Picture a San Diego storyteller who spins tales that make your skin crawl and your heart race—meet Luke Dumas! This rising star in horror fiction has captivated readers with his chilling novels, blending psychological depth with supernatural thrills. From his debut A History of Fear to the dinosaur-infused The Paleontologist, Dumas crafts stories that linger long after the final page.
Born and raised in sunny San Diego, Dumas’s journey to becoming a USA Today bestselling author is as gripping as his plots. With a knack for exploring fear, faith, and human complexity, he’s quickly carving a niche in the horror genre, earning accolades and film options along the way.
The Making of Luke Dumas
Luke Dumas grew up in San Diego, California, where the ocean breeze and vibrant culture shaped his early years. He pursued a bachelor’s degree at the University of Chicago before earning a master’s in creative writing from the University of Edinburgh. His time in Scotland, steeped in gothic atmosphere, likely fueled his love for dark, introspective storytelling. Before writing full-time, Dumas worked in nonprofit philanthropy for over a decade, collaborating with organizations like the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the American Red Cross. This diverse background informs his nuanced characters and themes of privilege and morality.
Dumas’s writing journey wasn’t always smooth. As a teen, he penned a tragic memoir of unrequited love, followed by three unpublished novels—two comedies and a dark fantasy. His shift to horror with A History of Fear was a revelation, proving mystery and murder came naturally to him. His persistence paid off when a former Edinburgh classmate, now an agent, championed his debut manuscript.
Luke Dumas’s Unforgettable Stories
Dumas’s debut, A History of Fear (2022), is a psychological horror masterpiece. It follows Grayson Hale, an American grad student in Scotland, whose claim that “the Devil made him do it” after a classmate’s murder sparks a chilling mystery. The novel’s literary style, slow-burn suspense, and shocking twist earned rave reviews, with critics praising its blend of mental health exploration and supernatural dread.
In 2023, Dumas released The Paleontologist, a thrilling blend of horror and paleontology. Dr. Simon Nealy, haunted by his sister’s abduction, returns to a crumbling museum where dinosaur ghosts and a 150-million-year-old mystery await. Critics lauded its Night at the Museum-meets-The Shining vibe, though some felt its ambitious themes—grief, privilege, and pandemics—occasionally clashed. The novel won the 2024 ITW Thriller Award for Best Paperback Original and was named an Esquire Best Horror Book of 2023.
Dumas’s style is marked by atmospheric settings, complex characters, and a razor’s edge between reality and the supernatural. His exploration of fear—whether rooted in psychology, faith, or prehistoric terrors—resonates with readers who crave both thrills and emotional depth. Both novels have been optioned for film and TV, hinting at broader reach for his haunting tales.
Why Luke Dumas Matters
Luke Dumas is redefining horror by grounding it in human experiences. His stories tackle heavy themes—grief, guilt, and societal privilege—while delivering spine-chilling suspense. Fans appreciate his ability to blend intellectual depth with visceral scares, making his work a bridge between literary fiction and genre horror. As a queer author, Dumas also weaves subtle themes of identity and loneliness into his narratives, adding richness to the genre.
With only two novels, Dumas has already earned a dedicated following and critical acclaim. His ability to craft original, unsettling stories suggests a bright future, and horror fans eagerly await his next release. Living in San Diego with his husband and dogs, Dumas continues to draw inspiration from his surroundings and personal journey.
- Born: San Diego, California
- Key Works: A History of Fear (2022), The Paleontologist (2023)
- Awards: 2024 ITW Thriller Award for Best Paperback Original
- Fun Fact: His nonprofit work included stints with the San Diego Zoo!
Ready for a scare? Snag A History of Fear or The Paleontologist and dive into Luke Dumas’s thrilling world of psychological horror!