May 30, 2025
Legendary Hollywood producer Mark Johnson (Gran Via: Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, among many other projects) mentions Black Vault in this interview in Deadline.
May 28, 2025
I ponder the nature of virality and fame after being a clue on Jeopardy over at Crime Reads.
May 7, 2025
THE HUNGER is an answer on Jeopardy tonight!
April 10, 2025
I’m interviewed on Nashville Public Television’s “A Word on Words” by Jeremy Finley, talking about how my career in intelligence informs my horror writing. Listen to the entire episode HERE.
March 31, 2025
For the last day of Women in Horror month, I’m interviewed at Capes and Tights along with Rachel Harrison, Cynthia Pelayo, CJ Leede, Liz Kerin, and Gwendolyn Kiste.
January 6, 2025
It’s official: I will be attending Celsius2025, the Spanish book festival for horror, science fiction and fantasy in Aviles, Spain, July 15-19. For more information, click here.
July 16, 2024
In honor of The Spy Who Vanished, I wrote a piece for Crime Reads on why intelligence professionals don’t like James Bond.
May 14, 2024
My second review for the Washington Post is of David Ignatius’ Phantom Orbit.
May 11, 2024
Be still my heart: Red Widow made Book Riot’s list of “Ten of the best spy novels to keep you turning the pages”.
May 2, 2024
Goodreads names The Fervor as one of the 116 essential reads for Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage month.
December 29, 2023
Sunset Magazines includes The Hunger in this list of eight winter reads to snuggle up to right now, along with Iris Yamashita’s City Under One Roof and Darcy Coates’ Dead of Winter.
December 14, 2023
It’s the time of year where everyone comes out with “best books of 2023” lists and I’ll be honest: I figured everyone forgot about Red London. After all, it came out in March, a long time ago… but wonderfully, Crime Reads picked it as one of the top five espionage books of 2023!
October 31, 2023
One of my books is a clue in this NYT book page puzzle!
October 28, 2023
The Hunger is among the classic spooky stories discussed in the NYT Book Review’s podcast about why we love horror. And The Hunger is one of the books recommended by three horror writers in this Boston Globe article.
October 26, 2023
It’s not everyday that Fodor’s (that’s right: the travel people) call out your book but The Hunger was included in their list of 10 Terrifying Novels Set in the Wilderness.
October 18, 2023
Mental Floss includes me on their list of 11 contemporary horror writers to read now, which includes friends Paul Tremblay, Tananarive Due, Grady Hendrix, Stephen Graham Jones, Catriona Ward, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Kiersten White and more.
September 23, 2023
The Hunger makes Barnes & Noble’s list of 25 scariest horror stories. “So many pieces fit together to make The Hunger unmissable — the Donner party retelling, the sparkling prose, the weirdness of the west, the bizarre historical foundations. It’s all here, and it is masterfully woven to take you on a tense and gripping journey into the darkness of human nature. (And when you’re finished with this one, pick up Alma Katsu’s latest, The Fervor.) “
September 9, 2023
Love spy novels? Check out Spyscape’s list of 12 novels written by ex-intelligence professionals.
August 17, 2023
I’m on the Cipher Brief’s podcast talking about Black Vault, whether UFOs are real, and breaking out in publishing.
July 31, 2023
Fearmongers, the podcast featuring Clay McLeod Chapman, has authors actually read (!) as well as Q&A, and I’m on with Nat Cassidy, reading from his forthcoming book Nestlings.
July 24, 2023
I don’t often have to talk about current events in intelligence, but I do on Deep State Radio, hosted by David Rothkopf and Marc Polymeropoulos.
July 19, 2023
I’m on In the Room with Peter Bergen, who asks what makes a great spy novel. This is fun episode with Valerie Plame and one of the officers at CIA who reviews spy novels. Also, great recommended reads/listens from Bergen.
July 1, 2023
“What makes a great spy novel?” Joshua Huminski breaks it down in Diplomatic Courier, with very kind words for Red London.
June 27, 2023
The Wehrwolf has been nominated for the Shirley Jackson award for novella.
June 19, 2023
Thrilled to announce that we won the Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Long Fiction for The Wehrwolf. This is my first Stoker (not assuming there will be more).
June 12, 2023
I was interviewed by Jim Hughes for the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) about writing spy stories after retirement.
June 9, 2023
Are you a videogamer? I’m thrilled to announce that Blizzard Entertainment engaged me to write a story for the launch of Diablo IV. “Witness” is the first story in the collection and you can read it here for free.
June 1, 2023
My first (and probably last) experience as a talking head on a news show: Erin Burnett has me in the studio for OutFront on CNN to talk Ukraine.
May 18, 2023
Nice interview with authors Connie Matusomoto and Kimiko Guthrie in Zibby magazine.
May 17, 2023
Sarah’s Bookshelves gives RED WIDOW a shout-out in their latest podcast.
May 11, 2023
The Line-up’s article on vampire stories features one of mine, The Familiar’s Assistant, which appeared in the anthology DARK STARS. I am ridiculously proud of this story and so happy to see it get a shoutout. Also a nice review of RED LONDON in Audiofile magazine, highlighting the talents of narrators Fiona Hardingham and Mozhan Marno. And a nice Q&A in the Washington Times.
April 30, 2023
If you’re not sick of listening to me, I’m on Fermented Fiction talking to Clay Vermulm about horror, spy stuff, and everything inbetween.
April 26, 2023
Did you miss me on Rogue Women Writers with fellow authors Don Bentley, Joshilyn Jackson, and Brendan Slocumb? Fret not; you can catch it HERE.
April 7, 2023
I talk to the International Spy Museum about RED LONDON and read a special excerpt for the spy-savvy crowd. https://www.facebook.com/roguewomenwriters/videos/2189115361434886
March 30, 2023
Another interview for RED LONDON, this time on Gibson’s Bookstore’s podcast, The Laydown.
March 26, 2023
I’m on the Artful Periscope talking to host Larry Davidson about the creative process.
March 24, 2023
Podcast The Live Drop has cracked the code and reports on my plans to launch a spy franchise with RED LONDON.
