The X-Files: Charles Grant's Whirlwind (1995)

In this episode, Mal will be going back to the '90s to revisit one of her first real TV addictions ('The X-Files') with 'Whirlwind' by Charles Grant. In this episode, there will be a distinction made between fans and real 'X-Philes', and a related discussion on whether the TV show itself was contradictory putting the TV show and fans at odds with each other. The episode will address the questions this throws up, such as - What does a tie-in writer do if the TV show is contradictory? How does a writer deal with a 'will they/won't they' couple? What's the big theme in the TV show and is it echoed in this novel? In addition, there'll be a quick definition of 'Quiet Horror' and whether The X-Files and their tie-ins are a perfect fit for that genre.

Content Warning: There is one extract which is a little gross when Mulder and Scully are looking at photos of mutilated cattle and a little swearing (unconnected!)

Email: outoforderbookclub@outlook.com

Useful links and interesting sources:

M.J. Clarke - The Strict Maze of Media Tie-In Novels (2009)

Matt Hills -Torchwood's trans-transmedia: Media tie-ins and brand 'fanagement' (2012)

Paula Cappa and Quiet Horror (2016): This provided a useful definition of quiet horror and background into how Charles Grant was a champion of it..

Ryan Coogler update on his X-Files reboot (Collider, 2026)

Neil Snowdon - Dancing with Shadows: The Charles L. Grant Blogathon (2016): One of the key sites I discovered that showed me the impact of Grant on other authors

Mikel J. Koven's chapter on The X-Files (2010)

Douglas Kellner's The X-Files and the Aesthetics and Politics of Postmodern Pop (1999)

Christine A. Wooley's Visible Fandom: Reading The X-Files through X-Philes (2002)