11/07/2026 - Feminist Horror with Lauren Lee Smith

We are thrilled to celebrate the release of The Night Pool by Lauren Lee Smith with an evening of feminist horror! Lauren will be in conversation with Linda Hamilton, author of The Fourth Wife. Join us for a discussion of women's history and feminist narrative seen through a horror lens. Read more about these authors and their books below!

The Night Pool, by Lauren Lee Smith, is "a fever dream of gold and blood, where the land itself remembers what was taken. Here, women confront the brutality of the frontier and the haunting darkness that stalks the ravaged banks of Gold Rush–era Coloma. Lauren Lee Smith writes with a visceral beauty that braids history and horror into powerful prose that is as lyrical as it is merciless."

Read more about The Night Pool.

The Fourth Wife, by Linda Hamilton, is "a deliciously chilling, darkly romantic, historical gothic horror with a feminist slant, as a young Mormon woman is haunted by a malevolent presence in the decrepit Salt Lake City mansion she shares with her new husband and his other wives…"

Read more about The Fourth Wife.

This event will include time for signing and audience Q&A. Purchase of one (1) book from either of the wonderful authors participating is required to attend – make sure you add the books to your cart from this page to be signed up to attend the event*

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 6:00pm
Where: Black Cat Fables (415 S. Myrtle Avenue, Suite B, Monrovia, CA 91016)

About Author Lauren Lee Smith:  Lauren Lee Smith was born and raised in rural Northern California Gold Country on Nisenan land, surrounded by remnants of forgotten history like pioneer cemeteries, abandoned gold mines, indigenous grinding rocks, and, of course, the powerful river and its many tributaries.

As a mother, mental health advocate, and history lover, her work often explores maternal mental health, trauma, male brutality, and the historical intersections of diverse cultures through the lens of feminist horror.

She now lives by the sea in Southern California with her family and a herd of dogs and cats. She enjoys trying to grow old-fashioned roses in the balmy climate and writing novels and screenplays that confront the darker, more taboo elements of the feminine experience. The Night Pool is the first of many novels to come.

About Author Linda Hamilton: Linda Hamilton is an author and historian who is currently completing her Master’s in history at Sam Houston State University with thesis on Mormon women in polygamy.

The Fourth Wife is rooted in the real lives of women from her own family history and religious heritage. She lives with her family in Southern California and can be found online at Readlindahamilton.com or @lindahamiltonwriter on social media.

*a purchase of The Night Pool supports indie authors like Lauren and Black Cat Fables so that we can continue doing cool things for our community! Thanks, kittens 🖤