March 21, 2023
I’m at DC’s favorite podcast about books and sports, Chatter on Books, answering some really smart questions about life in the spy business. Also, Book Trib gives a glowing review of RED LONDON.
March 20, 2023
I’m at Top Shelf, the podcast of the Merrick Library, talking about RED LONDON. All the podcast interviews for RL have been a blast. I hope you take the time to listen to one of them.
March 17, 2023
THE FERVOR was nominated for International Thriller Writer’s Best Hardcover! That’s two big nominations for the little book that could. And I’m at The Inside Flap, my favorite book podcast, to talk to Laura and Dave Medicus about RED LONDON.
March 15, 2023
Want to know what RED LONDON is about? Take the Page 69 test. National security newsite The Cipher Brief reviews RED LONDON.
March 14, 2023
Happy pub day to RED LONDON! I’m at CrimeReads talking about how London got in the mess it’s in with Russian oligarchs. Also, Crime Reads includes it in their weekly round-up. Podcast Speaking of Mysteries talks to me about life in the spy business. The Frederick News-Post interviews me.
March 13, 2023
Would RED LONDON make a good spy film? I talk casting with My Book, The Movie.
March 11, 2023
Having grown up in the Boston area, I’m thrilled to talk to Boston-area radio station WATD-FM about RED LONDON.
March 11, 2023
Bookriot includes RED LONDON on the list of new releases to read in March.
March 11, 2023
Want to know what RED LONDON’s about and why it’s a great book for fans of domestic suspense and true crime? Listen to my interview with Sara Divello.
March 8, 2023
The Cipher Brief, a resource for the national security community, interviewed me for its podcast. It’s always fun talking to someone who understands the intelligence business.
March, 2023
I’ve had to cancel two stops on the tour due to illness. I apologize for that. I have a neuro condition that makes it hard to travel sometimes. It’s flared up and I decided better to be safe than sorry. If you were planning to attend, please accept my apologies. Both stores have signed copies of RED LONDON and I hope you’ll pick up a copy from them and continue to support these great stores.
March 2, 2023
CrimeReads names Red London as one of the 10 thrillers/mysteries you don’t want to miss in March
March 1, 2023
Best Thriller Books gives not one but two wonderful reviews of Red London
March 1, 2023
This is huge! Red London is an Amazon Editor’s Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense
February 28, 2023
I’m featured in the first “10 Questions” video by Crime Writers of Color.
February 28, 2023
I’m at CrimeReads with Kathleen Kent, author of Black Wolf, talking about writing spy thrillers when you’ve worked in the intelligence community.
February 1, 2023
The Fervor made the Locus list of recommended reads of 2022!
January 26, 2023
Red London one of the most anticipated mysteries of 2023, according to Book Page.
January 13, 2023
CrimeReads names Red London as one of the most anticipated crime books of 2023, alongside many great books. Check out the whole list.
December 22, 2022
I’m at io9/Gizmodo talking about Star Wars series Andor and how it got spycraft right.
December 16, 2022
More wonderful accolades: CrimeReads names The Fervor as one of the best works of historical fiction this year, And BookRiot’s Read or Dead says Red Widow was one of its favorite reads this year.
December 10, 2022
The Fervor makes Library Journal’s Best Books of 2022!
December 1, 2022
I’m a guest on Diane Rehm’s book club, along with Washington Post reporter Shane Harris and Harvard history professor Duncan White, discussing David Ignatius’ The Paladin.
October 31, 2022
My story “Waste Not” in the anthology OTHER TERRORS is picked by Paste Magazine as one of the 15 creepiest horror stories. It’s a great list with many friends’ stories listed. Check it out!
October 11, 2022
CrimeReads includes The Hunger in its list of midwestern winter reads; and The Fervor is on The Lineup’s list of 9 books with fresh takes on horror.
October 7, 2022
BuzzFeed includes The Fervor on this list of books for Halloween. A good list, with newer books as well as a few old favorites.
September 29, 2022
Goodreads asks me–and other horror writers–for reading recommendations for spooky season.
September 26, 2022
I’m interviewed at Dead Headspace.
September 17, 2022
“Hatred is seductive”: I love reviews that make me think about a book I’ve written and see additional aspects there. Horror Homeroom has excellent reviewers, many academics, and I always learn something from their reviews. Here, Kyle Brett looks at The Fervor.
September 13, 2022
I won’t be at Fall for the Book this year (alas! scheduling conflict) but they kindly had me on their podcast talking about making history scary.
August 20, 2022
Is this the first review of Red London? Up at Best Thriller Books.
August 12, 2022
Booklist made The Fervor one of the top 10 science fiction/fantasy/horror novels of the first half of 2022!
July 18, 2022
I’m pleased to announce that SST Publications is going to published a special signed limited edition of The Hunger in spring 2023. Pre-orders are available here.
July 11, 2022
Rue Morgue reviews The Fervor in its latest issue. “A tale of sorting truth from lies and paranoia, and allies from enemies.” Sorry, no link as the review is not online. Only available in the print magazine.
June 30, 2022
NPR says The Fervor is one of the best books of 2022 (summer edition).
June 23, 2022
Shondaland says The Fervor is an unexpected beach read.
June 17, 2022
The Fervor makes Goodreads’ list of most popular horror of 2022.
June 6, 2022
Bookriot includes The Fervor on a list of WWII novels.
May 31, 2022
The Line-Up has a guide to all my books.
May 27, 2022
A review for THE FERVOR in the NY Times’ summer book extravaganza.
May 26, 2022
A knock-out review for THE FERVOR in Cemetery Dance magazine. And the local FOX affiliate covers my appearance at Book Dragon in Staunton VA.
May 20, 2022
The NY Times says THE FERVOR is “sharp social commentary in a feat of pure storytelling” in its audiobook picks. Also, Spyscape gives nice shout-out for RED WIDOW and THE FERVOR.
May 18, 2022
THE FERVOR made Crime Read’s list of mysteries to read by AAPI authors. And I’m interviewed at The Big Thrill, the magazine of International Thriller Writers.
May 12, 2022
I talk to the LA Public Library about THE FERVOR.
May 9, 2022
THE HUNGER makes Esquire’s list of 50 horror novels of all time. It’s an interesting mix of old and new and some you might not consider horror–check it out.
