Paperback Warrior

135 Episodes

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Conversations - David Agranoff

2025-09-2201:25:12

This in-depth interview explores the work and creative philosophy of author David Agranoff, known for blending horror, science fiction, and political commentary. The discussion covers his literary influences—ranging from heavy metal and punk rock to authors like Alistair MacLean and Philip K. Dick—and how they inform his fast-paced, visceral writing style.0:00 - Intro1:28 - Heavy Metal4:14 - Alistair MacLean Influences7:05 - GD Killing Machines8:53 - Last Night to Kill Nazis 17:06 - Childhood18:07 - Hunting the Moon Tribe19:40 - Style of Writing24:58 - The Vegan Revolution...with Zombies32:26 - Punk Rock Ghost Story46:24 - Paperback Warrior on Last Night to Kill Nazis1:01:16 - Great America in Dead World1:06:19 - Nightmare City1:07:58 - Bizarro1:11:43 - Dickheads Podcast1:14:11 - ConclusionGet the Book: https://amzn.to/4po8SzmDavid Agranoff Online: https://www.facebook.com/david.agranoff.5

Conversations - Greg F. Gifune

2025-09-1601:41:44

In this in-depth conversation, acclaimed horror author Greg F. Gifune discusses his literary journey, publishing experiences, writing philosophy, and the psychological themes that define his work. From early magazine publications to film adaptations, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the mind of one of dark fiction’s most nuanced storytellers. Also, an exclusive first look at the cover art for Gifune's newest novel, the anticipated PACK ANIMALS, set for publication by Crossroad Press on December 16th 2025.00:00 - Intro01:57 - Early Magazine Appearances07:19 - Heretics08:56 - Gifune's Childhood16:33 - Pre-Writing Career25:14 - Advice for Young Writers32:46 - Delirium Publishing34:40 - Rise and Fall of Dark Fuse Publishing44:43 - Journal Stone Publishing46:00 - The Definition of "Writer"48:40 - Psychological Storytelling01:02:20 - The Rain Dancers01:04:15 - Can Anything Scare Us?01:09:38 - Crossroad Press Deal01:11:23 - The Standing Dead01:13:01 - Savages01:15:59 - Pack Animals01:23:10 - Long After Dark Movie Adaptation01:26:54 - Movie Options01:30:11 - ConclusionPreorder links:Amazon paperback link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637893434

Conversations - The Book Graveyard

2025-09-0101:03:25

The Paperback Warrior collides with The Book Graveyard for another "Guide to Gothics" episode. On this show, Eric and Nick discuss a 1972 Dell Gothic paperback titled, "Decoy in Diamonds". The episode includes a review of the book, discussion of the author Natalie Gates, the Cincinnati Reds, the New York Giants, and a showcase of 10 Gothic paperbacks. Also, view the video on YouTube HERE.

Episode 124: William R. Cox

2025-08-2528:39

This podcast episode features William R. Cox, a prolific author of over 1,000 pulp stories known for his crime-fiction, sports, and western novels. It also includes a review of a 1967 vintage suspense-thriller by John Farris. Listen today! Follow all the vintage fiction reviews, articles, and video links on PaperbackWarrior.com

Episode 123: Pulps in Paperback

2025-08-1149:02

In this episode, Eric explores the transition of vintage pulp stories and heroes from magazine format to mass market paperbacks in the 1960s and 1970s. He also celebrates GarbAugust by highlighting three of the worst books he’s ever read.Be sure to follow all of the Paperback Warrior reviews, articles, and links at Paperback Warrior.

Conversations - The Book Graveyard

2025-07-2102:04:40

Eric collaborates with Nick from The Book Graveyard BookTube channel to review the 1971 gothic paperback The Shadow Guest. They also explore the gothic paperback scene of the 1960s–80s, focusing on its mix of supernatural and mystery elements. The discussion is available as a podcast and as a video on The Book Graveyard channel HERE.

Episode 122: Jack Karney & S.S. Rafferty

2025-07-0735:20

In this double-feature episode, Eric investigates the mysterious life and work of crime-fiction and boxing-story writer Jack Karney, while also spotlighting S.S. Rafferty, a regular contributor to Ellery Queen and Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazines. The episode also includes a segment on a non-fiction book about MGM Studios, a look at this summer's conventions, and fiction's first colonial continental op.Check out thousands of book reviews and articles about vintage fiction and crime-noir at Paperback Warrior. Visit me on X, FaceBook, and YouTube.

