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Julia O’Connell

@juliajoyce

Publicity Director at Penzler Publishers; Freelance editor; Book blogger at The Gothic Library. She/her βœ‘οΈπŸ“š

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11.08.2023
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Latest posts by Julia O’Connell @juliajoyce

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter

05.03.2026 17:03 πŸ‘ 3 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Goths for Breakfast: Charity Teach-a-thon A full day of back to back classes and workshops on Gothic themes to raise money for the charity Magic Breakfast

This Saturday is the Goths for Breakfast charity day. Goths unite! We're raising money for Magic Breakfast to feed hungry kids with a teaching marathon of fascinating talks and writing workshops. Pop in and out as you like - the talks are recorded!

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1982926549...

23.02.2026 18:37 πŸ‘ 64 πŸ” 50 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 19

Yes. I was horrified as a young teen visiting Ireland when I was first served fries with vinegar, and even all the ketchup was like extra vinegar-y. 😝

26.02.2026 18:21 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Photo of a hardcover copy of THE DAUGHTERS by Joanna Margaret, laying across more copies of the same book. The cover shows the shoulders and head of a young woman, facing away. Beneath her are the silhouetted buildings of a small village, with a tall church-like building in the center. The cover is in ominous tones of gray while the title text is in bright red

Photo of a hardcover copy of THE DAUGHTERS by Joanna Margaret, laying across more copies of the same book. The cover shows the shoulders and head of a young woman, facing away. Beneath her are the silhouetted buildings of a small village, with a tall church-like building in the center. The cover is in ominous tones of gray while the title text is in bright red

Coming soon: THE DAUGHTERS by Joanna Margaret

When archivist Genevieve Tompkins moves to the small town of Wilton Springs to catalog the papers of the founding family, she discovers a strange connection between recent disappearances and the faded Victorian spa town’s history of witch trials.

βš‘οΈπŸ“š

24.02.2026 22:30 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

We're fundraising for public libraries again! πŸ“šThis week, when you donate $15 USD or more to your public library, friends of a library organization, or the @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social, you'll receive a free audiobook credit πŸ’“

Last year, we raised $55,000. How much will we raise this year? ⏬

23.02.2026 17:17 πŸ‘ 99 πŸ” 99 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 13
Preview
Review of The Red Winterβ€”Werewolves in Revolutionary France - The Gothic Library A man-eating beast stalks the impoverished countryside of GΓ©vaudan, France. Only Professor Sebastian Grave, who defeated it once before, knows the beast’s true nature and why it seems to have returned...

New blog post!

Check out my review of Cameron Sullivan's excellent debut fantasy, THE RED WINTER (out tomorrow):

www.thegothiclibrary.com/review-of-th...

πŸ’™πŸ“š πŸ˜±πŸ“š

23.02.2026 16:39 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Goths for Breakfast is a fantastic day of online talks and workshops supporting a good cause. Check out the programme - so much range!

19.02.2026 08:43 πŸ‘ 14 πŸ” 13 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 2
WE’RE HIRING πŸ“šπŸ•΅οΈβ€β™€οΈ

The Mysterious Bookshop in Tribeca β€” the world’s oldest mystery-only bookstore (est. 1979) and recently named Best Independent Bookstore of 2025 by USA Today β€” is looking for a new bookseller to join our team.

This position may be part-time or full-time, depending on availability and experience, but one thing is non-negotiable: you must be available to work Saturdays (11:00am–7:00pm). If Saturdays don’t work for you, this won’t be the right fit.

We’re a small, hands-on crew. Everyone here does everything β€” selling books, fulfilling and shipping online orders, stocking shelves, assisting customers in-store and on the phone, helping with events, coordinating with USPS/UPS/FedEx/DHL, taking out trash and recyclables, and pitching in wherever needed. No task is beneath anyone.

What we’re looking for:
β€’ Deep knowledge of and passion for mystery/thriller fiction
β€’ Reliability and punctuality
β€’ Initiative β€” the ability to jump in without being micromanaged
β€’ Comfort working in a fast-paced retail environment

No prior bookselling experience is required, but serious familiarity with the genre absolutely is.

This is an incredible opportunity to work at the heart of the mystery community in New York City β€” surrounded by signed first editions, rare books, major author events, and readers who care deeply about the genre.

Please note: this position does not include health insurance benefits.

If you’re dependable, mystery-obsessed, and ready to start ASAP, we’d love to hear from you.

