Anna Rose Reads - The Podcast

This week, I’m sharing my conversation with Kristi DeMeester, author of Such a Pretty Smile and Dark Sisters which is hitting shelves today. We talk about how the novel came to be, Kristi’s decision to focus on distinct time periods within the novel, the plights her female characters face, and how they feel oh-so cyclical when looking back through history. I absolutely adore this book, and I am so thankful for Kristi’s time. If you’d like to order a copy of Dark Sisters or keep up with Kristi on social media, check out the links below:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristimdemeester/* Website: https://www.kristidemeester.com/* To Order Dark Sisters: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/dark-sisters-9781250286819/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnZ4bSRLg4XhdU1Aw2be-rSmprL9tK8kNPzJt_CvOdcPreVNAhUdlxkY5xOu8_aem_rTiFL1UqiC9mGGtmzwCISw This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

The alpha and omega, Clay McLeod Chapman returns to the podcast to chat about his 2025 releases, Acquired Taste, Shiny Happy People, and more. While we kicked off the year chatting about Wake Up and Open Your Eyes, it’s a real delight to begin to bring this year to a close talking about first loves, tragedy, maintaining self, healing, Dave Matthews, REM, and axolotls. And then some. As always, getting to chat with Clay is a treat, and if you wanna keep up with him on socials/order his books, check out the links below:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claymcleod/* Threads: https://www.threads.com/@claymcleod* BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/claymcleod.bsky.social* Website: https://www.claymcleodchapman.com/books/* To order Acquired Taste: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790250/acquired-taste-by-clay-mcleod-chapman/* To order Shiny Happy People: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/769642/shiny-happy-people-by-clay-mcleod-chapman/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Get your movie snacks ready and put the car in park at the drive-in. Haley Newlin joins me to chat about her latest release, The Film You Are About To See, horror in ever era, and where we hope to see the genre grow. Haley has an incredible voice, and I am so stoked I got the chance to talk to her about this story in particular. If you wan to order your own copy of The Film You Are About To See or keep up with Haley on socials, check out the links below:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haleynewlin_author/* Threads: https://www.threads.com/@haleynewlin_author* BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/haleynewlin.bsky.social* Haley’s Website: https://www.haleynewlinauthor.com/* To Order The Film You Are About To See: https://madaxemedia.square.site/product/the-film-you-are-about-to-see-paperback-preorder-exclusive-packaging-/IRY2Y5PFMGBTDSQSM47YJZMZ?cs=true&cst=custom This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Happy Friday, friends! Here’s a bonus episode I recorded with a very good friend of mine, Konrad Stump! He co-chairs HWA Libraries, including the Horror Writers Association’s summer reading program Summer Scares, and StokerCon Librarians’ Day, a full day of continuing education that connects authors and librarians and provides both with the necessary tools to engage communities with the horror genre. He also coordinates the Springfield-Greene County (MO) Library’s long-running “Oh, the Horror!” series, an annual celebration of the horror genre. His work has appeared in Library Journal, NoveList, and Booklist, and has been featured in Book Club Reboot: 71 Creative Twists (ALA) and The Readers’ Advisory Guide to Horror, third edition (ALA). We chat about his work with all of these programs, his own relationship with horror, and so much more. I’ve got links for you to check out below as well regarding a few things we mention during our chat! Huge thanks to Konrad for coming on the show!* Follow Konrad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/konradmstump/* 2026 Summer Scares Press Release: https://raforall.blogspot.com/2025/10/hwa-announces-summer-scares-reading.html* Oh, the Horror! Webpage and Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.thelibrary.org/event/oh-the-horror* Reach out to HWA Libraries Co-Chairs Konrad Stump and Becky Spratford via email at libraries@horror.org This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Guess who’s back?! Philip Fracassi returns to unpack The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre, a slasher set in a retirement community. We chat about portrayals of age in media and literature, the character work that absolutely makes this novel sing, and so much more. It’s a great hour and some change spent chatting with Phil about this really lovely book, and I hope you all enjoy it! If you want to order your own copy of The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre or keep up with Phil on social media, check out the links below:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pfracassi/?hl=en* Threads: https://www.threads.com/@pfracassi* BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/pfracassi.bsky.social* To Order The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250879066/theautumnspringsretirementhomemassacre/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

2025 has been a year of stunning horror, and one of its major contributors with not one, but two releases is Sam Rebelein! He returns to the pod to chat about his novel, Galloway’s Gospel, unpacking the creativity around this very vibrant story. We also chat about how strange nostalgia can feel, Sam’s stunning characters in this book, and so much more. Getting to chat with Sam will make anyone’s day, and if you want to follow him on social media or order a copy of Galloway’s Gospel, you can do so here:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelsam94/* Threads: https://www.threads.com/@rebelsam94* BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rebelsam94.bsky.social* To Order Galloway’s Gospel:https://www.harpercollins.com/products/galloways-gospel-sam-rebelein?variant=43711485706274 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

