Picture a Haitian American storyteller who weaves suspense with social commentary, crafting tales that linger long after the last page—meet Erin E. Adams! A first-generation talent from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Adams has taken the literary world by storm with her debut novel, Jackal, a chilling thriller that’s as thought-provoking as it is gripping. With roots in theater and a passion for amplifying marginalized voices, she’s a rising star in contemporary fiction.
The Making of Erin E. Adams
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on October 14, Erin E. Adams grew up in the small, predominantly white town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Her Haitian heritage and experiences in a Rust Belt community shaped her unique perspective, fueling her drive to tell stories that challenge the status quo. Adams earned a BA with honors in literary arts from Brown University, followed by MFAs in acting from The Old Globe and University of San Diego and in dramatic writing from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. An award-winning playwright and classically trained actor, she honed her craft in New York City, where she’s lived for over a decade.
Erin E. Adams’s Unforgettable Stories
Adams’s writing is a vibrant blend of horror, thriller, and social critique, often exploring themes of race, identity, and invisibility. Her debut novel, Jackal (2022), is a haunting tale set in her hometown of Johnstown. It follows Liz Rocher, a Black woman who uncovers a sinister pattern of missing Black girls in the woods, weaving real-world tensions with supernatural dread. Critics, including Publishers Weekly, hailed it as one of the year’s best books. Her second novel, One of You, delves deeper into psychological suspense, while her contribution to the anthology Out There Screaming showcases her versatility in horror. Adams’s plays, like the award-winning A Creation Myth, reflect her love for myth and fantasy, often centering characters who defy societal narratives.
What sets Adams apart is her ability to merge genre thrills with sharp cultural insights. She plots mysteries backward, revealing clues strategically to keep readers hooked, a technique she developed by dissecting her favorite thrillers. Her stories amplify those “made to feel invisible,” challenging the “American Canon” with narratives that are both entertaining and revolutionary.
Why Erin E. Adams Matters
Erin E. Adams is more than a writer—she’s a cultural force. Her work gives voice to Black women and other marginalized groups, tackling systemic issues through the lens of genre fiction. Jackal’s critical acclaim and selection as a Phenomenal Book Club Pick highlight her growing influence. By blending horror with social commentary, Adams invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths while keeping them on the edge of their seats. Her theater background infuses her prose with vivid, performative energy, making her stories resonate across mediums.
- Born: October 14, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Key Works: Jackal (2022), One of You, Out There Screaming (anthology)
- Awards: Weston Award for Dramatic Writing, New Light New Voices Award
Snag Jackal and dive into Erin E. Adams’s thrilling, thought-provoking world of suspense!