Sley House Presents

Best-selling and award-winning author Fonda Lee joins the show to talk about samurai and her new book The Last Contract of Isako, now available from Orbit Books. She talks samurai, codes of honor, reflecting on why we crave speculative stories, and more.You can find Fonda Lee at her website, www.fondalee.com, and you can get The Last Contract of Isako at your favorite book retailer or your local library today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Briana Cox visits the show to share her debut novel Indigent, currently self-published and available for purchase direct or through most online book retailers. She talks about the book's origins as inspired by problems of medical indigency, about writing authentic characters, how violence is done to minority communities, and more.You can find Briana Cox at their website brianacoxwriter.com, and you can read Indigent today through places like Bookshop.org or Briana's website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best-selling author Sunyi Dean visits the show to dive into some of the themes and elements of her new book The Girl with a Thousand Faces, now available from Tor. She breaks down some of the book's origins, talks about generational and historic trauma, how we process those traumas, and how we act to move forward from the things in us that hurt and isolate us.You can find more about Sunyi Dean at her website, www.sunyidean.com, and you can get The Girl with a Thousand Faces at your local library or your favorite book retailer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dying for a good read? You're in luck! S.A. Barnes returns to the show (for the fourth time!) to talk about her latest book, Death's Daughter. She talks about romance, romantic fantasy, the importance of reading romance, how romance engages readers emotionally, and a whole lot more!For more information about S.A. Barnes, you can visit her website at www.staceykade.com, and you can get Death's Daughter from Bramble today at your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best-selling author Jackson Ford returns to talk about his latest novel, Sisters of the Lizard, the sequel to The Bone Raiders. He dives into what he thinks as a craftsman, about writing stories with real heart and stakes, and why it matters that a story be bold enough to go deep, look inward, and try on big ideas.You can find more about Jackson Ford at jacksonfordauthor.com, and you can get Sisters of the Lizard on May 5, 2026, from Orbit Books at your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author S.L. Huang visits the show to talk about their new book The Language of Liars, now available from Tordotcom. With host Trevor, Huang breaks down the book's big ideas about language and colonialism, how language is linked to identity for them and the book, its relationship to culture and barriers, and how we deal with these intersections in our own lives.You can find S.L. Huang at slhuang.com, and you can get The Language of Liars on April 28, 2026, from your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcoming back Stoker-Award winning author Ally Malinenko, Trevor and Ally break down her latest novel Broken Dolls, now available from all major book retailers. They break down the book's focus on grief, explore their own feelings about grief, about why we don't talk about grief, and the necessary space of it in our lives.You can find more about Ally Malinenko at her website, allymalinenko.com, and you can get the book Broken Dolls today from HarperCollins at your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling author Mike Chen is on the show to talk about his latest book The Photonic Effect, now available from Saga Press. He talks about the book's popular media influences in Mass Effect and Star Trek, about writing about hope and deliberation, and about the book's broader message about how we make decisions and what it means to live by them.You can find more about Mike Chen at www.mikechenbooks.com and you can get The Photonic Effect now from Saga Press at your local library or your favorite book retailer.Thanks to the Saga Says Crew program for this episode's reading. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Times Bestselling author Ellery Adams visits to talk about her debut horror novel, Invasive Species, now available from Hanover Square Press. She talks about her love for mythology, her interests in horror and transitioning from mystery into horror, and the importance of story in her life, her craft, and our worldviews. You can find more about Ellery Adams at www.elleryadamsbooks.com, and you can get your copy of Invasive Species from your local library or your favorite book retailer today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best-selling author and literary superstar Kelly Yang visits to talk about her latest novel The Take, available April 21, 2026, from Berkley. She talks about ageism in industry, about false dichotomies of power and influence, about making room for new voices while respecting industry experience, and a whole lot more pertaining to the book and how it reflects a philosophy of the moment.You can find more about Kelly at www.kellyyang.com and you can find The Take and her other books at your local library or your favorite book retailer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Multiple award-winning author Gwendolyn Kiste comes back to the show to talk about her new collection The Haunted Houses She Calls Her Own, now available from Raw Dog Press. She talks about revisiting her craft, about revisiting historic figures to recontextualize their place in modern issues, and also breaks down issues pertaining to activism and empathy in fiction and reality. You can find more about Gwendolyn Kiste at www.gwendolynkiste.com, and you can get The Haunted Houses She Calls Her Own direct through the Raw Dog Screaming Press website at rawdogscreaming.