Picture a Texas cop turned storyteller who spun zombie apocalypses and chilling crime tales with gritty realism—meet Joe McKinney! A San Antonio native, McKinney blended his badge-wearing, 911-dispatching life with a knack for horror, crime, and science fiction, earning two Bram Stoker Awards and a cult following. His stories pulse with the chaos of law enforcement and the eerie allure of the unknown, making him a standout in genre fiction.
The Making of Joe McKinney
Born on September 22, 1968, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Joe McKinney called San Antonio home for most of his life. A lifelong Texan at heart, he played college baseball at Trinity University, earning a Bachelor’s in American History, and later snagged a Master’s in English Literature from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Before writing, he managed a Barnes & Noble, feeding his book obsession. His real-world grit came from years as a San Antonio Police Department sergeant, working as a homicide detective, disaster mitigation specialist, and 911 dispatch supervisor. These experiences shaped his authentic, procedural-heavy storytelling.
Joe McKinney’s Unforgettable Stories
McKinney’s bibliography is a thrilling mix of horror, crime, and sci-fi, with over 20 books to his name. His Dead World series kicked off with Dead City (2006), a seminal zombie novel following a San Antonio cop battling the undead. Its sequel, Flesh Eaters (2011), nabbed a Bram Stoker Award for its harrowing tale of survival in a flooded, zombie-infested Houston. Quarantined (2009), a virus thriller, blends medical horror with police procedure, earning a Stoker nomination. For younger readers, Dog Days (2013), a coming-of-age werewolf tale set in 1980s Texas, won another Stoker. McKinney’s style? Think fast-paced, grounded narratives with a Texas-sized dose of dread, drawing from his cop days to nail the details of chaos and courage.
His short stories, collected in works like The Red Empire and Other Stories (2012), showcase his range, from emotional gut-punches like “Bury My Heart at Marvin Gardens” to satirical zombie tales. McKinney also co-edited anthologies like Dead Set, cementing his influence in horror circles. His love for South Texas history and unsolved mysteries often seeped into his work, giving it a regional flavor that resonates with fans.
Why Joe McKinney Matters
Joe McKinney didn’t just write horror—he redefined it. His Dead World series helped spark the modern zombie craze, blending visceral action with human drama. His law enforcement background lent unmatched authenticity, especially in depicting the stress and camaraderie of first responders. As a Horror Writers Association officer and convention regular, he mentored aspiring writers, leaving a legacy of kindness and craft. When he passed away on July 13, 2021, at age 52, fans and peers mourned a unique voice who made Texas a scarier, richer place in fiction.
About Joe McKinney
- Born: September 22, 1968, Cambridge, MA
- Died: July 13, 2021, San Antonio, TX
- Key Works: Dead City, Flesh Eaters, Quarantined, Dog Days
- Awards: Two Bram Stoker Awards (2011, 2013)
- Career: San Antonio Police Department sergeant, horror author
Snag Dead City and dive into Joe McKinney’s pulse-pounding world of zombies and Texas grit!