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Welcome to episode 8 of This Might Sound Strange, a horror fiction podcast where tarot cards direct the conversation. Today’s guest is C.N. Vair, the author of THE DEVIL KNOWS HER NAME (or FAWN, for UK readers!). THE DEVIL KNOWS HER NAME tells the suspenseful story of Tess, a witch who saves her own life by making a deal with the devil. Bound to the Appalachian land she calls her home, Tess creates a beautiful life for herself…until the town’s new pastor threatens all she holds dear. As Tess defends her land and a strange, fanged fawn, she must find a way to save herself a second time—all on her own. If you enjoy today’s episode, consider writing a review or a comment wherever you’re listening to help others find the show. Until next time…stay strange! Michelle & Maya  Credits:  Logo and artwork by Chris Panatier Music by Tony MoralesChapters:  Intro: 0:00Meet C.N. Vair: 0:58Three of Cups: 10:51Ten of Cups: 40:36The Lovers: 53:50Bonus Segment: 1:12:00Related Recs: 1:15:26Outro: 1:21:51Book Recommendations  Slewfoot by BromThe Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine ArdenThe Unicorn Hunters by Katherine ArdenThe Haunting of Hill House by Shirley JacksonCrone by Keith RossonFilms mentioned Jennifer’s BodyYou Will Not Be AloneThe Devil All the TimeThe WitchStay in touch:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_strange_podTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sound_strange_podWebsite: https://www.soundstrangepod.com/Maya Rector:  The Weird Girl Edit Newsletter: https://theweirdgirledit.substack.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theweirdgirleditIG: https://www.instagram.com/theweirdgirleditWebsite: https://www.mayarector.com/Michelle Delgado: Scare Me! Newsletter: https://scare-me.beehiiv.com/Macabre Daily: https://www.macabredaily.com/authors/michelle-delgadoIG:https://www.instagram.com/scare.me.reads/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scare.me.reads

Welcome to episode 7 of This Might Sound Strange, a horror fiction podcast where tarot cards direct the conversation. Today, we have a very special episode with Chris Panatier, author of WORRY BOX. His haunted house novel caught us by surprise with a twist we’ve never encountered before, and the book’s emotional depth astounded us. It quite literally haunted our dreams, too! Aside from being an incredible horror writer, Chris is also a talented artist and illustrator. His work includes illustrating book covers for Rapture Publishing, and fun fact: He designed our show’s beloved Meowl mascot and logo, in addition to making our custom artwork. The lore goes deep…Chris was one of the first people to find out about our concept for This Might Sound Strange, and his early support for the podcast has meant a lot to us.  In today’s episode, we dive into the world of WORRY BOX, his occult interests, ghosts, intrusive thoughts, and so much more. Let’s just say, we’re convinced he has magical powers. If you enjoy today’s episode, consider writing a review or a comment wherever you’re listening to help others find the show. If you do, send a screenshot and your best mailing address to [email protected]! We’ll put something fun in the mail for you.  Until next time…stay strange! xoxo, Michelle & Maya  Credits:  Logo and artwork by Chris Panatier Music by Tony MoralesOccult stores mentioned Salem, Massachusetts: Pentagram Salem https://www.pentagramsalem.com/ Seattle, Washington: Edge of the Circle Books https://edgeofthecirclebooks.com/Magazines mentioned  Hellebore Magazine Nightmare Magazine Books mentioned The Lesser Key of Solomon (occult text)Head Full of Ghosts by Paul TremblayJust Like Home by Sarah GaileySpread Me by Sarah GaileyThe Grip of It by Jac JemcThe Little Stranger by Sarah WatersThe Day of the Door by Laurel HightowerCrossroads by Laurel HightowerPiercing by Ryū MurakamiAudition by Ryū MurakamiFilms mentioned  Blue Velvet by David LynchTV Shows mentioned A Haunting (Discovery Channel show)Stay in touch:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_strange_podTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sound_strange_podWebsite: https://www.soundstrangepod.com/Newsletter: https://sound-strange-pod.beehiiv.com/

