Picture a storyteller who weaves tales of undead gangsters and amphibious love stories—meet Daniel Kraus! This American author and filmmaker has carved a unique niche, blending horror, historical fiction, and fantastical elements. From collaborating with Guillermo del Toro on Oscar-winning projects to crafting novels that linger like a chilling fog, Kraus’s work captivates readers worldwide.
Born in Midland, Michigan, and raised in Fairfield, Iowa, Kraus’s imagination thrives on the eerie and the heartfelt. His stories, often dark yet deeply human, have earned him New York Times bestselling status and a loyal following. Ready to dive into his world?
The Making of Daniel Kraus
Daniel Kraus, born June 7, 1975, grew up in the small town of Fairfield, Iowa, where his love for storytelling took root. A University of Iowa graduate, he later moved to Chicago, balancing a career as an editor at Booklist with his creative pursuits. Kraus’s early fascination with horror classics like Creature from the Black Lagoon sparked ideas that would later define his career. His first novel, The Monster Variations (2009), marked him as a bold voice in young adult fiction, blending grim humor with coming-of-age themes.
Daniel Kraus’s Unforgettable Stories
Kraus’s bibliography is a treasure trove of genre-defying tales. His two-volume epic, The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch (2015–2016), follows a murdered gangster resurrected to wander a century of American history. Hailed by Entertainment Weekly as a Top 10 Book of the Year, it’s a sprawling blend of historical thriller and gothic horror. Rotters (2011), a grisly tale of grave-robbing, won the Odyssey Award and cemented Kraus’s knack for unsettling yet poignant narratives.
Collaborations with Guillermo del Toro elevated Kraus’s profile. Together, they co-authored Trollhunters (2015), which became an Emmy-winning Netflix series, and The Shape of Water (2018), a novel based on the Oscar-winning film. Kraus’s original idea—a janitor befriending a captive creature—became the heart of this romantic fantasy. His latest work, Whalefall (2023), a survival thriller about a diver trapped inside a whale, earned rave reviews and the Alex Award. Kraus’s style, marked by poetic prose and fearless exploration of human nature, makes each story unforgettable.
Why Daniel Kraus Matters
Daniel Kraus’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the monstrous and find beauty in the grotesque. His novels challenge readers to confront life’s darker corners while celebrating resilience and redemption. Collaborations with icons like del Toro and George A. Romero (The Living Dead, 2020) have brought horror to new audiences, while his solo works inspire young adult and adult readers alike. Translated into over 25 languages, Kraus’s stories resonate globally, proving that even the strangest tales can touch universal truths.
- Born: June 7, 1975, Midland, Michigan
- Key Works: The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch, The Shape of Water, Whalefall
- Awards: Two Odyssey Awards, Alex Award, Bram Stoker finalist
- Fun Fact: Kraus’s idea for The Shape of Water began as a teenage daydream on a tennis court!
Snag Whalefall or The Shape of Water and dive into Daniel Kraus’s hauntingly beautiful world!