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 - Intro
1:28 - Heavy Metal
4:14 - Alistair MacLean Influences
7:05 - GD Killing Machines
8:53 - Last Night to Kill Nazis 
17:06 - Childhood
18:07 - Hunting the Moon Tribe
19:40 - Style of Writing
24:58 - The Vegan Revolution...with Zombies
32:26 - Punk Rock Ghost Story
46:24 - Paperback Warrior on Last Night to Kill Nazis
1:01:16 - Great America in Dead World
1:06:19 - Nightmare City
1:07:58 - Bizarro
1:11:43 - Dickheads Podcast
1:14:11 - Conclusion
Get the Book: https://amzn.to/4po8Szm
David 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 - Intro
01:57 - Early Magazine Appearances
07:19 - Heretics
08:56 - Gifune's Childhood
16:33 - Pre-Writing Career
25:14 - Advice for Young Writers
32:46 - Delirium Publishing
34:40 - Rise and Fall of Dark Fuse Publishing
44:43 - Journal Stone Publishing
46:00 - The Definition of "Writer"
48:40 - Psychological Storytelling
01:02:20 - The Rain Dancers
01:04:15 - Can Anything Scare Us?
01:09:38 - Crossroad Press Deal
01:11:23 - The Standing Dead
01:13:01 - Savages
01:15:59 - Pack Animals
01:23:10 - Long After Dark Movie Adaptation
01:26:54 - Movie Options
01:30:11 - Conclusion

Preorder links:
Amazon paperback link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637893434

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.

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

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.

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.

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.