Picture a Massachusetts storyteller who redefined horror with gut-punching tales of survival and identity—meet Gretchen Felker-Martin! A trans horror author and film critic, she crafts stories that blend visceral body horror, queer themes, and post-apocalyptic grit. Her breakout novel, Manhunt, shocked and captivated readers, earning praise as a modern horror masterpiece.
With a fearless approach to taboo subjects, Felker-Martin’s work dives into the messy, human side of fear and desire. Whether she’s dissecting gender dynamics or exploring the apocalypse, her stories leave you rattled—and craving more. Let’s explore the life and legacy of this bold voice in horror.
The Making of Gretchen Felker-Martin
Gretchen Felker-Martin grew up in the woods of rural New Hampshire, where her imagination was shaped by a mix of nature, nightmares, and early exposure to horror like Clive Barker’s films. Moving to Worcester, Massachusetts, in 2007, she began honing her craft as a film critic for outlets like Polygon and Time. Her love for horror and sharp cultural insights soon spilled into fiction, with self-published novellas marking her early steps as an author.
Influenced by literary giants like Octavia Butler and Stephen King, Felker-Martin found her voice in stories that didn’t shy away from the grotesque or the personal. Her queerness and trans identity became central to her work, challenging the genre’s norms and giving voice to marginalized experiences.
Gretchen Felker-Martin’s Unforgettable Stories
Felker-Martin’s debut novel, Manhunt (2022), is a post-apocalyptic horror epic that follows trans women and men navigating a world where a virus turns cis men into feral monsters. Praised by Roxane Gay as one of the '25 Most Influential Works of Postwar Queer Literature,' it’s a raw, gory tale of survival, trans resilience, and messy relationships. Vulture named it the #1 Best Book of 2022 for its unflinching vision.
Her follow-up, Cuckoo (2024), delves deeper into psychological horror, hitting the USA Today bestseller list with its chilling exploration of identity and trauma. Felker-Martin also penned Ego Homini Lupus, a gritty novella, and Dreadnought, a lesser-known but equally intense work blending sci-fi and horror. Her style—described as 'filthcore' by The Anomaly Journal—mixes graphic violence, tender humanity, and Cronenbergian body horror, making every page a visceral experience.
What sets Felker-Martin apart is her refusal to sanitize. Her characters are flawed, her worlds are brutal, and her themes tackle transphobia, societal collapse, and the body’s mutability with unapologetic honesty. Readers either recoil or fall in love—often both.
Why Gretchen Felker-Martin Matters
Felker-Martin’s impact lies in her fearless representation of trans and queer experiences in horror, a genre often dominated by cishet perspectives. Manhunt broke ground as one of the first mainstream horror novels by a trans woman, earning accolades from NPR, The New Yorker, and Carmen Maria Machado. Her work challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about gender, power, and survival, while celebrating the resilience of marginalized communities.
Beyond her novels, Felker-Martin’s film criticism and Patreon essays amplify her voice, sparking conversations about horror’s role in exploring identity. She’s a trailblazer for trans authors, proving that raw, unfiltered stories can resonate widely and redefine a genre.
- Born: Raised in New Hampshire, now based in Massachusetts
- Key Works: Manhunt, Cuckoo, Ego Homini Lupus, Dreadnought
- Notable Recognition: #1 Best Book of 2022 (Vulture), USA Today bestseller for Cuckoo
Ready to dive into a world of guts, grit, and heart? Grab Manhunt and experience Gretchen Felker-Martin’s fearless horror for yourself!