Picture a storyteller who traded the high-stakes world of DEA intelligence for the chilling thrills of horror and crime fiction—meet Joseph Souza! Born in 1970 in Pennsylvania, this award-winning author has captivated readers with his pulse-pounding zombie apocalypse tales and gritty crime narratives. From the undead chaos of his Living Dead Series to the psychological suspense of The Neighbor, Souza’s knack for weaving suspenseful stories has earned him a loyal following and prestigious accolades like the Andre Dubus Award.
With a life as varied as his plots, Souza’s journey from a Bloomsburg upbringing to a master of the macabre is nothing short of fascinating. His unique blend of real-world experience and imaginative storytelling makes every page a gripping adventure.
The Making of Joseph Souza
Born on October 5, 1970, in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, Joseph Souza grew up with a curiosity that led him down diverse paths. After graduating from Northeastern University, he dove into the intense world of the DEA’s Organized Crime division as an intelligence analyst, working on cases that inspired films like Drug War: The Enrique Camarena Story. These high-stakes experiences shaped his understanding of human conflict, later fueling his vivid crime and horror tales. Souza began writing short stories during his DEA days, publishing in literary journals and honing a style that blended raw tension with emotional depth.
His early writing earned him the 2004 Andre Dubus Award for his short story ‘Loss Prevention,’ a testament to his ability to craft compelling narratives. This recognition spurred Souza to pursue novels, where he found his true calling in horror and suspense.
Joseph Souza’s Unforgettable Stories
Souza’s bibliography is a thrilling mix of horror and crime, with his Living Dead Series standing as a cornerstone. The trilogy—kicking off with The Reawakening (2012), followed by Darpocalypse (2013) and Darmageddon (2014)—follows Dar, a teenage zombie-slayer navigating a plague-ravaged world. Praised for its fresh take on the zombie genre, The Reawakening won the 2013 Maine Literary Award for Speculative Fiction, lauded for its blend of survival, science, and deceit. Souza’s zombies aren’t just brain-hungry; they carry cryptic messages, adding a haunting layer to the apocalypse.
Beyond zombies, Souza excels in psychological thrillers. The Neighbor (2018) explores the dark underbelly of a seemingly idyllic Maine town, while Pray for the Girl (2019) delves into cultural tensions and personal trauma, earning a 2020 Maine Literary Award finalist spot. His latest, The Anchorman’s Wife (2023), continues his knack for twisty domestic suspense. Souza’s style—gritty, character-driven, and laced with moral ambiguity—draws readers into worlds where trust is scarce and danger lurks.
His short fiction, like ‘The Devil’s Dumping Ground’ and ‘The Stone Walls of Lebanon,’ showcases his versatility, earning accolades like an Honorable Mention at the 2010 Al Blanchard Award. Whether crafting novels or stories, Souza’s work pulses with authenticity, reflecting his DEA-honed insight into human nature.
Why Joseph Souza Matters
Joseph Souza’s impact lies in his ability to elevate genre fiction with rich characters and thought-provoking themes. His zombie tales transcend gore, exploring survival and sacrifice, while his crime novels probe societal divides and personal redemption. Living near Portland, Maine, with his wife and two children, Souza draws inspiration from New England’s stark beauty and complex communities, grounding his stories in relatable settings.
His awards and Amazon bestsellers like Unpaved Surfaces highlight his growing influence. For fans of horror and suspense, Souza offers a thrilling escape that challenges assumptions and lingers long after the final page.
- Born: October 5, 1970, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: The Reawakening, The Neighbor, Pray for the Girl
- Awards: Andre Dubus Award (2004), Maine Literary Award (2013)
- Fun Fact: Souza once worked on the South Boston docks during Whitey Bulger’s reign.
Snag The Reawakening and dive into Joseph Souza’s thrilling world of zombies and suspense!