Morgan Robertson
Just 36 hours before our summer retreat, Michelle Cardenas, Olivia Discon, Ingrid Cuero, and I made our way to Houston to see award-winning author, Megan Abbott, discuss her new book: Beware the Woman. Abbott’s seventh stop on her book tour was hosted at one of our favorite local bookstores, Murder By The Book. Like its name suggests, Murder By The Book is certainly a place for true crime enthusiasts, mystery fanatics, and of course avid readers!
In most crime novels, and in real cases, the perpetrator is often male. However, Abbott flips the narrative in her works by diving into the motives and emotions that drive women to act in malicious ways. Beware the Woman follows a newlywed and expecting couple Jacy and Jed, as they venture to Jed’s fathers’ cabin in the woods. Without giving too much away, Abbott managed to offer some teasers about the book, while also answering questions from the audience and successfully hooked us on reading the book!
Abbott chose to spend her time answering questions from the audience. In past interviews and articles, Abbott indicated that she has been heavily influenced by film noir. Professor Yawn asked Abbott if she pictures certain actors from film noir as her characters while she writes. Abbott answered of course and listed some of her childhood favorites including Robert Mitchum, Humphrey Bogard, and Gloria Grahame! However, she also mentioned how she tries to leave enough ambiguity so that readers may fill in the blanks and invasion their own protagonist or villain.
Another question from the audience, prompted Abbott to choose her favorite of her works. After pondering on her answer
Abbott chose Dare Me (2012) which details the true nature of a high school cheer squad with a dark twist. This question led Abbott to describe part of her researching process. In her example, Abbott chose The Turnout (2021) and explained that YouTube and message boards were a few of her greatest tools to uncover what the world of competitive ballet looks like. Although she interviewed countless ballet dancers and instructors, online sources also provided details needed for her thriller. Abbott noted how in preparation for a book, she will do extensive research at the beginning so that she doesn’t have to fact check every small detail as she begins to write.
Olivia most enjoyed how Abbott contemplated each question and gave genuine answers about her process and her own opinions on her work. Olivia purchased The Song is You (2007) after talking with Stephanie who enjoyed the book for its noir themes and “female fatale” character.
Abbott was kind enough to pose for a picture with our group and chat with us for a few minutes!
The LEAP Ambassadors would like to thank Megan Abbott for her lively and engaging book talk, as well as Murder By The Book for hosting such a great event!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 