If you think you saw that doll’s head turn a bit when you walked by, you’d probably be correct in the pages of Ally Malinenko’s latest novel, Broken Dolls. And I was fortunate enough to chat with Ally about the inspiration of the book, why dolls are so creepy, grief horror, writing to grab kids’ attention, and so much more. A HUGE thanks to Ally for her time, and if you’d like to pick up a copy of Broken Dolls or keep up with Ally on social media, check out the links below:* Ally’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allymalinenko/* Ally’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@allymalinenko* Ally’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/allymalinenko.bsky.social* To Order Broken Dolls: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/broken-dolls-ally-malinenko?variant=43406930804770 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Happy Thursday, friends! Here’s a bonus episode on one of the most perfect books I have ever had the pleasure of reading, The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. While it’s taken me a minute to get around to reading this masterpiece, it is safe to say it’s stolen both my heart and mind. And accompanying me on this journey through the halls of Hill House is my good friend, Charlie Battison, or as you may know him on social media, barebonesbooks. A huge thanks to him for accompanying me on this twisty journey as we chat about both the novel and limited series adaptation by Mike Flanagan. To keep up with Charlie on socials, check out the links below:* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barebonesbooks_/* BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/barebonesbooks.bsky.social This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

In full bloom, Her Wicked Roots by Tanya Pell is a Gothic novel that revels in secrets and learning hard truths. It’s an absolute joy to get to chat with Tanya about this story, its starting point, its mystery, and its intrigue in every form. The biggest thanks to Tanya for her enthusiasm and time chatting about this wicked novel. Her Wicked Roots is on shelves now, and if you’d like to order a copy or keep up with Tanya on social media, check out the links below:* Tanya’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanya.pell/* Tanya’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@tanya.pell* Tanya’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tanyapell.bsky.social* Tanya’s Website: https://www.tanyapell.com/* To Order Her Wicked Roots: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Her-Wicked-Roots/Tanya-Pell/9781668087299 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Crawling its way under our skin, Itch! by Gemma Amor is the angry folk horror novel we all need in our TBRs. I chat with her about where this story came from, what it means to write a feminist story, insect horror, and so much more. Itch! is already on shelves in the UK, but US readers will have a chance to get a hard copy in January of 2026. The good news is, I believe you can get the ebook NOW which I have linked below in addition to where to find Gemma on social media! The biggest thanks to Gemma as always for her time!* Gemma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manylittlewords?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==* Gemma’s BlueSky: https://web-cdn.bsky.app/profile/manylittlewords.bsky.social* Gemma’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@manylittlewords* To Order Itch!: https://www.waterstones.com/book/itch/gemma-amor/9781399745369* To Order Itch! e-Book: https://www.amazon.com/ITCH-darkly-feminist-crawling-Halloween-ebook/dp/B0F9WB2SYN/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Happy Tuesday! Thrilled to be sharing my conversation with Neil McRobert, author of his debut novella, Good Boy. Now, you probably know Neil from Talking Scared, but I cannot emphasize how much I adore his fiction, in particular this story. It’s one that pulls on your heart strings in the best way possible, unpacking ideas of social responsibility and standing for what you believe in, even when it’s the hardest option available. I cannot thank Neil enough for coming on the pod to chat about all this and more. This may be a cheesy bit to share, but when I think about learning how to interview people, I recall the countless hours of listening to Talking Scared, listening to Neil unpack the books that are shaping the modern horror landscape. And I could not be more thrilled that his voice is one of them. To keep up with Neil on social media or to pre-order a copy of Good Boy, check out the links below: * Neil’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkscaredpod/?hl=en* Neil’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@talkscaredpod* Neil’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/talkscaredpod.bsky.social* Talking Scared Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/TalkingScaredPod/home* To Pre-Order Good Boy: https://www.wildhuntbooks.co.uk/books/p/goodboy/9781068563102 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Did you hear that? Was that a scream? Probably so, as this week, I chat with Eleanor Johnson, author of one of the best non-fiction reads I’ve picked up in some time, Scream With Me. She takes a look at some of horror’s most iconic films across the late 1960s through the 70s and 80s in tandem with our country’s history with feminism. It’s a brilliant examination of key social moments, a look back on how far (or how little) we’ve come, and why we feel the need to scream, all through the lens of horror. We chat about all of these things of course, plus how these ideas make us feel. It’s not an exaggeration for me to say that this feels like one of the most important conversations I’ve fostered around the genre with clear implications in our own lives and realities as women. To order your own copy of Scream With Me (you should) or to keep up with Eleanor through her Substack, check out the links below:* To Order Scream With Me: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Scream-with-Me/Eleanor-Johnson/9781668087633* Eleanor’s Substack: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