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Abby Vail is here to talk about her new book Writhe, available now from Sobelo Books. She talks about writing unforgivable characters, acting with compassion, and writing in the dark in order to better understand ourselves.You can find more about Abby Vail at abbyvailauthor.com, and you can get Writhe direct from Sobelo Books at sobelobooks.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Carter Keane comes on to talk about their debut novella Morsel, available April 14, 2026, from Tor Nightfire. With host Trevor, they talk about capitalism, hunger, and catharsis, and a lot more both directly related and tangential to the book's big questions.You can find more about Carter Keane at carterkeane.com, and you can find the book available at your local library or your favorite book retailer on April 14! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Kristi DeMeester visits the show to talk about her latest novel, Dark Sisters, published in winter 2025. She talks about writing problematic characters, how she structured some of her characters' conflicts around questions of authenticity and power, and a whole lot more.You can find more about Kristi DeMeester at www.kristidemeester.com, and you can get Dark Sisters now at your favorite book retailer or your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author John Chu talks about his new novel The Subtle Art of Folding Space, available April 7, 2026, from Tor. He talks quantum physics (of a sense), the inner workings of his characters' lives, and reflects on what that means in a broader sense beyond art to what we feel about our human lives. It's a deep, sometimes existential, and frequently fun conversation about a book that is all of those things and more.You can find more from John Chu at www.johnchu.net, and you can get The Subtle Art of Folding Space at your favorite book retailer or at your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Olesya Salnikova Gilmore is back to talk about her new book The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru, now available from Berkley. She talks about the historic roots of the book, about writing about the immigrant experience, and how the book's major themes reflect on our human positionality and cognitive mapping, plus a dialogue about her absolute love of Paris. You can find out more about Olesya Salnikova Gilmore at her website, olesyagilmore.com, and you can get The Fortune Tellers of Rue Daru at your local library or your favorite book retailer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Dumas, the author of The Paleontologist, is here to talk about his latest novel Nothing Tastes As Good, out March 31, 2026 from Atria. He talks about the book's unique take on fat-phobic media, dealing with depictions of weight and its relationship to self-esteem, and how we begin to dissect our own sense of self-worth by looking at the systems that feed us for good and bad.You can find more about Luke Dumas at his website, www.lukedumas.com, and you can get Nothing Tastes As Good at your local library or your favorite book retailer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bram Stoker Award-Nominated author Angela Sylvaine returns to talk about her new novel, Cold Snap, the sequel to Frost Bite now available from Dark Matter Ink. They talk about writing sequels, the economy of storytelling, and dive into the significance of what's real in fiction.You can find more about Angela Sylvaine at her website, angelasylvaine.com, and you can get both novels in the Frost Bite series now direct from Dark Matter Ink or through your favorite online book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Times best-selling author Adam Christopher visits to talk about his new novel Crawlspace, available now from Tor Nightfire. With Trevor, he talks about his origins as a sci-fi writer, the shape of horror in his new novel, and what is compelling to him about dread and the unknown in his fiction.You can find more about Adam Christopher online at www.adamchristopher.me, and you can get Crawlspace at your local library or your favorite book retailer today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disclaimer: This episode does contain conversation about violence of a nature that may not be suitable for all listeners. Discretion is advised.Trevor is joined by award-winning writer Hache Pueyo to talk about her new novella Cabaret in Flames, now available from Tordotcom. They talk about the reason for writing about dark things in fiction, about how violence impacts people and characters alike, and the importance of asking hard questions no matter your ability to answer them.You can find more of Hache Pueyo's work at hachepueyo.com, and you can get her novellas from Tordotcom now at