Picture a New York storyteller who spins chilling tales of cults and twisted family ties—meet Anne Heltzel! Best known for her 2022 horror novel Just Like Mother, this American author has carved a unique niche in modern gothic fiction. With a knack for blending psychological thrills with sharp feminist commentary, Heltzel’s work grips readers from the first page.
Born in Ohio, Heltzel’s journey to literary stardom is as fascinating as her stories. From her global adventures in Paris and India to her editorial desk at Abrams Books, she brings a worldly perspective to her haunting narratives. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting impact of this horror maestro!
The Making of Anne Heltzel
Anne Heltzel was born in Warren, Ohio, and her Midwestern roots laid the foundation for her storytelling grit. She graduated from the University of Notre Dame before earning an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School in New York City in 2008. Moving to the Big Apple in 2006, she dove into the publishing world, starting at a literary agency before joining Penguin Group USA as an editor. Her time in Paris and India added vibrant layers to her perspective, inspiring the exotic settings in her young adult thriller Charlie, Presumed Dead. Today, she lives between Brooklyn and the Hudson Valley with her partner—a fellow horror writer—and their energetic cattle dog.
Anne Heltzel’s Unforgettable Stories
Heltzel’s bibliography is a treasure trove of horror, young adult fiction, and ghostwritten works under pseudonyms. Her adult debut, Just Like Mother (2022), is a modern gothic masterpiece. It follows Maeve, a cult escapee, as she reconnects with her cousin Andrea in a creepy Catskills estate, unraveling dark secrets about motherhood and identity. Critics hailed it as “lyrical and grotesque,” blending visceral dread with feminist critique.
Her earlier young adult novels, written under her name and the pseudonym Anna Collomore, include Circle Nine (2011), a surreal tale of a girl trapped in a cave with a mysterious boy, and The Ruining (2013), a psychological thriller about a nanny’s unraveling life. Charlie, Presumed Dead (2015) takes readers on a global chase as two teens uncover their boyfriend’s double life. Heltzel’s style—marked by dark humor, vivid prose, and relatable fears like aging or betrayal—makes her stories both unsettling and deeply human.
As an editorial director at Abrams Books, Heltzel shapes children’s publishing while penning her own tales. Her ability to juggle editing and writing showcases her passion for storytelling, whether it’s a creepy novel or a ghostwritten children’s book.
Why Anne Heltzel Matters
Anne Heltzel’s impact lies in her fearless exploration of societal pressures, especially around motherhood and feminism. Just Like Mother has been celebrated for its nod to classics like Rosemary’s Baby while offering a fresh, feminist lens. Her work resonates with readers who crave horror that’s as thought-provoking as it is spine-chilling. By amplifying marginalized voices in her editorial role, she’s also shaping the next generation of storytellers.
Heltzel’s global experiences and publishing savvy make her a unique voice in horror and young adult fiction. Her stories linger, inviting readers to confront their fears and question the world around them.
- Born: Warren, Ohio
- Key Works: Just Like Mother, Circle Nine, Charlie, Presumed Dead, The Ruining
- Notable Role: Editorial Director at Abrams Books
- Fun Fact: She’s working on a new horror novel about the fear of aging!
Snag Just Like Mother and dive into Anne Heltzel’s thrilling world of horror and heart!