If you’re seeing double when you look at the mystery and thriller shelves, there’s a good reason. A new generation of notable names—Burke, Clark, Hillerman, Johansen, and Kellerman—have joined the family business, collaborating with their parents (or, in at least one case, another author’s parent) and writing novels of their own. PW spoke with this intergenerational group of writers about their similarities and differences, both stylistic and temperamental, discussing what it feels like to, in Iris Johansen’s words, “spark off each other.”

The Burkes: Mysteries & Thrillers 2015-2016

PW speaks with authors James Lee Burke and Alafair Burke.

The Clarks: Mysteries & Thrillers 2015-2016

PW speaks with authors Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark.

The Hillermans: Mysteries & Thrillers 2015-2016

PW speaks with author Anne Hillerman about her father, Tony Hillerman.

The Johansens: Mysteries & Thrillers

PW speaks with authors Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen.

The Kellermans: Mysteries & Thrillers

PW speaks with authors Jonathan Kellerman, Faye Kellerman, and Jesse Kellerman.

Bob Hahn, former book editor for the Cincinnati Post, has reviewed more than 1,500 books for PW since 1996.