Picture a Puerto Rican storyteller weaving tales where gritty crime meets eerie supernatural vibes—meet Gabino Iglesias! Based in Austin, Texas, this genre-defying author has carved a unique niche in horror, crime, and bizarro fiction. His novels, like The Devil Takes You Home, blend raw emotion with chilling thrills, earning him critical acclaim and a passionate following.
But Gabino’s story isn’t just about spooky tales. As a professor, literary critic, and advocate for diversity in publishing, he’s a vibrant force in the literary world, amplifying underrepresented voices while crafting narratives that linger long after the last page.
The Making of Gabino Iglesias
Born in Puerto Rico, Gabino Iglesias moved to Austin in 2008 with just $236 and a dream. His journey wasn’t easy—facing skepticism about his name’s “too many vowels” for success, he juggled odd jobs like selling life insurance and grading exams. Yet, his love for storytelling, inspired by crime noir, horror, and his cultural roots, fueled his debut bizarro novella, Gutmouth, in 2012. This marked the start of a career that would redefine genre boundaries.
His academic background in journalism at the University of Texas and a passion for diverse narratives shaped his voice. Writing during lunch breaks and late nights, Gabino channeled personal struggles—like navigating systemic racism and a broken healthcare system—into his work, creating stories that resonate with authenticity and heart.
Gabino Iglesias’s Unforgettable Stories
Gabino’s novels are a thrilling mash-up of crime, horror, and magical realism, often dubbed “barrio noir.” His 2015 breakout, Zero Saints, follows Fernando, a drug dealer battling supernatural gangbangers in Austin, blending Santeria rituals with gritty violence. Critics praised its bilingual prose and raw intensity, setting the stage for his signature style.
Coyote Songs (2018), a mosaic novel, explores lives along the U.S.-Mexico border, weaving ghosts, old gods, and human struggles into a haunting tapestry. The 2022 hit The Devil Takes You Home, a Shirley Jackson and Bram Stoker Award winner, tracks a desperate father turned hitman, diving into cartel violence and cosmic horror. His latest, House of Bone and Rain (2024), is a dark, emotional tale of Puerto Rican teens seeking vengeance, proving Gabino’s knack for blending heart with horror.
His style—poetic, bilingual, and unflinchingly real—tackles themes like racism, grief, and resilience. By merging supernatural chills with social commentary, Gabino crafts stories that are as thought-provoking as they are spine-chilling.
Why Gabino Iglesias Matters
Gabino Iglesias is more than a writer; he’s a trailblazer. As a Latino author, he’s broken barriers in horror and crime fiction, winning the 2023 Bram Stoker Award as the first Latino to do so. His advocacy for diversity in publishing, through mentorship with groups like the San Francisco Creative Writing Institute, empowers new voices. As the New York Times Book Review’s horror columnist, he shapes how we see the genre.
His work, translated into five languages and optioned for film, resonates globally, offering a fresh perspective on the American experience. Gabino’s ability to blend cultures, genres, and emotions makes him a vital voice in modern literature, inspiring readers to confront tough truths through thrilling tales.
- Born: Puerto Rico
- Key Works: Zero Saints, Coyote Songs, The Devil Takes You Home, House of Bone and Rain
- Awards: Shirley Jackson Award, Bram Stoker Award, Wonderland Book Award (2019)
- Fun Fact: He’s judged awards like the Shirley Jackson and Splatterpunk Awards!
Snag The Devil Takes You Home and dive into Gabino Iglesias’s thrilling barrio noir world! His stories will grip your heart and haunt your dreams—perfect for fans of gritty, genre-bending fiction.