Picture a Canadian storyteller who weaves ghostly tales that chill and captivate—meet Simone St. James! With her signature blend of supernatural suspense, historical settings, and a dash of romance, she’s carved a unique niche in the world of gothic thrillers. From her award-winning debut to her bestselling novels, St. James invites readers into eerie worlds where the past haunts the present.
Born in Toronto, Canada, St. James spent two decades in the television industry before trading scripts for novels. Her passion for ghost stories, sparked in high school with a tale about a haunted library, set the stage for a career that’s both thrilling and deeply atmospheric. Let’s dive into her journey and the stories that have made her a beloved name in supernatural fiction.
The Making of Simone St. James
Growing up in Toronto, Simone St. James was always drawn to the eerie and mysterious. Inspired by gothic novelists like Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart, she penned her first ghost story as a teenager. After studying at the University of Toronto, she spent 20 years behind the scenes in television, honing her storytelling craft. Despite rejections, her persistence paid off when her debut novel, The Haunting of Maddy Clare, was published in 2012, launching her into the literary spotlight.
St. James’s transition from TV to full-time writing wasn’t easy—she wrote three unpublished novels before her breakthrough. Her love for creepy, non-gory ghost stories with romantic undertones drove her to create the kind of books she wanted to read, blending historical settings with supernatural chills.
Simone St. James’s Unforgettable Stories
St. James’s novels are masterclasses in atmospheric suspense, weaving ghosts, crime, and human drama into gripping narratives. Her debut, The Haunting of Maddy Clare (2012), set in 1920s England, follows a young woman assisting a ghost hunter to confront a vengeful spirit. The novel’s blend of mystery, romance, and paranormal elements won two RITA Awards and an Arthur Ellis Award, cementing her reputation.
The Broken Girls (2018) shifts to Vermont, intertwining 1950 and 2014 timelines to unravel a haunting mystery at a boarding school. A New York Times bestseller, it showcases St. James’s knack for strong female protagonists and chilling dual narratives. The Sun Down Motel (2020), set in 1982 and 2017 New York, explores a haunted motel’s dark secrets, earning praise for its eerie nostalgia. Her latest, Murder Road (2024), set in 1995 Michigan, blends 90s vibes with supernatural terror as a couple uncovers a haunted road’s deadly history.
St. James’s style is distinct: her stories balance historical accuracy with ghostly intrigue, often exploring themes of trauma, justice, and resilience. Her settings, from post-WWI England to small-town America, feel alive, and her characters—especially women—drive the narrative with courage and complexity.
Why Simone St. James Matters
Simone St. James has redefined the supernatural thriller, blending gothic traditions with modern sensibilities. Her ability to craft suspenseful, emotionally rich stories has earned her a devoted following and critical acclaim, including New York Times and USA Today bestseller status. By centering strong women and exploring the ‘what if’ of the supernatural, she taps into universal fears and curiosities, making her work both timeless and relatable.
Her influence extends beyond books—her novels have sparked discussions in book clubs and on platforms like Goodreads, where fans rave about her chilling yet heartfelt tales. St. James’s journey from television to literary success also inspires aspiring writers, proving that perseverance can turn passion into a celebrated career.
- Born: Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: The Haunting of Maddy Clare, The Broken Girls, The Sun Down Motel, Murder Road
- Awards: Two RITA Awards, Arthur Ellis Award
- Fun Fact: She’s addicted to sushi and the podcast My Favorite Murder!
Snag The Sun Down Motel and dive into Simone St. James’s spine-tingling world of ghostly suspense!