Episodes

  • Conversations - The Book Graveyard

    Conversations - The Book Graveyard
    Nov 17 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Conversations - John Shirley

    Conversations - John Shirley
    Nov 10 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Conversations - The Book Graveyard

    Conversations - The Book Graveyard
    Oct 20 2025
    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.
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    54 mins
  • Conversations - David Agranoff

    Conversations - David Agranoff
    Sep 22 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Conversations - Greg F. Gifune

    Conversations - Greg F. Gifune
    Sep 16 2025
    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
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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • Conversations - The Book Graveyard

    Conversations - The Book Graveyard
    Sep 1 2025
    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.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 124: William R. Cox

    Episode 124: William R. Cox
    Aug 25 2025
    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
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    28 mins
  • Episode 123: Pulps in Paperback

    Episode 123: Pulps in Paperback
    Aug 11 2025
    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.
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    46 mins