The Dark Fantastic Podcast

A young woman goes missing. A stranger in black haunts the streets of the city. A mystery that starts a chain of unstoppable events, and forces a group of friends to face their darkest secrets.Last Seen. A mystery podcast.Coming soon, to The Dark Fantastic Network.Trailer Music by PMSFX (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/pmsfx/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stay tuned! Check out our new podcast website here: https://shows.acast.com/6432cc80d96f65001191d4cd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and renowned Sherlock Holmes expert David Stuart Davies, joins host Ahmed Khalifa to talk about his latest Sherlock novel, Revenge from The Grave, as well as the beauty and timelessness of Victorian and Edwardian mystery fiction. © The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.Support the network: https://tinyurl.com/Dark-FantasticSubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedarkfantasticnetwork?sub_confirmation=1Buy A. Kale's books, published by The Dark Fantastic Network and VHS Books: https://www.amazon.com/A-Kale/e/B0058PJ008/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to The Dark Fantastic podcast on Spreaker, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podchaser, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The great Will Murray, one of the most prolific authors working today, having written more than 50 novels and short story collections, including tales featuring, Sherlock Holmes, The Shadow, Doc Savage, and many more, joins host Ahmed Khalifa to talk about his work, and his latest book, Dark Avenger, The Strange Saga of The Shadow.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast at Spreaker, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podchaser, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support The Dark Fantastic Network: https://tinyurl.com/Dark-FantasticSubscribe to our channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedarkfantasticnetwork?sub_confirmation=1Buy A. Kale's books, published by The Dark Fantastic Network and VHS Books: https://www.amazon.com/A-Kale/e/B0058PJ008/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Ahmed Khalifa pays tribute to Peter Straub, the acclaimed dark fantasy author of such novels as Ghost Story and Floating Dragon.Khalifa also discusses the work and legacy of Stuart Woods, most famous for his Stone Barrington thrillers, who also passed away this year.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.- BAD DREAMS by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Dreams-coming-horror-novel-ebook/dp/B07L2H2YMPFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on BAD Dreams by Dave Miles(https://www.zapsplat.com/author/dave-miles-music/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, host Ahmed Khalifa chats with Mark Pellington, one of his filmmaking heroes, about style, theme, putting one's own money into a movie, and about making his latest feature, THE SEVERING.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.Links:- Mark Pellington's Official Website: https://www.markpellington.com/- THE SEVERING (Official Website): https://www.kinolorber.com/film/view/id/5510- THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES OST: https://open.spotify.com/album/6S9EpZsVwpfBd39IorgorG- COFFIN X BY A. Kale: https://www.amazon.com/Coffin-X-Novel-Kale-ebook/dp/B005XOAU6MFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on COFFIN X trailer, courtesy of PMSFX via Zapsplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/pmsfx/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:- Your host, A. K., talks to veteran writer and music journalist A. Scott Galloway. Mr. Galloway has written over 300 liner note essays for music CD reissues of classic albums and compilations, several of which he produced. His work was commissioned by the companies Rhino, Universal, Sony Legacy, Blue Note, among many other labels. He joins A.K. to talk about music history, the uselessness of musical boundaries, and the future of liner notes.- A tribute to influential jazz singer, Connee Boswell.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.Links- A. Scott Galloway's articles: https://eurweb.com/author/a-scott-galloway/- "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" by Connee Boswell and her Band: https://archive.org/details/78_way-down-yonder-in-new-orleans_connee-boswell-and-her-v-disc-music-men-yank-lawson_gbia0382471b/WAY+DOWN+YONDER+IN+NEW+ORLEANS+-+Connee+Boswell+and+her+V-Disc+Music+Men.flac- BAD DREAMS by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Dreams-coming-horror-novel-ebook/dp/B07L2H2YMPFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on BAD Dreams by Dave Miles(https://www.zapsplat.com/author/dave-miles-music/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:- Your host, A. K., talks with ex-Navy SEAL, writer, and occasional actor, Chuck Pfarrer. Pfarrer has worked on such cult classics as Sam Raimi’s Darkman, Hard Target, Arlington Road, and is the author of several books and graphic novels, including The Thing From Another Plant, a terrific sequel to John Carpenter’s The Thing.