Ep 770 - She Waits Where Shadows Gather, by Michelle Tang
Summary
Andrew and Craig discuss Michelle Tang’s debut novel, She Waits Where Shadows Gather, a supernatural thriller set in Manila. The story follows a couple returning to a haunted ancestral home, where a skeptical paranormal investigator confronts his family’s dark secrets and a marriage strained by infertility and hidden lies. The hosts explore the book’s atmospheric horror, its engagement with Filipino folklore, and the mixed critical reception regarding its character development and pacing.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Mint Mobile Summer Sale
Introduction to Spooktober and the hosts
Book selection process and AI discussion
Author background: Michelle Tang
Inspiration and setting in Manila
Personal anecdotes about haunted houses
History of haunted house attractions
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Plot introduction: Carlos and Avery
Character dynamics and cultural setting
Critique of cultural elements and tropes
Marital tension and the move to the house
Carlos's accident and Avery's isolation
Reveals: Vasectomy and fortune telling
Character consistency and pacing issues
Guest reactions and character annoyance
Supernatural elements and Filipino folklore
Avery's suicide attempt and Carlos's change
The witch, the aunt, and the house's history
Time travel twist and the ending
Final thoughts on the book's merits
Upcoming Spooktober schedule and outro
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