This week we go behind the curtain to look at the inner workings of a bona-fide modern classic. Our guest is Scott Hawkins, whose debut novel, The Library At Mount Char delighted genre fans back in 2015. Now, to commemorate its first UK publication, Scott joins me for a conversation about its many madcap secrets.We talk about everything from cosmic ethics to kidney stone –  he gives us a little until-now-unknown backstory on some of the most mysterious characters, and I take umbrage at how awfully he treats the poor, poor pooches that guard his goddamned library!!This is a lovely conversation about the loveliest book you’ve ever read … that contains scenes of children being roasted alive.Enjoy!The Library At Mount Char was published in the UK on 10th May, by Titan BooksOther books mentioned in this episode include:We Are All Completely Fine (2014), by Daryl GregoryThe Stand: The Complete and Uncut Edition (1990), by Stephen KingTitus Groan: Book One of the Gormenghast Trilogy (1946), by Mervyn PeakeSharp Teeth (2007), by Toby BarlowRed Dragon (1981), by Thomas Harris. The Mote in God’s Eye (1974), by Jerry Pournelle and Larry NivenThe Hunger (2018), by Alma KatsuIndifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of the Donner Party (2009), by Daniel James BrownSupport Talking Scared on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/TalkingScaredPodCome talk books on Twitter @talkscaredpod, on Instagram, and TikTok or email direct to talkingscaredpod@gmail.com Download Novellic on Google Play or Apple Store.Support the show