E197: Johnny Compton and DEAD FIRST

 

Today I welcome back a good friend and wonderfully terrifying writer, Johnny Compton to chat about his new book DEAD FIRST. It’s his first venture into genre blending his usual love of horror with mystery and noir. We get into his influences for the book as well as discuss how he gives his stories the flavor and atmosphere that immerse the reader in his stories. We also chat about his new story collection from Weird Tales called MIDNIGHT SOMEWHERE. My blurb on this book describes it as a more terrifying Twilight Zone, and I stand by that.  

The book store Johnny Compton wanted to highlight is The Book Nerd. 

He did also mention, Ghoulish Books, Nowhere Bookshop, The Twig, and Haunt Happy Books.

The ghost hunting show I mentioned is Strange Town. I mentioned an episode where they visit Yorktown Hospital, but I was mistaken. They visited Old Yoakum Hospital. You can view their YouTube channel here. 

E196: Jayne Ann Krentz on Gothic Tropes and Romantic Suspense

Today I welcome back one of my favorite people, Jayne Ann Krentz. She is an incredibly kind and generous person who is also a much beloved Romantic Suspense writer that you may also know as either Jayne Castle or Amanda Quick. She came on the show to chat with me about her favorite Gothic tropes, and she gives some fun book recommendations that use these tropes too, listed below.

- Jayne's Bookstore Recommendation is The Poisoned Pen, in Scottsdale, Arizona

Jayne’s favorite Tropes and Character Types:

• “Natural” horror — mushrooms gone bad, storms, unknown species of animals, eco-disasters, etc.
• Isolated female protagonist 
• Claustrophobic situation (the classic Big House on the edge of the cliffs)
• The growing realization that the protagonist can’t trust anyone.
• The protagonist’s fear that she might be going mad — the Gaslight trope.

Jayne’s book recommendations: 

• The Vermilion Sea by Megan Chance 
• Snake-eater by T. Kingfisher.
• The Storm by Rachel Hawkins
• Tell Me You Trust Me by Elle Owens
• A Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. James
• Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
• The Hacienda by Isabel Canas 

E195: Simone St. James and A BOX FULL OF DARKNESS

 

Today I welcome back one of my favorite Gothic writers, Simone St. James. Her new book, A BOX FULL OF DARKNESS is out this month, perfect for fans of THE SUN DOWN MOTEL. We are careful not to reveal spoilers, but we enjoy revisiting her haunting fictional town of Fell, New York, and we chat about her inspirations that range from The X-Files to Stephen King novels read way too young. Simone is also my guest this month for my Patreon Book Club, so feel free to join us for a chance to ask her your questions directly. 

E194: Historical Romance with Diana Biller

 

Today I welcome one of my favorite romance writers, Diana Biller. She is also one of my favorite people, and I wanted someone really positive and smart that can always make me laugh to join me for my first episode of the new year. I’d seen the sudden and unexpected resurrection of Historical Romance towards the end of 2025, after being told all year that this genre was dead, so I wanted to set the tone for 2026 with a vibe that defies the odds and embraces joy. I hope you like the episode, and I wish you the very best New Year!

In this episode, I mention The Writers League of Texas, which you can join here. 

Diana’s Book Recs

• My Beautiful Enemy by Sherry Thomas
• Sleeping Beauty by Judith Ivory
• Midsommer Moon by Laura Kinsale
• Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
• Nine Rules to Break When You’re Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
• The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

Agatha’s Book Recs

• The Ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas (Marrying Winterborne pictured)
• Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt
• The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
• How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan, and Joanna Shupe

E192: Winter Reads with Nina - The Wandering Reader

Today I welcome Bookstagrammer, Nina - The Wandering Reader, to the show to discuss books set during Winter. Nina has a lovely aesthetic and flawless taste in books, and is a librarian that specializes in reader’s advisory. I have read and loved books I’d never heard of this year based on her recommendations, so I thought she’d be a perfect guest for this episode. I hope you enjoy!

You can watch the BBC version (discussed on the show) of WOMAN IN BLACK here:

Nina’s recs

• Where the Dead Go to Die by Aaron Dries
• Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates
• Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
• Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell

Agatha’s recs

• Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
• Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard
• Woman in Black by Susan Hill
• Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito

We also chatted about:

• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

E191: Anne Bishop

 

Today I welcome the legendary Anne Bishop to the show to discuss her new book, TURNS OF FATE, the first book in her new series, The Isle of Wyrd.  We chat about the genre blending she’s done for years across fantasy, horror and romance, as well as her longevity in an ever-changing publishing marketplace. We also talk about shifting in paranormal fiction since she always finds a new way to include shifters in her work. What an honor to have her on the show!

E193: Favorite Books of 2025 with Brian McAuley and Sarah Wendell

 

SURPRISE! I accidentally posted my end of year episode instead of scheduling it for later, so it's an early gift to all of you. ❤️ Today I have the great pleasure of bringing you our Favorite Books of 2025. Joining me in the fun is Brian McAuley, author of BREATH IN, BLEED OUT, and Sarah Wendell, podcaster extraordinaire behind Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. Both are fan favorites and have great taste in books.

Bookstores Mentioned

• The Twisted Spine - Brooklyn, New York
• The Bookish Shop - Gilbert, Arizona
• The Plot Twist - Denton, Texas
• Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar - Austin, Texas
• Blackbird Books and Spirits - Belton, Texas 

Sarah’s Book Recs

• Homemaker by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare
• Everyone is Lying to You by Jo Piazza
• Stone and Sky by Ben Aaronovitch
• Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti
• Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy

Brian’s Book Recs

• Angel Down by Daniel Kraus
• Spread Me by Sarah Gailey
• Coffin Moon by Keith Rosson
• The Mean Ones by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne
• Good Boy by Neil McRobert
• When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy

Agatha’s Book Recs

• A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandana
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo
• The Ghost Woods by CJ Cooke
• The Hounding by Xenobe Pervis
• Play Nice by Rachel Harrison