Audiobook: Guns Drawn by Thomas Hyland (narrated by Eric Compton)

2025-06-3001:21:49

It's a book premier right here on Paperback Warrior! I narrate the new 75-page novella GUNS DRAWN by Thomas Hyland, a violent, tightly-knit character piece involving bad guys, sexy women, gunplay, and bloodshed. It's a stylish 1950ish potboiler...and it's free for you.SYNOPSIS:Daisy Mae married mob accountant Abner Little to escape the wrong side of the tracks. Her escape turned into a short-cut to Hell. Abner prefers other women. He rubs it in her face. So Daisy opens her heart to handsome Dwayne Duncan, who agrees to kill Abner for her. Has Daisy Mae gone from the frying pan to the fire?Dwayne Duncan turns out may have some baggage of his own. Dwayne is right hand man to big shot Harvey Bishop, Abner's boss. Dwayne decides to frame Abner and one of his girlfriends. Easy peasy, right? Abner's girlfriend is seeing the boss' volatile son Flynn. Simple goes out the door. As Dwayne connives, Bishop dies creating a power vacuum that turns the city into a bloodbath.C'est la vie.Praise for GUNS DRAWN:"Guns Drawn is a fast-paced homage to noir crime; violence, betrayal, and existential emptiness spiraling into chaotic ruin. If the pulps were still printing then surely Thomas Hyland would be a contributor."-ERIC COMPTON (PAPERBACK WARRIOR)Get the ebook or print edition HERE.

Episode 121: Arthur Catherall

2025-06-1650:20

In this episode, Eric embarks on a globe-trotting nautical adventure with a spotlight on Arthur Catherall, exploring his World War II-era series set in exotic locales. He also dives into a recent western discovery, reviews a thrilling novel about a runaway rollercoaster, and shares his thoughts on the latest short story collection from Bruce Elliott, newly released by Stark House Press.You can watch this episode on YouTube HERE. Be sure to follow on Facebook and on the blog at Paperback Warrior for hundreds and hundreds of reviews, posts, videos, shorts, and more.

Episode 120: Lou Cameron

2025-06-0238:16

In this episode, Eric explores the life and career of Lou Cameron, a comic book artist who became a prolific paperback writer and pioneer in the adult western genre. He also reviews a Booktuber, showcases his latest used book acquisitions, and discusses the newest issue of Men's Adventure Quarterly.Be sure to follow Paperback Warrior online for thousands of reviews on vintage fiction including video links for book shopping across America, podcast episodes, and a multitude of exciting original articles about authors and artists.

Episode 119: Amityville Paperbacks from Hell

2025-05-1941:47

In this podcast episode, Eric explores the infamous Amityville murders and their impact on pop culture through a deep dive into The Amityville Horror and its many paperback sequels and spinoffs that shaped haunted house fiction in the '80s and '90s. He also reviews Grady Hendrix’s novel How to Sell a Haunted House.Be sure to visit Paperback Warrior to read thousands of reviews for vintage books, comics, magazines, pulps, and features on authors and artists. Additionally, you can listen to over 100 episodes of the podcast and watch hundreds of videos dedicated to paperback fiction.

Conversations - Paul Bishop

2025-05-1201:01:20

Acclaimed author, editor, and podcast host Paul Bishop joins Eric for a lively conversation about his latest book, 52 Weeks 52 Sherlock Holmes Novels. In this engaging discussion, Paul offers a thoughtful introduction to Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective, sharing tips on where newcomers should start, exploring why Sherlock Holmes remains timeless, and delving into the wide world of adaptations—from classic stories and novels to films, TV series, comics, and anime—that have kept the great sleuth alive for nearly 140 years. Watch the video on YT HERE.

Conversations - Greg Shepard

2025-04-2801:33:41

Over the last seven years, Paperback Warrior has discussed, reviewed, promoted, and contributed to Stark House Press publications. In this exclusive interview, Greg Shepard, Stark House's founder and editor, sits down with Eric to discuss his career in publishing, including Zebra's mass-market paperbacks in the 1980s and early 1990s, the humble beginnings of the Stark House name, working with the estates of heavyweight crime-fiction icons like Harry Whittington, Carter Brown, Lionel White, and the multiple series titles that he published and continues to publish. This insightful interview peers into the paperback publishing process from start to finish and offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the book business. To watch the side by side video click HERE.