Welcome to episode 6 of This Might Sound Strange, a horror fiction podcast where tarot cards direct the conversation. Today’s guest is George Dunn. If you’ve spent any time on horror Bookstagram or BookTok, you’ve almost certainly run across George’s book recommendations. His handle is “georgesreads” and he’s a frequent book reviewer on FanFiAddict and Darker Times, among other places. He also recently launched a podcast called Why Are You Making Me Watch This?, in which he terrorizes his mom by watching horror films with her. We usually pull three tarot cards for each conversation, but in our new Major Arcana series, we focus on a single card instead. From there, we share some book recommendations inspired by the card’s themes and symbolism. Today’s card is The Star! To be clear and give credit where it’s due: These episodes are our loving homage to Stephanie Gagnon over at Books in the Freezer, which is one of our favorite podcasts. If somehow anyone listening doesn’t listen to Books in the Freezer yet, please pause this episode and go subscribe. You will get the best horror book recommendations of your life. If you enjoy today’s episode, consider writing a review or a comment wherever you’re listening to help others find the show. If you do, send your best mailing address to [email protected]! We’ll put something fun in the mail for you.  Until next time…stay strange! xoxo, Michelle & Maya  Credits:  Logo and artwork by Chris Panatier Music by Tony MoralesBook Recommendations  Kiss Slay Replay by Rachel HarrisonCackle by Rachel HarrisonItch by Gemma AmorHunger and Thirst by Claire FullerVampires of El Norte by Isabel CañasThe September House by Carissa OrlandoDarker Days by Thomas Olde HeuveltLucky Day by Chuck TingleFabulous Bodies by Chuck TingleExalted by Anna DornThe Haar by David SodergrenCoup De Grace by Sofia AjramCrushing Snails by Emma E. MurrayI Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham JonesParadise by Fernanda MelchorThe Diving Pool by Yōko OgawaThe Flayed Man by Chloe LauterFilms mentioned Happy Death Day (Dir.Christopher Landon)The X Trilogy - Pearl, Maxine, X (Dir. Ti West)Mulholland Drive (Dir. David Lynch)Dead Lover (Dir. Grace Glowicki)TV Shows mentioned The X-Files (1993)Widow’s Bay (2026)Yellowjackets (2021)Articles mentioned George Dunn, “Backrooms Reading List: 5 Must-Read Liminal Horror Novels”: https://www.phantasmag.com/articles-3/backrooms-reading-list-must-read-liminal-horror-booksAnna Dupre, “SpongeBob HorrorPants: Diving into Bikini Bottom’s Greatest Horrors from Season One (1999 - 2001)”: https://www.darkertimes.com/spongebob-horrorpants-season-one/Stay in touch:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_strange_podTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sound_strange_podWebsite: https://www.soundstrangepod.com/Newsletter: https://sound-strange-pod.beehiiv.com/

Welcome to episode 5 of This Might Sound Strange, a horror fiction podcast where tarot cards direct the conversation. Today’s guest is Rachel Harrison, whose new book KISS SLAY REPLAY is a time loop horror novel set at a wedding. Leave it to Rachel to subvert (and in our opinion, improve) on the classic time loop beats we’re all familiar with. She turns the story into something fresh and exciting, and transforms the time loops into a deeper exploration of how painful and necessary personal growth can be.  Rachel’s twists caught us completely by surprise, and we fully believe this is her most ambitious and technically complex novel yet. The cards took us deep into a conversation about craft, creative ambition, and why women still aren’t getting the full credit they’re due for pushing the horror genre to new heights. Rachel is also an experienced tarot reader, so we got to learn more about her own history with the cards. If you enjoy today’s episode, consider writing a review or a comment wherever you’re listening to help others find the show. If you do, send your best mailing address to [email protected]! We’ll put something fun in the mail for you.  Until next time…stay strange! xoxo, Michelle & Maya  Credits:  Logo and artwork by Chris Panatier Music by Tony Morales Books mentioned  Rest Stop by Nat CassidyThe Outsiders Sequence by Annie NeugebauerWhen the Reckoning Comes by LaTanya McQueenThe Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones Music mentioned Album: Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party by Hayley WilliamsSong: “What Once Was” by Her’s Films mentioned Palm Springs (Dir. Max Barbakow)The Cabin in the Woods (Dir. Drew Goddard) Stay in touch:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_strange_podTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sound_strange_podWebsite: https://www.soundstrangepod.com/Newsletter: https://sound-strange-pod.beehiiv.com/