May 2, 2022
A starred review from BookPage: “The Fervor delivers a punch that’s equal parts psychological horror and jump scare. It will make you want to read into the wee hours of the morning, even though you may question that decision when the shadows start to move”. Bookreporter says The Fervor “brings the heat on nearly every page…another clever work of horror/historical fiction that is extremely relevant to our current times.”
April 29, 2022
Scifi superstar John Scalzi lets me talk about the value of learning from the past over at his blog.
April 28, 2022
Want to learn more about the fire balloons, or fu-go, featured in The Fervor? Head over to Mental Floss.
April 27, 2022
THE FERVOR launch week continues: I’m up at Crime Reads talking about what it’s like writing a main character of your same ethnicity. On The Inside Flap podcast (my favorite!) I talk to Laura and Dave Medicus about how history repeats itself.
The Southern Review of Books: “A thought-provoking book about the power of hate and the significant strength it takes to defy a system perpetuating that hate”. Pretty much the conversation we hoped this book would prompt.
BookTrib says “The horror is fresh and untraditional…Instead, the novel provides an incredibly important and eye-opening commentary on discrimination and racism, particularly that faced by the Asian community. Considering both its historical significance and our current political climate, the demonization of the Japanese people portrayed throughout this story is horrific enough.”
April 25, 2022
THE FERVOR is starting to get some buzz for pub week: BUSTLE says it’s one of 10 must-read books this week; and my great friends at THE CREW REVIEWS put up a fun interview. Meanwhile, Tor/Nightfire Books lets me opine on what is and isn’t historical horror. I’m up at Chuck Wendig’s Terrible Minds blog talking about how to research the historical novel.
April 23, 2022
I’m interviewed about THE FERVOR by some wonderful podcasts: She Wore Black and the Avid Reader by Wellington Square Bookshop in Philadelphia.
April 22, 2022
It’s an honor to be interviewed about THE FERVOR in Nikkei Today.
April 7, 2022
Den of Geek joins the bandwagon and name The Fervor as one of the best horror novels to come out in April.
April 1, 2022
No April’s Fool: CNN (!) and Crime Reads name The Fervor as a book to read this spring.
March 29, 2022
Book Marks names The Fervor one of April’s best sci-fi and fantasy books. Never thought I’d see one of my books mentioned in Book Marks.
March 29, 2022
Washington Post makes The Fervor one of the books to read in April.
March 25, 2022
Publishers Weekly on horror for spring 2022–and leads with The Fervor.
March 25, 2022
The New York Times says The Fervor is one of 18 books to read this spring.
March 16, 2022
Goodreads names The Fervor as one of its most anticipated spring books.
March 16, 2022
Washington Post looks ahead at speculative fiction releases in 2022, including The Fervor.
March 15, 2022
Best 50 Horror Books to Read Before You Die
A fun (?) article from The Portalist with a bunch of suggestions for great scary books, including The Hunger.
March 7, 2022
Mental Floss
In advance of The Fervor publication, I talk to Mental Floss about why I’ve written a story about the internment now, and list some great historical horror novels to tide you over until The Fervor is available.
February 27, 2022
I talk to Spybrary about Red Widow
It’s always fun to talk to spy aficionados, spy experts if you will, and so I had a great time talking to Spybrary.
February 26, 2022
Red Widow nominated for best thriller
Unbelievably, Red Widow was nominated as a finalist for the International Thriller Writer’s award for best hardcover, along with SA Cosby’s Razorblade Tears, Megan Abbott’s The Turnout, Alice Feeney’s Rock Paper Scissors, Rachel Howzell Hall’s These Toxic Things, and Eric Rickstad’s I Am Not Who You Think I Am.
February 16, 2022
The Fervor gets a starred review from Booklist
We got an amazing review from Booklist for THE FERVOR: “The Fervor is a stunning triumph and unfurls like a masterfully woven tapestry. It is suffused with secrets, pain, Japanese myths long thought forgotten, and above all the guilt that permeates throughout… The ghosts of this story will haunt readers long after they’re finished reading.”
January 24, 2022
Red Widow on ALA’s Reader’s List
I’m thrilled to see the American Library Association’s Reading List Council put RED WIDOW on the short list in the Adrenaline category of its annual reading list. See the full list here, and congrats to the fabulous RAZORBLADE TEARS by S.A. Cosby for top honors!
January 22, 2022
The Fervor headlines Goodreads’ 2022 horror list
So nice to see The Fervor at the top of Goodreads’ list of 2022 horror novels: “In the pretty-much-a-sure-bet category, veteran author Alma Katsu (The Hunger) is back with The Fervor, her tale of contagion and spider demons in World War II Japanese internment camps.”
January 19, 2022
Showtime’s Yellowjackets co-creator gives The Hunger a shoutout!
What a way to wake up! Ashley Lyle, co-creator of the hit shout Yellowjackets, tweeted her inspirations for the show, which includes…
.
January 19, 2022
Q&A in Library Journal
In order to celebrate the April release of The Fervor, I do a Q&A with trade publication, Library Journal.
January 14, 2022
Book Riot’s most anticipated books of 2022
Early love for The Fervor at Book Riot, along with The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James and Secret Identity by Alex Segura.
January 7, 2022
Most Anticipated Crime Reads and Mysteries
Thrilled that The Fervor is among this stellar list of Crime Reads’ most anticipated great mysteries and thrillers for 2022.
December 28, 2021
I’m on Unprintable
One of my favorite interviews, on Unprintable with Rob Olson and Rob Hart (the robs!) of LiReactor.
December 7, 2021
One of LitReactor’s five best books of 2021
Really grateful to bestselling author of The Warehouse Rob Hart for making Red Widow one of his five favorite novels of 2021.
November 20, 2021
Red Widow a read-alike for Daniel Silva?
Thanks to the wonderful folks at Book Riot for recommending Red Widow for folks who like Daniel Silva’s spy novels. And I would now like all of you to recommend it to your Silva-loving friends.
