In our search for more knowledge about the horror genre, the films we love, and the people behind them, many horror fans began their journey with reference books. Long before the internet, these books served as stepping stones, introducing fans to films they had never heard of and offering deeper insight into the people behind the movies they already knew and loved. It was like opening doors for the first time—or pushing open ones that had only been slightly ajar—allowing us to explore and learn so much more.

In this episode, we welcome author Bryan Senn to the show to discuss these essential reference books. With over three decades of experience writing about sci-fi and horror in a variety of magazines—not to mention his own books on multiple subjects—Bryan brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation. So sit back and enjoy—but keep a notepad handy, because you might want to jot down a few titles to track down!

Films mentioned in this episode:

The Abyss (1989), Angel Heart (1987), Attack of the Beast Creatures (1985), The Believers (1987), Blood from the Mummy’s Tomb (1971), The Body Snatcher (1945), Captive Wild Women (1943), Chloe, Love is Calling You (1934), Class of Nuke ’em High (1986), The Corpse Grinders (1971), Cry of the Banshee (1970), Death Curse of Tartu (1966), The Descent (2005), Dog Soldiers (2002), Evil Dead (1981), The Fly (1986), The Fly II (1989), Frankenstein’s Daughter (1958), Friday the 13th (1980), A Game of Death (1945), The Ghost Ship (1943), The Giant Gila Monster (1959), Halloween (1978), The Haunting (1963), The Howling (1981), The Howling V: The Rebirth (1989), Howling: New Moon Rising (1995), Lady Terminator (1989), Late Phases (2014), Leprechaun (1993), Leviathan (1989), The Long Hair of Death (1964), Lords of the Deep (1989), Most Dangerous Game (1932), The Mummy (1932), The Mummy (1959), The Mummy and the Curse of the Jackals (1969), The Mummy’s Hand (1940), The Mummy’s Tomb (1942), Mystics in Bali (1981), Nazi Mummy (2019), Night of the 1000 Cats (1972), A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Onibaba (1964), Robot Jox (1989), Scream Blacula Scream (1973), The Secret of the Mummy (1982), Serpent and the Rainbow (1988), The Seventh Victim (1943), Signs (2002), Sound of Music (1965), Sting of Death (1966), The Strangeness (1985), Sugar Hill (1974), The Thing (1982), Toxic Avenger (1984), The Uncanny (1977), Uninvited (1988), Van Helsing (2004), Voodoo Black Exorcist (1974), Voodoo Heartbeat (1973)