BooksChatter: ℚ The Outsider

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Anthony Franze to talk about The Outsider (21 March 2017, Minotaur Books, 320 pages), a Legal Thriller.

"Crafty and clever! Franze's insider knowledge of the Supreme Court sets this twisty legal thriller apart. The sympathetic plight of the outsider hero, Grayson Hernandez, will keep you glued to the pages; the explosive plot will leave you breathless." --LISA GARDNER, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"With an insider's eye for detail, Franze delivers supreme wickedness in a world few of us will ever be privy to. Franze is taking the legal thriller to new heights." --LINWOOD BARCLAY, New York Times bestselling author

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || Author Q&A || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

Hello Anthony, and welcome back to BooksChatter!

Last year you spoke to us about The Advocate’s Daughter; The Outsider is your third full length novel set around the Supreme Court, with which you are very familiar as a renowned and respected lawyer and legal commentator.

What was the spark for this latest plot of “power and revenge”?

"I wanted to write a fish out of water story—explore what would happen if someone unconventional became a Supreme Court law clerk.

Supreme Court clerkships are the most prestigious and coveted apprenticeships in American law. The clerks thus tend to have amazing resumes—Ivy League degrees, fellowships, etc. I thought it would be intriguing to put a young “street lawyer”—educated at a low-ranked law school and raised in a dangerous part of D.C.—alongside them.
Of course, I throw in a serial killer for fun…"

Can you give us a brief introduction to your main characters? Especially that serial killer you mention if you can do so without giving away any spoilers ;-)

"The main character is Grayson Hernandez, who comes from a modest upbringing, and scrapped his way out of D.C.’s underfunded public school system into law school. When he graduated, there were no law jobs available, so he took a position as a messenger—at the Supreme Court.

Things take an unusual turn when he intervenes on a mugging, and the victim happens to be the Chief Justice of the United States. The chief takes an interest in Gray and makes him a law clerk. And Gray is kind of seduced by it all. The new friends, the perks, the prestige. But just as Gray begins to settle in to his new life, an FBI agent approaches him with unsettling news. The Feds think there’s a killer connected to the Supreme Court. And they want Gray to be their eyes and ears inside One First Street—to help catch a killer who seems obsessed with the court."

What is the most surprising thing you learned in creating this tale?

"In my research I was surprised to learn that the Supreme Court building has hidden animals built into the architecture. You can read my story to learn more, but there are turtles, owls, and other animals throughout the building."

Can you share with us a favorite scene from The Outsider?

"When Gray and his estranged boyhood best friend, who is now a local crime lord, reunite. The book is a murder mystery, but it’s also about friendship and family, and explores the perils of forgetting where you came from."

Who would you recommend The Outsider to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I’d recommend The Outsider to fans of Grisham, Patterson, or Meltzer.

As far as warnings, to stay true to my characters, I don’t hold back on strong language."

Do you have any special sayings or expressions?

"I tell my children: When you’re in a hole, stop digging."

What is in store next?

"In the short term, I’m out promoting The Outsider. Longer term, I’m working on my next book. I’ve learned the hard way, since the story and titles often change, not to talk too much about works in progress until the book is done."

Thank you again for joining us today and congratulations for yesterday's release of The Outsider!