You will know Justin Cronin as the author of the landmark The Passage. That trilogy set the world of horror and science fiction (and all points in between) alight in the early 2000s and he’s back after eight long years, with The Ferryman. This time he’s swapping vampire plagues for something wholly more subtle … but no less terrifying. I can’t tell you what ‘cos that would ruin it for everyone, but it may shake the very building blocks of your reality.Justin and I discuss all manner of existential worries, from the nature of reality to the malign impact of ‘wellbeing’ lifestyles. We talk about Kazuo Ishiguro, Planet of the Apes and myriad other influences that flow into the wonder, horror and awe of The Ferryman. Don’t worry, we cover The Passage too… And he also explains how telling any story is just like telling a joke really, really well.Enjoy! The Ferryman was published on May 2nd by Ballantine Books and OrionOther books mentioned in this episode include:The Earth Abides (1948), by George StewartLonesome Dove (1985), by Larry McMurtryNever Let Me Go (2005), by Kazuo IshiguroThe Remains of the Day (1989), by Kazuo IshiguroNetherland (2008), by Joseph O’NeillPlanet of the Apes (1963), by Pierre BoulleShotgun Lovesongs (2013), by Nickolas ButlerSupport Talking Scared on PatreonCome talk books on Twitter @talkscaredpod, on Instagram, or email direct to talkingscaredpod@gmail.com Support the show