Picture a Canadian storyteller who conjured ghosts and werewolves from the wilds of Ontario—meet Tim McGregor! This bestselling author and screenwriter has thrilled readers with his supernatural tales, blending horror, mystery, and the paranormal. His Spookshow series, starring the reluctant psychic Billie Culpepper, turned heads and hearts, while his Bad Wolf Chronicles keep fans howling for more.
From a childhood in the remote Canadian wilderness to crafting chilling narratives in Toronto, McGregor’s journey is as captivating as his books. Let’s dive into the life, works, and impact of this master of the eerie!
The Making of Tim McGregor
Born in Northern Ontario, Tim McGregor grew up in a family-owned tourist camp, where summer brought vacationing families and winter unleashed isolation. This stark contrast fueled his imagination, with reading, writing, and drawing as his escape from cabin fever. Though he studied English, Religion, and Literature at university, McGregor left without a degree, finding the academic view of writing too mystical. Instead, he chased storytelling through screenwriting, honing his craft at the Canadian Film Centre. There, he produced three low-budget genre films, but the 2008 financial crash and a dwindling DVD market pushed him toward novels.
Inspired by self-publishing pioneers like J.A. Konrath, McGregor took the plunge, adapting a screenplay into his first novel, Bad Wolf. This leap into ebooks marked the start of his literary ascent, proving his knack for gripping, genre-bending stories.
Tim McGregor’s Unforgettable Stories
McGregor’s bibliography is a treasure trove of thrills, with the Spookshow series as his crown jewel. Spanning 11 books, it follows Billie Culpepper, a Hamilton, Ontario, psychic who sees the dead after a near-death experience. From The Spookshow (2014) to Spiritualist & Medium (2021), the series weaves paranormal chills with emotional depth, earning a devoted fanbase. Its blend of horror and heart sets it apart, with Billie’s reluctant heroism resonating deeply.
The Bad Wolf Chronicles, a trilogy starting with Bad Wolf (2011), mixes detective fiction and werewolf horror. Detective Lara Mendes battles her inner monster, creating a gritty, supernatural saga that’s both raw and riveting. McGregor’s standalone works, like Wasps in the Ice Cream (2023), a coming-of-age horror tale, and the Shirley Jackson Award-nominated Lure (2022), a seaside fable of loss, showcase his versatility. His latest, Eynhallow (2024), reimagines Frankenstein’s legacy with gothic flair, earning praise as a “new classic” for its haunting prose.
McGregor’s style is cinematic, drawing from his screenwriting roots, with vivid settings and complex characters. His themes—identity, isolation, and the supernatural—reflect his wilderness upbringing, making his stories both thrilling and introspective.
Why Tim McGregor Matters
Tim McGregor has carved a niche in horror and paranormal fiction, blending visceral scares with human struggles. His self-publishing success with Spookshow, which grew from a planned four books to 11, highlights his ability to connect with readers. Works like Lure and Eynhallow, published by indie presses like Tenebrous Press, have elevated his status, earning critical acclaim and awards nominations. His stories resonate globally, offering a Canadian perspective on universal fears.
As a Horror Writers Association member, McGregor champions the genre, inspiring new writers with his DIY ethos and genre-blending creativity. His tales remind us that even in the darkest corners, there’s beauty in the human spirit.
- Lives in Toronto with his wife, kids, and a “petulant ghost.”
- Key works: Spookshow series, Bad Wolf Chronicles, Wasps in the Ice Cream, Eynhallow.
- Nominated for the Shirley Jackson Award for Lure (2022).
- Former screenwriter with three produced feature films.
About Tim McGregor
Ready for a spine-chilling adventure? Grab The Spookshow and dive into Tim McGregor’s haunting world of ghosts and grit!