The Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start
Because E. M. Carroll's (previously credited as Emily Carroll) books are standalone works rather than parts of a chronological series, you can start almost anywhere without spoiling a narrative. However, the best way to experience Carroll's mastery of atmosphere and psychological dread is to follow this curated path:
- Start with the Masterpiece: Begin with Through the Woods (2014). This award-winning collection of short stories is the perfect introduction to Carroll's signature style. It blends traditional folklore tropes with terrifying twists and showcases their incredible use of color and pacing.
- Dive into Webcomics: Next, head to Carroll's official website to read His Face All Red (2010) and Margot's Room (2011). These digital works use scrolling and interactive page elements in ways that print simply cannot replicate.
- Graduate to Long-Form Print: Once you've tasted their short stories, read their longer standalone graphic novels: When I Arrived at the Castle (2019) for baroque, gothic terror, and A Guest in the House (2023) for a slow-burn psychological mystery.
- Explore Collaborations: Finish your journey with Carroll's illustrated adaptations, such as the graphic novel version of Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak (2018) or Marika McCoola's folklore-infused Baba Yaga's Assistant (2015).
Emily Carroll's Major Graphic Novels & Collections
Carroll's core bibliography consists of stunning standalone volumes that range from short-story collections to long-form graphic novels. Here is a breakdown of their primary print works in order of publication:
Through the Woods (2014)
This is the book that cemented Carroll as a modern horror icon, winning Eisner, Ignatz, and British Fantasy Awards. It contains five bone-chilling tales, plus an introduction and conclusion: "Our Neighbor's House," "A Lady's Hands Are Cold," "His Face All Red" (originally a viral webcomic), "My Friend Janna," and "The Nesting Place." The stories deal with isolation, family betrayal, and monstrous elements hiding in plain sight in the wilderness.
When I Arrived at the Castle (2019)
Published by Koyama Press, this is a decadent, gothic horror novella. It follows a young, feline-like protagonist who travels to a luxurious, blood-soaked castle to kill the monstrous Countess who rules it. It is a highly atmospheric, sensual, and dark fairy tale that explores power, lust, and trauma with a striking red, black, and white color palette.
A Guest in the House (2023)
Carroll's first full-length graphic novel written specifically for adults, published by First Second. It tells the story of Abby, a gentle newlywed who marries a dentist and moves to a remote home. Abby becomes increasingly obsessed with the memory of her husband's deceased first wife, leading to a surreal and terrifying blurring of reality. The book features a mix of stark pencil drawings and vibrant color sequences that reflect Abby's inner life.
Webcomics: The Interactive Digital Experience
Before publishing physical books, Carroll built an audience online. Reading these works in their original digital format is highly recommended, as Carroll plays with the "infinite canvas" layout to build tension as you scroll. You can find them on Carroll's official website:
- His Face All Red (2010): A story of a man who kills his brother, only for the brother to reappear in town days later, seemingly normal.
- Margot's Room (2011): An interactive horror story where you click on various items in a girl's bedroom to unlock five distinct, tragic chapters of her life.
- The Hole the Fox Did Make (2014): A stark, haunting story told in small horizontal strip formats that build a feeling of deep confinement.
- The Groom (2014): A tale about two children who find a strange, interactive wedding topper model that displays unsettling properties.
Co-Authored & Illustrated Projects
Carroll has also collaborated with other creators to bring their distinct visual style to different narratives:
- Baba Yaga's Assistant (2015): Written by Marika McCoola and illustrated by Carroll. This middle-grade graphic novel follows a girl named Masha who ventures into the woods to work for the legendary Slavic witch Baba Yaga. It is a whimsical but creepy adaptation of classic folklore.
- Speak: The Graphic Novel (2018): Carroll adapted and illustrated Laurie Halse Anderson's classic young adult novel about a selective mute high schooler dealing with trauma. Carroll's expressive illustrations beautifully capture the emotional depth of the protagonist's journey.
Sorting Through Database Confusion: Creepy Comics & Explorer
If you search for Emily Carroll on database registries, you will often see listings for the entire runs of anthology series. This can easily confuse readers into thinking Carroll has written dozen-book series. Here is the reality behind these listings:
- The Explorer Series: This is a kids' graphic novel anthology series edited by Kazu Kibuishi. While catalogs list all three books—The Mystery Boxes (2012), The Lost Islands (2013), and The Hidden Doors (2014)—Carroll only contributed one short story, titled "Under the Floorboards," to the first book, The Mystery Boxes. You do not need to buy or read the other two volumes for their work.
- Creepy Comics: You might see a massive list of 24 issues of Dark Horse's Creepy Comics linked to Carroll's name. In reality, Carroll only contributed a short story to a single issue (specifically, Creepy #9), which was later collected in the compilation book Creepy Comics Volume 2: At Death's Door. You do not need to hunt down the entire run of the series.
What to Know Before You Start
Carroll's horror is heavily psychological and relies on ambiguity. Unlike traditional mystery novels, their stories rarely end with a neat explanation or a comforting resolution. Instead, the endings are open-ended, designed to leave you with a lingering sense of unease. Expect striking contrasts in art—such as pitch-black backgrounds punctuated by shocking splashes of crimson—and themes that deal with the monsters hidden inside ordinary human relationships.