Conversations - The Book Graveyard

Paperback Warrior joins forces with Bryan from Bad Taste Books and Nick from The Book Graveyard for a lively discussion of Shark Fighter, Len Levinson's outrageous 1976 cult paperback from Belmont Tower. The trio explores the explosion of shark-themed fiction inspired by the blockbuster success of Jaws, the stunt-driven marketing craze of the 1970s, and why books like Shark Fighter became unforgettable pieces of pop culture. Along the way, the conversation also touches on books by Jim Thompson, Clark Howard, and Dan Streib, making this a fun deep dive into vintage paperbacks, pulp fiction, and the era that produced them.

In this new collaboration with Nick from The Book Graveyard, Paperback Warrior explores Mistress of Orion Hall, a haunting 1970 gothic-suspense paperback published by Fawcett Gold Medal. Along the way, the episode traces the remarkable career of John Messmann, examining his work across westerns, spy fiction, and action novels, as well as the gothic romances he wrote under the pseudonym Claudette Nicole. The discussion also highlights the recent revival of Messmann's fiction through new editions from Brash Books and Cutting Edge, making this an ideal introduction to one of paperback fiction's most versatile and overlooked authors. Listen to the podcast or watch the video HERE.

Welcome to my newest collaboration with Nick at The Book Graveyard. On this episode, we continue our "Guide to Gothics" discussions by reviewing a 1976 paperback by William Ross titled Phantom Wedding. In this analysis, we discuss William Ross's career, his contributions to the vampire-themed Dark Shadows series, and how he stacks up in terms of other gothic paperback writers. You can stream the video version of this episode HERE.

In this episode, I'm talking with Nick from The Book Graveyard and Chris from Liminal Spaces about a 1969 paperback titled To the Dark Tower by Weird Tales author Frank Belknap Long. Is the book an early representative of folk horror? Is it a standard gothic romance paperback? What are the ties to Lovecraft's cosmic horror? We have the answers in this newest episode of the Guide to Gothics series.Stream the podcast here or watch the collaboration on video HERE.

In this energetic year-end episode, Eric looks back at a wildly productive 2025 for Paperback Warrior — packed with reviews, interviews, collaborations, and behind-the-scenes adventures. He shares big milestones, surprising personal updates, and a rapid-fire countdown of his Top 10 Reads of the Year (spoiler-free!). Eric also teases exciting projects coming in 2026, including new partnerships, publishing work, and podcast appearances. It’s a fast, fun celebration of a landmark year and a perfect jumping-on point for listeners old and new.

In this month’s installment of Guide to Gothics, Paperback Warrior teams up once again with Nick Anderson of The Book Graveyard to unearth a paperback relic: Dorothy Daniel’s The Tormented, a 1969 gothic suspense novel from Paperback Library. The book was successful enough to warrant two printings, one in 1971 and another in 1974. Since then, this book has lingered for decades in the shadowy corners of vintage gothic collections.But does it earn its place among the genre’s atmospheric greats?Together, we dissect the novel through our Gothic Litmus Test. Stream the audio there, or watch the video discussion on YouTube HERE.

Legendary writer John Shirley blasts into Paperback Warrior to talk crime, cyberpunk, and chaos. From his hard-boiled new novel The Silver Revolver to the upcoming streaming revival of his ’80s action series The Specialist, Shirley pulls no punches.He opens up about writing for Blue Öyster Cult, collaborating with Todd McFarlane on Spawn, penning the darkly brilliant Batman novel Dead White, and crafting post-apocalyptic classics like Traveler and the tech thriller SubOrbital 7.It’s a wild ride through the mind of one of fiction’s boldest visionaries—a must-listen for fans of pulp, punk, and pure storytelling power.Listen to the audio right here, or watch the video discussion on YouTube HERE.

The Brooding Lake – A Gothic Gem Resurrected In this episode of Paperback Warrior: Conversations, our host joins forces with Nick Anderson of YouTube’s Book Graveyard to unearth a haunting treasure from 1953 — The Brooding Lake by Dorothy Eden. Originally published twice by Dell, this classic gothic novel drips with atmosphere, mystery, and psychological tension. Together, they explore what makes The Brooding Lake a true gothic masterpiece — from its stormy setting to its shadowy secrets — and put it to the ultimate test: Does it pass The Guide to Gothics checklist? Along the way, they draw uncanny parallels between Eden’s mid-century suspense and David Lynch’s Twin Peaks, revealing how both works blur the line between beauty and menace. Tune in for literary analysis, dark nostalgia, and a touch of the uncanny — all in one brooding conversation.You can also watch this as a video presentation HERE.

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

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