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.Links- Chuck Pfarrer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChuckPfarrer- Chuck's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B001HO7GSC- COFFIN X by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Coffin-X-Novel-Kale-ebook/dp/B005XOAU6MFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on COFFIN X trailer, courtesy of PMSFX via Zapsplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/pmsfx/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing EXTRA DARK , a mini-episode with news, reviews, and updates about all things dark and fantastic.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.Links:- THE BIG DARK SKY by Dean Koontz: https://www.scifinow.co.uk/books/dean-koontz-on-the-big-dark-sky-incredible-coincidences-and-buying-toys-for-his-dogs/- DEVOTED by Dean Koontz Review: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/2020/12/devoted-dean-koontz-review.html- Tom Holland's Fright Night (Comics): https://leagueofcomicgeeks.com/comic/6453901/tom-hollands-fright-night-2- The Kingcast with Glen Mazzara: https://www.fangoria.com/podcasts/the-kingcast/4-the-dark-tower-with-glen-mazzara/- THE BLACK PHONE Review: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/2022/07/movie-review-black-phone-2022.htmlFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:- A.K. delves deep into the Hitchcock archive and talks about MURDER (1930), one of Hitchcock's most underrated and humane films.- A brief review of the underwhelming THE BATMAN (2022).- A.K's top ten favorite John Carpenter films. Number 10.- A tribute to Vangelis.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.Links- The Dark Fantastic Podcast Episode 13: Hitchcock in Black and White, and The Great David Williams (Pocket Edition): https://www.spreaker.com/user/15262422/the-df-podcast-ep13- The Batman (2022): Full review: https://youtu.be/-lJSV2sCY4U- Vangelis Improvisation (1982): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgu_NqCxeKwFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on BAD DREAMS trailer, courtesy of Dave Miles https://www.zapsplat.com/author/dave-miles-music/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:- Your host, A. K., talks with collector and independent researcher Simon Dunant, about Hugh Walpole, a near-forgotten author from the early 20th century, whose body of work (which includes everything from Gothic Horror to Historical Fiction) is ripe for rediscovery. We delve into Walpole's fascinating life, his best novels, and Dunant's fantastic website, The Walpole Chronicles.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.Links- The Walpole Chronicles Website: https://hughwalpole.com/- MR. PERRIN AND MR. TRAILL: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040615/- THE OLD LADIES: Classic BBC Radio drama from 1968, available at the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/hugh-walpole-the-old-ladies- COFFIN X by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Coffin-X-Novel-Kale-ebook/dp/B005XOAU6MFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on COFFIN X trailer, courtesy of PMSFX via Zapsplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/pmsfx/). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:- Your host, A. K., talks about why some movies age while others seem to be immortal, with a brief but deep analysis of CITIZEN KANE, the films of John Carpenter, and much more.- A.K. discusses a recent article in SLATE magazine about David E. Kelley, the man behind BIG LITTLE LIES, BIG SKY, and such classics as THE PRACTICE and BOSTON LEGAL.- Spotlight on the new THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA soundtrack by composer Craig Safan.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.- BAD DREAMS by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Dreams-coming-horror-novel-ebook/dp/B07L2H2YMPFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comLINKS:- https://slate.com/culture/2022/05/lincoln-lawyer-david-e-kelley-anatomy-scandal-netflix.html- THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA by Craig Safan, complete soundtrack available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6hQdKX4tZY Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Gorman was a writer’s writer, a master. During the 1980’s, 1990’s and 2000's, he published dozens of stylish and acclaimed suspense novels. In this podcast, we celebrate the life of a master craftsman.Written and Produced by Ahmed Khalifa© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022* Special thanks to Richard Chizmar and Robert Randisi for their generosity and support.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to THE DARK FANTASTIC PODCAST: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.References:- http://westernfictionreview.blogspot.com/2009/06/interview-ed-gorman.html- https://cinemaretro.com/index.php?