#9 Michael Finkel on True Crime, the art of acquainting, and kleptomania

Mike Finkel is the author of True Story, about a killer who stole Mike’s identity. His second book The Stranger in the Woods is about a hermit in Maine who didn’t talk to anyone for decades. And The Art Thief, about history’s greatest art thief. We talk about:Subscribe now Why are we, as a culture, so drawn to true crime? I ask Mike why women are attracted to criminals. He gives an impressive answer. What’s better: soaking in a bath tub or sitting on a toilet to avoid family? Mike’s early influences: I Robot, Ray Bradbury, Arthur Clarke, and The Catcher in the Rye. Mike’s stylistic principles: make it read as if you “dashed it out”; eliminate show-offy words; apply the “bar room test.” Ken tries out some of his psychotherapy skills on Mike. Mike gives me advice on how to make a connection with criminals. Is there going to be a The Stranger in the Woods movie? And who should play Christopher Knight? (I make the case for Eric Lange from Escape from Dannemora.) On how ending a book with an ellipsis is okay. Ken gives the North Pond Hermit an open invitation to come on the podcast. What kind of kleptomaniac would you be? Mike: If Mike was incarcerated, would he ever let someone else write his story? Ken shares his jail fantasies (not what you think). Mike expresses admiration for David Grann.