She Wore Black Podcast

Today I wanted to celebrate Libraries and Librarians since they have taken a large hit in this political climate. They are a treasure to our communities, which is why so many books feature libraries and librarians. To do this, I welcomed back Jocelyn Codner and Jenny Adams, whom you all may remember from my Literacy episode last Fall. For the first 20 minutes, we discuss the state of libraries and celebrate a few victories, as well as share ways you can support your libraries. The rest of the episode is dedicated to book recommendations that feature libraries across genres. I'll list these in my show notes with links to my Bookshop if you want to support my show as well as independent bookstores nationwide. Show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Riley Sager back to the show to discuss his new book, WITH A VENGEANCE, a fun midcentury train mystery that was so captivating I couldn't put it down. We discuss his inspirations for the book, as well as the process. Riley Sager is also on tour right now, so check his website for tour dates in your area. If you can't make it out to see him, you  can get WITH A VENGEANCE, as well as Riley's other books, in my Bookshop if you want to support my show as well as independent bookstores nationwide. All links and show notes are in my bookshop at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Katy Horan to the show to discuss her new book, MURDER BALLADS. She painted each powerful illustration in the book and spent years researching these folk songs, which often depict young, beautiful, murdered women floating ethereally down a river. We discuss her process and background and, for my own curiosity, focus on songs by Johnny Cash, PJ Harvey and Nick Cave, and Nirvana's famous Unplugged performance. All links and show notes are on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome C. J. Cooke to the show to discuss her new book, THE GHOST WOODS, and since I loved this book so much, we discuss books from her backlist too, including THE LIGHTHOUSE WITCHES and THE BOOK OF WITCHING. I'm fascinated by her gothic writing and consistent themes of witches and motherhood. I do want to take a moment to apologize for the way my voice sounds in this episode. I had an issue with my microphone connecting to my new computer, but that issue has been resolved on other recordings. All links and show notes for the episode are at www.sheworeblackpodcast.com

Today I welcome Mimi Matthews to the show to discuss new book, RULES FOR RUIN. It's a fantastic historical romance that's Peaky Blinders meets Great Expectations. I love all of Mimi's books, but this is my favorite historical romance from her, and it's one I'll definitely reread. You all might remember my chat with her in one of my first episodes, where she came on to discuss her gothic novel, JOHN EYRE, my other favorite book from her that is a mix of Jane Eyre and Dracula. All links and show notes available on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com

Today I welcome mermaid aficionado and longtime friend, Desiree M. Niccoli to discuss mermaids across genre fiction. I had her on for a previous MerMay episode a few years ago, soon after the release of her book CALLED TO THE DEEP. Today she created a fun mermaid quiz, which we do at the end of the show, and we discuss the rise in mermaid fiction since our last episode. We also give several book recommendations. All links and show notes available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Paulette Kennedy to discuss Queer Representation in Gothic. Her new book, THE ARTIST OF BLACKBERRY GRANGE is out today, and like all of Paulette's Gothics, it includes queer characters. We chat about how queerness was once subtext, and how it's evolved over time, and we give some great book recommendations that reflect this evolution. I've added any of these titles that are still in print in my Bookshop if you want to support my show as well as independent bookstores nationwide. All links and show notes are available at sheworeblackpodcast.com

Today I welcome Erika T. Wurth to discuss the beloved genre plot device of “Portals,” which she uses in her new book, THE HAUNTING OF ROOM 904. We chat about the difference between a “Portal” and a “Time Slip, " her love of science fiction and fantasy, and we give some great book recommendations which I have in my Bookshop if you want to support my show as well as independent bookstores nationwide. All links and show notes available on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.comThanks for listening!

Today I welcome an author I've long adored to the show, Leslye Penelope. We discuss Historical Fantasy and define the basic parameters of the subgenre. We discuss her work within that context, and we give some great book recommendations. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Olivia Waite to the show to discuss her new book, MURDER BY MEMORY, a cozy sci-fi mystery. Olivia is known for her sapphic historical romances, so this is a new fiction genre for her, but one that suits her voice well. We chat about knitting and how the fiber arts relate to science, her journey through genre, and what's next in this series. Links available in show notes at sheworeblackpodcast.com

Today I welcome Julie Leong to the show to discuss the wildly popular subgenre, Cozy Fantasy. We chat about Julie's book, THE TELLER OF SMALL FORTUNES, as well as the history of Cozy Fantasy, our earliest experience reading the subgenre, and we offer some wonderful book recommendations.All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Emily Carpenter to the show to discuss her new book GOTHICTOWN, as well all her previous gothic novels. We chat about her books in context with beloved gothic tropes, characters and settings, like isolation, creepy towns, and the American south.GOTHICTOWN is on sale March 25th. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome journalist, professor and true crime podcaster, Kate Winkler Dawson, to the show to discuss her new historical true crime book, ALL THE SINNERS BOW: TWO AUTHORS, ONE MURDER, AND THE REAL HESTER PRYNNE. We discuss the 1832 murder of Sarah Maria Cornell and how that murder inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne to write The Scarlett Letter, as well as the research into both the murder and the writing of FALL RIVER, the first American true crime book written about this murder in 1833. Links and show notes available at https://sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Heather Fawcett to the show to talk about her Emily Wilde series. These beloved books are about a Cambridge professor who specializes in the study of fairies. This cozy fantasy trilogy has been at the forefront of this subgenre since the first novel, “Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries,” came out a few years ago. The third book, “Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales,” was released February 11th and has Emily studying the faery realm as their queen. Links to the books and show notes are available on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com