/archives/293-DEAN-BRIERLY-INTERVIEWS-CRIME-NOVELIST-ED-GORMAN.html- http://saddlebums.blogspot.com/2007/10/saddlebums-interview-ed-gorman.html- https://gravetapping.blogspot.com/2017/01/interview-ed-gorman-from-2007-annotated.html- http://therapsheet.blogspot.com/2016/11/ed-gorman-day.htmlAll Jingle sounds: Zaplsplat.comMusic:Anomalous Hedges - Mini VandalsSpirit of Fire - Jesse GallagherTraversing - Godmode* All music from the Youtube Library Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:- Your host, A. K., talks with Oscar-nominated writer/director/visual artist Matthew Patrick about making movies in Hollywood, crossing paths with Tom Cruise, his unmade HALLOWEEN sequel, meeting Nicolas Roeg, and much more.- An enhanced audio version of William Browne's poem SIRENS' SONG, read by Caprisha Page (original audio from Librivox).© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.- COFFIN X by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Coffin-X-Novel-Kale-ebook/dp/B005XOAU6MFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on COFFIN X trailer, courtesy of PMSFX via Zapsplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/pmsfx/). Links- Matthew Patrick: https://vimeo.com/matthewpatrick- HIDER IN THE HOUSE (1989) Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKZtZJ_3Kkw- SIRENS' SONG by William Browne, read by Caprisha Page: https://librivox.org/short-poetry-collection-114/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re a fan of Hitchcock, great movies, or funky music, stay tuned!In this episode:- Your host, A. K., talks about rediscovering the black and white Hitchcock films of the 1920s and 30s, like Number 17 (1932) and Blackmail (1930).- A tribute to the late, great David Williams, rhythm guitarist extraordinaire, who collaborated with every one from Michael Jackson, to Madonna, to Bryan Ferry.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.- COFFIN X by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Coffin-X-Novel-Kale-ebook/dp/B005XOAU6MFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on COFFIN X trailer, courtesy of PMSFX via Zapsplat (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/pmsfx/). Links- THE DARK FANTASTIC PODCAST: Episode 5: https://www.spreaker.com/user/15262422/the-df-podcast-ep5- THE LADY VANISHES Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dPl5LVYSAo- Clip from MTV MOST WANTED with David Williams: https://youtu.be/JPodK48YRZA- I PUT A SPELL ON YOU (Live): https://youtu.be/l5_NjVaeGoI?t=19- Bryan Ferry's TAXI: https://open.spotify.com/album/0KwGcNoGh3YLuggXeTGsIe- Bryan Ferry's MAMOUNA: https://open.spotify.com/album/6jmP4E4zDhHFh9gRHJrP8e Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re a fan of blockbusters, comic books, or Ghostbusters, stay tuned!In this episode:- Interview with writer Erik Burnham, a prolific and multi-talented artist and writer. He has done work for IDW Publishing, including his critically acclaimed work on the GHOSTBUSTERS line of comic books. He joins host A. K. to talk about Ghostbusters, meeting a legend, his ear for dialogue, and the importance of being a voracious reader.- A short discussion about the concept of nostalgia, why it's under attack, and how it can be a force for positive change.- A clip from SCARED STIFF (1945), a little known classic comedy starring the great Jack Haley, better known as The Tin Man from the MGM adaptation of The Wizard of Oz..It’s a delightful movie for all ages, and it’s available online, for free, on many streaming sites.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.- BAD DREAMS by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Dreams-coming-horror-novel-ebook/dp/B07L2H2YMPFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on BAD DREAMS trailer, courtesy of Dave Miles (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/dave-miles-music/)Links- Erik Burnham's official site: https://www.burnhamania.com/- Clip from GHOSTBUSTERS (1984): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7zVqK8ZJyA- Article: NOSTALGIC FOR THE FUTURE by Edward Curtin: http://edwardcurtin.com/nostalgic-for-the-future/ - SCARED STIFF (1945): Watch for free at the Internet Archive: https://archive.org/details/Scared_Stiff- Trailer for Bad Dreams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMfF0E86zMI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first Pocket edition of The Dark Fantastic Podcast, a mini-episode, with lots of good things squeezed into its short running time. In this episode:- The Maltese Falcon (1941) wasn’t the first attempt to adapt Dashiell Hammett’s classic mystery novel. A dive into the many faces of The Maltese Falcon on film. - The Card Counter: A quick look at Paul Schrader's The Card Counter, an example of a brilliant filmmaker who's more interested in his message, in teaching his audience, than in telling a good story.