E193: Favorite Books of 2025 with Brian McAuley and Sarah Wendell

Today I welcome the legendary Anne Bishop to the show to discuss her new book, TURNS OF FATE, the first book in her new series, The Isle of Wyrd.  We chat about the genre blending she’s done for years across fantasy, horror and romance, as well as her longevity in an ever-changing publishing marketplace. We also talk about shifting in paranormal fiction since she always finds a new way to include shifters in her work. What an honor to have her on the show!All links and show notes are on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have the great pleasure of bringing you my favorite show to make every year, which is the look back on our Favorite Books of 2025. Joining me in the fun is delightful horror author, Brian McAuley, author of BREATH IN, BLEED OUT, and Sarah Wendell, podcaster extraordinaire behind Smart Bitches, Trashy Books. Both are fan favorites and some of the nicest people you will ever meet, and they have great taste in books. All links and show notes available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Liz Parker back on the show to discuss Louisa May Alcott’s LITTLE WOMEN, as well as books that retell that story and nonfiction books that connect to this timeless classic. We also chat about THE OTHER MARCH SISTERS, a book that re-examines LITTLE WOMEN through the eyes of Jo March’s sisters. Liz wrote Meg’s chapters in the book, while Ally Malinenko and Linda Epstein wrote the Beth and Amy sections. All books, links and show notes are available on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome CJ Cooke back on the show to discuss her new book, THE LAST WITCH. I’ve read through all her books this year because she tells compelling gothic stories and sheds light on little known aspects of witches in history and folklore. We chat about the women that inspired this novel, new things she learned in her research, and the lovely ways Scotland has commemorated the history of the unfortunate people accused of witchcraft. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I welcome Nat Cassidy to the show to chat about werewolves in fiction and folklore. We use his latest novel, WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME, as a launching pad for this discussion, and we have fun discussing how werewolves work in different genres. We also have some great book recommendations for you, which you will find listed in show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I get to share a dream come true with you! Silvia Moreno-Garcia joined me to chat about THE BEWITCHING, her new novel about witches told over three timelines. We also chat about the publishing industry, her own niche literary interests, and of course we talk about the Gothic genre.All links and show notes, including info on her recommended indie bookstores, are on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have Jenny Kiefer on the show to discuss CRAFTING FOR SINNERS, her new survival horror novel in which a trapped woman must fight her way out of a craft store owned by a religious cult. We chat about Jenny’s personal experience as a crafter, and how this book reflects current religiously rooted bigotry. We also chat about fighting oppressors using whatever you have available, be it knitting needles or a special skill.All links and show notes are on my website at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have Heather Redmond on the show to discuss her Mary Shelley Mystery Series. We chat about why she chose to use the real author and her family as her main characters instead of writing in the world of Frankenstein. We also discuss her previous series, which did the same for Charles Dickens, and we chat about the state of historicals in the mystery genre. All links and show notes at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have Lindsay Barrett on the show to discuss “Ghost Brides” in books. We chat about her new book, THE DRAVENHEARST BRIDES, a loose retelling of Daphne Du Maurier’s influential Gothic novel, REBECCA, set on a haunted bourbon distillery estate in Kentucky. We also discuss the universal interest in ghost brides and give some great book recommendations which I will have in my Bookshop if you want to support my show as well as independent bookstores nationwide. All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/

Today I have Olivia Blacke on the show to discuss “Friendly Ghosts” in books. Olivia’s “Cordelia and Ruby” mysteries are a great example of helpful, non-frightening ghosts, and we use them as a launching pad to discuss the work these types of characters can do in a story. After all, ghosts were once people, so I think it’s fair to refer to them as characters instead of monsters. Also, we have Olivia to thank for a new feature at the end of each episode, where guests recommend their favorite indie bookshops. We had already finished recording when she suggested this so I’ll just say right now that her bookstore recommendations are Bookshelf on Church, in Kilmarnock, Virginia, and Bluebird and Co. in Crozet, Virginia.All links and show notes available at https://www.sheworeblackpodcast.com/