Picture a Colorado-born storyteller who spun a chilling Reddit tale into a horror sensation—meet Matt Query! A former environmental litigator with a knack for eerie narratives, Query burst onto the horror scene with his debut novel, Old Country, co-written with his brother Harrison. His stories blend the haunting beauty of the wilderness with spine-tingling suspense, making him a rising star in the genre.
From his rural Oregon ranch to the vast Teton Valley settings of his novels, Query’s love for nature and isolation fuels his terrifying tales. With a unique perspective shaped by legal battles over water rights and natural resources, he crafts stories that explore the primal dread of the unknown lurking in the wild.
The Making of Matt Query
Born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, Matt Query grew up surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Rockies, which would later inspire his vivid settings. After earning a law degree, he carved out a career as a litigator, focusing on environmental issues like water rights, public lands, and wildlife management. But his creative side simmered beneath the surface, fueled by a love for storytelling and the eerie solitude of nature.
In 2020, Query’s passion for writing took a bold leap when he posted a horror story, 'My Wife and I Bought a Ranch,' on Reddit’s r/NoSleep. The viral six-part thriller, rooted in his experiences moving to rural Oregon, caught the attention of readers, publishers, and even Netflix, paving the way for his transition from courtroom to bookshelf.
Matt Query’s Unforgettable Stories
Matt Query’s debut, Old Country (2022), co-authored with Harrison Query, is a folk-horror gem that follows a young couple, Harry and Sasha, who move to a remote Idaho ranch only to face a malevolent spirit that shifts with the seasons. Critics praised its atmospheric dread and tight pacing, comparing it to Stephen King and Paul Tremblay. The novel’s origins as a Reddit sensation add a modern twist to its gothic vibes.
In 2024, the Query brothers released Wilderness Reform, a gripping tale set in a troubled youth camp in the Wyoming wilderness. The novel dives into psychological horror, exploring themes of redemption and survival against a backdrop of untamed nature. Query’s legal background shines through in his meticulous world-building, grounding the supernatural in stark realism.
Query’s style is defined by vivid environmental descriptions and a knack for blending human fears with the indifference of the wild. His stories don’t rely on gore but build suspense through isolation, folklore, and the slow creep of dread, making readers question what’s lurking just beyond the tree line.
Why Matt Query Matters
Matt Query’s rise from Reddit writer to published author highlights the power of digital platforms in discovering new voices. His ability to weave environmental expertise into horror narratives offers a fresh perspective, resonating with readers who crave stories that feel both timeless and modern. By drawing on Shoshone myths and rural life, Query bridges cultural folklore with contemporary fears, creating a unique niche in the genre.
His impact extends beyond books, with Old Country slated for a Netflix adaptation, signaling his growing influence in horror. For fans, Query’s work is a reminder that the scariest monsters often hide in the beauty of the natural world, waiting for the seasons to change.
- Born: Boulder, Colorado
- Key Works: Old Country (2022), Wilderness Reform (2024)
- Notable: Old Country began as a viral Reddit story and earned a Netflix film deal.
Ready to get spooked? Snag Old Country and dive into Matt Query’s chilling world of folk horror!