Picture a Swedish storyteller who conjured a chilling mystery in a deserted mining town—meet Camilla Sten! This rising star in horror and young adult fiction has gripped readers worldwide with her bestselling novel The Lost Village and her environmentally conscious YA series Havsfolket. With a knack for blending eerie atmospheres, historical intrigue, and modern thrills, Camilla is carving her own path in the literary world, guided by her mother, renowned crime author Viveca Sten.
Born and raised in Sweden, Camilla’s stories pulse with Scandinavian noir’s haunting vibes, yet her global appeal—The Lost Village sold in 19 countries—proves her talent transcends borders. Ready to dive into her world of ghostly villages and oceanic adventures? Let’s explore Camilla Sten’s journey!
The Making of Camilla Sten
Camilla Sten grew up surrounded by stories, with ink practically running through her veins. As the daughter of Viveca Sten, a celebrated Swedish crime novelist, Camilla was immersed in the craft of storytelling from a young age. She began writing as a child, honing her ability to weave suspenseful narratives. Her creative spark was fueled by Sweden’s stark landscapes and rich history, which later became the backbone of her atmospheric tales. After studying at Uppsala University, Camilla stepped into the literary spotlight, determined to make her mark beyond her mother’s shadow.
Her early career included collaborations with Viveca, co-writing crime novels, but Camilla’s solo ventures revealed her unique voice. By blending her love for horror, psychological suspense, and young adult fantasy, she crafted stories that resonate with readers seeking both thrills and depth. Her persistence and passion have made her a standout in modern Scandinavian literature.
Camilla Sten’s Unforgettable Stories
Camilla Sten’s bibliography is a treasure trove of chills and heart. Her breakout novel, The Lost Village (2019), is a masterful horror-thriller that follows documentary filmmaker Alice Lindstedt as she investigates the mysterious 1959 disappearance of an entire Swedish village. With its Blair Witch Project-meets-Midsommar vibe, the book’s eerie setting and dual timelines keep readers on edge. It earned accolades like NPR’s Best Mystery/Thriller and a spot on the Polish Goodreads 2019 Best Book Award shortlist.
Her YA series Havsfolket, starting with Djupgraven, dives into a fantastical world set in Stockholm’s archipelago. Protagonist Tuva navigates strange oceanic phenomena while confronting environmental issues like pollution—a nod to Camilla’s commitment to real-world themes. Though currently available only in Swedish and French, the series captivates young readers with its vivid cast and ecological heart. Camilla’s third adult novel, The Resting Place (2020), explores family secrets and prosopagnosia, earning a spot among Goodreads’ Most Popular Horror Books of 2022.
Camilla’s style is a blend of Nordic noir’s brooding intensity and cinematic horror’s pulse-pounding suspense. Her settings—abandoned villages, misty islands—feel alive, while her characters grapple with grief, mystery, and societal issues. Whether writing for adults or teens, she crafts stories that linger like a fog over a Swedish fjord.
Why Camilla Sten Matters
Camilla Sten is more than a horror author; she’s a storyteller who bridges genres and generations. Her ability to weave environmental awareness into YA fantasy, as seen in Havsfolket, inspires young readers to think critically about the planet. Meanwhile, her adult novels like The Lost Village tap into universal fears of isolation and the unknown, earning her a global fanbase. Her work has sparked discussions about mental health, societal judgment, and the power of unresolved mysteries.
As a second-generation author, Camilla’s rise highlights her determination to forge her own legacy. With film and TV rights for The Lost Village sold and her ongoing projects, she’s poised to redefine Scandinavian horror for a new era. Her stories remind us that the scariest truths often lie in the shadows of human experience.
- Birthplace: Sweden
- Key Works: The Lost Village, The Resting Place, Havsfolket series
- Awards: Longlisted for Viktor Crime Award (2022), shortlisted for Polish Goodreads Best Book (2019)
- Fun Fact: Lives with her American boyfriend and two “fluffy, evil” cats
Snag The Lost Village or dive into Havsfolket for a thrilling ride through Camilla Sten’s hauntingly beautiful world!