November 10, 2021
Murder & Mayhem
First, you gotta love a site called Murder & Mayhem. But, secondly, I’m jazzed to be on this list of political thrillers by women! “Katsu brings covert office politics to life through her experience as a former intelligence analyst. But it’s her signature ability to tap into our psychological fears that makes Red Widow a thrilling spy novel.”
October 30, 2021
Authors of Color in horror
Diverse authors of horror are getting recognized lately, possibly because racism = horror is a no-brainer. Proud to be on this list at Audible.
October 29, 2021
Women in Horror
I’m thrilled to be mentioned for a contribution to horror in the modern age in this Zocalo article on the women who built horror in comics.
October 27, 2021
What is horror, and how should we think about it in the modern age?
CrimeReads interviews a bunch of horror writers, including moi, and comes up with a super interesting look at what horror means in the modern age. If you’ve ever wondered why read horror, is it still relevant, this article is for you.
October 22, 2021
The Deep in Business Insider
Business Insider gets into spooky season with this list of great horror stories. Thrilled to see The Deep alongside works by Stephen Graham Jones, Kendra Blake, Joe Hill, Victoria Schwab, Simone St. James, and more.
October 8, 2021
Shondaland likes The Hunger
The Hunger is on Shondaland’s list of 16 reads for Halloween, along with great books by Tananarive Due, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Carmen Maria Machado, Helen Oyeyemi, and more.
October 6, 2021
Should James Bond be a woman?
With the new Bond film out, people are asking if the next Bond should be a woman. This article in the Washington Post lists books by female spooks that get it right–leading with Red Widow.
September 22, 2021
Best Horror Books of the Decade
We’re jazzed that the Hunger is on the list but maybe more importantly: here’s the perfect list to use for your spooky season reading.
September 16, 2021
Fed Up With People
No one does titles better: looking for great novels with cannibalism in them? Look on further than this list from Book Riot. And yes, The Hunger is on the list.
August 10, 2021
Going Camping?
Book Riot recommends great horror reads for the campfire, including The Hunger.
August 4, 2021
Essential Horror Novels of the Last Five Years
Thrilled to see The Hunger on this list along with books by friends Paul G. Tremblay, Stephen Graham Jones, Rachel Harrison, Catriona Ward, Jeremy Robert Johnson, Emily Danforth, Grady Hendrix, Shaun Hamill, Tamsyn Muir, Carmen Maria Machado, Riley Sager, and Victor LaValle.
July 31, 2021
Suspense Magazine reviews Red Widow
“I raced to the end, and you will too,” says Suspense magazine reviewer Kaye George.
July 28, 2021
Exclusive cover reveal for The Fervor
The Hollywood Reporter on the cover reveal and a nice profile on the book. Coming April 2022. Now, please, some nice producer pick up the film rights.
July 27, 2021
I’m on Spycast
If you had asked me ten years ago if I thought I’d ever be interviewed on the International Spy Museum’s podcast, I’d have thought you were mad. And yet here we are.
July 26, 2021
Good Housekeeping reads horror
Does it ever get old being on a list with Stephen King, Joe Hill, Stephen Graham Jones, Anne Rice, and more? No, it doesn’t.
July 24, 2021
Daniel Silva, Charles Cumming, Mick Herron – and Red Widow!
A lovely review for Red Widow along with the latest spy thrillers in Diplomaticourier magazine.
July 20, 2021
Writing spy thrillers with Owen Matthews
In this article in Crime Reads, I discuss the perils and pleasures of writing spy thrillers with former Moscow bureau chief and journalist Owen Matthews.
June 29, 2021
Encore careers
More and more people are making second careers after retiring from the first. I didn’t sell my first book until I was 50, a rarity, and am about to embark on a third career in TV. I’m one of the people interviewed for a series on the subject over at Boomer magazine.
June 4, 2021
Looking for the perfect Father’s Day gift?
The Washington Post’s Book Club newsletter includes Red Widow among its Father’s Day gift suggestions.
June 2, 2021
Can a spy novel be a beach read?
Red Widow makes the list of 15 beach reads over at Northern Virginia Magazine. DC and Northern Virginia are full of feds, you know, so it makes perfect sense…
May 22, 2021
Interview at F(r)iction
A nice interview and conversation about The Deep at the Brink Literacy Project.
May 18, 2021
One of 71 Books to Watch
Writer’s Digest includes Red Widow as one of the 71 books to read in 2021. Lots of fine books and authors on this list, if you’re looking for reading suggestions.
May 17, 2021
On The Cipher Brief
I’m honored to be interviewed by Suzanne Kelly on The Cipher Brief’s State Secrets podcast about Red Widow and my career in intelligence.
May 6, 2021
100 Best Horror Novels of All Time
It’s certainly an honor for The Hunger to be on this Reedsy list of great, scary horror novels. Many here were books that inspired me, so this is quite a thrill.
May 1, 2021
Locus Award nomination
The Deep has been nominated for the Locus Award for Best Horror Novel, alongside Survivor Song by Paul, Tremblay, Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, Devolution by Max Brooks, Beowulf by Maria Dahvana Headley, Plain Bad Heroines by Emily Danforth, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix, The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher, and The Hole by Hiroko Oyamada.
April 30, 2021
I’m on SpyTalk’s new podcast
I’m honored to be interviewed by Jeanne Meserve, former CNN anchor and reporter, for Fire & Ice, the new podcast from SpyTalk, a subscription news site for national security and intelligence issues.
April 26, 2021
Crew Reviews says Red Widow one of its top 5 books of the year
It was gratifying to talk to three thriller fanatics who said Red Widow was one of the best books they’d read this year. I had a wonderful time with these guys, who really know their stuff. If you love thrillers, you owe it to yourself to check out their podcast.
April 13, 2021
“A female spy thriller that gets it right”
The Cipher Brief is a resource for policymakers and the Intelligence Community, and so I was blown away by the generous review it gave Red Widow: “As a female retired CIA Operations officer, I never had the chance to meet the author of Red Widow, Alma Katsu, but her own career at CIA drew me to read and review her book for The Cipher Brief. I was particularly interested because of the potential parallels between my career focus on operations in the former Soviet Union and Katsu’s protagonist’s career path. I was interested to read about her assignments in Headquarters and the foreign field, and about her experiences as a female Ops Officer. I also wanted to see how female characters and the complicated culture of the Directorate of Operations would be portrayed by Katsu. I was not disappointed.”