your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author Olivia Waite joins the show to talk about her latest novella in the Dorothy Gentleman series, Nobody's Baby. She breaks down her brand of cozy sci-fi mystery, gives Trevor some romance reading starting points, and discusses how politics features in her work and the importance of story in civichood. You can find Olivia Waite online at www.oliviawaite.com, and you can get the Dorothy Gentleman series now from Tordotcom wherever you buy your books or at your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paulette Kennedy, award-winning author, returns to the show to talk about her latest book, The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael, available now from Lake Union Press. She talks with Trevor about the book's setting in Charleston, performative activism and real activism, and the historical relevance of the book's major themes.You can find more about Paulette Kennedy at paulettekennedy.com, and you can find more about her new business, Gothic Dreams, at gothicdreamsbookbox.com. The Two Deaths of Lillian Carmichael is available March 10, 2026 in your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebrating the rerelease of his hit novel Between Two Fires, Christopher Buehlman joins hosts Trevor and Collin to dive into the book, its major themes like redemption and the place of violence, as well as philosophize about the importance of living an examined life.You can find more about Christopher Buehlman at his website, christopherbuehlmanauthor.com, and you can get the rerelease of Between Two Fires in beautiful hardback from Tor Nightfire on March 3, 2026 at your favorite book retailer or track the book down at your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author and bestseller Stephen Graham Jones joins the show to talk about the rerelease of Night of the Mannequins, his 2020 novella now available from Tor Nightfire. With Trevor, he talks about decentering canons, focusing on the stories and conflicts of working class people in their own epic right, pop art as pulse, fear and love and a lot more.You can find Stephen Graham Jones at www.stephengrahamjones.com and you can find his work at your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and actor Leanna Renee Hieber joins the show for a second time, this time to talk about her novel The Eterna Files and her work as a Gothic historian in America's Most Gothic. She breaks down what is most important to her in her work, how the Gothic shapes our perception of history, and why it's important to remember the spiritual alongside the modern in history and literature both.You can find Leanna at her website www.leannareneehieber.com, and you can get her novels at your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author Bethany C. Morrow joins Trevor to talk about her new book The Body. Along the way, they talk about what fiction can address, why it is important to diversify your reading and expose yourself to new perspectives and media, and how media literacy contributes to the way we are able to address wrongs and deprogram away from the corruptive influences that trap us in cycles of violence (plus much, much more).You can find more from Bethany C. Morrow at her website, www.bethanycmorrow.com, and you can find The Body available now from Tor Nightfire at your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Saratoga Schaefer is back on the show to talk about their sophomore novel, Trad Wife (now available from Crooked Lane Press in the U.S.). With host Trevor, they talk about the novel, about trad wifing as a social media trend, about cognitive mapping, and how social media contributes or detracts from our happiness.You can find more about Saratoga Schaefer at their website, saratogaschaefer.com, and you can get Trad Wife from Crooked Lane Press on February 10 from your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this interview, author L.M. Chilton joins with show host Trevor to talk about his new novel, Everyone in the Group Chat Dies, available now from Gallery/Scout Press. They talk about classical detection novels, about how Everyone in the Group Chat Dies addresses new digital spaces and how they can fit into traditional detective novels, as well as broader issues of how to discern the fidelity of information in a digital world and how novels of detection accentuate our need for a connection to and relationship with the truth.You can find L.M. Chilton at lmchilton.com, and you can get Everyone in the Group Chat Dies and his other work at your favorite book retailer or your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnny Compton, Bram Stoker award-winning author of The Spite House and Devils Kill Devils, visits the show to talk about his new book Dead First, available February 10, 2026 from Putnam. Alongside host Trevor, he talks about Texas lore, about private investigators and code-switching, about the need for cultural literacy, and a whole lot more.You can catch more from Johnny at his website, johnnycompton.com. Dead First is available for pre-order or for purchase from your favorite book retailer, or you can request a copy at your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author C.J. Cooke joins the show to talk about her latest novel, The Last Witch, available now from publisher Berkley. With Trevor, she talks about the origins