- Spotlight on The Veldt, one of the most underrated bands on the planet.Links:- Reviews of the three versions of The Maltese Falcon: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/2022/03/film-review-maltese-falcon-all-three.html- The Veldt - The Everlasting Gobstopper (Live At Oak City Sessions): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCrE-qtrgYEPodcast © The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on BAD DREAMS trailer, courtesy of Dave Miles (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/dave-miles-music/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Considered a classic, mainly due to its inventive casting and stylish direction, The Maltese Falcon (1941) wasn’t the first attempt to adapt Dashiell Hammett’s classic mystery novel. Listen to the full reviews here.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast at Spreaker, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podchaser, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:- An interview with public high school teacher and author Michael Zwaagstra, who joins the show to talk about the future of education, the importance of content knowledge, and his love for the books of C. S. Lewis.- A clip from Zwaagstra’s video: There is Nothing New About 21st Century Learning- Your host, A.K., talks about “growing up”, and books and movies that are considered not fit for “grown ups”.- A clip from the novel, The Warden, by Anthony Trollope, taken from the audiobook version, read by Nick Whitely, and which is available for free download on the Librivox website. The clip is from chapter 15, and in it Trollope makes fun of Dickens, whom he calls Mr. Sentiment.- Book Trailer: BAD DREAMS, a novel by A. Kale, available on Amazon.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.Links:- BAD DREAMS by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Dreams-coming-horror-novel-ebook/dp/B07L2H2YMP- Michael Zwaagstra’s website: https://michaelzwaagstra.com/- Making Schools Better Series: There is Nothing New About 21st Century Learning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nt_oRXPW3V4- The Warden by Anthony Trollope (Audiobook): https://librivox.org/the-warden-by-anthony-trollope-3/For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on BAD DREAMS trailer, courtesy of Dave Miles (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/dave-miles-music/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Designed as a sequel to Universal's infamous 1931 film adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula, starring the immortal Bela Lugosi, Dracula: Asylum is a rare book, in that it is a sequel that took me by surprise.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast at Spreaker, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podchaser, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:- An interview with musician and composer Craig Safan (The Last Starfighter, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4), in which he talks about his work, his love of L.A, and his latest album L.A. Ex.- Your host, A.K., shares some of his favorite books and movies about L.A.- A clip from DRAGNET, the classic TV show set in L.A.- Book Trailer: BAD DREAMS, a novel by A. Kale, available on Amazon.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.- BAD DREAMS by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Dreams-coming-horror-novel-ebook/dp/B07L2H2YMP- Craig Safan's Official Website: https://craigsafan.com/For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.- Clip from "Pandora's Box" by Craig Safan, from his album L.A. Ex (available on Spotify and to buy), used by permission from the composer.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on BAD DREAMS trailer, courtesy of Dave Miles (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/dave-miles-music/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murder in A Small Town and The Lady in Question are two TV movies that aired on A&E in 1999. These two delightful mysteries, co-written and starring Wilder and directed by Joyce Chopra, and set in 1930s Connecticut, allow Wilder to showcase his talents as an actor and writer, and were the last time he ever took a starring role. Listen to the full review here.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast at Spreaker, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podchaser, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dark Fantastic Podcast will be back soon. Stay tuned!© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast at Spreaker, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podchaser, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clocking in at just over 80 minutes and slipping under the release radar, Hammer (2020) is an effective, quietly moving, and compelling psychological/crime thriller. Listen to the full review here.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2022.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast at Spreaker, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podchaser, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A beguiling, immensely readable thriller, Robert J. Randisi's Curtains of Blood, is a must for fans of Dracula and Bram Stoker. Using the now clichéd high concept of Bram Stoker crossing paths with Jack The Ripper in 1888 London, Randisi produces what is arguably the best of all the books that tread the same ground. Listen to the full review here.