April 7, 2021
Radio interview for Red Widow
I’m on the Ross Kaminsky show on KHOW, Denver.
April 6, 2021
More reviews; Financial Times asks, is spying a lonely business?
A wonderful review of Red Widow at Bookreporter.com: “The plot never allows you to catch your breath as the wheels keep turning with every new piece of information uncovered, and nothing is as it appears to be.” Read the whole thing here.
And the Financial Times also reviewed Red Widow, but since the article is behind a paywall I’ll leave you with this morsel: “Red Widow is layered with inside knowledge of how CIA bureaucracy works; it is often a bleak workplace, it seems, where loyalty is in short supply and careers can be ended on a whim.” Hmm, not music to CIA Recruitment’s ears.
April 1, 2021
Tips for writing spy novels at Writer’s Digest
Writer’s Digest lets me share five tips for writing spy novels.
March 31, 2021
Washington Independent Review of Books reviews Red Widow: I feel SEEN
“The gripping, authentic spy procedural is made even stronger by its mostly female cast of characters.” Read the entire review in the Washington Independent Review of Books and then join me in a glass of champagne.
March 26, 2021
A NYT Recommended Book!
The NY Times names Red Widow one of its 12 recommended books this week! I never thought a book of mine would make this list.
March 24, 2021
Writing advice over at Writers Digest, spilling secrets on The Inside Flap
Writer’s Digest gives me the opportunity to talk about writing thrillers, including why the big reveal in Red Widow was such a bear to place in the overall story. Then at my favorite podcast, The Inside Flap, I talk to Laura and Dave Medicus about Red Widow and the hot dog machine at Langley.
March 23, 2021
Do Spies Write the Best Spy Thrillers? What about women in spy fiction?
Ah, the perennial question. I list my favorite spies-turned-novelists in Crime Reads. And over at Frolic, I run through the very short list of women who write contemporary, female-centric spy fiction and ask women readers to give us a chance. At Rogue Women Writers, I talk about how you go from spy to spy writer.
March 22, 2021
Start to Red Widow Week
We kick things off with a Q&A at Mystery and Suspense magazine, and I’m thrilled to report that Red Widow heads Crime Reads list of 10 books out this week!
March 21, 2021
Red Widow reviewed in the New York Times
Can’t help but be a little excited: Red Widow is the lead review in the mystery & thriller wrap up, and a complimentary one it is: “Figuring out who’s doing the most double-dealing, and how many layers of deception are involved, makes for delicious suspense… Katsu, a longtime intelligence analyst for the C.I.A. and N.S.A., writes what she’s most professionally familiar with after years in the paranormal and horror novel trenches. The plotting is sophisticated and laced with surprises, but what stands out most is the emotional core of Lyndsey and Theresa’s alliance, and whether there is room, in a nest of vipers, for true sisterhood.”
March 21, 2021
Interview in The Nerd Daily
Fun Q&A with me on my shady past in The Nerd Daily.
March 13, 2021
Red Widow Included in Publishers Weekly article on female relationships
“There’s no shortage of female characters in modern crime fiction, and lately, authors are finding inspiration not just in the women themselves, but in their relationships with one another,” says this PW article that includes Red Widow along with Nice Girls (Catherine Dang), The Hunting Wives (May Cobb), The Other Black Girl (Zakiya Dalila Harris), We Are Watching Eliza Bright (AE Osworth), The Stranger Behind You (Carol Goodman), Velvet Was the Night (Silvia Moreno-Garcia), The Photographer (Mary Dixie Carter), Look What You Made Me Do (Elaine Murphy).
March 5, 2021
The Washington Post calls Red Widow “terrific”
“Fans of FX’s “The Americans” will recognize a world where professionalism can fall prey to sexism, careerism and garden-variety klutziness. Duncan’s job is a lot “like juggling knives,” and Katsu makes us care that she doesn’t bobble,” says The Washington Post.
February 24, 2021
Why does the Titanic still matter?
For the release of the paperback edition of The Deep, I’m at Crime Reads talking about why the Titanic still matters.
February 23, 2021
2020 Highs and Lows
Sadie Hartmann, “Mother Horror”, interviews me for her series at LitReactor asking writers about their challenges of 2020. Find out my top five highs, bottom five lows, and my take on what happened at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th.
February 5, 2021
Red Widow coming to Fox TV
“Deadline Hollywood EXCLUSIVE: Fox has put in development Red Widow, a one-hour CIA thriller based on Alma Katsu’s forthcoming book, which Sarah Condon (HBO’s Bored to Death, Looking) is executive producing. A search is underway for a writer to pen the adaptation via an open writing assignment.”
January 24, 2021
Ask Me Anything: What was it like to work at CIA?
To get people excited for RED WIDOW, I decided to do a series of videos answering questions from readers on what it was like to have a career in intelligence. The first one launched here. Actually, the first five are on my YouTube channel, if you’d like to see them. If you like them, please share the link or otherwise send your friends my way.
January 21, 2021
Most Anticipated Thrillers
Mysteries and thrillers are a crowded field with lots and lots of excellent writers producing great books, so I’m thrilled that Red Widow made BookPage’s list of 21 most anticipated mysteries and thrillers of 2021.
January 8, 2021
Best Contemporary Westerns
Many people tell me they like Westerns and it’s a shame not many are written these days. If that describes you, you’ll want to check out this list of 15 contemporary Westerns in Inside Hook, which includes The Hunger.
December 31, 2020
The Most Wanted Books of 2021
A nice way to face the new year: Crime Fiction Reader named Red Widow as one of “the most wanted crime novels of 2021.”
“We’re looking forward to this one, because espionage remains a fairly male-dominated genre and a new, authentic female voice here could give it the shake-up it arguably needs. Put 23 March in your diary.”
December 3, 2020
“Intense books for an intense year”
Proud that The Deep made The Line-Up’s list of best horror books of 2020. Says The Line-Up: “one of the most memorable horror page-turners of the year.” Plus, it’s an interesting list of books you might not have heard of.