Welcome to episode 4 of This Might Sound Strange, a horror fiction podcast where tarot cards direct the conversation. Our guest today is Rae Wilde, whose short story collection I DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR MY POSITION ON MEN is just as provocative and confrontational as the title suggests.  Through short stories, novellas, and even a choose-your-own-adventure tale, Rae explores the many ways patriarchy poisons everything it touches. These stories are incredibly varied, from body horror and gore to dark humor and even some, let’s say, unusual erotic situations. Plus, the cover and title truly make this book the gift of the season. We recommend gifting this to yourself or your most feral feminist friends so they can leave it on their coffee tables as a litmus test for visitors! We also want to thank everyone who’s listened. This week, we’ve surpassed 500 listens, which is absolutely crazy for a podcast that only has three episodes out. If you enjoy today’s episode, consider writing a review or a comment wherever you’re listening to help others find the show. If you do, email us a screenshot and your best mailing address at [email protected]. We’ll put something fun in the mail for you. Until next time…stay strange! xoxo, Michelle & Maya  Credits:  Logo and artwork by Chris Panatier Music by Tony Morales Films mentioned Promising Young Woman (Dir. Emerald Fennell)Gone Girl (Dir. David Fincher)Revenge (Coralie Fargeat) TV Shows mentioned  Your Friends and Neighbors (2025) Misc. mentioned Feminine Myths Oracle Deck by Ana Novaes Stay in touch:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_strange_podTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sound_strange_podWebsite: https://www.soundstrangepod.com/Newsletter: https://sound-strange-pod.beehiiv.com/ Maya Rector:  The Weird Girl Edit Newsletter: https://theweirdgirledit.beehiiv.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theweirdgirleditIG: https://www.instagram.com/theweirdgirleditWebsite: https://www.mayarector.com/ Michelle Delgado: Scare Me! Newsletter: https://scare-me.beehiiv.com/Macabre Daily: https://www.macabredaily.com/authors/michelle-delgadoIG:https://www.instagram.com/scare.me.reads/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scare.me.reads

Welcome to episode 3 of This Might Sound Strange, a horror fiction podcast where tarot cards direct the conversation. Our guest today is Chloe Lauter, whose debut novel THE FLAYED MAN has already made waves.  It received rave reviews from Library Journal and was named one of Debutiful’s Most Anticipated Books of 2026. Paul Tremblay calls it a “lyrical, inventive horror novel that is emotionally stirring and authentic.” Chloe delivers propulsive action and beautiful prose, while never losing sight of the novel’s tender emotional heart. It’s a stunning novel and if you haven’t read it yet, we hope this episode might convince you to pick it up! If you enjoy today’s episode, consider writing a review or a comment wherever you’re listening to help others find the show. If you do, email a screenshot and your best mailing address to [email protected]! We’ll put something fun in the mail for you.  Until next time…stay strange! xoxo, Michelle & Maya  Credits:  Logo and artwork by Chris Panatier Music by Tony Morales Books mentioned Sharp Teeth by Toby BarlowMongrels by Stephen Graham Jones Films mentioned Bound (Dir. Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski)Love Lies Bleeding (Dir. Rose Glass)Near Dark (Dir. Kathryn Bigelow) TV Shows mentioned  What We Do in the Shadows (2019) Videos mentioned Kristen Stewart doing pull-ups: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSxp8TwjGC_/?hl=en Stay in touch:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_strange_podTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sound_strange_podWebsite: https://www.soundstrangepod.com/Newsletter: https://sound-strange-pod.beehiiv.com/

Welcome to episode 2 of This Might Sound Strange, a horror fiction podcast where tarot cards guide the conversation. Today our guest is Stacey Yu, whose debut novel KITTEN came out on August 4th, 2026. Although Kitten skews more weird literary fiction than horror, it really made us feel our feelings. Is there anything scarier than that? The book follows our main character, Katie, shortly after her college graduation. We watch her struggle to navigate this moment and witness her complicated relationships—with her estranged mother, her wealthy older boyfriend, and his family’s cat, Silver. As you’ll hear, the cards prompted us to go deep on class, self-actualization, complex family dynamics, and much more.  Since we’re a brand-new show, reviews matter now more than ever. Consider writing a review to help others find the show! If you email us at [email protected] with a screenshot of your review and your best mailing address, we’ll send you a sticker designed by Chris Panatier, who made the logo for our show.   Until next time…stay strange! xoxo, Michelle & Maya  Credits:  Logo and artwork by Chris Panatier Music by Tony Morales Books mentioned Hot Milk by Deborah LevyNP by Banana YoshimotoNana by Ai Yazawa (manga series)Hotel Iris by Yōko AgawaConvenience Store Woman by Sayaka MurataLife Ceremony by Sayaka Murata (short story collection) Films mentioned Poor Things (Dir. Yorgos Lanthimos) Stay in touch:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_strange_podTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sound_strange_podWebsite: https://www.soundstrangepod.com/Newsletter: https://sound-strange-pod.beehiiv.com/

