E149: Gothic meets Cozy with Sharon Lynn Fisher

Today I welcome Sharon Lynn Fisher to the show to discuss two of her books I read this year. SALT AND BROOM is a witch retelling of Jane Eyre, and her new book, GRIMM CURIOUSITIES, is a perfect Yuletide ghost story that explores Krampus while using the Dickensian atmosphere of a Victorian curiosity shop. Both books manage to honor their Gothic inspiration while offering a cozy atmosphere, and we discuss that genre bending work on the show.

E148: Do We Still Know How to Read? with Jenny Adams and Jocelyn Codner

 

Today I welcome Jocelyn Codner, an academic librarian that I know from her work with the Horror Writers Association and their Summer Scares program, and Jenny Adams, the author of the delightful mystery novel, A DEADLY ENDEAVOR, and an elementary school librarian. I wanted to dive into the state of literacy in America with two librarians that are connected to the genre work I do on the show, and get their insight on how we started our literacy decline, what we’re seeing now, and give you all some fun and meaningful actions items to get us started on moving the dial towards better literacy. We hope it gives folks a better understanding of why all this matters and what we can do about it.

The following are links and books discussed on the show

• John Green's Crash Course on Navigating Digital Information
• 2024 Summer Scares Programming Guide (stay tuned for 2025)
• NAMLE's Key Questions to Ask When Analyzing Media Experiences
• NAMLE's The 6 E’s of Parenting in the Digital Age
• 
  

E146: Christmas Mysteries with Stephanie Barron

 

Today I welcome Stephanie Barron to the show to discuss both her Jane Austen mystery series and the appeal of mystery books set at Christmas. We talk about Jane Austen in the first half of the show, and what made her an interesting character for detective fiction, and we use the Christmas book in the series, JANE AND THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS as a launch pad for other Christmas mystery recommendations. Here are the books we discussed, linked to my Bookshop if you want to support the show, and I've also made a list on my Bookshop's front page if you want to browse.

• The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas
• Lament for a Maker by Michael Innes
• The Christmas Murder Game by Alexandra Benedict
• The Mischief of Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
• Christmas Crimes at the Mysterious Bookshop edited by Otto Penzler
• The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries edited by Otto Penzler
• Silent Nights: Christmas Mysteries edited by Martin Edwards
• I'm Half Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley
• The Winter Guest by W.C. Ryan
• Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney (not on episode but it's on the graphic)
• Aunt Dimity's Christmas by Nancy Atherton (not on episode but it's on the graphic)

E145: Green Academia with Kate Khavari

 

Today I welcome back Kate Khavari to discuss Green Academia, a historical science aesthetic we apply to book recommendations. It’s not a real subgenre, but I thought this would be fun. Kate’s Saffron Everleigh mystery series centers a botanist in academia in the early 20th century, so she was the perfect guest for this discussion. We chat about the difference between STEM and Green Academia, and we revel in how often humor and romance factor into these stories. I also want to mention that I didn’t include EMILY WILDE’S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FAIRIES in our book recs because the field of study in that book is fairy lore and not science. Here is a list of books discussed on the episode:

• The Perfect Poison by Amanda Quick
• The Ornithologist's Field Guide to Love by India Holt
• The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennet
• The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan
• The Runaway Dutchess by Joanna Lowell
• Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book by Brian Froud
• A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
• A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan
• Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
• When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare
• The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen
• Bend Towards the Sun by Jen Devon

E144: Sarah Hawley and SERVANT OF EARTH

 

Today I welcome back Sarah Hawley to discuss her new book, SERVANT OF THE EARTH, a romantasy with a sentient knife and strong female friendships. We chat about the origins of this book and how it compares to her witchy romcoms, and we discuss the unintentional timing of a story about a woman rising up against a tyrannical king.

E143: Short Story Collections with Cynthia Gomez

 

Today I have Cynthia Gomez on the show to discuss Story Collections by individual authors. We discuss the point of writing short stories vs novels, and the different ways collections can tell a single broader story from the stories within it. We also give you some great recommendations, listed below. Thanks for listening!

