She Wore Black

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 bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. You can also join my Patreon community, buy merch, or make a Ko-fi donation through the links available on my on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com. Thanks for joining me today.

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 both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. You can also join my Patreon community, buy merch, or make a Ko-fi donation through the links available on my on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com. Thanks for joining me today.

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 bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. You can also join my Patreon community, buy merch, or make a Ko-fi donation through the links available on my on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com. Thanks for joining me today.

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 both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. You can also join my Patreon community, buy merch, or make a Ko-fi donation through the links available on my on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com. Thanks for joining me today.

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 podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. You can also join my Patreon community, buy merch, or make a Ko-fi donation through the links available on my on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com. Thanks for joining me today.

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 maidens and craft vs art throughout art history. It’s fascinating and I’m so happy I got to include her in my Month of Witches. You can find Genevieves’ books in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. You can also join my Patreon community, buy merch, or make a Ko-fi donation through the links available on my on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com. Thanks for joining me today.

Today I chat with Alyssa Palombo about her Sleepy Hollow retelling, “The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel,” a book that’s become a Halloween reading tradition for many gothic fans. You can find “The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassell,” in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. If you want another way to help out my She Wore Black Podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you want to make a donation or buy me a coffee, I have my Ko-fi donation link on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com, as well as links to all my socials. Thanks for joining me today.

Today I chat with May Cobb about her new novel, “A Likable Woman,” a novel filled with secrets, salacious characters, and the dread of coming home to a small Texas town while seeking answers. You can find “A Likeable Woman,” and May’s other books, in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my She Wore Black Podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you want to make a donation or buy me a coffee, I have my Ko-fi donation link on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com, as well as links to all my socials. Thanks for joining me today.

Welcome to the She Wore Black Podcast. I’m Agatha Andrews. Today I chat with Kate Khavari about her fun historical mystery series that involves a female botanist in 1920s England, poisonous plants, murders, mayhem, and a bit of romance. You can find Kate’s books in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my She Wore Black Podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you want to make a donation or buy me a coffee, I have my Ko-fi donation link on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com, as well as links to all my socials. Thanks for joining me today.

Today, Sarah Wendell, from Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, returns to chat about ROMANTASY, a new term for a long beloved subgenre that merges fantasy and romance. We have several book recommendations and compare old book covers with new trends. I’ll have list of the books discussed in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. If you want another way to help out my She Wore Black Podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you want to make a donation or buy me a coffee, I have my Ko-fi donation link on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com, as well as links to all my socials. I will have links to Sarah’s website and socials as well, and you can listen to Smart Bitches, Trashy Podcast from the same places you’re listening to my show. Thanks for joining me today.

Today I chat with Daniel Kraus, author of the new smash hit of a horror novel, WHALEFALL. We talk about craft, the ocean as haunted house, animals in horror, and “Shape of Water,” another favorite story of his. If you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide, you can buy WHALEFALL through my online bookshop, at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my She Wore Black Podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you want to make a donation or buy me a coffee, I have my Ko-fi donation link on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com, as well as links to all my socials. Thanks for joining me today.

Today I have the live recording from a Latino Horror panel event this summer that featured Richard Santos, the editor of the anthology “A Night of Screams: Latino Horror Stories.” Also on the panel were two contributing writers, Flor Salcedo and Leticia Urieta. You’ll hear audience questions in the second half of the show, so please excuse the noise of the mic passing back and forth. If you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide, you can buy “A Night of Screams” through my online bookshop, at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my She Wore Black Podcast, you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and leave me a review wherever you get your podcasts. If you want to make a donation or buy me a coffee, I have my Ko-fi donation link on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com, as well as links to all my socials. Thanks for joining me today.

Today I have Katie Cotugno on the show to chat about her YA mystery novel, “Liar’s Beach.” It’s a twist on Agatha Christie’s “The Mysterious Affair at Styles,” with prep school kids on Martha’s Vineyard, and plenty of secrets . You can order “Liar’s Beach” through my online bookshop, which helps support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help out the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

Today I have Cynthia Pelayo on the show to chat about her new gothic noir crime novel, “The Shoemaker’s Magician.” We talk about the comfort of old horror movies, the profound effect theaters have on our psyche, and autism representation in novels. You can order Cynthia’s books through my online bookshop, which helps support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help out the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

Today I have Kyrie McCauley on the show to talk about her new YA sapphic gothic romance novel, “All the Dead Lie Down.” We talk about beloved gothic romance tropes, as well as necromancy, the gruesome curiosity of kids, and the state of publishing a queer YA novel in a book banning environment. If you want to support these sorts of stories, you can order Kyrie’s book though my online bookshop, which also helps support both the podcast and independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help out the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

Today I have Desiree M. Niccoli back on the show to celebrate MerMay, a month dedicated to art and books exploring mermaid myths around the world. I’ve made a list in my online bookshop of mermaid books discussed on this episode, as well as a few others. Ordering books through my store helps support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help out the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

Today I have Jennifer Herrera on to talk about her new book, “The Hunter,” a crime novel in which a detective fired from the NYPD returns to her idyllic hometown to uncover the secrets behind several local deaths. Were they murders or a self-sacrifice to an ancient mystical calling beneath the town’s caves? You can find “The Hunter” in my online bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help out the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today.

Today I have Stephanie Parent on to talk about her new book, “The Briars,” an erotic horror novel that takes place in a BDSM dungeon and explores the traditional haunted house idea in this context. The book is thoughtful and layered and beautiful, and we deep dive into all of its meaning as well as the personal experience she drew from to write the novel. This book is not available through my online bookshop for distribution reasons, but you can find it on Amazon. I’ll put links on my website at www.sheworeblackpodcast.com Thanks for joining me today.