November 28, 2020
Interview with Nightmare Magazine
My friend, immensely talented writer and former HWA president Lisa Morton interviewed me for Nightmare magazine.
October 23, 2020
The Hunger a new classic?
Thanks Refinery29 for including The Hunger on this list of 20 scary books to read when you’re tired of the classics. The list includes Broken Monsters, Mexican Gothic, White is for Witching, Her Body and Other Parties, Wonderland, The Grip of It, Things We Lost in the Fire, Revenge, Within These Walls, Night Film, Wilder Girls, The Good House, Plain Bad Heroines, The Sun Down Motel and other books that cross literary fiction with horror.
October 21, 2020
50 States, 50 Scares
Honored to represent the state of California in the NY Time’s article on 50 books for Halloween.
October 12, 2020
Why horror is for everyone
The Reader’s Advisory Guide to Horror, a publication of the American Library Association, asked me to write an essay on “why I love horror” for its 31 days of horror. Today I explain why horror can teach us lessons we need to learn for real life, using The Hunger and The Deep as examples.
October 10, 2020
Horror writers “descend” on northern Massachusetts
Merrimack Valley public library usually plays host to dozens of top name horror authors every year around Halloween but since this year’s festival is virtual, everyone can join in on the fun. Thanks to Mellisa Sherlin for the interview. See them all here.
October 8, 2020
We’re in O Magazine–again!
If trick or treating is stricken from your list this October 31st, try reading in. The Hunger is one of the “33 best Halloween books for a spooky night in” along with Tananarive Due, Danielle Trussoni, Carmen Maria Marchado, Stephen King, Joe Hill, and more. “It’s a nail-biting rendering of one of American history’s most gruesome chapters.”
October 7, 2020
Best scary books to read
“Katsu grips and torments readers with an eerie, well-researched facsimile of 19th-century America, vivid imagery of the harsh pioneering life, and the gnawing suggestion that malevolence, and not merely bad luck, may have shaped the Donner Party’s fate.” Matador Network puts The Hunger on a list of best literary books to read at Halloween, along with Carlos Ruis Zafron, Michelle McNamara, Admed Saadaw, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and more.
October 5, 2020
Who do You Trust? at New York Comic Con
I moderate a panel of the hottest science fiction, fantasy, and horror writers of the season for New York Comic Con: Micaiah Johnson, Jasper Fforde, David Yoon, Benjamin Oliver, Rory Power, Kristin Cashore, and Neal Shusterman.
October 3, 2020
Women’s horror
Jazzed to make Women’s Republic’s list of great horror books by women. Check it out if you’re looking for new ideas!
September 30, 2020
Know the difference between thrillers and horror?
Book Riot explains the difference between thrillers and horror novels, with plenty of examples of each. Please that The Deep is included (you’ll have to read the article to find out which category it’s in.)
September 25, 2020
Survival Horror Novels
“Survival horror wears a lot of different faces” says Book Riot. “Whether you’re looking for a gruesome, supernatural foe your heroes must outmaneuver, or you just want a creepy tale of humanity vs. the natural world, there’s something you’ll enjoy in this brief list of survival horror novels.” Thanks for including The Hunger along with The Last One (Alexandra Olivia), The Luminous Dead (Caitlin Starling), One by One (Ruth Ware), and Zone One (Colson Whitehead).
September 17, 2020
As seen in O Magazine
Jazzed for THE HUNGER to be listed among O Magazine’s 34 best horror novels. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking for suggestions for reads during the spooky season.
September 10, 2020
Great list of historical horror
I’m often asked for recommendations for books similar to mine, and I’m usually stumped. Andrew Pyper has come up with a great list that includes some books you maybe haven’t heard of. I’m honored to have the Hunger on it! And check out Pyper’s latest, The Residence, about a chillingly haunted White House.
September 6, 2020
Recommendation: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
Here’s my second recommendation for summer 2020. This is what I said about it on Bookbub: An amazing piece of storytelling. Completely authentic characters. Beautiful writing. An exploration of folklore and its place in modernity, the question of how to honor our heritage when modern life demands so much of us. Not exactly a horror story, but it will leave you chilled all the same.
August 26, 2020
Penguin Random House horror line-up
It was a big honor to be part of this panel (captured on video!) for my publisher’s summer lit fest: Josh Malerman, whose book Malorie, a sequel to Bird Box, just came out; Riley Sager, best-selling author of horror thrillers; Alexis Henderson, debut author of The Year of Witching, and myself. Join us as we talk about why horror is so right for what we’re going through right now and why horror is more ubiquitous than you might think.
August 26, 2020
Black Cranes available for pre-order
Almond-eyed celestial, the filial daughter, the perfect wife. Quiet, submissive, demure. In Black Cranes: Tales of Unquiet Women, Southeast Asian writers of horror both embrace and reject these traditional roles in a unique collection of stories which dissect their experiences of ‘otherness’, be it in the colour of their skin, the angle of their cheekbones, the things they dare to write, or the places they have made for themselves in the world.
Black Cranes: Tales of Unquiet Women is a dark and intimate exploration of what it is to be a perpetual outsider. I’m honored to have written the foreword.
You can find out more and pre-order here.
August 17, 2020
Dark Stars anthology
Thrilled to be part of this outstanding line-up of author contributing to Dark Stars, to be published by Tor/Nightfire Books in October 2021. Dark Stars is a tribute to horror’s longstanding short fiction legacy, featuring 11 terrifying novelettes from today’s most noteworthy authors, edited by Bram Stoker Award-nominee John F.D. Taff, with an introduction by bestselling author Josh Malerman (Bird Box).
July 23, 2020
Recommendation: Survivor Song by Paul Tremblay
I’ve been meaning to post book recommendations, so let’s get started with one that’s just out. SURVIVOR SONG drops you in the middle of a mysterious outbreak, what appears to be a deadly, highly virulent “super rabies” strain. Oh no, you think; I’m living this nightmare, I don’t want to read about it, too. Trust me, you do. SURVIVOR SONG will make you better able to cope with the craziness we’re dealing with now. It will make you a more compassionate person. Read it and feel a little better.
