Picture a Basque-American storyteller who turned childhood nightmares into spine-chilling mysteries—meet Caryn Larrinaga! This internationally best-selling author weaves paranormal mysteries and horror tales that grip readers with ghostly intrigue and relatable characters. From her award-winning debut, Donn’s Hill, to the eerie Hide and Seek, Larrinaga’s stories blend the supernatural with cozy charm, proving fears can fuel unforgettable fiction.
Larrinaga’s journey from corporate disillusionment to literary success is as captivating as her novels. Her unique ability to transform personal anxieties—like the creaks of her 90-year-old Utah home—into compelling narratives has earned her accolades and a devoted following. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this paranormal mystery maven.
The Making of Caryn Larrinaga
Born with Basque and Irish roots, Caryn Larrinaga grew up in a book-filled home near Salt Lake City, Utah, where her love for mysteries took root. As a child, she devoured Lilian Jackson Braun’s The Cat Who series, dreaming of crafting her own cozy mysteries. Horror movies terrified her, yet those nightmares sparked her creative fire. After earning an anthropology degree, Larrinaga climbed the corporate ladder, only to find it unfulfilling. In 2015, she took a leap, quitting her job to pursue writing full-time, supported by her husband and their savings. This bold move birthed her debut novel and a thriving career.
Caryn Larrinaga’s Unforgettable Stories
Larrinaga’s writing blends paranormal horror with cozy mystery, creating a genre-bending style that’s both thrilling and heartwarming. Her debut, Donn’s Hill (2017), introduces Mackenzie Clair, a psychic grappling with ghosts and murder in a haunted town. Topping Amazon’s psychic and cozy animal mystery charts, it won the League of Utah Writers Silver Quill and was a 2017 Dragon Award finalist. The Soul Searchers Mysteries series continued with Donn’s Shadow (2019) and Donn’s Legacy (2020), deepening Mac’s adventures with her spirited cat, Striker.
Beyond the series, Larrinaga’s Hide and Seek (2018) is a chilling short story with a Twilight Zone-esque twist, praised for its suspense and narrator Jessica McEvoy’s haunting audiobook performance. Her horror collection, Mouse Trap, explores Basque folklore and demonic bargains, showcasing her versatility. Larrinaga’s style—infused with humor, vivid settings, and personal fears—makes her stories resonate, whether she’s crafting a ghostly whodunit or a creepy folktale.
Influenced by Stephen King and Rita Mae Brown, Larrinaga balances suspense with emotional depth. Her 90-year-old home, with its creaky halls, inspires settings that feel alive, while her love for cats weaves furry companions into her narratives, delighting animal lovers. Her work also extends to tabletop RPGs, podcasts, and short films, proving her storytelling prowess across mediums.
Why Caryn Larrinaga Matters
Larrinaga’s impact lies in her ability to make the paranormal feel personal. Her stories resonate with readers who see their own fears—of the unknown, of failure—reflected in her characters. Awards like the 2021 League of Utah Writers Writer of the Year and the Cat Writers Association Muse Medallion underscore her influence in mystery and horror circles. By embracing her Basque heritage and quirky inspirations, she’s carved a niche in a crowded genre, inspiring aspiring writers to mine their unique experiences.
Her active role in the Horror Writers Association and Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America fosters community, while her newsletter offers fans free fiction and haunted tales, building a loyal readership. Larrinaga’s journey from corporate dropout to celebrated author shows that chasing passion can rewrite your story.
- Key Works: Donn’s Hill, Donn’s Shadow, Donn’s Legacy, Hide and Seek
- Awards: League of Utah Writers Silver Quill (2017), Cat Writers Association Muse Medallion (2021), Writer of the Year (2021)
- Hometown: Near Salt Lake City, Utah
- Fun Fact: Her cat Striker, inspired by a beloved pet, stars in the Soul Searchers Mysteries.
Snag Donn’s Hill and dive into Caryn Larrinaga’s spooky, cat-filled world of paranormal mysteries!