For our last Bonus Episode Thursday, I’m sharing my conversation with Michael Wehunt, author of The October Film Haunt! We, of course, chat about the book, its genesis, the symbolism behind some of the set pieces, what it means to have faith, and all there is to love about horror in all of its explored (and unexplored) forms. A huge, huge thank you to Michael for his time and answering ALL of my deeper questions about the book. To keep up with him on social media or to preorder a copy of The October Film Haunt, check out the links below:* Michael’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelwehuntauthor/?hl=en* Michael’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@michaelwehuntauthor* Michael’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelwehunt.bsky.social* Michael’s Website: https://michaelwehunt.com/* To Pre-Order The October Film Haunt: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250333698/theoctoberfilmhaunt/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Happy Tuesday! I am thrilled to have Delilah S. Dawson on the podcast to chat about her most recent release, House of Idyll! We chat about the story’s inspiration, how the pacing of the book impacts its characters, and the choices Delilah’s female characters make that allow them to feel so compelling. To keep up with Delilah on social media or to order a copy of House of Idyll, check out the links below:* Delilah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delilahsdawson/* Delilah’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@delilahsdawson* Delilah’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/delilahsdawson.bsky.social* Delilah’s Website: https://www.whimsydark.com/* To Order House of Idyll: https://www.whimsydark.com/#/adult/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Happy bonus episode Thursday! Thrilled to be sharing my chat with Jonathan Janz on his latest release Veil, a novel that is the perfect blend of horror, sci-fi, and heart. We chat about genre distinctions, Janz’s short story featured in The Stand anthology, The End of the World As We Know It, and writing with lots of heart and authenticity. It is such a joy to get to talk to Jonathan, and, of course, this conversation is no exception. If you want to keep up with Jonathan on social media or order a copy of Veil, check out the links below:* Jonathan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathan.janz/* Jonathan’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@jonathan.janz* Jonathan’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanjanz.bsky.social* To Order Veil: https://www.blackstonepublishing.com/products/book-iag9 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Thrilled to be sharing my conversation with Alma Katsu on her novel, Fiend which is on shelves TODAY! We explore the themes of the novel, the horrors of corporate workspaces, infuriating gender expectations, and so much more. We also discuss Alma’s story from The End of the World As We Know It anthology, Make Your Own Way. If I’m being candid, this is one of the interviews I am most proud to be sharing with you all as I feel we share an honest conversation regarding the expectation of female characters in fiction, their perception, and the greater attitudes towards their complexity. If you want to keep up with Alma on social media or order a copy of Fiend for yourself, check out the links below:* Alma’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almakatsu/* Alma’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@almakatsu* Alma’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/almakatsu.bsky.social* To Order Fiend: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734363/fiend-by-alma-katsu/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Happy Bonus Episode Thursday! I am thrilled to be sharing my conversation with Catherine Dang, author of one of my favorite novels of the year, What Hunger. This is a book that is the most sublime blend of coming-of-age themes, rage, and well, cannibalism. Cat and I unpack all of these topics plus much more in this conversation which I am immensely grateful for! To follow Cat on socials and to order a copy of What Hunger, check out the links below:* Cat’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dangitcat/* Cat’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@dangitcat* Cat’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/dangitcat.bsky.social* To Order What Hunger: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/What-Hunger/Catherine-Dang/9781668065570 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

I welcome Keith Rosson to the podcast to discuss his most recent release, Coffin Moon which is on shelves as of TODAY! We chat about grit, anger, and revenge in the context of the novel with a deep dive on many of the characters, Keith’s not so classic vampirism, and much more. A HUGE thanks to Keith for making the time to chat, and if you’re looking to keep up with him on social media or order a copy of Coffin Moon, check out the links below:* Keith’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rossonkeith/* Keith’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@rossonkeith* Keith’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/keithrosson.bsky.social* To Order Coffin Moon: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760818/coffin-moon-by-keith-rosson/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

And for your listening pleasure, one of my favorite conversations of the year! Returning for her third time to the pod, Rachel Harrison discusses her upcoming release, Play Nice, which is on shelves from Berkley Publishing on 9/9! We discuss the inspiration behind the story, the fallibility of memory, the narratives others dictate, and much, much more. Play Nice is one of my favorite reads of the year, not just for how entertaining, terrifying, witty, and brilliant it is, but for its truthful examination of humanity, the good, the bad, and the ugly. We also chat about Rachel’s story and essay featured in Saga Press’ anthology, Night and Day, and Becky Spratford’s essay collection, Why I Love Horror. Forever thankful for authors like Rachel for their time and creativity. To keep up with Rachel on social media and to order your copy of Play Nice, Night and Day, or Why I Love Horror, check out the links below:* Rachel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelharrisonsghost/* Rachel’s Threads: https://www.threads.com/@rachelharrisonsghost* Rachel’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/rachelharrison.bsky.social* To Pre-Order Play Nice: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/742649/play-nice-by-rachel-harrison/* To Pre-Order Why I Love Horror: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Why-I-Love-Horror/Becky-Siegel-Spratford/9781668205099* To Order Night and Day: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Night-Day/Ellen-Datlow/Saga-Doubles/9781668080009 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com

Back for the second time this year, Chris Panatier returns to discuss his novel, Shitshow which is on shelves as of today, September 2nd! It’s a lovely read, and I believe our conversation is just as entertaining and earnest. We discuss Chris’ inspiration for the novel, the heart of the book, and much, much more. To keep up with Chris and order your own copy of Shitshow, check out the links below:* Chris’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrispanatier/* Chris’ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@chrispanatier* Chris’ BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/scribeofhades.bsky.social* To Order Shitshow: https://sobelobooks.com/shop/p/shitshow This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit annarosereadsreviews.substack.com