Leigh Bardugo, a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author, is known for captivating readers with her Grishaverse universe, which features the acclaimed Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology. Her works are recognized for their intricate worlds, complex characters, and unexpected plot twists. With millions of copies sold globally and a Goodreads Choice Award, Bardugo has built a significant literary following.

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Her latest release, Dead Beat, is the third and final installment in the Alex Stern trilogy, which came out in September. Bardugo suggests that while this installment concludes the trilogy, it may not be the end for its characters. “All of my finales end with a little bit of an open door,” she stated in an interview with Reader’s Digest. She expresses a desire to revisit these characters in the future, letting readers feel there may be more to explore beyond the last page.

In the Reader’s Digest Escalator Interview, Bardugo discussed her inspirations for Dead Beat, her creative process, and shared some of her favorite reads. She also revealed her dream dinner-party guest list, which includes fellow fantasy author Alice Hoffman. The conversation provided insights into Bardugo’s literary journey and some of the bookish topics fans are eager to learn about.