5 Questions with True Crime auth-- I mean Podcaster James Renner
- By Website Editor
- •
- 27 Mar, 2018
After finishing his book True Crime Addict: How I Lost Myself in the Mysterious Disappearance of Maura Murray, James Renner planned to leave true crime behind for a while.
It doesn’t seem to be going well.
Renner’s new true crime podcast The Philosophy of Crime debuts on May 1 -- and just days later, he’ll appear on Podcast Row at CrimeCon 2018. Additionally, he’ll join Tim Pilleri, Lance Reenstierna, and Maggie Freleng for a panel discussion and Q&A session about the Maura Murray case.
But, true to form, Renner is also pumping out new novels and short stories, as well as continuing work on his documentary about Byron Preiss’s book The Secret: A Treasure Hunt.Somehow, he found time to answer a few questions just for CrimeCon readers.
CCI: What can we expect from you at CrimeCon?
JR: I'm willing to talk theories about the Maura Murray case and the Amy Mihaljevic murder if anyone wants to compare notes. I've got books for sale for anyone who wants a signed copy of True Crime Addict. I hope to grab a brew with The Captain and Tennille from True Crime Garage. And I might prank order some pizzas for Nancy Grace's room. Mostly, I'll be hanging out on Podcast Row and judging people with quiet derision.
CCI: What’s the lowdown on your new podcast?
JR:
The Philosophy of Crime delves into the big questions behind our obsession: are killers born or made? Does everyone have the capacity for murder? How should the news cover crime? You're going to learn some stuff, you're going to get scared, and you're going to laugh at inappropriate things because we live in a world that makes no sense. I'm having a lot of fun. The entire first season will be released the week of CrimeCon.
CCI: How do you come up with like six new book ideas a week? What’s your process?
JR: I've got a dry-erase board in my writing room with ideas on it that I've had going back to fifth grade, probably. Once I'm done writing one, I cross it out and move on to the next. I'm think I'm very lucky to have met a couple agents who believe in me and continue to get my stuff published. I'm a very slow writer, though. I average about three pages a day but I write every day, 365 days a year.
CCI: What’s been your weirdest (or best) fan encounter?
JR: Hmm. I'd have to say my favorite encounter is with the wonderful woman from a book club in Mentor (Ohio) who made me a pillowcase with my name embroidered on it as a present. I take it with me on road trips so hotels feel like home.
CCI: When we spoke last year, you were searching for the hidden treasures of Byron Preiss. Why haven’t you found any of the keys yet? Are you even trying?
JR: Because Byron Preiss was a crazy genius who worked on a level we only aspire to reach. My documentary about my search for the twelve keys he buried around the country - The Secret of Byron Preiss - comes out later this year. If you're interested in treasure hunting you should track down a copy of his book, The Secret. Inside are paintings and poems that contain clues that lead to the places he buried the keys. If you find one you can turn it in for a real gem worth about $1,000. There are still ten out there somewhere.
I think I know where the Boston one is and hope to dig it up soon. But I'm nervous walking around Boston parks with a backpack and a shovel these days.
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James will join Tim, Lance, and Maggie for a panel discussion following the debut of Tim & Lance's new documentary about the disappearance of Maura Murray. Be among the FIRST to see the long-awaited film and ask your questions at CrimeCon 2018.
CrimeCon Returns to London on 7th and 8th June 2025: A Must-Attend Event for True Crime Enthusiasts
Exciting news for true crime aficionados – CrimeCon is making its much-anticipated return to London on 7th and 8th June 2025! As the biggest UK event for those with a passion for the true crime genre, this is an unmissable opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of crime, justice, and investigation, all set in the heart of the UK capital.
CrimeCon UK has built a reputation as the ultimate true crime experience, where enthusiasts, experts, educators and professionals come together to explore high-profile cases, delve into forensic science, and hear from those at the forefront of criminal investigation. 2025 promises to be the best event yet - being more captivating than ever before.
What to Expect at CrimeCon 2025
Building on the enormous success of past years, CrimeCon London 2025 will once again offer attendees exclusive access to leading criminal experts, investigative journalists, detectives, and true crime content creators. With a packed schedule of live panels, interactive discussions, and real-life case studies, this year's event is guaranteed to leave attendees with insights into some of the most talked-about cases and topical true crime themes. Not only this, CrimeCon UK puts victims and advocacy for justice at the heart of the event - making sure that CrimeCon is a platform for every story that needs to be told.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits attendees at CrimeCon 2025:
- Exclusive Interviews and Case Debriefs: Hear directly from those involved in some of the UK’s most intriguing and infamous criminal cases, hearing from those that were directly impacted by criminality.
- Meet Your Favorite True Crime Content Creators: The digital world has revolutionised the true crime genre, and CrimeCon will be bringing top content creators together to discuss their platforms, methods, and deep dives into unsolved mysteries.
- Interactive Exhibits and Forensic Workshops: Put your sleuthing skills to the test as you take part in immersive activities, which have, in the past, included forensic analysis and criminal profiling.
- Q&A Sessions with Experts: Get the chance to ask burning questions to investigators, criminologists, and legal professionals.
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're a die-hard true crime fan, a criminal justice professional, or just someone curious about the world of crime-solving, CrimeCon is perfect for you. The event brings together a diverse community of people who share a passion for exploring the darker side of humanity while discussing critical issues of justice and victim advocacy.
For those already familiar with popular crime podcasts, books, and documentaries, this is your chance to engage with the experts and learn more about the complexities behind these stories. CrimeCon offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Secure Your Spot
Tickets for CrimeCon London 2025 are expected to sell out fast, so be sure to grab yours soon. Various ticket packages are be available, offering different levels of access, from basic admission to VIP and Platinum experiences, where you can enjoy perks such as exclusive sessions with speakers, early access to certain events and enhanced event benefits.
To find out more and to book your tickets, click here. Don't miss out on being part of the most thrilling true crime event of the year!
Now is your chance to ensure your favourite true crime content from 2023 is recognised in the TCAs!
VIEWERS' CHOICE: Whether it's your favourite series, documentary film or influencer - make sure you submit your thoughts on your favourite on-screen true crime content today! Remember - only content released in 2023 is eligible and will be counted.
LISTENERS' CHOICE: All True Crime podcasts (that released content that is available in the UK during 2023) are eligible to be nominated so be sure that your go-to true crime podcast is recognised!
READERS' CHOICE:
Which true crime book caught your attention in 2023? As long as it was first published last year then it's eligible to be nominated, so cast your vote today!
Voting is now open and closes on 31st March 2024.
Those with the most votes will be recognised and awarded at the True Crime Awards which is scheduled to take place on 25th April 2024.
SERIES 5 EPISODE 2
AVAILABLE NOW
Damian Barr is joined by Shetland and Vera author Ann Cleeves to discuss her new novel, The Raging Storm. Lauren Lyle, star of the series Karen Pirie, reveals how she brings the Val McDermid character to life, and, on the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh talks about the ITV crime series and his latest novel, The Long Knives. True crime podcasters (and our very own Nancy Baughen) rate Truman Capote classic In Cold Blood, and crime readers at the Shetland Noir Festival in Lerwick recommend their favourite reads.
If you'd like to catch up and watch this incredible episode of The Big Scottish Book Club, click here.