Conversations - The Book Graveyard & Bad Taste Books

2025-04-1701:01:22

Nick from The Book Graveyard and Bryan from Bad Taste Books drop in to help me out with a review of THE TERROR TRUCKERS, a 1977 vintage men's action-adventure paperback starring former Mafia hitman The Butcher. We dig into the series conception, writers, origin story, and the definitions of various CB radio slang terms. Be sure to visit Paperback Warrior for vintage book reviews, videos, podcast episodes, and articles.

Episode 118: Frank G. Slaughter

2025-04-1437:07

This new episode hits the operating room for a deep dive into the life and career of successful surgeon, officer, and author Frank G. Slaughter. He wrote over 60 novels, sold 23 million copes, and was published in 23 languages. Eric connects to the author in a personal way and shares his experiences. Additionally, Eric reviews a 1991 vintage paperback titled Winterkill and discusses his most recent vintage fiction finds.Follow Paperback Warrior everyday for book facts, reviews, and articles about old books and comics.

Episode 117: The Stratemeyer Syndicate

2025-03-3139:40

The Paperback Warrior sets their investigate eye on the mysteriously named publishing phenom simply referred to as "The Stratemeyer Syndicate". Will courage and curiosity overcome the Warrior when he faces danger and peril reviewing the haunted happenings of "The Secret of Terror Castle"? Also in this exciting edition is an investigation of mysterious events happening on the moon and a madman stalking a Texas football game. Listen to this retro-themed episode today!Be sure to follow all of Paperback Warrior's adventures on YouTube HERE and the blog HERE.

Conversations - Jackie L. Hatfield, Jr.

2025-03-2454:53

In this exclusive video, Eric sits down with Jack Hatfield, the direct descendant of "Devil Anse" Hatfield, one of the most iconic participants in the infamous and violent Hatfield McCoy feud. Jack talks about a new publication titled "An American Vendetta: Legend of the Hatfield McCoy Feud" and its original format in 1889. Additionally, Jack explains his family's bloody roots, the rivalry between West Virginia and Kentucky, the key instigator Frank Phillips, and the Hatfield McCoy Foundation and Museum. You can also stream the video of this interview on YouTube HERE.Be sure to subscribe and follow Paperback Warrior for new content and updates. Visit Paperback Warrior's blog for over 1,500 written reviews about vintage fiction and access over 115 episodes of the famed podcast.

Episode 116: Pat Frank and the Birth of Doomsday Fiction

2025-03-1727:342

It's another brand new episode of the Paperback Warrior Podcast! On this episode Eric recaps the recent gifs he received from fans and readers and looks at all of the happenings on the podcast and YouTube channel this month. In addition, a feature is presented on Pat Frank, a mid-20th century writer that is considered one of the first post-apocalyptic fiction authors to emerge after WW2. Also, a feature is presented on Armed Services Editions paperbacks and the history behind this patriotic and monumental printing mission in the 1940s. Listen on any streaming platform or directly on YouTube HERE.Be sure to visit Paperback Warrior's blog HERE to find over 1,500 written reviews and articles on vintage fiction, magazines, and comics. You can also access the prior 115 episodes of the podcast there and view hundreds and hundreds of videos about rare books and the author's that wrote them.Be sure to follow us on Facebook and X

Ranking: February 2025

2025-03-0623:27

On this special episode, Paperback Warrior ranks the best reads of February, 2025. It's a countdown from worst to first as Eric offers capsule reviews and recaps for all 17 reads from the month of February. Listen here or watch the video presentation complete with book covers on the YT channel HERE.

Episode 115: Louis Trimble

2025-03-0325:091

It's another investigative Paperback Warrior episode! In this feature, Eric delves into the murky life and career of crime-fiction, science-fiction, and western writer Louis Trimble. The noir author wrote over 80 novels and dozens of stories for the pulp magazines in the 1940s, but was mostly known in Europe for a controversial book celebrated by the Soviets. Plus, Eric reviews a creepy 1959 Southern Gothic novel titled Annalisa and reviews one of his favorite YouTube channels. Be sure to visit Paperback Warrior to read over 1,500 reviews of vintage fiction across multipe genres. Also, you can access the prior podcast episodes there as well as on our YouTube channel HERE.Donations to the show can be made HERE.

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Chris Valentine