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] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.