• Hell Hath No Sorrow Like a Woman Haunted by RJ Joseph
• Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
• Night Shift by Stephen King
• Pink Agave Motel by V Castro
• Out of Aztlan by V Castro
• Dreadful Young Ladies and Other Stories by Kelly Barnhill 
• The Raven: Tales and Poems by Edgar Allan Poe
• Skin Thief by Suzan Palumbo
• Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell
• Ladies of Grace Adieu by Susanna Clarke
• Dark Tales by Shirley Jackson

E142: Spooky RomComs with Ivy Fairbanks

 

Today I have Ivy Fairbanks on the show to discuss Spooky RomComs. Ivy is the author of MORBIDLY YOURS, a romantic comedy set in the funeral business. We discuss the work RomComs do and why spooky settings and ghosts are having a moment. We did not include witches or monsters because the non-magical human animal, dead or alive, brings its own spooky elements to any story. We also give you some great recommendations. 

Books mentioned on the show:

• Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
• Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne
• Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson
• Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca
• Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann
• The Rules for Ghosting by Shelly Jay Shore
• Haunt Your Heart Out by Amber Roberts
• For Better or Hearse by Ava Hunter

E141: Women of Southern Gothic with Del Sandeen

 

Today I have Del Sandeen on the show to discuss Women of Southern Gothic. Del’s debut novel, THIS CURSED HOUSE, revels in traditional gothic tropes in the context of issues embedded in gothic novels set in the American South. It’s a fresh take on a long tradition of this subgenre, and we discuss what sets Southern Gothic apart from other gothic novels. We also give you some great recommendations, which I've listed below:

• When the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueen
• Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson
• The Witch of Tin Mountain by Paulette Kennedy
• Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
• The Complete Stories of Flannery O'Connor by Flannery O'Connor
• Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
• Spook Lights by Eden Royce
• Root Work by Tracy Cross
• Mama Day by Gloria Naylor
• Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
• Flowers in the Attic by VC Andrews

E140: Pumpkin Books with Rachel Harrison and Stephanie Gagnon from Books in the Freezer

 

Today I have Rachel Harrison, author of SO THIRSTY, and Stephanie Gagnon from Books in the Freezer on the show to discuss Pumpkins and Pumpkin Books…mostly. A few of the recommendations are fall vibes that allude to pumpkins. We have the best time and I hope you all have as much fun listening to this episode as we had making it.

The following are the book recommendations made in this episode. I've put a widget for Cackle also because Rachel Harrison did give us a healthy dose of pumpkins in that delightful book too. 

• Willful Creatures by Aimee Bender
• Plain, Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth
• Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
• Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge
• Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon
• The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
• The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel: A Story of Sleepy Hollow by Alyssa Palombo
• Deja Brew by Celestine Martin
• The Halloween Party by Agatha Christie

E139: Gods and Monsters with V. Castro and Johnny Compton

 

Today I have V. Castro and Johnny Compton on the show to discuss Gods and Monsters. They’ve both written stories that explore this combination of characters, so I thought they would be perfect guests to speak to our interest that dates back to antiquity. We discuss vampires and whether gods care about their existence. We chat about how good can’t exist without evil, and we give a few of our favorite book recommendations so you can explore the combination of gods and monsters in story. 

Books we recommended on the show are:

• Where the Dead Brides Gather by Nuzo Onoh
• Flowers for the Sea by Zin E. Rocklyn
• Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder
• These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban 
• Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Canas
• Feathered Serpent, Dark Heart of Sky by David Bowles
• Circe by Madeline Miller
• The Ghost Bride by Yangsze 
• The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope

E138: Dark Academia with Alexis Henderson

Today I have Alexis Henderson on the show to discuss Dark Academia, as well as her new book, AN ACADEMY FOR LIARS. We discuss the origins and central themes to this subgenre, and we give a few of our favorite book recommendations so you can explore the gothic, sinister and secret worlds hidden within the walls of elite schools, libraries and museums.  

I have a list in my ⁠Bookshop⁠ of our recommendations, and several other Dark Acadmeia staples, if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. Below is a list of the specific books discussed on the show:

• The Secret History by Donna Tartt
• Babel by RF Kuang
• Vita Nostra by Dyachanko
• Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas
• The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
• Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke
• The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
• In These Hallowed Halls: A Dark Academia Anthology 

The podcast episode of Once Upon a Time...at Bennington College about The Secret History is here:

E137: THE THIRD WIFE OF FARADAY HOUSE with BR Myers

 

Today I have BR Myers on the show to chat about her new book, THE THIRD WIFE OF FARADAY HOUSE, a gothic novel that revels in beloved tropes like remote coastal manors, insufferable guardians, ghosts, and dead brides. The book also has a sexy French minister as a love interest, which we get into as well. I really loved this book and can't wait to hear what you all think about both the book and the show!

In regard to the author event she mentioned at the end of the episode, here are the details she sent me:

Author Event and Art Show

When - October 25th, 5-8 PM

Where - Lincoln Street Center Theatre in Rockland, Maine.

- Hello Hello Books will be on hand to sell books.

- I'll be discussing my novel Rogue Princess with the artist, Susan Beebe. I'll be doing readings from A Dreadful Splendor and The Third Wife of Faraday House.

E136: SO THIRSTY with Rachel Harrison

Today I kick off my new season by welcoming Rachel Harrison back to the show. We chat about her new book, SO THIRSTY. It’s pitched as “Thelma and Louise with vampires,” but it’s also about personal and societal concepts of aging, and finding our worth within this cultural context. You can preorder the book from my Bookshop if you want to support my show. Thank you for listening!

E135: Gothic Shakespeare with Mary McMyne

Today I chat with Mary McMyne about her new book, A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME. It’s a gothic Shakespeare retelling of the sonnets from the point of view of the Dark Lady or witch in the poems. We discuss the scandalous nature of the Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, as well as the dark turn the famously revered sonnets take. 

134: Megan Bannen talks Zombies, Dragons, and Glitter

Today I am delighted to welcome Megan Bannen on the show. We chat about both THE UNDERTAKING OF HART AND MERCY and THE UNDERMINING OF TWYLA AND FRANK, her new book released July 2nd. We chat about the strange and wonderful worlds she built for these stories, as well as her inclusion of everything from zombies, glitter-breathing dragons, and a great romance between characters in their 50s. It’s a great chat and I’m so glad she came on the show.

E133: Cottagecore with Celestine Martin

 

 Today I have author Celestine Martin on the show to join me in a discussion about Cottagecore. We discuss the aesthetic, and what cottage retreats and lifestyle mean to both characters and stories. I have a Cottagecore recommended reading list in my online bookshop, if you want the titles we discussed on the show, as well as other titles that fit the Cottagecore ideals. 

I've included books in our discussion in a list in my Bookshop, which you can find here. The list has titles from the episode and others I recommended prior to the show on social media, and I'll update it regularly. 

Celestine Martin was my guest for this episode, and you can preorder her upcoming, pumpkin filled witchy romance in my Bookshop!  

The books specifically discussed in the episode are:

• Lolly Willowes by Sylvia Townsend Warner
• The Wood at Midwinter by Suzanna Clark
• I'm in Love with Mothman by Paige Lavoie
• The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
• The Ladies of Grace Adieu by Suzanna Clark
• A Sweet Sting of Salt by Rose Sutherland
• Deja Brew by Celestine Martin

E132: YOUTHJUICE with E.K. Sathue

 

Today I have E.K. Sathue on the show to chat about her new book, YOUTHJUICE. We discuss the toxicity of beauty culture, including the wealth privilege that accompanies it. We look at various inspirations for this novel, from the historical figure of Elizabeth Bathory to social media influencers. We also chat about the gruesome body horror she leans into as a writer. I hope you enjoy!

E131: Cronelit with Sarah Wendell from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

Today I welcome back Sarah Wendell from the beloved Smart Bitches, Trashy Books blog and podcast. We talk about CRONELIT, in other words, why books that center women of a certain age are having a moment. We also discuss books that address aging within a youth obsessed culture. 

At the time of recording, I didn't yet realize THE UNDERMINING OF TWYLA AND FRANK (by Megan Bannen) centers a widowed woman with grown children finding love with her long-time best friend in weird western zombie fantasy book. It’s glorious and definitely falls in this catagory. Stay tuned for interview with Megan Bannen on that story. 

We mention the Smart Bitches, Trashy Books "Bookfinder" at the top of the episode, so follow the link if you're interested in trying it out for yourself!

Books discussed in my episode are all in the CroneLit Bookshop link for the show, but here is a graphic for some of the titles:

E130: THE LAMPLIGHTER with Crystal J. Bell

NEW EPISODE! Today I have Crystal J. Bell on to chat about her YA Gothic novel, THE LAMPLIGHTER, about a young woman in a coastal village where sinister things lurk in the woods, the fog, the ships, and the people of the town. It’s a book that revels in gothic atmosphere while centering new story elements. Listen wherever you get your podcasts.

E129: THE HONEY WITCH with Sydney Shields

 

Today I have debut author, Sydney Shields, and I’m releasing this episode early because she was such a delight and her book, ⁠THE HONEY WITCH⁠, hit every note that many of us need right now. I simply couldn’t wait to share this conversation with all of you. We chat about aging, wisdom, feminism, body autonomy, tattoos, and bees. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. 

E128: Katherine Arden and THE WARM HANDS OF GHOSTS

Today I have Katherine Arden on the show to discuss THE WARM HANDS OF GHOSTS, her lastest book that explores historical horror set during World War I. We discuss ghosts and memory, common ground with fantasy and horror, and her thoughts on the early 20th century and steampunk. 

E127: Gwendolyn Kiste and THE HAUNTING OF VELKWOOD

Today, Gwendolyn Kiste returns to the show to discuss ⁠THE HAUNTING OF VELKWOOD⁠, her lastest book about childhood friends that return to their haunted neighborhood decades after escaping it. We discuss the brutality of youth, the gothic and stasis, as well as horror through the lens of older women.

  

The following are trailers to both movies discussed on the show, RIVER'S EDGE and BAD BOYS

E126: Nalini Singh and ARCHANGEL'S LINEAGE

 

Today, Nalini Singh joins me to talk about ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE, her lastest book in her Guild Hunter series. We discuss genre merging, the immortal appeal of angels as characters, her writing schedule, and what’s next in her Psy-Changeling series. 

The following are links include a preorder link for PRIMAL MIRROR, as well as the thrillers we discussed in the episode.

E125: The Cuban-Floridian Gothic of Chanel Cleeton

Today, Chanel Cleeton joins me to talk about HOUSE ON BISCAYNE BAY, her new book that explores gothic through a Cuban-Floridian lens. We discuss the difference of writing this novel after her previous and popular historical fiction books that also center Cuban characters and history, and we have fun discussing how she created gothic atmosphere with opulence and peacocks. 

Also mentioned in the episode is:

E124: Selkies and Midwives with Rose Sutherland

Today, Rose Sutherland joins me to talk about A SWEET STING OF SALT, her new book that’s a historical fiction retelling of The Selkie Wife fairy tale. We discuss the origin story for this novel, her nuanced use of language, and creating queer stories with happy endings. I have ⁠A SWEET STING OF SALT⁠, as well as other books mentioned in the episode, in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide.

- Movies mentioned in the episode are "Les Miserable" and "The Secret of Roan Inish."

E123: BLESS YOUR HEART with Lindy Ryan

Today, Lindy Ryan joins me to talk about BLESS YOUR HEART, her new bloody book full of Texas charm. We discuss whether or not this book is a slasher, the wonderful matriarchy at the heart of this book, and her nuanced character work that humanizes Texas caricatures into fully realized people. I have BLESS YOUR HEART in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. 

E122: Flowers, France and Pride and Prejudice with Hester Fox

Today, I welcome back Hester Fox to discuss her gorgeous and riveting new book, THE BOOK OF THORNS. We discuss the transgressive language of flowers, France during the Napoleonic Wars, and even a few Pride and Prejudice moments for fans of Jane Austen. I have THE BOOK OF THORNS in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. Links below.

Hester is also my Patreon Book Club guest for April if you want to join us to chat about her book, THE WIDOW OF PALE HARBOR. Members get to ask all the questions and lead the discussion with amazing authors each month! You can join us here. 

E121: Autism, Cemeteries, and Cozy Mysteries with Dr. Brandy Schillace

 

Today, I have Dr. Brandy Schillace on to chat about their fascinating life as a macabre researcher, Autism, and their charming new mystery novel, THE FRAMED WOMEN OF ARDEMORE HOUSE. We discuss the gruesome nonfiction novels they are known for, authentic representation of the autistic experience, and their appearances on History Channel shows as an expert on strange history. I have Dr. Schillace’s books in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. Link below. 

Brandy also has a YouTube channel that centers nonfiction books on strange topics. It's loads of fun, and you can find it here. 

E120: Paulette Kennedy and THE DEVIL AND MRS. DAVENPORT

Today, I welcome Paulette Kennedy back to the show to chat about her amazing new midcentury gothic novel, THE DEVIL AND MRS. DAVENPORT. We chat about everything from Shirley Jackson to telekinesis metaphors, pyrex dishes and our love of aprons and Dolly Parton. We also get a peek at what she’s working on next. I have all of Paulette’s books in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. Links below:

E119: Simone St. James and MURDER ROAD

NEW EPISODE! Today, I welcome Simone St. James back to the show to chat about MURDER ROAD. We chat about everything from GenX to the newlywed couple who love and support each other throughout the story. We also get a peek at what she’s working on next. If you want to support the show, I have all of Simone's books available in my Bookshop, and I've included a few direct links of my favorites below. 

E118: Ghosts, Gods at War, and Romance with Roselle Lim

 

Today, I welcome Roselle Lim to the show to chat about her much anticipated romantasy novel, NIGHT FOR DAY. It’s full of ghosts, petty gods at war, and a couple who have to outsmart them, trapped at the center of it all with death on the line. I have NIGHT FOR DAY in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. Thanks for listening!

E117: Bride of Frankenstein Retelling with Tim McGregor

 

Today, I welcome back Tim McGregor, to chat about his newest book EYNHALLOW, a Bride of Frankenstein retelling that was so good I didn’t want to pick up anything else for a while. I think about this book a lot since I’ve read it, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts once you’ve read it too. I have EYNHALLOW and Tim’s other work in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. Thank you for listening! 

These listings are for hardcover and paperback:

E116: THE FOX WIFE Interview with Yangsze Choo

Today, I share with you my podcaster dream of chatting with Yangsze Choo. I’ve loved her work for years, and THE FOX WIFE is her wonderful new book full of mystery, fox folklore, gothic fantasy, and romance. It was such an honor to spend time discussing her books with her. If you want to read them for yourself, and want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide, I’ve added her titles to my Bookshop. Thank you for listening!

E115: WHIMSIGOTH: Book and Movie Recs with Celestine Martin

Today, I chat about Whimsigoth with paranormal romance author, Celestine Martin. We talk about these spooky, joyful, haunted, glittery worlds in movie and book recommendations for anyone seeking this aesthetic. We could have given recommendations for hours, so instead I made a list in my online Bookshop, if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. Thanks for joining me today. 

Here are the titles from the episode, and the link to my Bookshop WHIMSIGOTH list is here.

E113: Sally Thorne Gets Gothic!

 

NEW EPISODE! Today, I chat with Sally Thorne, author of the delightful and macabre romance novel, ANGELIKA FRANKENSTEIN MAKES HER MATCH. Romance fans know Sally from her bestselling novel and Netflix hit, THE HATING GAME, but I wanted to chat about her gothic, gruesome, romance that explores Mary Shelley’s themes and ethics while making making us smile and swoon. We reference her gothic dollhouse, Blackthorne Manor, which has it's own Instagram if you want to take a peek. I hope you enjoy it!

E113: Survival Horror with Jenny Kiefer

 

Today, I bring you a short but fun episode about Survival Horror, with Jenny Kiefer, author of the popular new book THIS WRECHED VALLEY, that takes place in Kentucky and was inspired by the Dyatlov Pass disaster. We recommend several Survival Horror books for you that will also be available in my online Bookshop, if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. 

Jennifer is also the owner of Butcher Cabin Books, an independent horror bookstore in Louisville, Kentucky, and you can shop from directly on their website.

E112: Jayne Ann Krentz on Gothic and Romantic Suspense

Today, I bring you an interview with the legendary Jayne Ann Krentz, also known as Amanda Quick, also known as Jayne Castle. She’s been writing gothic and romantic suspense for decades and spoke with me about everything from pen names to the concept of “core story.” It was my honor to have her on the show. I’ll have fan favorite books in my online bookshop, as well as THE NIGHT ISLAND, the new book in her current trilogy series, THE LOST NIGHT FILES. The Night Island takes place on a remote, gothic setting with a strange garden and no technology. It’s perfect for all my gothic listeners! 

E111: Happy New Year with Rachel Harrison and Neil McRobert from Talking Scared!

Today, I have a special New Year’s episode to ring in 2024. I’ve invited Neil McRobert, of the Talking Scared Podcast, which is a wonderful show and I encourage you all to listen if you haven’t already. I also have Rachel Harrison on today, author of some of my all time favorite books, like CACKLE and SUCH SHARP TEETH. She has a new book due out later in 2024, that’s like Thelma and Louise with vampires, called SO THIRSTY, which I know I’m definitely looking forward to. Please know that this list is just a jumping off point for all three of us. There were so many books to look forward to in 2024, and we couldn’t discuss all of them, but we hope this gets you excited about some things to come. 

Here are the books we discussed in the episode. I've made all available in my Bookshop to order/preorder. Thank you for listening!