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast at Spreaker, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podchaser, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saying too much about the plot of The Assistant (2019) does the film a disservice. Although it's not really plot-driven and more of a character study, part of the beauty of watching it is experiencing how it unfolds, scene by scene, layer by layer, drawing you in into a story that is masterfully and boldly told. Listen to the full review here.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast at Spreaker, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, Amazon Music, Deezer, Podchaser, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode:- An interview with actor/producer Jordan Werner, who stars in the new movie DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. In this interview we talk about his work as actor and producer on the film; how he got his start in acting; and the future of spiritual stories in Hollywood.- Your host, A.K., shares some of his favorite Christmas books and movies, including a number of hidden gems.- A recording of Robert Louis Stevenson's poem, WINTER TIME.- Book Trailer: BAD DREAMS, a novel by A. Kale, available on Amazon.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.Mentioned in the episode: - The Works of Charles Dickens are available for free at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/37- The Works of Agatha Christie: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/451- The Works of Hugh Walpole are available for free at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1207- WINTER TIME by R. L. Stevenson, read by Tomas Peter, and is available here: https://librivox.org/short-poetry-collection-186-by-various/- BAD DREAMS by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Dreams-coming-horror-novel-ebook/dp/B07L2H2YMPFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comWinter sounds by Articulated (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/articulated/)Opening music on BAD DREAMS trailer, courtesy of Dave Miles (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/dave-miles-music/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bram Stoker’s seminal horror novel, Dracula, has inspired numerous sequels, prequels, re-imaginings, and stories focused on side characters from the book. What makes Dracula’s Demeter by Doug Lamoreux in some ways special, is its focus on the vampire count’s journey from his homeland to England onboard the Russian schooner, the Demeter. Listen to the full review.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:- An interview with author, editor, and screenwriter Richard Chizmar, in which he talks about the challenges of editing good anthologies, the influence of the late, great Ed Gorman on his writing, and working with Stephen King.- Your host, A.K., talks about originality in fiction, and what makes a book original. What makes the books of Dickens, Stephen King, and J. K. Rowling so successful? Is it the prose, the voice of the storyteller, or the originality of the plot?- A recording of Robert Louis Stevenson's poem, WINDY NIGHTS.- Easter Egg: THE WAIT, a new short story!- Book Trailer: BAD DREAMS, a novel by A. Kale, available on Amazon.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.Mentioned in the episode: - The Works of Charles Dickens are available for free at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/37- The Works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are available for free at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/69- The Works of Henry James are available for free at Project Gutenberg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/113- WINDY NIGHTS by Stevenson, read by Mike Kauffman, and is available here: https://librivox.org/short-poetry-collection-015/- BAD DREAMS by A. Kale is available at Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Dreams-coming-horror-novel-ebook/dp/B07L2H2YMPFor more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx, or wherever you get your podcasts.All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on BAD DREAMS trailer, courtesy of Dave Miles (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/dave-miles-music/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First published in 1980 under the pseudonym Brian Coffey, and later released under his own name in 1991, The Voice of The Night is one of Dean Koontz’s best, yet least known, novels. It is one of his most understated books, and his only coming-of-age tale.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast or at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clint Eastwood returns as actor and director with Cry Macho (2021), a sweet, gentle, and charming little film, which in its own modest, easy-going way, achieves so much with seemingly little effort. Listen to the full review here.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uncle Silas (1864) is considered by many, including M. R. James, to be Le Fanu's masterpiece. While that is arguable, Uncle Silas is indeed one of Le Fanu's best, as it features all of the main ingredients of his special brew: a likable heroine; terrifying villains; plenty of intrigue; and an incomparable mastery of atmosphere.© The Dark Fantastic Network. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcastPodcast addict: https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/3636260Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:- Your host, A.K., talks about the secret behind successful creative partnerships in film and TV.- The mystery behind the magic of TWIN PEAKS. Who is responsible, David Lynch or Mark Frost? A brief history of the making of the TV show.- An interview with author and TV historian David Bushman (CONVERSATIONS WITH MARK FROST), in which David and myself come up with what may be the definitive answer to the question: "Will there ever be more TWIN PEAKS?"- A recording of Poe's ANNABEL LEE.- Easter Egg: THE HIGHWAY, a new short story.- Book Trailer: BAD DREAMS, a novel by A. Kale, available on Amazon.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast or at Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx* Poe's ANNABEL LEE, read by Ed Good, and taken from the Librivox website: https://librivox.org/short-poetry-collection-015/All sounds from: Zapsplat.comOpening music on BAD DREAMS trailer, courtesy of Dave Miles (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/dave-miles-music/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Horror fans are always looking for something new to watch, read, or listen to. There are “best of” lists aplenty, with each list focusing on a certain sub-genre or category. With this list, I am going to include ten books that I greatly admire, for several reasons, and which I think haven't got their due. I think even ardent fans of the genre will find a number of surprises included here.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

- Your host, A.K., talks about what makes certain albums, songs, and compositions timeless, including ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER PLACE (1974) by Bryan Ferry, and FOLKFUNK (2004) by Bobby Rush.- An interview with author, musician, and music historian Herb Powell, co-author of I AIN'T STUDDIN' YA, the autobiography of Bobby Rush.- A recording of Shelley's TO: MUSIC, WHEN SOFT VOICES DIE.- Easter Egg: THE WIND, a new short story!- Book Trailer: BAD DREAMS, a novel by A. Kale, available on Amazon.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcastBobby Rush's Performance at Ground Zero: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTgEVMvDRWETo: Music, When Soft Voices Die by Shelley, performed by Leonard Wilson: https://librivox.org/shelley-selected-poems-and-prose-by-percy-bysshe-shelley/All sounds from: Zapsplat.comSax Riff on THE WIND, courtesy of Adam A. Johnson (www.zapsplat.coms/author/adam-a-johnson)Opening music on BAD DREAMS trailer, courtesy of Dave Miles (https://www.zapsplat.com/author/dave-miles-music/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is hard to imagine that A Second Coming (1900) by Richard Marsh, a heartfelt, thought-provoking, and haunting novel about the second coming of The Christ, was written by the same man who gave us the forgettable Gothic-Horror of The Beetle (1897). Where The Beetle was bland, tame, and crudely written, A Second Coming is philosophically challenging, often fiery, and even sporadically elegant. Listen to the full review here.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Written by Bram Stoker, and considered one of the most influential supernatural thrillers of all time... No, it's not Dracula. It's The Jewel of Seven Stars (1903), a dated and mostly stilted novel, but one which created the template for almost all subsequent stories that dealt with Egyptology and mummies. Listen to the full review here.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of THE DARK FANTASTIC PODCAST:- Your host, Ahmed Khalifa, talks about movies that are better than books, including Psycho (1960) and The Grapes of Wrath (1940).- An exclusive interview with author and audiobook narrator Nick Sullivan, whose latest book DEEP DEVIL is out now.- A wonderful reading of Keats's poem THE LIVING HAND, by Winston Tharp.- Easter Egg: THE FACES, a chilling Halloween short story, dramatized, and featuring sound effects.Links:- Nick Sullivan's website: https://www.nicksullivan.net/- SILVER BULLET full trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1dClCykQys- Download Keats's THE LIVING HAND, read by Winston Tharp: https://librivox.org/short-poetry-collection-138-by-various/Sound Effects and music courtesy of Zaplsplat.com© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast, or on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5vBeRd8irHyDHbGaqLfEGx Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Short reviews of The Whole Wide World (1996), a heartfelt biography of writer Robert E. Howard, creator of Conan The Barbarian; Chasing The Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar; and the classic novel, The Guardian Angel (1867) by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Although Doyle had retired Holmes a long while before the author's own death, writers continue to churn out pastiches; some are good, some are bad and some are brilliant. The Tangled Skein and The Italian Secretary fall somewhere between good and brilliant. Listen to the full review here.