She Wore Black

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.

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 g...

Today I invited Celestine Martin to join me in a discussion about COTTAGECORE. We discuss the aesthetic and focus on what cottage retreats and the lifestyle mean to both characters and stories. We also have some book recommendations that I will include in both my website and in a list in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide at bookshop.or...

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 have YOUTHJUICE in my Booksho...

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. We offer plenty of recommendations and examples, which I will have in a shopping list in my Bookshop if you want to suppor...

Today I have Crystal J. Bell on to chat about her YA Gothic novel, THE LAMPLIGHTER, about 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. I have THE LAMPLIGHTER in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores n...

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. I have THE HONEY WITCH in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide at bookshop.org/shop...

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. I have Katherine’s books in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwi...

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. I have Gwendolyn’s books in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independe...

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. I have ARCHANGEL’S LINEAGE in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide at bookshop.org/shop/shew...

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 between 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. I have HOUSE ON BISCA...

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 in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide...

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 book...

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 at bookshop.org/shop/...

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...

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...

Today, I welcome Simone St. James back to the show to chat about her much anticipated novel, MURDER ROAD. We chat about everything from the GenX nuance in the book and how it impacts the narrative, to the newlywed couple at the center of the novel who love and support each other throughout the story. We also get a peek at what she’s working on next. I have MURDER ROAD in my Bookshop if you want to...

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 at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack ....

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 in...

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...

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. That’s a...

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. You can find ANGLIKA FRANKENSTEIN MAKES HER MAT...

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....

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 boo...

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 va...