’s Advisory Board.
Unveiling “The List”
In “The List,” Berry presents a chilling exploration of corporate greed taken to deadly extremes. Set in Georgia, the novel delves into the hypothetical but alarmingly plausible: a company list targeting expensive employees and retirees to slash costs, not just with pink slips but with murder.
The concept originated in the late ’80s when Berry, then a lawyer, imagined the horrors if a company sidestepped arbitration for bloodier means. Written initially in 1992, the manuscript stagnated until rediscovery during the COVID pandemic. Berry overhauled the tale, refining it for today’s audience while retaining its original provocative plot.
From Fiction to Reality
Much of “The List” is rooted in Berry’s experiences. It’s set in a fictional town reminiscent of his time as a lawyer in Georgia, where he navigated corporate dynamics in paper mills. Berry paints a vivid picture of corporate towns—how deeply a company can entrench itself in local affairs and the terrifying power such knowledge grants.
The novel kicks off with methodical precision, showing the company’s ruthlessness in eliminating costly burdens, a narrative first 25 pages reveal. The real suspense comes from unravelling how the scheme collapses, with protagonist Brent Walker at the center of this intricate web of deceit and danger.
Beyond Fiction: Steve Berry’s Legacy
While Berry draws comparisons to John Grisham in storytelling style and suspense, he carves his niche by infusing personal anecdotes and authentically atmospheric settings. His dedication to craft sees him churn out five works annually, balancing novels with rich character development against tight, suspenseful plots.
Outside writing, Berry enjoys golf and runs his nonprofit alongside his wife, Elizabeth. History Matters has raised millions for historical projects, embodying their passion for preserving heritage through community involvement and education.
Stay Connected
You can follow Steve Berry’s updates on his Facebook fan page or his website, steveberry.org, which also offers the chance to contact him directly.
For a tantalizing thriller with a blend of corporate intrigue and personal history, “The List” promises to be a gripping read. Available on Amazon, this book is perfect for your summer reading list—ideal for curling up on the beach or plotting over your vacation.
Grab your copy and dive into the deadly schemes of Steve Berry’s “The List.” As Berry hinted, it’s just the kind of enthralling tale to keep you hooked from start to finish.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to the Lean to Left Podcast
00:29 Meet Steve Berry: Bestselling Author
02:19 The List: A Deadly New Thriller
02:34 The Inspiration Behind The List
03:29 Rewriting The List During COVID
04:11 Autobiographical Elements in The List
04:41 The Dark Premise of The List
07:56 Comparisons to John Grisham’s The Firm
12:14 Steve Berry’s Writing Process
16:58 Upcoming Projects and Nonprofit Work
18:51 Where to Find Steve Berry’s Books
19:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts