Picture a British storyteller who traded the courtroom for chilling tales of icy dread—meet Ally Wilkes! A former criminal barrister, Wilkes now crafts horror novels that blend supernatural terror with the stark isolation of Polar exploration. Her debut, All the White Spaces, has captivated readers with its Gothic atmosphere and psychological depth, marking her as a fresh voice in horror fiction.
With a knack for weaving historical settings and eerie themes, Wilkes draws on her unique past—haunted boarding schools, high-stakes legal battles, and an obsession with Antarctic expeditions—to create stories that linger like a cold breath on your neck. Ready to explore her world? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Ally Wilkes
Ally Wilkes grew up in a series of isolated, possibly haunted country houses and boarding schools across England, environments that sparked her love for the spooky and strange. After studying law at Oxford University, she spent eleven years as a criminal barrister in London, navigating intense courtroom dramas that taught her how extreme situations reveal the best—and worst—in people. This insight now fuels her character-driven horror. Her fascination with Polar exploration, despite her seasickness and aversion to cold, began in childhood, inspired by atlases and adventure stories. Eventually, she swapped legal briefs for ghost stories, channeling her passion for the uncanny into writing.
Ally Wilkes’s Unforgettable Stories
Wilkes’s debut novel, All the White Spaces (2022), is a Bram Stoker Award-nominated masterpiece of historical horror. Set in a post-World War I Antarctic expedition, it follows trans man Jonathan Morgan as he faces supernatural forces and societal expectations amidst the frozen wastes. Critics praise its vivid depiction of the Polar Gothic, blending survival horror with themes of grief and identity.
Her follow-up, Where the Dead Wait (2023), dives into the Arctic, exploring survival cannibalism and haunted pasts through a disgraced explorer’s quest for redemption. Wilkes’s upcoming novel, Man Eater (set for 2027), promises a twisted tale of orchids and ghosts, showcasing her knack for blending natural and supernatural dread. Her short fiction, published in outlets like Nightmare Magazine, further highlights her cosmic and weird horror style, always rooted in psychological tension and atmospheric settings.
Known for her meticulous research and immersive prose, Wilkes crafts stories that feel both timeless and modern. Her exploration of gender, trauma, and the human psyche, set against unforgiving landscapes, makes her work resonate with fans of Dan Simmons’s The Terror and Michelle Paver’s Dark Matter.
Why Ally Wilkes Matters
Ally Wilkes is redefining Polar horror by infusing it with diverse perspectives and emotional depth. Her focus on marginalized voices, like the trans protagonist in All the White Spaces, challenges the genre’s traditionally masculine tropes, earning her acclaim for sensitivity and authenticity. As Book Reviews Editor for Horrified Magazine, she also amplifies new voices in British horror, fostering a vibrant community. Her ability to blend historical accuracy with supernatural chills has made her a standout, inspiring readers to confront their fears—both real and imagined—in the stark beauty of her icy worlds.
- Key Works: All the White Spaces (2022), Where the Dead Wait (2023), Man Eater (2027)
- Awards: Nominated for 2022 Bram Stoker Award for Best First Novel
- Hobbies: Collecting Polar exploration books, aerial silks
Snag All the White Spaces and dive into Ally Wilkes’s chilling blend of Gothic horror and Polar adventure! Her stories will leave you shivering—in the best way possible.