What does private eye V.I. Warshawski have to do with the Patriot Act? Crime fiction writer Sara Paretsky, creator of the acclaimed Chicago detective, speaks out about feminism, literature, and dissent in the post-9/11 era. She also discusses her own origins and trajectory. (Encore presentation.)

"Crime fiction is about social inequality," claims international bestselling Scottish writer Ian Rankin. Does that explain the enormous popularity of the genre, which continues to strike a chord globally? Rankin discusses his life and the social and political context of his work. And he considers the relation between the city as protagonist--such as Edinburgh--and how police procedurals can lay bare the dark underbelly of corruption, deceit, and class conflict at the polar ends of society. (Encore presentation.)

"Crime fiction is about social inequality," claims international bestselling Scottish writer Ian Rankin. Does that explain the enormous popularity of the genre, which continues to strike a chord globally? Rankin discusses his life and the social and political context of his work. And he considers the relation between the city as protagonist -- such as Edinburgh -- and how police procedurals can lay bare the dark underbelly of corruption, deceit, and class conflict at the polar ends of society.