The Reader's Couch

This is for those days when you need a little magic to remind you of life’s joys! In this episode, Nadia El-Fassi joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, Best Hex Ever. Set in London, the story features Dina, a kitchen witch cursed to harm anyone who loves her, and Scott, a museum curator fresh off a breakup. They are thrown together as a bridesmaid and best man in the same wedding, leading to magical, romantic escapades.

Nadia shares the inspiration behind the characters, her mixed heritage, and the cozy, familial settings that pepper her book. She also gives a sneak peek into her next book, and discusses the importance of fanfiction in her writing journey.

Tune in to a world where magic feels as cozy as a warm blanket, and the characters remind us that a little laughter and whimsy are exactly what we need sometimes!

Get wrapped up in the comfort of small-town charm with a touch of the supernatural. In this episode, C.M. Waggoner joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, The Village Library Demon Hunting Society. Caitlin shares her inspiration behind the novel, citing influences like 'Murder, She Wrote' during the pandemic. We talk about our protagonist, Sherry, her possessed cat, Lord Thomas Cromwell, and how her boyfriend's death propels her deeper into mystery-solving.

Tune in for a fun, engaging conversation about books, writing, and everything in between!

What if you discovered you were a witch on your birthday? In this episode, Heather Akumiah joins me on the couch to talk about her new book Bad Witches. We discuss the novel's plot involving three black girls in New York who find out they're witches and that the witch universe is in crisis. Heather shares her inspiration behind the story and her journey from wanting to create a web series to writing a novel. They also touch on her favorite characters and what readers can expect.

Tune in for an engaging discussion about magic, sisterhood, and the joy of writing!

When a reality TV homemaker over show meets ghost hunting and hauntings! In this episode, Sarah Pinsker joins me on the couch to talk about her new book, Haunt Sweet Home. Discover how she blends house makeovers and ghost hunting in this unique story, her thoughts on reality TV, and the inspiration behind her novel.

If you're looking for a quick, atmospheric read for fall, this episode is a must-listen!

Nightmare of a Trip follows the Somerset family’s haunted road trip from Milwaukee to a theme park in Orlando. Maureen shares more about the book, and her own family road trips and all the enduring memories formed through such journeys. She also discusses her previous works, 'Suburban Hell' and 'Hex Education,' highlighting the mix of suburban life and supernatural elements.

What do you do when the ghosts you're running from become your only hope? Del Sandeen joins me on the couch to discuss her debut novel, 'This Cursed House.' This Cursed House is set in the 1960s, and it follows Gemma Barker, a schoolteacher who moves to New Orleans for a fresh start. While there, she finds herself forced to confront her ability to see ghosts while helping a cursed family. We talk more about the book, while sharing insights on the importance of tackling difficult conversations about societal issues, and we get some great book recommendations.

What happens when romance meets mortality in the most unexpected way? Ivy Fairbanks joins me on the couch to talk about her debut novel, 'Morbidly Yours.' Morbidly Yours tells the story of an unlikely friendship and romance between a bubbly Texan and a shy Irish mortician in Galway, Ireland, as they navigate personal struggles and challenges. In our conversation we talk about the novel and what readers can expect, Ivy’s inspiration from her own experiences with grief and interest in mortuary science, along with insights into future books in the Love in Galway series. Ivy hopes her novel brings optimism and understanding to readers dealing with loss.

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A Talent for Murder follows Martha, a newly married librarian who suspects her husband Alan, a traveling salesman, might be involved in a series of murders. Martha enlists the help of her old friend Lily to investigate Alan's activities, which uncovers other mysterious individuals tracking him.  In this episode, we also discuss some of Peter Swanson's other works and classic mystery authors, such as Patricia Highsmith and Agatha Christie.  Peter also shares insights about the influence of these authors on his writing and provides some of his favorite book recommendations.

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The Blackhouse unfolds on a remote Scottish island, and it integrates two narratives: a man grappling with past actions and a bipolar woman investigating a historical murder.  The novel combines supernatural elements, suspense, and deep character studies.  Carol shares insights on the eerie setting of the Outer Hebrides, her inspirations, and the process of writing complex, multi-faceted characters.  She also touches on her journey as an author, her past work, 'Mirrorland,' and hints at her upcoming book.  The episode emphasizes the atmospheric settings and richly layered plots that Carol is known for.

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Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell centers on Hannah, a young woman obsessed with a true-crime case in Atlanta after a breakup, who starts writing to the suspect, leading to an unexpected romance.  The discussion also touches on the phenomenon of women falling in love with real-life serial killers and explores themes of modern dating and millennial struggles.  Additionally, Tasha shares her reading preferences and inspirations for the book, giving readers a mix of thrill, fun, and relatability.