Picture a globe-trotting storyteller who turned a life of adventure and personal trials into spine-chilling young adult horror—meet Dawn Kurtagich! This award-winning author has carved a niche in YA fiction with her psychologically intense, gothic tales that grip readers like a midnight storm. From her debut novel, The Dead House, to her haunting adult thriller, The Madness, Kurtagich’s work is a masterclass in creepy, innovative storytelling.
Born in South Africa and now calling Wales home, Kurtagich’s unique background and fearless exploration of dark themes have made her a standout voice in horror literature. Ready to dive into her eerie world? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this captivating writer.
The Making of Dawn Kurtagich
Dawn Kurtagich’s life reads like a novel itself. Born on November 4, 1986, to a single British mother with a passion for globe-trotting and missionary work, she grew up across two continents, attending 15 schools by age 18, mostly in South Africa. Her childhood was filled with wild experiences—think elephant stampedes, baboons stealing underwear, and close encounters with giraffe tongues! These adventures, paired with a liver transplant in 2011, shaped her vivid imagination and knack for weaving trauma into horror. While recovering, she drew on her health struggles and a friend’s experience with Dissociative Identity Disorder to pen her debut, The Dead House, launching her career in 2015.
Dawn Kurtagich’s Unforgettable Stories
Kurtagich’s novels are gothic, spooky, and often formatted in innovative ways, blending diary entries, video transcripts, and psychiatric reports to create immersive narratives. Her debut, The Dead House (2015), follows Carly and Kaitlyn, two personalities in one body, unraveling a dark mystery at Elmbridge High. Praised by R.L. Stine as “evil and original,” it earned a YALSA Top 10 Pick and an Audie Award nomination. And the Trees Crept In (2016) is a chilling tale of sisters trapped in a cursed manor, with trees that seem to have a mind of their own—readers called it a “literary genius” for its psychological depth.
Teeth in the Mist (2019) is a gothic horror epic spanning centuries, inspired by Faustian deals and Snowdonia’s jagged landscapes, complete with menacing goats and witches. Her adult debut, The Madness (2024), reimagines Dracula with a feminist spin, following psychiatrist Mina Murray in a Welsh village plagued by secrets. Kurtagich’s style—dark, atmospheric, and emotionally raw—pushes YA boundaries, often feeling mature enough for adult readers, with themes of mental health, trauma, and the supernatural.
Why Dawn Kurtagich Matters
Dawn Kurtagich has redefined YA horror by blending psychological depth with supernatural chills, earning a loyal following and critical acclaim. Her innovative storytelling, like using multimedia formats, sets her apart, while her exploration of mental health and identity resonates with teens and adults alike. Books like The Dead House have been optioned for TV, signaling her growing influence. As she transitions to adult fiction with works like The Madness and the upcoming Devil’s Thorn (2025), Kurtagich continues to push boundaries, proving horror can be both terrifying and profoundly human.
- Birth Date: November 4, 1986
- Key Works: The Dead House, And the Trees Crept In, Teeth in the Mist, The Madness
- Awards: YALSA Top 10 Pick, Audie Award Nominee, Earphone Award Winner
Snag The Dead House and dive into Dawn Kurtagich’s haunting world of YA horror—perfect for a spooky night in!