Spooky Frog Horrifying Books Podcast

Book Mail (2023), Jason R. Davis | Horror Book Club Review | S01E05

Hosts Samantha and Jeffy recap a lively road trip to the Books and Brews event, share author and artist encounters, listener mail from Ross Kiley, and behind‑the‑scenes podcasting moments from their basement setup.They also discuss Samantha’s new audiobook narration of Jason R. Davis’s Book Mail, warn listeners about the book’s extreme content, announce a Patreon and book‑club plans, and invite the audience to join, vote, and support future live events and recordings.

Daughter's Drawings (2019), Nick Botic | Horror Book Club Review | S01E04

Hosts Samantha and Jeffy casually chat about Spooky Frog events, Goth Barge boat parties, new merch and local hot sauce while sharing behind-the-scenes moments.
The episode spotlights Milwaukee author Nick Botic and his novel Daughter's Drawings—a NoSleep/Reddit-origin story about a family road trip that becomes the focus of a terrifying, patient stalker when a child’s sketchbook goes missing and returns with sinister additions.
The hosts discuss the book's themes, the author’s recovery and community roots, upcoming author events and boat shows, and provide trigger warnings (stalking, child endangerment, and a dog death).

Something Truly Dreadful (2022), Matthew Salinas | Horror Book Club Review | S01E03

Hosts Samantha and Jeffy celebrate a McDonald’s-themed birthday and dive into two contrasting horror reads: Matthew Salinas’s Something Truly Dreadful, a nostalgic haunted-attraction novella inspired by childhood fears and museum mannequins, and Sean McDonough’s Not Another 80s Horror Novel, a schlocky, over-the-top tribute to 80s exploitation with werewolves, killer robots, and outrageous humor.The episode mixes banter about local events, museum nostalgia, retro toys, and indie horror recommendations, while encouraging listeners to submit books and support indie authors.

Cadaverous (2023), Jay Bower | Horror Book Club Review | S01E02

On this episode of the Spooky Frog Horrifying Book Podcast, hosts Samantha and Jeffy shred into the indie horror novel Cadaverous by Jay Bower. This visceral and surreal story is told through the blog posts of Gaige Penrod, a teenage metal guitarist whose creative ambition summons a demonic presence. The episode explores the book's blend of raw teen angst and supernatural dread, documenting a descent where the lines between artistic passion and self-destruction completely blur. Samantha also shares some behind-the-scenes details about the author, a Spooky Frog Book Fair alum, and the real-life inspirations behind the novel—from its origins as an emotional purge to a legendary Ozzy Osbourne concert during a solar eclipse. Tune in for a discussion on demonic bargains, creative obsession, and the heavy-metal horror of this unique indie gem! 

Pen Pal (2012), Dathan Auerbach | Horror Book Club Review | S01E01

Welcome to the first episode of the Spooky Frog Horrifying Book Podcast! Join hosts Samantha and Jeffy as they discuss the indie horror novel 'Pen Pal' by Dathan Auerbach. This psychological horror story started as a viral Reddit post and evolved into a community-supported novel. The episode explores the book's nostalgic yet unsettling narrative, characterized by its depiction of childhood memories and the creeping dread that unravels as the protagonist revisits forgotten events from his past. With a nostalgic setting and an atmosphere of escalating unease, 'Pen Pal' offers an eerie look at how ordinary childhood events can mask darker truths. Tune in for an engaging discussion about horror, nostalgia, and the vibrant world of indie novels!