From the Front Porch – Episode 550

Annie Recommends: Spooky Reads

Host: Annie Jones, owner of The Bookshelf Thomasville
Release Date: October 9, 2025

Brief Overview

In celebration of "spooky season," Annie Jones, owner of The Bookshelf in Thomasville, Georgia, curates a list of her favorite spooky books—perfect for autumn reading. With her signature warmth and Southern charm, Annie shares five varied recommendations to satisfy both die-hard thriller fans and readers just looking to add a touch of the mysterious or atmospheric to their October TBR. She also offers a bonus mention for readers who crave truly dark, literary suspense.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Philosophy of Book Recommendations

• Annie likens her book recommendation process to creating in-store book stacks: “If one book works for you, then I'll have done my job really well. If all five work for you, even better.” (03:42)
• Curating around themes, Annie aims to avoid overwhelming listeners—offering five diverse titles each suited to different spooky tastes.

Annie’s Spooky Book Stack (Main Segment starts at 07:08)

1. Granite Harbor by Peter Nichols

(07:24)

• Setting: Small-town Maine; autumnal, atmospheric.
• Plot: A writer-turned-detective, Alex, is on his first murder case.
• Tone: Dark serial killer thriller; explores the worst of humanity, not “light and frothy.”
• Comments on Detective Work: Annie notes the protagonist’s “pretty terrible” skills, suggesting it might be intentional: “Isn't that the point?...this is a writer who thought he could become a detective and this is his first murder case in small town Maine.” (09:01)
• Comparisons: Reminiscent of Tana French, but with an American setting and a less adept detective.
• Ideal Reader: Those wanting a fast, gripping plane read.
• Content Note: Some memorable, unsettling scenes; not gory, but dark.
• Memorable Moment: “One scene still sticks out in my brain, which is pretty unusual for me.” (12:40)

2. Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza

(14:05)

• Premise: Follows the obsession of a magazine journalist with her former college best friend, now an influencer living a “trad wife” life.
• Style: Darkly comedic, timely, with observations on the evolution of journalism and influencer culture.
• Themes: Female obsession, social media, media transformation.
• Comparisons: “There is a way in which this book exists alongside The Devil Wears Prada if that book had been a thriller.” (17:40) / “Think Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton.”
• Notable Quote: “Influencers exist so you don't need Lucky magazine...how influencers, I know they have changed news, but to think about how they've also changed something seemingly silly like shopping and trends was fascinating to me.” (18:55)
• Ideal Timing: Good for Thanksgiving weekend—a fun, twisty read for travel.
• Format: Released in paperback, quick-paced.

3. Strangers in the Car by C.M. Ewan

(22:16)

• Release Info: Out November 4 (preorder needed), but available in the UK.
• Plot: A married couple picks up a stranded family on a foggy night; things quickly turn suspenseful and sinister.
• Style: Fast-paced, “extremely fast paced, the chapters are really short.” (22:49)
• Trigger Warnings: Infertility, miscarriage.
• Comparisons: For readers of “Someone in the Attic.”
• Autumnal Atmosphere: “Because of the foggy—I’m making a shivering pose—this did feel very autumnal.” (24:40)
• Quick Read: “I finished this one so fast. So fast.” (25:30)

4. Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark

(27:11)

• Type: Horror novella (2020); dark fantasy/folk tale.
• Premise: The Ku Klux Klan are literal pointy-headed demons; a trio of Black resistance fighters hunts them in Georgia.
• Themes: Race, human dignity, resistance.
• Recognition: Annie highlights its continued relevance: “It feels just as timely now as it did in 2020.” (27:20)
• Comparisons: “Almost like Charlie’s Angels type figures...spunky, female protagonist, short and smart.” (29:40)
• Underappreciated Release: Notes many missed it amid 2020 bookstore closures—worth rediscovering now.
• Notable Quote: “This is probably an Annie Keela overlap as well. If you're a Keela reader and I wanted to mention it in case you missed it.” (30:54)

5. Your Favorite Scary Movie by Ashley Cullins

(34:25)

• Genre: Nonfiction, pop culture.
• Subject: Deep dive into the Scream movie franchise (and adjacent horror history).
• Format: Paperback; audiobook read by Ghostface’s Roger Jackson.
• Audience: Both die-hard and casual horror fans; for anyone planning a movie marathon.
• Insider Scoop: Includes interviews with all major players, thoughtful mention of the Weinsteins’ involvement via Miramax.
• Notable Moment: Encourages timing reads for October: “I wish I'd read it in October. So I want you to get to read it in October and then plan a party or plan a movie marathon.” (35:07)
• Upcoming Event: New Scream movie arriving in 2026.

Bonus Recommendation:

Fox by Joyce Carol Oates

(38:07)

• Type: Literary thriller, extremely dark, with campus novel vibes.
• Plot: A teacher preys upon and grooms his young students; a story of abuse, grooming, and predation.
• Trigger Warnings: Child abuse/sexual abuse.
• Comparisons: “Could potentially sit on a shelf with the Rebecca Makkai book, I’ve Got Questions for You.” (39:40)
• Annie’s Experience: “I read it and thought it was excellent. The writing is stellar. The storytelling is brutal. I did want it out of my house after I finished reading it.” (40:24)
• Ideal Reader: Not for sensitive readers; perhaps “required reading for parents,” but only if they can handle the content.
• Memorable Praise: “It is very memorable. If a customer came into the store, I'd at least try selling them this one. I don't know if I'd succeed, but I'd try.” (42:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Indie Bookstores’ Mission:
  “One of the unspoken missions…of From the Front Porch is to help you fall in love with your indie bookstore. And if you don’t have one, we hope we become yours.” (02:07)

• On Thriller Preferences:
  “I would never use the word gory, but like one scene still sticks out in my brain, which is pretty unusual for me.” (12:40)

• On the Value of Rediscovering Backlist Titles:
  “There are some books that I think did not get their due because of when they released, and this is one of them.” (30:50)

• On Memorable Darkness:
  “I did want it out of my house after I finished reading it because I felt like it was very dark. I also kind of think it's required reading for parents…” (40:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:01] – Opening/Philosophy of Book Recommendations
• [07:08] – Spooky Reads Book Stack Introduction
• [07:24] – Granite Harbor by Peter Nichols
• [14:05] – Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza
• [22:16] – Strangers in the Car by C.M. Ewan
• [27:11] – Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark
• [34:25] – Your Favorite Scary Movie by Ashley Cullins
• [38:07] – Bonus: Fox by Joyce Carol Oates

Episode’s Tone and Style

• Friendly, conversational, and welcoming—Annie’s voice is warm, familiar, and tinged with Southern hospitality.
• Honest, sometimes humorous, and always thoughtful about reader sensitivities and preferences.
• Bookstore-centric, rooted in the enthusiasm and discernment of an expert bookseller.

Conclusion

An engaging, recommendation-heavy episode, perfect for building your autumnal or spooky reading list. Whether you’re seeking dark thrillers, fast-paced mysteries, unsettling novellas, or a fun nonfiction homage to horror movies, Annie offers thoughtful picks with personal context and humor. Bonus: She doesn’t shy away from the truly harrowing for those who crave literary challenge. All books discussed are available via The Bookshelf’s website, ensuring indie bookstore spirit is at the heart of the episode.