Talking Scared

254 – Philip Fracassi & The Fresh Young Heart of Old-School Horror

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This week brings a bumper episode, cos Philip Fracassi never stops.


Since he and I last spoke, in 2022, he’s published a wealth of amazing, terrifying, heartfelt horror, emerging as a major voice, and one of

my favourite writers.

 

First we spend a good hour on Philips’ new novel, The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre – talking about geriatric slashers, elderly protagonists and how Phil’s own loss transformed the novel. Then we take a tour through some of his other books, including the modern classic Boys in

the Valley and the nasty demonic desk romp, Gothic.

 

Plus, a lot of info about future books and movie adaptations.

 

Enjoy! Phil is fantastic company.

 

Other books mentioned:

 

St Joseph's Orphanage - Buzzfeed Article

  • Boys in the Valley (2021), by Philip Fracassi
  • Gothic (2022), by Philip Fracassi
  • A Child Alone With Strangers (2022), by Philip Fracassi
  • No One Is Safe (2024), by Philip Fracassi
  • The Third Rule of Time Travel (2025), by Philip Fracassi
  • Serafina (2026), by Philip Fracassi
  • The Thursday Murder Club (2020), by Richard Osman
  • Fahrenheit-182 (2025), by Mark Hoppus
  • “The Veldt” (1950), by Ray Bradbury
  • Daytide (2026), by Chris Panatier
  • The Reformatory (2023), by Tananarive Due
  • Your Favorite Scary Movie: How the Scream Films Rewrote the Rules of Horror (2025), by Ashley Cullins

     

    EVENT LINKS

    Good Boy Book Launch, with Gemma Amor (October 10th) – Tickets

    Powerhouse of Horror Party (October 24th) – Tickets

    Creepaway Summer Camp (June 29th – July 3rd 2026) – Tickets

     

     

    Support Talking Scared on Patreon

     

    Check out the Talking Scared Merch line – at VoidMerch

     

    Come talk books on Bluesky @talkscaredpod.bsky.social on Instagram/Threads, or email direct to [email protected]

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