Today I welcome Liz Parker back to the show to talk about Cottagecore Movies. I really needed a break from the world, so I wanted to do an episode that felt like a warm hug. This also came just in time for Liz's upcoming book, THE OTHER MARCH SISTERS, which she co-wrote with Linda Epstein and Ally Malinenko, from the point of view of the other March sisters in LITTLE WOMEN. It comes out February 25th, and you can preorder it now in my Bookshop. All show notes and links available on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com

Today I welcome Kimberly Lemming to the show to talk about her work, including a new science fiction romcom series that begins with I GOT ABDUCTED BY ALIENS AND NOW I'M TRAPPED IN A ROMCOM. We also discuss her previous cozy fantasy romcom series that began with THAT TIME I GOT DRUNK AND SAVED A DEMON. We chat about maintaining her voice across genre, and what folks are seeking when reaching for these distinctive titles. Please note that there is a sound fluctuation for the first ten minutes of the show, so please excuse that and enjoy the chat because Kimberly Lemming is a smart and fun delight that I know you'll enjoy.All links and show notes atsheworeblackpodcast.com

Today I welcome Hailey Piper to the show to discuss Gothic Fantasy. Hailey knows this genre blend well, as the author of several books that do this work, including her new book ALL THE HEARTS YOU EAT, and her upcoming 2025 release, A GAME IN YELLOW. We chat about elements that define this subgenre, our earliest interest in Gothic Fantasy, and we give some recommendations. All titles and links will be in show notes on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com Thanks for listening!

Today I welcome Grady Hendrix back to the show to discuss his new book, WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS, a story about the homes for pregnant teenage girls that were largely used in the years before Roe v Wade. We chat about everything from the inspiration of this story, to the food, and the human monsters in the book. The story has a lot of depth and I enjoyed breaking down even the small details with Grady, so I hope you enjoy it. Links and shownotes at sheworeblackpodcast.com

Today I welcome Christa Carmen, winner of the Bram Stoker award for her debut novel DAUGHTERS OF BLOCK ISLAND. I have her on the show today to discuss her new book, BENEATH THE POET'S HOUSE, a contemporary story that takes place in the home of famous transcendentalist, Sarah Whitman, a romantic interest of Edgar Allan Poe's. We discuss Poe and how she connected her plot to his work and his life while centering Whitman's interest in transcendentalism. I hope you enjoy it!

Today I welcome Taisia Kitaiskaia to the show for a chat about her book of illustrated poetry and her oracle deck, both titled LITERARY WITCHES. Taisia lives here in Austin, and worked with another Austin artist, Katy Horan, to create a gorgeous collection of poetry and art, as well as an inspiring oracle deck. Though they came out years ago, I hoped Taisia could bring in 2025 with inspiration for us all. She even does an oracle pull for us at the end of the episode, which I found hopeful. I hope you do too. Show notes and links are available on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com Thanks for joining me today!

Today I welcome both Megan Bannen and Brian McAuley to the show for a chat about our favorite books of 2024. These two authors inspired me a lot this year, and they make me laugh, so I wanted to end a wild year with folks who are like a balm to my soul. Megan is the author of THE UNDERTAKING OF HART AND MERCY, and THE UNDERMINING OF TWYLA AND FRANK. These are some of the most creative books I've read in years, and are filled with humor and heart. Brian is the author CURSE OF THE REAPER and the CANDY CAIN slasher series, and he's taught me a lot about slashers and writing. I'm thrilled to finish the year with these two fabulous writers. Links and shownotes are available on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com. Thanks for joining me today, and Happy New Year!

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. All links and show notes are on my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com

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. I'll include links and books discussed in my shownotes at

Today I welcome Neil McRobert from the beloved horror podcast, Talking Scared. I wanted to discuss Gothic, what it is and why it matters that we understand the difference between Gothic and other genres. I've become concerned about the rise of anti-intellectualism combined with a consumer culture that seems to miss the point of reading, and I wanted to speak with someone with an academic background in Gothic that is also engaging, so Neil was the perfect fit. I hope you enjoy our chat, and please follow Talking Scared if you haven't already. It's a treasure of a podcast. For show notes, but visit my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

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. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

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. All show notes and book recommendations can be found at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome back Sarah Hawley to discuss her new book, SERVANT OF 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. All links and show notes can be found on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

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, including Cynthia's collection THE NIGHTMARE BOX AND OTHER STORIES. All show notes and links can be found on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

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. Show notes and links available at sheworeblackpodcast.com

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. All show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

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. All show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com

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.

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. If you want another way to help out my show, 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 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. Show notes available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

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. The book comes out September 10th.

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 Bannon 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. I have Megan's books in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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 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.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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 Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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 support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. At the time of this recording I didn't realize an upcoming book I'll feature on the show, 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. Stay tuned for interview with Megan Bannen on that story. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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 nationwide at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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 nationwide at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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 independent bookstores nationwide at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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 BISCAYNE BAY in my Bookshop if you want to support both the podcast as well as independent bookstores nationwide at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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 at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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 at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. Now, on to the show. Thanks for joining me today on SHE WORE BLACK. If you like what you heard and want to support my work on the show, you can visit my website at sheworeblackpodcast.com for links to my Patreon, my Ko-fi donation site, as well as my merch and online bookshop.  You can also help out the show by rating me on apple, and following me on instagram, facebook, and Threads, and letting your friends know about the show. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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 at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message

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 at bookshop.org/shop/sheworeblack. If you want another way to help out my show, 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. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sheworeblack/message