Episode 113: From Banking to Thrillers with Author Carl Vonderau

Posted on by Victoria

Have you noticed?

Wynne asks the BEST questions of our guests. When we met with award-winning author, Carl Vonderau, she asked:

“We love your quip that your children wonder how you know so much about serial killers and money laundering. You grew up as a Christian Scientist, became an international banker and then left to write thrillers. Tell us more about your path.”

Our conversation with Carl didn’t disappoint! He answered Wynne’s question and so many more, telling us about his knack for pushing the boundaries in his stories – compelling thrillers for this Cleveland native who studied music and business, attended Stanford and traveled the world, making mental notes for plot lines and character development.

Carl’s books, “Murderabilia” and “Saving Myles” have garnered rave reviews and he’s the author of compelling short stories, too. Wynne and I are fans, for sure.

Wynne read “Murderabilia” and without comparing notes, I chose Carl’s short story, “Devil in the Doublewide” and learned they’re connected, dove-tailing stories that reeled us in with suspense. If you haven’t read any of Carl’s work, you need to catch up!

Carl was a generous guest, answering all sorts of impromptu questions that inquiring readers and writers want to know about. We laughed…big time belly laughs. He’s a born storyteller and one of favorite new friends. We don’t want to give away too much…please tune in and enjoy!

Vicki and Wynne 😊

Search (and subscribe!) for Sharing the Heart of the Matter on Apple, Amazon, Spotify or Pocket Casts OR Listen to it from your computer on Anchor: Episode 113: From Banking to Thrillers with Carl Vonderau

Episode 113 transcript

AND subscribe to our YouTube channel to see a video clip of each story: @SharingtheHeartoftheMatter.

Links for this episode:

Carl Vonderau
Books

⁠Carl Vonderau⁠ on Amazon

⁠Carl Vonderau ⁠on Goodreads

From the hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

30 thoughts on “Episode 113: From Banking to Thrillers with Author Carl Vonderau”

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  3. what a great interview. Carl is a fascinating guest, with such a mixed background and interesting life. as you know, I love my crime stories, so I’m going to read his book, thanks for sharing this

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  4. Carl Vonderau’s thrillers sound horrific yet captivating-and created from the mind of a soft spoken banker and family man! I prefer nonfiction and avoid fiction that’s terrifying. But Carl’s books just might pull me over to the dark side! 🙂

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    1. Good morning, Nancy! You are so right about your observations of Carl. A soft spoken, brilliant family man with an amazing creative side. What a storyteller! Thank you so much for tuning in. Wynne and I appreciate you! 🥰

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  6. Serial killers and money laundering . . . I was thinking the same thing Vicki. But., I’m starting to think that about Wynne and you. Last week, a guy who gets in the ocean with sharks. This week you’re interviewing Carl who writes about serial killers. Umm, is there something you would like to tell your listeners and readers? Ha, ha. Oh, it’s a great podcast. Some great stories and lessons from Carl!!!

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    1. Can you hear me laughing!? Nope – no big reveals. We are like Popeye…we are who we are…to paraphrase…but you’re right about the sharks and serial killers. Hmmm….
      And yes…wasn’t Carl terrific? Such a great storyteller and I learned so much in our visit with him. Thank you, Brian! 🥰

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  8. You know I love his Cleveland background! “There’s a whole story in the backstory” – what an interesting thought! And I couldn’t stop laughing at the asking of the good people of the YMCA in Tijuana where a good kidnapping could happen! 😂😂 Carl has such a good sense of humor, he’s a delight and an impressive researcher to get it right. Thanks for sharing him, Vicki and Wynne. 😊

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  11. Oh this was delightful. I chuckled out loud at the gym listening to Carl’s translation mishaps and will think of him and you both next time I order a large poutine. 😂

    Loved hearing about his methods to research money laundering and kidnapping in Tijuana, Mexico. Definitely a livelier tour of the country than we enjoyed recently. 😊

    I was very curious what Christian Science meant and now know more about it. Not sure I agree with the approach but good to know more about how other people live the world!

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    1. I love the visions I’m getting — Wynne and I plus fun guests – accompanying you while you’re working out. Maybe you’ll capture a little video of that sometime. You smirking and smiling while you listen AND try to stick with your workout routine? I mean…you ARE talented, aren’t you? And yes. What a guest Carl was. So much for all of us to learn about the world, eh? Big hugs! 🥰

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      1. I lsave HOTM podcasts for my workouts so I can enjoy them in full and in peace. Always a great way to unwind. 😊

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