Emily Ross’s debut novel is based on a real murder she investigated decades ago in the Arizona desert. Although technically a young adult novel because its protagonist is a teenager who is trying to solve the mystery of her older sister’s disappearance, “Half in Love With Death” tackles adult themes of infidelity, con artists, and murder. In the interview, Ross talks about what young people are reading today, their interest in witches and ghosts, their sexual knowledge, which is much more extensive than previous generations. A lively discussion.