July 18, 2020
Women in Horror panel for 1455 LitArts
Yesterday I did a panel on Women in Horror for 1455 LitArts, a literary festival in Winchester, Virginia. It was a pleasure being with these women, who also happen to have written some of the most buzzed-about books of summer: Danielle Trussoni (The Ancestor), Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Mexican Gothic), nd Elisabeth Thomas (Catherine House).
June 26, 2020
A chat with Book Trib
Fun interview with book club favorite discovery site, Book Trib.
June 17, 2020
Award for Best Novel
I’m tremendously honored for The Hunger to win the Kelvin 505 award for Best Translated Novel of 2019, awarded by Spain’s festival of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, Celsius 232.
June 9, 2020
DC’s Chatter on Books
I’m on DC’s Chatter on Books, feeling all famous and snappy.
May 22, 2020
In which I am a role model for seniors
Nice interview in the Beacon Newspaper, a newspaper for older people, in which I talk about my two careers.
May 8, 2020
The Hunger is nominated for a Kelvin505 award
Celsius 232, Spain’s festival of genre fiction, has nominated El Hambre (The Hunger) for the Kelvin505 award for best genre fiction!
April 30, 2020
I’m on Inverse
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Inverse, part of the Bustle media empire, has been hosting happy hours with authors. Last night, it was my turn! You can see the whole thing here, with a reading.
April 30, 2020
All-star line-up of horror writers
Times are tough for many people right now, especially small businesses that depend on local customers and foot traffic, like independent bookstores. Writers are putting together benefits for these stores, and I was privileged to be included in the line-up reading to benefit Dark Stars, an indie in Ohio. Prepared to be entertained by Josh Malerman, Christopher Golden, Paul Tremblay, Andy Davidson, Stephen Graham Jones, John Langan, and your host Christopher Buehlman.
April 29, 2020
Interview with the St. Louis Public Library
St. Louis runs a star-studded author speaker series, and for no reason I can see, they had me coming out for my book tour in March. The series has moved online thanks to the miracle of video teleconferencing, and you can see the interview here.
April 29, 2020
Need to Read – Nantucket Magazine
Thank you Tim Ehrenberg for making The Deep one of the books highlights in Nantucket Magazine‘s latest issue!
April 29, 2020
AMA on Reddit
April 24, my publisher Penguin Random House hosted a virtual book convention on social media, hosting its authors on Twitter, YouTube, and Reddit for an all-day extravaganza. I was on a panel with horror writers Rachel Harrison, Christina Henry and Alexis Henderson, answering questions at subreddit Horror. You can read the whole thing here!
April 22, 2020
History Hit TV
History Hit is the most popular website in the UK for all things historical. In addition to original video programs, they have podcasts including a new one on novels. I’m honored to be interviewed on The Deep and my approach to writing historical fiction. (You need to be a subscriber to listen, but the site offers a 30-day free membership.)
April 10, 2020
Fact and Fiction of the Titanic
I’ve always wanted to do a joint event with a historian, and I finally got to on April 10th! Here’s a live stream I did with historian/author of The Ship of Dreams: the sinking of the Titanic and end of the Edwardian era, Gareth Russell. Gareth is super knowledgeable; this is a must-see for Titanic buffs.
April 2, 2020
10 Questions
September 26-27, the Westport Library will be hosting StoryFest, a wonderful literary celebration of genre literature. Here’s a Q&A I did with two of their directors to help promote the event while we’re all confined to our homes.
March 28, 2020
A Chat with The Inside Flap
If you follow me on social media, you know that I raved about my event at Tattered Cover in Denver with the hosts of the Inside Flap podcast, Dave and Laura Medicus. Here’s the interview we did for their show.
March 22, 2020
Talking about writing on Booked
My interview with Booked podcast where I talk about writing genre, and The Deep.
March 20, 2020
More Terrifying Sea Tales on Electric Literature
If you’re thirsty for more tales of terror on the high seas, I recommend seven books, fiction and non-fiction, at Electric Literature.
March 9, 2020
With Michael Koryta on CrimeReads
If you want to have a rambling talk on writing, thrillers, and living up to a reputation as a tough guy, there are few people more fun to talk to than bestselling author Michael Koryta.
March 2, 2020
The Deep on Gizmodo’s list of spring sci fi and fantasy
If you’re looking for a great book of science fiction for fantasy this spring, you should definitely take a look at this comprehensive list.
March 2, 2020
I talk horror-adjacent books on Syfy Wire
I am thrilled to have the opportunity to talk to Syfy Wire about wonderful books of horror, suspense, and fantasy.
February 29, 2020
Stylist magazine names The Deep a top book for March
Delighted to be on this list of great thrillers and memoirs for March–right underneath Hilary Mantel!!!
February 25, 2020
Win a piece of coal from the Titanic plus a copy of The Deep
My publisher is running a contest. Enter here to win this authentic piece of coal from the Titanic and a copy of the novel. US only, please. Contest ends March 6th.
February 25, 2020
Lovely Review of The Deep in Cemetery Dance magazine
“Highly recommended as both a horror novel and a suspense tale that should widen Alma Katsu’s audience even further.” Cemetery Dance runs a wonderful review.
February 20, 2020
The Deep makes The Herald Magazine’s list of must-read thrillers
February 21, 2020
I’m in BBC History magazine
I’m in the March issue of BBC History magazine! It’s print-only so I can’t post a link here, but if you’re a subscriber, please give it a read.
February 19, 2020
Book and Film Globe looks forward to The Deep
Nestled between Dean Koontz and Sarah Pinborough in Book and Film Globe’s list of highly anticipated horror novels!
February 13, 2020
The Deep ‘an extremely immersive experience’ says The Nerd Daily
Kind words from The Nerd Daily in this list of 10 highly anticipated horror novels: “Katsu, an extensive researcher, has seamlessly woven true personal accounts and stories with her own brand of creeping, sinister horror leaving the reader to wonder what is real and what isn’t. Katsu offers an extremely immersive experience, true to the time period in each of her novels and The Deep appears to be no different. It seems we can continue to expect great things from Alma Katsu as she continues carving our her own unique genre of Historical-Horror-Fiction.”