of her novel in the 15th century, about authenticity in writing fiction, and about how fiction serves to assist us in clarifying the historic record while preserving what remains important to the context of its moment and ours. You can find more about C.J. Cooke online at carolynjesscooke.com, and you can find her novels at your local library or at your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, best-selling author Simone St. James comes to talk about her new book, A Box Full of Darkness, available January 20 in the US through publisher Berkley. She talks with Trevor about her Gothic stories, about writing complicated characters, and the effect of trauma on personal relationships.You can find more Simone St. James at simonestjames.com, and you can find A Box Full of Darkness and her other novels at your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, author Ryan James Black visits to talk about his book The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham, which is now available in the U.S. and other countries. Together with Trevor, he talks about the craft of hope in fiction for children, and about the craft of hope as an exercise in looking at the world.You can find more about Ryan James Black at ryanjamesblack.com and you can get his novel at your favorite book retailer or your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author P. Djèlí Clark visits to celebrate the paperback release of Ring Shout, now available from Tor Nightfire. He breaks down the importance of the Shout to culture and Black heritage, the evolution and importance of media and its messaging for good and for bad, and the natures of hate and justice.You can find more from P. Djèlí Clark at his website, pdjeliclark.com, and you can find Ring Shout and his other fictions at your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor is joined by writer and book reviewer Amanda Bernat, the owner of Her Infinite Archive, to discuss their 2025 superlative fiction.For more information about Amanda Bernat, you can follow her on socials @ohtinybibliophile or at her blog https://herinfinitearchive.blogspot.com/.Our 2025 Superlatives:Most Gripping(Amanda) TILT by Emma Pattee(Trevor) VOLATILE MEMORY by Seth HaddonMost Unique(Amanda) HOW TO FAKE A HAUNTING by Christa Carmen(Trevor) CATHEDRAL OF THE DROWNED by Nathan BallingrudMost Visceral(Amanda) CARRION CROW by Heather Parry(Trevor) THE LIBRARY AT HELLEBORE by Cassandra KhawMost Resonant(Amanda) THE HOUNDING by Xenobe Purvis(Trevor) THE INCANDESCENT by Emily TeshMost Unforgettable(Amanda) THE REDEMPTION OF MORGAN BRIGHT by Chris Panatier(Trevor) DAEDALUS IS DEAD by Seamus SullivanMost Uplifting(Amanda) DEATH OF A CLOWN by Catherine McCarthy(Trevor) LUCKY DAY by Chuck TingleMost Satisfying(Amanda) WHY I LOVE HORROR ed. by Becky Siegel Spratford(Trevor) COLD ETERNITY by S.A. BarnesMost Cathartic(Amanda) ON SUNDAYS SHE PICKED FLOWERS by Yah Yah Scholfield(Trevor) SALTCROP by Yume KitaseiMost Awe-Inspiring(Amanda) YOU DID NOTHING WRONG by CG Drews(Trevor) ANGEL DOWN by Daniel KrausBest Reading Experience(Amanda) NOS4A2 by Joe Hill(Trevor) MYSTERY JAMES DIGS HER OWN GRAVE by Ally Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive audio production, Sley House presents "Fishing for Charlie," a short ghost story by author David Corse. David Corse is a weird horror and dark fantasy writer from Ohio. You can find more of his work at his website, davidcorseauthor.com, and you can find him on TikTok, Instagram, and Threads @itsmedavidcorse, and on Bluesky @itsmedavidcorse.bsky.social.Today's audio production was narrated and produced by Trevor Williamson through Sley House Presents. Background music was sourced from human creators at Pixabay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Veteran sci-fi and fantasy author Kate Elliott visits the show to talk about her latest novel duology, The Witch Roads. Along with Trevor, she explores the story's origins for her, the power and place of art in her life, and how writing is about embodying feeling and processing thought. You can find more about Kate Elliott at imakeupworlds.com, and you can get The Witch Roads at your favorite bookseller or your local library, available from Tor today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Rebecca Thorne returns to the show to talk about This Gilded Abyss, her art deco horror fantasy novel recently re-released by Tor books. Alongside host Amelia Hirsch, Rebecca discusses the book's origins for her, what appeals to her about characters in dire straits, and more about the book's deeper thematic issues.You can find Rebecca Thorne online at rebeccathorne.net, and you can get This Gilded Abyss or the Tomes & Tea series at your favorite book retailer or your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Carissa Broadbent joins host Trevor to talk about the re-release of her novel Daughter of No Worlds, now available from Bramble. She discusses her love of fantasy and what draws her in about dark themes in her stories, as well as talks about her love of reading widely and how it influences her craft decisions.You can find more about Carissa Broadbent at carissabroadbentbooks.com, and you can get her books at any of your favorite book retailers or at your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor is joined by author Olesya Salnikova Gilmore to talk about her second