Picture a Chicago-born storyteller who turned grief into a chilling cosmic horror tale—meet Gus Moreno! With his debut novel This Thing Between Us, Moreno burst onto the literary scene, weaving Mexican American folklore with technology’s eerie intimacy. His raw, haunting narratives have captivated horror fans, making him a fresh voice in the genre.
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Chicago, Moreno’s roots pulse through his work, grounding his supernatural stories in real-world grit. His unique blend of emotional depth and spine-tingling horror has earned rave reviews, with critics hailing his debut as a must-read for anyone who loves a good scare with heart.
The Making of Gus Moreno
Gus Moreno grew up in Chicago, where his Mexican American heritage shaped his worldview. His father, Gustavo, hailed from Mexico, while his mother, Esther, was a Chicago native. A pivotal moment came at 14 when Moreno read Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha, sparking a passion for writing. Initially dreaming of filmmaking, he pivoted to storytelling, honing his craft at Northern Illinois University. Moreno balanced a day job with writing, a nod to his blue-collar roots, ensuring stability while pursuing his art.
Personal loss profoundly influenced Moreno’s work. The death of his sister-in-law Carol in 2017 left him grappling with grief, which he channeled into his writing. Horror, he found, offered a unique lens to explore raw emotions, validating feelings society often urges us to move past. This authenticity became the cornerstone of his storytelling.
Gus Moreno’s Unforgettable Stories
Moreno’s debut, This Thing Between Us (2021), is a masterclass in cosmic horror. The novel follows Thiago Alvarez, a Mexican American man reeling from his wife Vera’s tragic death. Strange phenomena—cold spots, scratching walls, and a sinister smart speaker named Itza—plague their Chicago condo. When Thiago flees to a Colorado cabin, the evil follows, feeding on his grief. Written in second person as a letter to Vera, the story blends psychological horror with Mexican folklore, earning praise for its emotional depth and unsettling atmosphere.
Beyond his novel, Moreno has penned short stories for outlets like Aurealis, Pseudopod, and the Burnt Tongues anthology. He also authored the graphic novel When I Lay My Vengeance Upon Thee (BOOM! Studios), expanding his horror repertoire. His style is visceral yet poetic, drawing comparisons to Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft while rooting narratives in cultural identity and personal loss.
Moreno’s work stands out for its refusal to shy away from tough themes. This Thing Between Us tackles grief, gentrification, and the immigrant experience, making it a political as well as personal story. Critics like NPR’s Gabino Iglesias have lauded its empathy, noting that Moreno understands horror thrives on human connection.
Why Gus Moreno Matters
Gus Moreno is redefining horror by infusing it with Mexican American perspectives and raw emotional truth. His debut has been celebrated by NPR, the New York Public Library, and the New York Times, marking him as a rising star. By centering a Mexican American protagonist who’s just a “normal guy,” Moreno challenges stereotypes, offering readers authentic representation in a genre often dominated by familiar tropes.
His impact extends beyond the page. Moreno’s exploration of grief resonates universally, while his nod to Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood highlights the ghostly undertones of gentrification. For horror fans and newcomers alike, Moreno’s work is a thrilling invitation to confront the unknown—both supernatural and deeply human.
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
- Key Work: This Thing Between Us (2021)
- Notable Stories: Published in Aurealis, Pseudopod, and Burnt Tongues
- Favorite Books: American Psycho, Battle Royale, Under the Skin
Ready to get spooked? Snag This Thing Between Us and dive into Gus Moreno’s haunting world of horror and heart!