Hey, I'm Scott. Nice to meet you. I write the kind of books that make perfectly reasonable people sleep with the lights on. You're welcome.
My fiction sits at the crossroads of supernatural thriller, horror, and urban fantasy, with deep roots in cosmic horror, Lovecraftian dread, folk horror, psychological horror, and the occasional biotech nightmare. I'm fascinated by the rules of the supernatural. How they work, what happens when someone breaks them, and why humans are so spectacularly bad at leaving well enough alone. Themes of scientific arrogance, occult conspiracy, isolation, and survival run through most of what I write, though I try to make sure there's always a thread of dark humor running alongside the dread. It's always darkest just before the dawn, as they say. I'm a big believer in that. Narratively speaking.
My debut, The God Makers, is a standalone sci-fi thriller about what happens when humanity reaches for something it was never designed to touch. Part cosmic horror, part survival story, all bad decisions with very high stakes. Copperwood: Book One of The Odd World Society kicks off my supernatural thriller series. Rooted in New England folklore, occult mystery, and the deeply unsettling vibe of small towns that have been around just a little too long. I live in one of those towns, by the way. It's great for writing. Less great for sleeping.
When I'm not at the keyboard, I'm probably on a stage somewhere. I've been in over 100 productions — mostly musicals — which means I have strong opinions about character arcs, dramatic timing, and the importance of a well-placed pause. These opinions have absolutely infected my fiction and I regret nothing.
If you're a fan of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Blake Crouch, John Connolly, or Stephen Graham Jones, there's a good chance we'll get along.
Thanks for stopping by. Now go check the locks again.
I received a copy of this book for free from Book Sirens. This has no bearing on my review, that of which i leave willingly.
The fact that i am the FIRST person to leave a review on Goodreads is CRAZY. My favorite past time is reading horror and nothing is more satisfying than reading a book that leaves me so creeped out that i have to double check dark rooms and hallways. The tension and build in this book is relentless. Every chapter adds another layer to the story whilst feeding the dread. It is delicious. The wide range of characters also add another layer of authenticity to the story. We have monsters, a rebellious teenager, a courageous sheriff, a foul mouthed old lady (hilarious if i may add), the bartender that knows everything about everyone and many more. They all felt genuine and i found myself so connected to them and their story that i had a running oral commentary when things got real hairy. If you like creepy monsters, ancient magic mixed with tribal folklore, lots of guns and a cricket bat named Pacifier, all set in an old mining town, you need to read this book. Oh, and did i mention, this is going to be a series?! The cliffhanger at the end is chef's kiss. I am actually annoyed that i can't immediately start book 2. So, thanks Scott Alward for simultaneously making my day and ruining it. ;)