Thrills, Texas, and Hollywood Drama: An Interview with Author May Cobb
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In our latest What to Read Next Podcast episode, we welcomed thriller author May Cobb, a Texas native whose novels, The Hollywood Assistant and The Hunting Wives, are packed with obsession, mystery, and a healthy dose of drama. May joins us to talk about her writing journey, what life in Texas is like, and the inspiration behind her latest release. If you love juicy thrillers set in rich, atmospheric locations, May’s novels should be at the top of your list.
Life in Texas and Austin’s Unique Vibe
May Cobb’s life and experiences in Texas are woven into the fabric of her stories. Growing up in Deep East Texas and later moving to Austin, May found herself in a city that has its own unique culture and allure. Austin’s blend of nature, greenery, and vibrant life fuels her creativity, adding authenticity to her work.
“Austin is such a green, outdoor-oriented city, which I love,” May shared. “It’s a place that’s constantly evolving, and that growth brings both new opportunities and challenges.” This Texas charm runs deep in May’s books, particularly as she explores the darker, hidden sides of its characters and settings.
Behind The Hollywood Assistant
In The Hollywood Assistant, we meet Cassidy Foster, an aspiring writer from Austin who moves to LA for a job as a personal assistant to a powerful Hollywood couple. While Cassidy expects glamour, she quickly discovers a darker side to fame. Inspired by May’s real-life experience as a personal assistant in Los Angeles, the story is rich with suspense, twists, and high-stakes intrigue.
May recalls her own time in LA: “It felt like stepping into another world, one that was both enchanting and intense. That experience helped me shape Cassidy’s journey into the complex, Hitchcockian thriller I wanted The Hollywood Assistant to be.”
With nods to classic 80s and 90s thrillers like Fatal Attraction, this novel offers suspense with a distinctly modern twist, blending scandal with an irresistible, dark atmosphere.
The Success of The Hunting Wives and Its Upcoming TV Adaptation
For fans who loved The Hunting Wives, there’s exciting news: the book is being adapted into a Starz series! This thriller follows a group of East Texas socialites who, while appearing poised and charming, lead lives filled with secrets, drama, and danger. The story is often described as “Big Little Lies with martinis and guns,” and the TV adaptation promises to bring even more suspense to the screen.
With its murder mystery and high-stakes drama, The Hunting Wives captures rich people behaving badly in the most entertaining way. If you haven’t read it yet, now’s the perfect time to dive into May’s vivid world before the show airs.
May’s Writing Process and Inspirations
May’s writing process is as intriguing as her stories. She draws from real experiences but injects them with a thrilling twist, creating novels that feel both personal and wildly entertaining. Writing thrillers serves as her own form of escape, allowing her to explore dark, complex narratives with just the right amount of juicy drama.
“I love writing about obsessive, dangerous relationships and high-stakes scenarios,” May said. “It’s like an escape for me—and I hope it’s the same for my readers.”
Book Recommendations from May Cobb
While May writes thrillers, her taste in books is delightfully diverse. Here are a few of her top recommendations for fans looking for their next read:
- The Likeness by Tana French – A tense, immersive mystery involving a detective who goes undercover as a murder victim’s double. This atmospheric novel is filled with suspense and an eerie, unsettling tone.
- The Hummingbird’s Daughter by Luis Alberto Urrea – May’s favorite novel, this beautifully written book offers an almost dreamlike experience, transporting readers to a world rich with culture and emotion.
- Sleep Toward Heaven by Amanda Eyre Ward – Known for its multi-POV storytelling, this novel keeps May coming back for inspiration, especially for its skillful and emotional ending.
These reads reflect May’s appreciation for books that captivate and transport, from crime fiction to lyrical, atmospheric novels.
Connect with May Cobb
If you’re intrigued by May’s novels and want to stay updated on her upcoming releases, you can find her online at:
- Website: www.maycobb.com
- Instagram: @may_cobb
Final Thoughts
May Cobb’s novels are the ultimate escape for anyone looking to lose themselves in the glamorous, high-stakes world of thrillers. Whether you’re interested in The Hollywood Assistant or The Hunting Wives, her books offer suspense, drama, and just the right touch of dark humor. Check out her work and stay tuned for more author interviews and book recommendations on the What to Read Next Podcast!