Julia Dahl on Motherhood, Mental Health, and the Mystery at the Heart of Her New Novel

Ann Bocock sits down with acclaimed crime fiction author Julia Dahl to dive deep into her haunting new novel, I Dreamed of Falling. Set in a seemingly quiet Hudson Valley town, the story begins with the mysterious death of a young mother—a tragedy that soon unravels into a web of secrets, regret, and hidden truths.

Julia shares the real-life inspirations behind the book, how small-town dynamics shaped her characters, and the powerful themes of motherhood, mental health, and identity that permeate the story. She also reflects on her own journey from journalist to bestselling novelist and explores how the legacy of COVID subtly influences her storytelling.

Whether you're a lover of psychological thrillers, emotional family dramas, or just crave a behind-the-scenes look at how compelling fiction is created, this conversation promises to captivate and inspire.

Featured Topics:

• The intersection of grief, mystery, and truth

• How journalism informs Julia’s fiction writing

• Generational divides and family dynamics

• Crafting characters that feel real, flawed, and unforgettable

Tune in and discover why I Dreamed of Falling is a mystery you won’t soon forget.