But rather than releasing a full catalog of titles simultaneously, Rogue Reader will instead introduce one well-chosen author to readers each month, offering a focused and curated reading experience.

First up for The Rogue Reader lineup is the French-born New Orleans writer, Ro Cuzon. Cuzon has already attracted the interest of some major names in the suspense genre, including George Pelecanos and Laura Lippman. Rogue Reader features two Cuzon novels in October, Under the Dixie Moon, set in New Orleans, and Under the Carib Sun, set on St. Barts. Of Under the Carib Sun, Lippman said, “violence washes over all the characters in this novel, sparing no one. I read it in two greedy sittings, but I feel as if I had the luxury of spending an entire season in St. Barts, albeit one the tourists never see.”

In the interview featured above, Cuzon talks with thriller writer Sean Chercover, author of The Trinity Game, about their work, the city of New Orleans, books vs ebooks, and their journey to become writers.

Regarding Rogue Reader, in a recent interview with PBS MediaShift, Ashlock explained the process of creating a new reading connection between author and reader.

“We call it precision-curation…The signal-to-noise ratio on the web is immense. How do we know what to pay attention to? What’s of value? What’s worth my time?

We believe that there is exceptional value in a highly curated channel that helps readers determine what to read in their favored categories. Filter out the noise, raise the strength of the signal. With The Rogue Reader we’re saying to readers: These are works of the highest caliber, by break-out writers, who are worth your time.”

Next up for Rogue Reader is author and screenwriter Michael Hogan.