novel, The Haunting of Moscow House, now available in paperback from Berkley. Together, they talk about the book's origins, its reflection on Russian history, and how the book presents Gothic imagery while also dealing with real-world problems like historic erasure.You can find Olesya Salnikova Gilmore at olesyagilmore.com and the book at your favorite book retailer or at your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and illustrator Kathleen Jennings joins the show to talk about her latest novel Honeyeater, now available from Tor Books. She breaks down the Australian Gothic, the craft of creative observation, and reflects on what makes literature so fascinating and contemplative from her artistic perspective.You can find more about Kathleen Jennings at kathleenjennings.com, and you can get Honeyeater now from your favorite book retailer or your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author and editor Laura Parnum is back to talk about her latest middle grade novel, The Haunting of Bellington Cottage. She talks the book, about the importance of middle grade literature in conveying important ideas about conflict, identity-building, and communication. You can find more from Laura Parnum at www.lauraparnum.com, and you can get The Haunting of Bellington Cottage now from your local library or favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebrating the release of her novel Sacrificial Animals in paperback, author and opera singer Kailee Pedersen joins the podcast to discuss the book's roots in the rural Midwest, how the book deals with toxic masculinity and racism, and more.You can find more of Kailee Pedersen at kaileepedersen.com, and you can get Sacrificial Animals now in paperback or hardcover from your favorite book retailer or your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eden Royce joins the podcast for a discussion of her latest novella, Psychopomp & Circumstance (now available from Tordotcom). She talks with host Trevor about the book's historic fantasy backdrop, about living with and promoting dignity for one another, and more.You can find more of Eden Royce's projects at edenroyce.com, and you can get Psychopomp & Circumstance today at your favorite book retailer or your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seamus Sullivan joins Trevor to talk about his debut novel Daedalus Is Dead, available now from Tordotcom. Seamus breaks down his love for Greek mythology, and then explores with Trevor the importance of not being a jerk and how Daedalus fits into his thoughts on dark fantasy and mythology.You can get Daedalus Is Dead today from your favorite book retailer or from your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kristen Loesch joins in the guest seat to talk about her latest novel, The Hong Kong Widow. With Trevor, she takes a deep dive into the book's major ideas, like hauntings, meaning-making, and fate without destiny.You can find Kirsten Loesch online at kristenloesch.com, and you can get The Hong Kong Widow today from Berkley Publishing at your favorite book retailer or your local library. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this very special episode, Trevor's friends visit to share their favorite Halloween rituals and memories. Come join in to hear stories from Katrina Carruth, William Sterling, Abby Vail, Brian McAuley, Jessika Grewe Glover, Katrina Monroe, Ally Russell, Anna Rose Reads, and Collin Williamson. It's a special episode full of treats, no tricks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicholas Binge visits with Trevor to talk about his latest novella, Extremity, available now from Tordotcom. They talk about the craft of a book like Extremity, about its major ideas as regards the future and what we inherit, and who we are right now.You can find Nicholas Binge at www.nicholasbinge.com and you can get Extremity today from your local library or your favorite book retailer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Rebecca Baum talks about her new book The Brood, available from Thomas & Mercer on October 28, 2025. With Trevor, she discusses cicadas, autonomy and the body, and confronting the hard parts of self to come to real truth.Find Rebecca Baum at www.rebeccabaum.com and read The Brood by ordering from Thomas & Mercer or your favorite bookstore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nathan Ballingrud returns to talk about Cathedral of the Drowned, the second novella of his Lunar Gothic trilogy. With Trevor, he talks about seeing hurt in the world, how he preserves hope, and the beauty of brutal characters, plus more.You can find Nathan at nathanballingrud.com and you can get Cathedral of the Drowned and the rest of the Lunar Gothic trilogy from your local library or your favorite book retailer from Tor Nightfire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor and Sley House intern Paige Thompson are joined by Wen-yi Lee to talk about her adult fantasy novel When They Burned the Butterfly, available now from Tor books. They talk about the book's exploration of nation-making, queer identity-building, and how the book explores destruction and reconstruction, plus a whole lot more.You can get the novel at your local library or your favorite book retailer, and you can check out Wen-yi Lee at www.wenyileewrites.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.