Send a resume and cover letter to:
ryan@mysteriousbookshop.com

In your cover letter, tell us what you read and why you belong at The Mysterious Bookshop.

And please share with any serious candidates you know!

WE’RE HIRING πŸ“šπŸ•΅οΈβ€β™€οΈ The Mysterious Bookshop in Tribeca β€” the world’s oldest mystery-only bookstore (est. 1979) and recently named Best Independent Bookstore of 2025 by USA Today β€” is looking for a new bookseller to join our team. This position may be part-time or full-time, depending on availability and experience, but one thing is non-negotiable: you must be available to work Saturdays (11:00am–7:00pm). If Saturdays don’t work for you, this won’t be the right fit. We’re a small, hands-on crew. Everyone here does everything β€” selling books, fulfilling and shipping online orders, stocking shelves, assisting customers in-store and on the phone, helping with events, coordinating with USPS/UPS/FedEx/DHL, taking out trash and recyclables, and pitching in wherever needed. No task is beneath anyone. What we’re looking for: β€’ Deep knowledge of and passion for mystery/thriller fiction β€’ Reliability and punctuality β€’ Initiative β€” the ability to jump in without being micromanaged β€’ Comfort working in a fast-paced retail environment No prior bookselling experience is required, but serious familiarity with the genre absolutely is. This is an incredible opportunity to work at the heart of the mystery community in New York City β€” surrounded by signed first editions, rare books, major author events, and readers who care deeply about the genre. Please note: this position does not include health insurance benefits. If you’re dependable, mystery-obsessed, and ready to start ASAP, we’d love to hear from you. Send a resume and cover letter to: ryan@mysteriousbookshop.com In your cover letter, tell us what you read and why you belong at The Mysterious Bookshop. And please share with any serious candidates you know!

We’re seeking a mysterious new bookseller to join our team! Details in the alt text…

18.02.2026 19:28 πŸ‘ 74 πŸ” 14 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 2
Preview
Romancing the Gothic 2026 Online Conference CFP More Terrors than her Reason Could Justify A 200th Anniversary Celebration of Ann Radcliffe’s Posthumous Publications 22nd/23rd August 2026 2026 marks the 200th anniversary of the publication of An…

This year's Romancing the Gothic Online Conference is taking place on the 22nd/23rd August.

We're celebrating the publication of Radcliffe's posthumous works with a conference dedicated to women and people of marginalised genders in horror and the Gothic

romancingthegothic.com/2025/10/15/r...

15.02.2026 22:50 πŸ‘ 19 πŸ” 16 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
Buy tickets – Goths for Breakfast: A Charity Teach-a-thon – Zoom Goths for Breakfast: A Charity Teach-a-thon – Zoom, Sat 28 Feb 2026 - Romancing the Gothic is running an online charity event to support Magic Breakfast, which provides school breakfasts for children ...

It's that time of year again!!! πŸ₯³

It's Goths for Breakfast time! This year, it's running on 28th February 9am - 10pm GMT. Online. Pop in and out as much as you like!

It's a charity teach-a-thon, raising money for Magic breakfast to feed hungry kids.

Get tickets - buytickets.at/romancingthe...

11.02.2026 23:34 πŸ‘ 52 πŸ” 44 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 21

Okay, this sounds delicious. Someone please go have one of these in my honor.

I’m so sad I will be out of town! 😭

10.02.2026 23:52 πŸ‘ 4 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Review of The Villa, Once Belovedβ€”Filipino Gothic - The Gothic Library β€œThe villa, once beloved, was better left behind in all its tragedies.” You can try to escape a family curse, but in the end the sins of your past will always find you. A young woman named Sophie beco...

New blog post!

Check out my review of @victormanibo.com’s new Filipino Gothic, THE VILLA, ONCE BELOVED:

www.thegothiclibrary.com/review-of-th...

πŸ’™πŸ“š πŸ˜±πŸ“š

09.02.2026 16:29 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

TOMORROW, NYC Book People! Don't miss this super-cool premiere event! Can't wait to see folks, sign books and tell you ghost stories! πŸ–€πŸ‘»

06.02.2026 16:29 πŸ‘ 7 πŸ” 5 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (1938). Also Jamaica Inn (1936).

So much Golden Age mystery: The Three Coffins (aka The Hollow Man) by John Dickson Carr. Miss Pinkerton by Mary Roberts Rinehart. Most of the Ellery Queen books.

03.02.2026 02:48 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

I'm planning the annual charity teach-athon for Romancing the Gothic.

