It's Rachel Harrison week on The Scares That Shaped Us! The author behind novels like The Return, Cackle, Such Sharp Teeth, and Black Sheep joins the show to discuss her latest novel, So Thirsty, working through different horror subgenres, and balancing planning with spontaneity when working on a book.

After chatting about Rachel's current work, we pivot to a discussion of Steven Spielberg's immortal classic Jaws, Rachel's childhood (and adulthood) fear of the water, which member of the shark-hunting trio we most identify with, and much more. What's the scariest scene in Jaws? Could we survive shark attacks? Is it all Quint's fault?

Plus, I offer my early recommendations from the movies I've screened at Fantastic Fest here in Austin.

SHOW NOTES:

- So Thirsty is available now from Berkley!

- Check out Rachel's website for updates on her upcoming appearances.

- Matthew's Recs: Terrifier 3 (in theaters Oct. 11), V/H/S/Beyond (on Shudder Oct. 4), and Heretic (in theaters November)

- Follow the show on Twitter and Facebook!

- Want to ask Matthew a question? Offer a recommendation? Something else? Email us: scaresthatshapeduspodcast@gmail.com!

Hosted by Matthew Jackson

Produced by Matthew and Lyndsay Jackson

Logo and Web Design by Lyndsay Jackson

Music by Dmytro Kuvalin