James and Susan Patterson
James and Susan Patterson  
Podcast: Books, Beach, & Beyond
Published On: Tue Sep 22 2026
Description: James and Susan Patterson are the co-authors of The Mother Daughter Book Club recently on shelves this summer. James Patterson is one of the most popular storytellers of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross and has co authored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton.Susan Solie Patterson has a Bachelor of Science/Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she was also an All-American swimmer. She is the author of Big Words for Little Geniuses, a New York Times bestseller. The four discuss book clubs, Wisconsin and the states where we are all from, and how both Jim and Sue got their start writing. We dig into the books, food, characters, and story and inspiration behind The Mother Daughter Book Club and their process for writing it together. It's as if Jim, Sue, Elin and Tim have their own book club together in this penultimate episode of Season 4! Thank you to our Episode Sponsor:WawaAnd a special thank you to our Season 4 Premier Sponsors:Book of the MonthNantucket Book PartnersLittle, BrownJames and Sue Patterson Reading ListThe Mother Daughter Book ClubThings I Wish I Told My MotherBig Words for Little Geniuses The Most Dangerous Games with Mr BeastWhat Else are we Reading in this EpisodeThe Guest by Emma ClineThe Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand Lady Chattery’s Lover by Oliver MellorsCharlotte’s Web by E.B. White28 Summers by Elin HilderbrandWhere’d You Go Bernadette by Maria SempleThe Wedding People by Alison EspachLessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusBel Canto by Ann PatchettWhistler by Ann PatchettThe Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste NgThe Five-Star Weekend by Elin HilderbrandThe Perfect Couple by Elin HilderbrandFollow/Subscribe to the 'Books, Beach, & Beyond' podcast now to stay current on new episodes.And find us on Instagram at @booksbeachandbeyondHappy Reading!