GOTHS FOR BREAKFAST is a full day of classes and workshops (more or less related to the Gothic) raising money for @magicbreakfastuk.bsky.social to feed hungry kids!

Looking for volunteer speakers! Get in touch!

30.01.2026 10:56 πŸ‘ 49 πŸ” 39 πŸ’¬ 4 πŸ“Œ 5

Mutual Aid by Dean Spade is free on Libro for the next week (until 2/2).Β 

We know that books can't fix everything, but they can help us show up for and strengthen our communities. Our employee book club read this last year, leading to a great discussion. We hope that it helps others do the same πŸ’— ⏬

26.01.2026 17:04 πŸ‘ 257 πŸ” 202 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 16
Preview
Review of The Buffalo Hunter Hunterβ€”Vampires in the Wild West - The Gothic Library β€œWhat I am is the Indian who can’t die. I’m the worst dream America ever had.” Much blood was spilled forming the American West into what it is today, so perhaps it should be no surprise this setting ...

New blog post! Check out my review of THE BUFFALO HUNTER HUNTER by @sgj.bsky.social, which I can already tell is going to be one of my favorite reads of the year:

www.thegothiclibrary.com/review-of-th...

πŸ’™πŸ“š πŸ˜±πŸ“š

26.01.2026 16:14 πŸ‘ 19 πŸ” 4 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

THE VILLA ONCE BELOVED by Victor Manibo.
I appreciate reading about people being trapped inside by a tropical storm, instead.

25.01.2026 19:31 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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This is International Gothic Reading Month! This January and every January to come, we are reading Gothic literature. Visit the International Gothic Reading Month (IGRM) website for more details on how to participate. americangothicsociety.com/internationa... #Booksy #Readersky #Gothicfans #Gothic

03.01.2026 18:58 πŸ‘ 6 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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Books I'm Excited for in 2026 - The Gothic Library The new year is already well under way, but there’s still plenty of time to add to your 2026 TBR! As I like to do every year, I have combed through book announcements and publishers’ lists to bring yo...

New blog post! Check out my list of books I’m excited for coming out in 2026, with a bit of everything ranging from pure horror to fantasy to cozy sci-fi, with some dashes of mystery and romance:

www.thegothiclibrary.com/books-im-exc...

πŸ’™πŸ“š πŸ˜±πŸ“š

12.01.2026 16:01 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Happy birthday πŸŽ‰πŸ¦‡

06.01.2026 15:20 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Buy tickets – Course: Radcliffe at 200 (7 classes, class held monthly) – Zoom Course: Radcliffe at 200 (7 classes, class held monthly) – Zoom, Thu 26 Feb 2026 - This year, we're celebrating 200 years since the publication of Ann Radcliffe's final (posthumous) works. This intera...

This year, I'm running a lot of courses through other organisations, but I'm also running one myself!

A deep dive into the work of Ann Radcliffe. Come and explore the works of the Gothic Enchantress with me and go beyond the stereotypes!

buytickets.at/romancingthe...

05.01.2026 23:40 πŸ‘ 30 πŸ” 18 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 6

peek = 🫣

peak = πŸ—»

pique = πŸ‘€

05.01.2026 20:35 πŸ‘ 1643 πŸ” 447 πŸ’¬ 31 πŸ“Œ 37

Is there an official pub date yet? Or just β€œfall”?

02.01.2026 05:22 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

How do you track your short stories? I want to start tracking mine this year.

02.01.2026 04:01 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

This was my first Rachel Harrison! Definitely going to pick up more of her books.

31.12.2025 19:47 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0

Check out the books I worked on this year!

30.12.2025 19:13 πŸ‘ 26 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 0
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My 2025 Reading Recap - The Gothic Library It’s been a weird year, both in my reading life and in the world beyond. I felt pulled in too many directions at once, and wound up feeling less productive than usualβ€”both in terms of how many books I...

New blog post!
Check out my recap of my reading for 2025.
It’s been a weird year, but there were some great reads along the way…

www.thegothiclibrary.com/my-2025-read...

29.12.2025 15:51 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Romancing the Gothic organises free talks every Saturday all through the year!

Our talks are open to all, happen at two different times (usually) so people can join us from different time zones, and are free (though donations welcome to support the programme)

This year's programme below!

15.12.2025 18:16 πŸ‘ 100 πŸ” 60 πŸ’¬ 3 πŸ“Œ 5

That fluffy mane!

15.12.2025 16:25 πŸ‘ 1 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0