Talking Scared

288 – Danielle Giles & A Spoonful of Skulldust (Makes the Medicine Go Down)

Talking Scared

Show Notes

Time for a horrid history lesson.

Daniell Giles is the author of medieval gothic Mere (2025), and the brand-new Restoration horror-show, Gentle Things. In this episode she talks about the nightmare of research, the similarities between the 1660s and our own sh**ty decade, and how much we both love Sarah Waters.

But mostly it’s a guided tour of a dirty period in history, of murder, misogyny and… medicinal cannibalism!

Yes, it’s a thing, and it’s nasty.

Enjoy

Support Talking Scared on Patreon

Check out the Talking Scared Merch line – at VoidMerch

Come talk books on Threads, Bluesky, and Instagram, or email direct to [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More from Talking Scared

Oct 20, 2026

The 300th author interview is here. And I’m delighted it’s with a debut author, about a truly wonderful book.

Oct 13, 2026

In Solace House, Will Maclean takes us back to the 90s for a drug-fuelled trip through some mindbending architecture. It’s a chance to get nostalgic for a more innocent time, when the clothes were baggy, the music was better, and you could spend a summer spent renovating an old asylum without needing to put in on TikTok.

Oct 6, 2026

This episode needs no attempt at a witty introduction. Stephen King is back to talk about Other Worlds Than These – the concluding volume of The Talisman saga, begun with Peter Straub 45 years ago.

Sep 29, 2026

Leaning into absolute high geekery this week – with Kyle Winkler’s novel of how family game night can go badly wrong!

See all episodes →