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Terrifying tales: How 3 horror writers think about the hidden power of scary stories

10:38

October 31, 2024

Kalyani Saxena

(From left to right) Alix E. Harrow, Alexis Henderson and Grady Hendrix speak with Here & Now's Kalyani Saxena. (Courtesy of Kalyani Saxena)

For generations, horror writers have captured readers with frightening tales of vampires, demon possessions and serial killers. And the genre is having its own renaissance. According to the book sales data company Nielsen Book Scan, during the first three months of 2024 sales were 34% higher than the same period in 2023.

To celebrate Halloween, Here & Now producer Kalyani Saxena spoke with three horror authors — Grady Hendrix, Alexis Henderson and Alix E. Harrow — at WBUR’s CitySpace.

Books by authors featured

Alix E. Harrow

"Starling House"

Grady Hendrix

"The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires"
"How to Sell a Haunted House"
"My Best Friend's Exorcism"
"The Final Girl Support Group"

Alexis Henderson

"An Academy for Liars"
"The Year of the Witching"
"House of Hunger"

This segment aired on October 31, 2024.

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