As Halloween approaches, South Carolina boasts a rich tradition of ghost stories, making it a fitting backdrop for horror literature. Here are five authors with ties to the state known for their contributions to the genre.
Grady Hendrix
Grady Hendrix is one of the most prominent horror writers from South Carolina. A New York Times bestselling author, Hendrix’s novels often explore themes of ghosts, demons, witches, vampires, and more.
His popular titles include “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires,” “How to Sell a Haunted House,” and “My Best Friend’s Exorcism,” all set in Mount Pleasant, where he grew up. Other works by Hendrix feature “The Final Girl Support Group,” “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls,” and “Horrorstör,” which presents a haunted interpretation of IKEA.
Although he currently resides in New York, Hendrix frequently returns to Charleston for events, including a recent one-man show and various book signings. His upcoming novel, “Bigfoot Must Die,” is expected to be released in July 2027.
W. Scott Poole
W. Scott Poole approaches horror from a scholarly angle. A history professor at the College of Charleston, Poole’s work emphasizes research and analysis rather than fiction.
He teaches courses on American politics and popular culture, linking horror literature to significant historical themes. Poole has authored or co-authored nine books, including “Dark Carnivals: Modern Horror and the Origins of American Empire,” “Wasteland: The Great War and the Origins of Modern Horror,” and “Monsters in America: Our Historical Obsession with the Hideous and the Haunting.”
