For the first time, we're joined by a YA author on the podcast: and she's an Arizona local! Hailey Alcaraz is out with her latest book "Rosa by Any Other Name." Alcaraz describes it as "West Side Story" meets "The Hate U Give" and it's a loose retelling of "Romeo & Juliet." The book takes place in Phoenix, and Alcaraz shares how she did her research, what she learned about the history of South Phoenix, and why she enjoys writing in the genre.

What do librarians do? How do libraries pay for books? We're so glad you asked! This week on Beyond the Next Chapter, we're diving into the world of public libraries! We're joined by three employees of the Phoenix Public Library system, including the library services director. They chat about what they love about their jobs and all of the free services available to you and your family. You can also learn about which libraries in Phoenix are growing and how many more will be built in the next few years!

Her name is synonymous with crime fiction and Karin Slaughter is out with her new book "We Are All Guilty Here." Slaughter is a New York Times bestselling author who's sold more than 40 million copies of her books across the world. Some of her books have also been developed into popular TV series, including WILL TRENT. In her latest novel we're transported to the small, fictional town of North Falls. When two teenage girls vanish, it gets personal for Officer Emmy Clifton. Slaughter talks to our host Whitney Clark about why she thinks small towns are scarier than big cities, how she helps libraries across the country and her special connection to Phoenix!