Tag Archives: Flatiron Books

Episode 101: Interview with Hayley Scrivenor author of Dirt Creek



“I’m very interested in how we define ourselves to other people…” so says  author Hayler Scrivenor about her amazing debut Dirt Creek. Dirt Creek is a suspenseful police procedural about a missing girl that takes place in a very small, rural, Australian town and it is riveting stuff!

For this episode we talk about the origin story of Dirt Creek, what Hayley is working on next, we even discuss Iced Vovos, TimTams, Twisties, and other Australian confections.

I was so fortunate to once again join forces with Cindy Burnett host of Thoughts From a Page podcast, to bring you this special episode and we just had a blast. Thank you Cindy, and thank you so much Hayley!

Hayley Scrivenor recommends: A Little Life by Hanya Yanigahara; The Year of the Horses by Courtney Maum


Episode 100: Interview with Julia Armfield, author of Our Wives Under the Sea



Welcome to the 100th Episode of the Top Shelf Podcast!

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend it than with the brilliant Julia Armfield talking about her debut novel, Our Wives Under the Sea. You may remember that Julia was my guest for Episode 32. Back then we discussed her fantastic book of short stories, Salt Slow. For this episode, we talk about her new release, Our Wives Under the Sea, which is a gorgeous debut that is a fathomlessly inventive and original portrait of marriage as we’ve never seen it before. Critics are raving and I wouldn’t steer you wrong in the ocean of books out there – please don’t miss this episode and don’t miss this book. Thank you so much Julia!

Julia Armfield recommends: Devil House by John Darnielle; Matrix by Lauren Groff; X by Davy Davis; Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer; The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Groff

Place your holds for Julia Armfield’s books here.


Episode 95 : Interview with Nina LaCour, author of Yerba Buena



Here’s what’s being said about the debut adult fiction novel, Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour:

“A love story for our time.” ―Tara Conklin, bestselling author of The Last Romantics

“This book is a precious thing.” ―Casey McQuiston, bestselling author of One Last Stop.

I mean these reviews for Yerba Buena are so true, I needed to include both of them!  This lush and lyrical queer love story gave me such joy and hope that when I was finished, I went right back and read it again. For this episode, Nina spoke about writing her first adult fiction novel, writing that book during lock down, her inspiration and more. Thank you so much for joining me Nina LaCour, Yerba Buena is such a special book! I loved this interview…

Nina LaCour recommends We Do What We Do in the Dark by Michelle Hart; and Memorial by Bryan Washington 

Click here to reserve all Nina LaCour titles!


Episode 32: Interview with Julia Armfield, author of Salt Slow



What can I say about Salt Slow by Julia Armfield? This book was the stand-out for me, or a sit-down, because once I started it, I never left my beach chair. From the very first story, Mantis, to the award winning, The Great Awake, it will be hard to put down. Publisher’s Weekly calls Salt Slow by Julia Armfield, “unsettling, uncanny and an utterly delightful debut.” All true. It’s the first time I’ve covered this genre on Top Shelf and I’m thrilled to bring this interview to you.

One of the things we discussed were our favorites in the genre and Julia recommended Fen by Daisy Johnson, and titles by Sarah Hall.   My go-to authors in this genre are: Clare Beams, Angela Carter, Karen Russell, and Carmen Maria Machado. We also talked Stephen King, but really, who doesn’t?

I was so happy to speak with Julia Armfield about this incredible debut collection, Salt Slow. It hits shelves in the US, October 8, 2019. If you’re in the UK, it’s out already-don’t. miss. it.

Very special thanks to Flatiron Books, you guy rock.

#GiveAListenReadTheBook