“For me, a good thriller must teach me something about the real world. Thrillers like “Coma,” “The Hunt for Red October” and “The Firm” all captivated me by providing glimpses into realms about which I knew very little — medical science, submarine technology and the law. To my taste, a great thriller must also contain at its core a thought-provoking ethical debate or moral dilemma.”

To read more of Dan’s answers to these and other questions – such as “What books might we be surprised to find on your shelves?” and “If you could meet any writer, dead or alive, who would it be?” – pick up a hard copy of The New York Times this Sunday or click here.