“Rene Denfeld reminds us that storytelling remains one of the most powerful means we have of confronting our darkest human impulses and sometimes overcoming them,” –Washington Post

Author Video Interview

Book Title: The Talking Bone

Author: Rene Denfeld

Publisher: HarperCollins; July 21, 2026

Interview by

Doris Booth

Rene Denfeld is a licensed death row investigator who’s spent twenty years exonerating the wrongfully convicted—and a bestselling author the New York Times named Hero of the Year in 2017. Her new novel, THE TALKING BONE(HarperCollins; July 21), is inspired by real cases she’s worked—and Publishers Weekly calls it “affecting,” “stunning,” and perfect for “fans of Attica Locke and Laura Lippman.” A luminously written thriller with emotional depth and breakneck pacing from someone who knows exactly what she’s writing about.

We at Authorlink asked how her work inspires her writing,  builds suspense and fictional characters, and the challenges in writing the newest book.

In THE TALKING BONE, Ruby Spencer is “the exonerator,” freeing innocent men from death row. What people don’t know: she also finds missing women. When she investigates Mitchell Brown—a reserved Black man on death row for murdering a gas station attendant whose body was never found—the case seems routine. Until it explodes into something far more dangerous.

The novel  tackles the cases the system ignores: missing women, wrongful convictions, and the communities abandoned by justice. Denfeld writes with the authority of someone who’s lived this work—and the Washington Post says her storytelling is

In the interview we asked Rene questions about here writing process. Here are some of her answers:

How does your work inspire your writing?

Q: How does your work inspire this particular book?

A (Rene Denfeld): My day job as a licensed investigator, especially working on exonerations and death row cases, inspired the novel. I wanted to write about my experiences but only recently felt ready to do so in fiction. The main character is based on my work but is a new, autonomous person with a different backstory.

 Character Development and Distance

Q: How much of Ruby Spencer (main character) is like yourself?

A: Ruby is inspired by my work, but I create distance between myself and my characters to keep the work fresh. She has a different backstory and life, making her a new person, though there are similarities.

 Investigative Process in Fiction

Q: How does Ruby go about investigating or trying to prove Mitchell’s innocence?

A: I wanted readers to feel what it’s like to do my work, so I take them through the steps an investigator might do, jumping into a case with a two-week deadline and showing the process of uncovering the truth.

Building Suspense and Character Strength

Q: How does Ruby act when facing danger?

A: Ruby is not a shrinking violet. Most investigators in my field are women, often not physically imposing, but experienced and compassionate. Ruby stands up for what’s right and isn’t easily fooled.

 Differences Between Novels

Q: How different is this novel from the others?

A: Each novel is inspired by my work but features different stories and characters. I try to create new worlds and characters each time.

 Personal Challenge in Writing

Q: Is this book more challenging because it’s so personal?

A: It’s deeply personal and felt healing and exciting to write. In some ways, it was less challenging, but it has a unique emotional resonance for me.

Writing Challenges: Character vs. Plot

Q: What was the most difficult challenge for you: character development or plot points?

A: The messy middle is always the hardest. I usually know the beginning and end, but the middle can feel like it will never come together.

Crafting the Ending

Q: Was bringing all the pieces together at the end a big challenge?

A: For this book, the ending came together easily once I figured out the plot structure. After the messy middle, things fell into place organically.

 Point of View Choices

Q: Why did you choose an omniscient viewpoint rather than first person?

A: I like the omniscient voice because it allows me to show different perspectives and the complexity of people, giving a broader view of humanity than first person.

Writing Process: Outlining or Pantsing

Q: Do you begin by outlining, or what is your process?

A: I’m more of a pantser, giving myself free rein at first, but eventually I have to gently guide the story to keep it on track. I want characters to surprise me but not go completely off the rails.

Doubting Storytelling Ability

Q: Have you ever doubted your storytelling ability?

A: All the time. It’s a constant up-and-down. I try to give myself grace and remember that even great artists doubted themselves.

Rewriting and Revision

Q: Did you go through many rewrites?

A: Yes. The first draft was much different and didn’t work. When I found the right voice and language, the story came together in the second draft.

Writing Speed

Q: Are you a slow or fast writer?

A: I’m fast when I’m in the rhythm of the story, but if it’s not working, I’m very slow. If frustrated, I take a break and trust the story will come back.

Finding an Agent

Q: How did you find your agent?

A: I recommend reading acknowledgements in books you love to find agents. When querying, mention the connection to show alignment.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Q: Do you have advice for writers trying to break in?

A: Story is what connects us. Keep at it, use available resources, befriend other writers, and seek community for support, advice, and feedback.

These exchanges provide direct insight into Rene Denfeld’s writing process, challenges, and advice for writers.

About the Author

For almost twenty years, Rene has worked as a licensed investigator. The past Chief Investigator for public defenders, Rene has worked hundreds of cases, including death row and exonerations. Rene is a justice worker and a public speaker. She loves connecting with audiences. 

In 2017, The New York Times cited Rene for heroism of the Year, and she was awarded the Break The Silence Award in Washington, DC. She has received many prestigious literary awards, including a French Prix, a listing for the ALA Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and a listing for the International Dublin Literary Award. She lives in Portland, Oregon, where she is the happy parent of now-adult kids she adopted from foster care.