Today I welcome back Rachel Harrison to talk about “Female Friendships,” both good and bad, in literature and movies. We use Rachel’s books as a launching pad for this discussion since she has written several books and stories about this topic in nuanced and layered ways, and we have some great recommendations for you if you want to explore this topic with some other great writers too. You can find Rachel’s books, as well as those we recommend, in my online bookshop, where every purchase you make helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Today I have Kim Taylor Blakemore on the show to talk about her gothic novel, “The Deception.” We talk a lot about the history of seances and spiritualists in America, and how that influenced her characters. It’s a short interview but lots of fun. You can find “The Deception” in my online bookshop, where every purchase you make helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Today I have Hester Fox back on the show to talk about her latest perfectly gothic novel, THE LAST HEIR TO BLACKWOOD LIBRARY. We deep dive into gothic subjects like madness, agency, scarred heroes and libraries, as well as her inspirations, like the movie “The Others” and the tv show, “Downton Abbey.” We also chat about beloved books and authors, all of which you can find in my online bookshop, where every purchase you make helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today

Today I have V. Castro on the show for the fourth time! We talk about her gorgeous book, THE HAUNTING OF ALEJANDRA, the trials of motherhood, generational trauma, and Depeche Mode. You’ll see why. I do want to offer a trigger warning for discussion of postpartum depression and intrusive thoughts, but it’s an important and thoughtful conversation, and a topic that is very personal to V. Castro. You can find her books in my online bookshop, where every purchase you make helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Today, in a first ever surprise treat on the show, I have two of my favorite mystery writers. Deanna Raybourn is the author of the popular Victorian mystery series, Veronica Speedwell. Her newest book, “A Sinister Revenge,” involves fossils, murder, and the continued romantic adventures between the two main characters, Veronica and Stoker. Halfway through the show, we are joined by the much beloved romance and mystery writer, Sherry Thomas, here to chat with her dear friend, as well as tell us a bit about her newest installment of her fantastic Lady Sherlock mystery series. You can hear their joy and celebration of their friendship in this episode, which is such a special treat. They also talk a lot about the craft of writing, which I found really helpful for my own interests. I hope you enjoy it! You can find their books in my online bookshop, where every purchase you make helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today! Now, on to the show.

Today I have Rosanna Leo on the show to discuss her new ghost hunting romance, “Darke Passion,” a story about a ghost hunting trio of sisters investigating a haunted inn, with a romance between the skeptics that happens along the way. We chat about ghost hunting, our favorite ghost shows, and of course her book, which you can find on my online bookshop. Every purchase you make using my link helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Today I’m thrilled to have Diana Biller back on the show, and I’m so thankful she stuck through a second recording after a tornado disconnected us mid-recording. You might remember my popular previous episode with her about the craft of writing Gothic Romance, and she is back today to discuss her new historical romance, “Hotel of Secrets,” a novel that feels like it was dipped in honey and champagne. We had a great time, as you’ll hear from all our laughter, and I had a wonderful time reading her book, which you can find on my online bookshop. Every purchase you make using my link helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Today I’ve invited Lauren Owen to talk about her gothic folk horror novel, “Small Angels.” We chat about her fairy tale inspirations as well as ghost brides, murder ballads and so much more. I hope you enjoy it! You can order “Small Angels” from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Today I’ve invited the legendary Laurell K. Hamilton to talk about her career writing her much beloved Anita Blake series. We chat about her deft genre blending and how including horror allowed her to write the sort of mystery she wanted. We also discuss how she broke barriers representing polyamory and BDSM, and the important ways her books impacted readers. She was so generous with her time that we chatted for 2 hours, so the episode dives without my usual intro, and I’ve pulled sections of our conversation instead of using the full recording. I hope you enjoy it! You can order Laurell’s books from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today! 

Today I’ve invited author, Liz Parker, to talk about her charming Southern mystery, “In the Shadow Garden.” The book tackles big themes, like love and death, in the context of magical gardens and bourbon with special powers, making for an enchanting read. You can order “The Shadow Garden” from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Today I’ve invited author, Travis Baldree, to talk about his wonderful cozy fantasy book, “Legends and Lattes,” about an orc who retires from her bloody work to open a coffee shop in a village that’s never heard of coffee. It’s got a cast of wonderful characters and will make you hungry for all the delicious baked goods in the story, as well as make you feel happy and cozy when reading it. You can order your copy of "Legends and Lattes" from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Today I’ve invited author, Trang Thanh Tran, to talk about her book, “She is a Haunting,” a gothic YA novel set in Vietnam that centers an American born teen in a haunted house her Vietnamese born father is renovating in an old French Colonial area of his hometown. It’s got creeping hydrangeas, far too many bugs, and the ghost of a bride. You can pre-order your copy of "She is a Haunting" from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Welcome to the She Wore Black Podcast. I’m Agatha Andrews. Today I’ve invited author, Alexis Henderson, to talk about her book, “The House of Hunger.” We discuss Elizabeth Bathory, blood symbolism, gothic horror, gothic romance, and the sensuality of “taste.”  You can order your copy of "House of Hunger" from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on instagram, facebook and twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Today I’ve invited author, Johnny Compton, to talk about his upcoming book, “Spite House” from Tor Nightfire. We also talk about the Southern Gothic genre, especially how it’s evolved through marginalized voices.  You can pre-order your copy of "Spite House" from my online bookshop, which helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!

Today I’ve invited author, Grady Hendrix, to talk about his new book, “How to Sell a Haunted House.” It’s full of creepy dolls, family secrets, his trademark humor and a lot of heart. You can order your copy of "How to Sell a Haunted House" from my online bookshop. Every purchase using my link helps both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide. That’s at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. You can also help the show by following me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and leaving me a review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for joining me today!