Welcome to episode 1 of This Might Sound Strange, a horror fiction podcast where tarot cards guide the conversation. Today, we’re joined by bestselling horror author Lucy Rose, whose 2025 debut novel The Lamb took the world by storm. Over the past year, it became a Sunday Times Bestseller, a pick for Dakota Johnson’s book club, winner of the Nota Bene Prize, and a Shirley Jackson Awards nominee.  In this episode, we talk about what this whirlwind year has meant for Lucy, and the cards pulled us deeply into the themes that run throughout the novel. We also exchange ghost stories, fangirl over Shirley Jackson, and wonder whether Mad Men is actually a horror story in disguise.  Since we’re a brand-new show, reviews matter now more than ever. Consider writing a review to help others find the show! If you email us at [email protected] with a screenshot of your review and your best mailing address, we’ll send you a sticker designed by Chris Panatier, who made the logo for our show.   Until next time…stay strange! xoxo, Michelle & Maya  Credits:  Logo and artwork by Chris Panatier Music by Tony Morales Books mentioned The Lamb by Lucy RoseThe Lottery by Shirley JacksonHaunted Hill House by Shirley JacksonA Head Full of Ghosts by Paul G. TremblayThe Magic Faraway Tree by Enid BlytonFlowers in the Attic by V. C. AndrewsThe Leveret by Anna Goldreich Shows mentioned Buzzfeed Unsolved: The Haunting of Hannah Williams https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkUg89kLLBEEastEnders (1985)Mad Men (2007)True Detective (2014)The Good Place (2016) Films mentioned The Florida Project (Dir. Sean Baker)Badlands (Dir. Terrance Malick)Backrooms (Dir. Kane Parsons)Matilda (Dir. Danny DeVito)American Psycho (Dir. Mary Harron)Fish Tank (Dir. Andrea Arnold)Beast (Dir. Michael Pearce) Video Games mentioned What Remains of Edith Finch (Giant Sparrow)  Misc. mentioned EMDR therapy for trauma! Stay in touch:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_strange_podTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sound_strange_podWebsite: https://www.soundstrangepod.com/Newsletter: https://sound-strange-pod.beehiiv.com/

Welcome to This Might Sound Strange, a horror fiction podcast where tarot cards guide the conversation. Prior coworkers turned friends, we (Michelle Delgado and Maya Rector) started this podcast thanks to our mutual love of horror, the occult, and all things weird. While we love to consume horror media, we noticed a gap we could fill by offering up our queer perspectives in the space.  Thus, This Might Sound Strange was born. Each episode is told through a queer lens for the girls, gays, and theys, and tarot cards take us places you may not expect. You can think of it as tarot readings for the books themselves. So far, we’ve spoken with guests including Lucy Rose (author of The Lamb), Stacey Yu (author of Kitten), Chloe Lauter (author of The Flayed Man) and more…and we’re just getting started. Tune in for horror novel discussions, stay for tangents and ghost stories along the way. Episodes are released biweekly on Fridays, so stick around and hit subscribe. In the meantime, stay strange!  xoxo,  Michelle & Maya 🕯️🦉 Stay in touch:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/sound_strange_podTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sound_strange_podWebsite: https://www.soundstrangepod.com/Newsletter: https://sound-strange-pod.beehiiv.com/ Maya Rector:  The Weird Girl Edit Newsletter: https://theweirdgirledit.beehiiv.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theweirdgirleditIG: https://www.instagram.com/theweirdgirleditWebsite: https://www.mayarector.com/ Michelle Delgado: Scare Me! Newsletter: https://scare-me.beehiiv.com/Macabre Daily: https://www.macabredaily.com/authors/michelle-delgadoIG:https://www.instagram.com/scare.me.reads/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scare.me.reads