She Wore Black

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...

Today, I chat with Jess Armstrong about her delightful gothic novel, THE CURSE OF PENRYTH HALL. It’s a historical mystery romp much like the Veronica Speedwell novels we love from Deanna Reybourn, but Jess puts a gothic spin on this story and adds witches and folklore. It’s a lot of fun and you can find it in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent booksto...

Today, I chat with Constance Sayers about her beautiful gothic novels, including her newest one, THE STAR AND THE STRANGE MOON. It’s a book about an obscure French horror film, and the actress who disappeared into it. It’s a gorgeous book, like all of her other horror novels,  which you can find in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationw...

Today, I chat with Jessica McHugh about her new Black Out Poetry book, THE QUIET WAYS I DESTROY YOU, which was inspired by the beloved classic, LITTLE WOMEN. We discussed her process, female rage, and her previous collections inspired by THE SECRET GARDEN and FRANKENSTEIN. You can find Jessica’s books in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores n...

Today, I chat (and laugh a lot) with Brian McAuley about the bloodier side of Holiday Horror. We discuss new book, CANDY CAIN KILLS, which is part of the VHS series from Shortwave Books. I was surprised at how much heart was in this slasher, and I think this book will appeal to a wide range of readers. You can find CANDY CAIN KILLS in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as w...

Today, I chat with Sadie Hartmann about Holiday Horror. We discuss what makes this time of year perfect for horror and gothic, and we give both movie and book recommendations to help you settle into these cold nights with the sort of spookiness that almost feels cozy. You can find our book recommendations in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstor...

Today, I chat with Gigi Griffis, who wrote the novelization of the Netflix historical romance series, THE EMPRESS, and a new YA horror novel about Satanic Panic in the 90s, called THE WICKED UNSEEN. I loved having a guest with two very different books, and the range of conversation that this can offer. I hope you enjoy it too. You can find Gigi’s books in my online bookshop if you want to support...

Today, I chat with Marta McDowell about her fun and smart nonfiction book, GARDENING CAN BE MURDER, which breaks down the variety of ways that plants, gardens, gardiners, and tools have appeared in mystery novels. It’s a wonderful reference book for both writers and fans of mysteries and gothics. Oh yes, we discuss those roses at Manderley too. You can find GARDENING CAN BE MURDER , in my online b...

Today, I chat with Sadie Hartmann about her “gothic era.” I’ve enjoyed watching her revisit a genre she once loved, and her evolution as a horror advocate to embrace gothic as a proper facet of the genre. It’s an ongoing topic for gothic fans, and I enjoyed discussing it with Sadie. You can find her book, 101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered, in my online bookshop if you want to support...

Today I chat with Travis Baldree about BOOKSHOPS AND BONEDUST, his follow up to his breakout cozy fantasy hit, LEGENDS AND LATTES. We chat about writing, character development, and the charming story of a young Viv recovering from a battle wound in a seaside town, with skeletons and goblins and a bookstore. You can find both of Travis’ books in my online bookshop if you want to support both the po...

Today I chat with Olesya Salnikova Gilmore about Witch Retellings. Her novel, THE WITCH AND THE TSAR, out now in paperback, is a retelling of the famous Russian witch, Baba Yaga, so I felt like she was a perfect guest to discuss this topic. I hope you’ve enjoyed my October celebration of witches. You can find all these books in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as...

Today I chat with Genevieve Gornichec about her Viking myth and history retellings, THE WITCH’S HEART and THE WEAVER AND THE WITCH QUEEN. I appreciate your patience waiting for this episode while I dealt with computer crashes and replacement, but I assure you it’s well worth the wait. We talk about these little known characters and why they remain relevant to our lives. We also chat about shield m...