E196: Jayne Ann Krentz on Gothic Tropes and Romantic Suspense

Today I welcome back one of my favorite people, Jayne Ann Krentz. She is an incredibly kind and generous person who is also a much beloved Romantic Suspense writer that you may also know as either Jayne Castle or Amanda Quick. She came on the show to chat with me about her favorite Gothic tropes, and she gives some fun book recommendations that use these tropes too, listed below.

- Jayne's Bookstore Recommendation is The Poisoned Pen, in Scottsdale, Arizona

Jayne’s favorite Tropes and Character Types:

• “Natural” horror — mushrooms gone bad, storms, unknown species of animals, eco-disasters, etc.
• Isolated female protagonist 
• Claustrophobic situation (the classic Big House on the edge of the cliffs)
• The growing realization that the protagonist can’t trust anyone.
• The protagonist’s fear that she might be going mad — the Gaslight trope.

Jayne’s book recommendations: 

• The Vermilion Sea by Megan Chance 
• Snake-eater by T. Kingfisher.
• The Storm by Rachel Hawkins
• Tell Me You Trust Me by Elle Owens
• A Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. James
• Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
• The Hacienda by Isabel Canas 

E195: Simone St. James and A BOX FULL OF DARKNESS

 

Today I welcome back one of my favorite Gothic writers, Simone St. James. Her new book, A BOX FULL OF DARKNESS is out this month, perfect for fans of THE SUN DOWN MOTEL. We are careful not to reveal spoilers, but we enjoy revisiting her haunting fictional town of Fell, New York, and we chat about her inspirations that range from The X-Files to Stephen King novels read way too young. Simone is also my guest this month for my Patreon Book Club, so feel free to join us for a chance to ask her your questions directly. 

E194: Historical Romance with Diana Biller

 

Today I welcome one of my favorite romance writers, Diana Biller. She is also one of my favorite people, and I wanted someone really positive and smart that can always make me laugh to join me for my first episode of the new year. I’d seen the sudden and unexpected resurrection of Historical Romance towards the end of 2025, after being told all year that this genre was dead, so I wanted to set the tone for 2026 with a vibe that defies the odds and embraces joy. I hope you like the episode, and I wish you the very best New Year!

In this episode, I mention The Writers League of Texas, which you can join here. 

Diana’s Book Recs

• My Beautiful Enemy by Sherry Thomas
• Sleeping Beauty by Judith Ivory
• Midsommer Moon by Laura Kinsale
• Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
• Nine Rules to Break When You’re Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean
• The Duke Who Didn’t by Courtney Milan

Agatha’s Book Recs

• The Ravenels series by Lisa Kleypas (Marrying Winterborne pictured)
• Thief of Shadows by Elizabeth Hoyt
• The Governess Game by Tessa Dare
• How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan, and Joanna Shupe

E192: Winter Reads with Nina - The Wandering Reader

Today I welcome Bookstagrammer, Nina - The Wandering Reader, to the show to discuss books set during Winter. Nina has a lovely aesthetic and flawless taste in books, and is a librarian that specializes in reader’s advisory. I have read and loved books I’d never heard of this year based on her recommendations, so I thought she’d be a perfect guest for this episode. I hope you enjoy!

You can watch the BBC version (discussed on the show) of WOMAN IN BLACK here:

Nina’s recs

• Where the Dead Go to Die by Aaron Dries
• Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates
• Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
• Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell

Agatha’s recs

• Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
• Pale Blue Eye by Louis Bayard
• Woman in Black by Susan Hill
• Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito

We also chatted about:

• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

E191: Anne Bishop

 

Today I welcome the legendary Anne Bishop to the show to discuss her new book, TURNS OF FATE, the first book in her new series, The Isle of Wyrd.  We chat about the genre blending she’s done for years across fantasy, horror and romance, as well as her longevity in an ever-changing publishing marketplace. We also talk about shifting in paranormal fiction since she always finds a new way to include shifters in her work. What an honor to have her on the show!

E193: Favorite Books of 2025 with Brian McAuley and Sarah Wendell

 

SURPRISE! I accidentally posted my end of year episode instead of scheduling it for later, so it's an early gift to all of you. ❤️ Today I have the great pleasure of bringing you our Favorite Books of 2025. Joining me in the fun is Brian McAuley, author of BREATH IN, BLEED OUT, and Sarah Wendell, podcaster extraordinaire behind Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. Both are fan favorites and have great taste in books.

Bookstores Mentioned

• The Twisted Spine - Brooklyn, New York
• The Bookish Shop - Gilbert, Arizona
• The Plot Twist - Denton, Texas
• Vintage Bookstore and Wine Bar - Austin, Texas
• Blackbird Books and Spirits - Belton, Texas 

Sarah’s Book Recs

• Homemaker by Ruthie Knox and Annie Mare
• Everyone is Lying to You by Jo Piazza
• Stone and Sky by Ben Aaronovitch
• Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti
• Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy

Brian’s Book Recs

• Angel Down by Daniel Kraus
• Spread Me by Sarah Gailey
• Coffin Moon by Keith Rosson
• The Mean Ones by Tatiana Schlote-Bonne
• Good Boy by Neil McRobert
• When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy

Agatha’s Book Recs

• A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandana
• The Favorites by Layne Fargo
• The Ghost Woods by CJ Cooke
• The Hounding by Xenobe Pervis
• Play Nice by Rachel Harrison

E190: Little Women Readalikes with Liz Parker

 

Today I welcome Liz Parker back on the show to discuss Louisa May Alcott’s LITTLE WOMEN, as well as books that retell that story and nonfiction books that connect to this timeless classic. We also chat about THE OTHER MARCH SISTERS, a book that re-examines LITTLE WOMEN through the eyes of Jo March’s sisters. Liz wrote Meg’s chapters in the book, while Ally Malinenko and Linda Epstein wrote the Beth and Amy sections. This, as well as Liz's other new book, WITCHES OF HONEYSUCKLE HOUSE, are linked below. 

In the episode, Liz mentions "Just Little Women: The Musical," which you can find more info on here.

Here are Jessica McHugh's images and poems I refer to in the episode, from her book THE QUIET WAYS I DESTROY YOU. 

I also mention a Youtuber I follow. Her channel is called Under a Tin Roof, and I specifically spoke about her Little Women Breakfast episode. You can enjoy it below, and follow her cozy channel on Youtube and on Instagram. 

I created a featured list in my Bookshop of all the books mentioned in the episode, as well as several others, including nonfiction, retellings, children's books, and various covers of the beloved original. You can find that featured book list here. 

Liz’s recs

• Studying Art Abroad and How to Do It Cheaply – May Alcott
• March by Geraldine Brooks
• Marmee by Sarah Miller
• So Many Beginnings by Bethany Morrow
• Great or Nothing Joy McCullough

Agatha’s recs

• The Quiet Ways I Destroy You by Jessica McHugh
• Little Vampire Women by Lynn Messina
• Beth Is Dead by Katie Bernet (Out Jan 2026)
• March Sisters: On Life, Death, and Little Women by Kate Bolick, Jenny Zhang, Carmen Maria Machado, and Jane Smiley
• The Little Women Cookbook: Tempting Recipes from the March Sisters and Their Friends and Family by Wini Moranville and Louisa May Alcott