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Dark Fantastic Podcast:- Your host, A.K., talks about the outcry against classic literature.- An interview with Sherlock Holmes expert and best-selling author/editor David Stuart Davies (Sherlock Holmes: The Tangled Skein and Sherlock Holmes: Revenge from The Grave).- Revisiting INNER SANCTUM (1948).- Easter Egg: a new short story!© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-dark-fantastic-podcast or wherever you get your podcasts!Links for topics mentioned in the episode:- Download THE WARDEN by Anthony Trollope: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/619- Gaston Leroux's books: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/112- G.K. Chesterton's Essay: http://www.gkc.org.uk/gkc/books/penny-dreadfuls.html- David Stuart Davies: http://www.davidstuartdavies.co.uk/home- Sherlock Homes: Revenge From The Grave: https://titanbooks.com/70693-the-further-adventures-of-sherlock-holmes-revenge-from-the-grave/- Sherlock Holmes audio dramas: https://www.bigfinish.com/releases/v/sherlock-holmes-the-last-act-4- INNER SANCTUM (1948): available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bUPoAqF86ESound Effects courtesy of: freesound.org and Zapsplat.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reportedly admired by Hitchcock, who later adapted it twice for his TV show, Hitchcock Presents, So Long At The Fair (1950) is a highly effective period thriller. Listen to the full review here.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Overview: A collection of shorter reviews of books and movies. In this edition: James Wan's MALIGNANT (2021), James Patterson's THE NOISE, and Stuarts Woods' L.A. TIMES.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode:- Dean Koontz is back on form, with two books that will delight fans.- The history behind The Shadow, pulp fiction's greatest hero.- And special guest Will Murray, the author of the new book, THE RISE OF THE SHADOW, joins the show to talk about pulp fiction, the continuing popularity of The Shadow, and much more. (THE RISE OF THE SHADOW is available on Amazon. Hardcovers available at: https://adventuresinbronze.com/)Easter Egg: The short story "The Players" by Ahmed Khalifa.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/Ozymandias: Read by Leonard Wilson (From the collection "Shelley: Selected Poems and Prose"), available at Librivox: https://librivox.org/shelley-selected-poems-and-prose-by-percy-bysshe-shelley/Sound Effects: courtesy of ZapSplat.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At first, Roderick Hudson looks like a simple, even frivolous, tale about the rise and fall of the eponymous young sculptor. But like most of James' work, his book's plot are deceptive, beginning as one thing, and slowly morphing into another. Listen to the full review here.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dark Night of The Scarecrow (1981) is one of those "quiet horror" films that sneak up on you. On the one hand, it has the trappings of a typical revenge from beyond the grave thriller. But as it moves along, it becomes more psychological, darker, and nastier. Listen to the full review here.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh Walpole's third novel, Mr. Perrin and Mr. Traill (1911), considered by many, and by the author himself, to be his best work, is a strange, somber, meandering, and unforgettable piece of literature. Listen to the full review here.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, please visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by Francis Thompson's haunting poem "The Hound of Heaven", THE PRELUDE TO ADVENTURE (1912) features all of Walpole's signature ingredients, but what sets it apart is that, here, the main character is not lost, but found. A man who commits a murder in a moment of rage and then hears the voice of God calling him. Listen to the full review here.© Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.For more reviews and content, visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of the podcast, A.K. takes you through a number of hidden gems (books, movies, poems), and, for loyal listeners, there is an Easter Egg, in the form of an original short story hidden somewhere in the episode!In this episode: The Notch by Tom Holland, The Dark Night of The Scarecrow (1981), The Assistant (2019), and much more.The Librivox recording of "The Hound of Heaven" can be found here: https://librivox.org/short-poetry-collection-153-by-various/For more reviews and content, visit: https://dark-fantastic.blogspot.com/The Window (Short Story) © Ahmed Khalifa. 2021.Music by: tkky @ freesound.orgSFX courtesy of: drotzruhn @ freesound.org and Zapsplat (Scot Lawlor) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.