January 24, 2020
The Deep a ‘highly anticipated’ thriller, says Book Page
You can use this preview of thrillers and mysteries to make up your reading list for the coming year!
December 12, 2019
The Deep makes another list for 2020
Another voice from the publishing industry has The Deep on a list of highly anticipated books for 2020. I’ve read and blurbed a couple of the books on this list, too, and am happy to be among such company.
November 18, 2019
I’m on Ghost Magnet
I’m on the podcast Ghost Magnet with host and paranormal investigator Bridget Marquardt (one of the stars of the reality TV show The Girls Next Door). As Bridget gets ready to go on a cruise through the Bermuda Triangle, we talk about ghost ships, scary things that happen at sea, and of course a little about the Titanic, too, in preparation for The Deep.
October 30, 2019
Why do people love horror?
In which I–along with some scholars and the amazing novelist/screenwnriter/professor Tananarive Due–talk to Bustle about why people love horror books and movies.
October 27, 2019
New Queen of Horror?
I can think of a few people who might disagree with the title, but jazzed nonetheless by this interview with Ozy.com in which I talk about my past life in intelligence and what bearing that has on my choice of writing topics.
October 24, 2019
Paste Magazine names 25 best horror novels of the decade
Just in time for Halloween, Paste Magazine puts out its “best of the decade” list and wahoo, The Hunger is included.
October 15, 2019
Looking for a spooky read for Halloween?
This time of year, I get asked a lot for recommendations for a good spooky read and too often my mind goes blank. Now I’ll just point to this list from The Stylist, which has classics but also some you’ve probably never heard of. Grateful, as always, to have The Hunger included.
October 8, 2019
COSMO says The Hunger one of the scariest books ever
The Hunger on a list with Rosemary’s Baby, The Shining, Haunting of Hill House, Rebecca, Beloved, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Let the Right One In, House of Leaves, Lauren Beukes’ Broken Monsters, and Josh Malerman’s Bird Box? Yes, please.
October 2, 2019
SYFY gives a nice shout out for HEX LIFE
I’m not used to seeing my name up there with folks like Kelley Armstrong, Jennifer McMahon, and Sherrilyn Kenyon. Link to the article here.
October 1, 2019
HEX LIFE goes on sale
What do Kelley Armstrong, Rachel Caine, and Sherrilyn Kenyon have in common? They all have stories in HEX LIFE, a brand new anthology of tales of witchery. I’m proud as punch to have a story, “Gold Among the Black”, in this outstanding anthology edited by Christopher Golden and Rachel Deering, published by Titan Books. Please check it out..
August 6, 2019
The Hunger makes more Best Books lists
Forbes says The Hunger was one of the five best horror novels of 2018-2019. And BookRiot puts it on a list of the fifteen best historical thrillers, next to some of my idols. Stick a fork in me, I’m done.
August 3, 2019
The Deep a most anticipated book of 2020
Thrilled to learn that Book Bub named The Deep, the upcoming novel about the Titanic and Britannic, as one of it’s most anticipated books of 2020.
July 15, 2019
The Hunger leads at Kirkus
“If you’re a fan of Dan Simmons’s The Terror, American westward expansion history, strong female characters, and some supernatural folklore, The Hunger is for you,” writes Thea James of The Book Smugglers as she introduces a brand new crop of horror fiction in Kirkus.
June 30, 2019
A podcast and a video trailer
I’m interviewed by Natasha and Warax about the lessons from the Donner Party for the strange situation we’re in politically, and a video trailer drops for SPY COLLECTOR, my upcoming serialized graphic novel for Porsche Club of America with Victor Santos, creator of the acclaimed graphic novel series Polar.
May 24, 2019
NY Times Summer Reading List: The Hunger leads horror!
Imagine my surprise when I started seeing the texts: The Hunger was in the New York Times.
May 14, 2019
For When You Want to Feel the Walls Close In
That feeling when one of your favorite authors puts your book on a list… Thriller writer Michael Koryta puts The Hunger on this list of Claustrophobia Noir at Crime Reads. Honored to be among the likes of Nick Petrie, David Mitchell, Edgar Allan Poe, Shirley Jackson, Stephen King, and Joyce Carol Oates.
May 7, 2019
Locus Nominee!
Thank you to Locus Magazine for nominating The Hunger for the 2019 Locus Award for Best Horror. It’s on a stellar list with In the Night Wood by Dale Bailey; Unlanguage by Mike Cisco; We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix; Coyote Songs by Gabino Iglesias; The Outsider by Stephen King; The Listener by Robert McCammon; Cross Her Heart by Sarah Pinborough; The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay; and Tide of Stone by Kaaron Warren.
March 29, 2019
True Horror
The Exorcist. The Changeling. The Terror. It’s an honor for The Hunger to be included on Electric Literature’s list of great novels based on true events.
March 18, 2019
The Irresistible Allure of the Famous Dead
Is writing about the dead like grave-robbing? I present an ethical if tongue-in-cheek look at the matter at Crime Reads.
March 3, 2019
The Inside Flap podcast
“The talk radio of book podcasts”–and it is! This podcast, out of Littleton, Colorado–is about as much fun you can have when not actually reading a book. We talk about all things Hunger, the Donner Party, and the publishing business.
February 23, 2019
Bram Stoker Awards
My first nomination for a major book award: The Hunger is on the short list of nominees for the Horror Writers Association’s award for Best Novel of 2018. It seems completely fantastical.
February 15, 2019
Western Heritage Awards
I couldn’t be prouder: The Hunger has won the 2019 Western Heritage Award for Outstanding Novel. These awards honor American Western culture and heritage, and I am so grateful to be recognized from my contribution, however small.
February 13, 2019
Cemetery Dance interview
Very fun interview with Sadie “Mother Horror” Hartmann at Cemetery Dance magazine, for Women in Horror Month. I talk about what I think women bring to the horror genre and what flavor ice cream I would be (not what you think, I guarantee).
February 6, 2019
Poland Loves The Hunger
I just learned that The Hunger won Best Thriller of 2018 at Polish thriller/mystery/horror site Kostnica! And is nominated for Best Horror at Lubinyczytac, the Polish Goodreads. Thank you Albatros, my publisher in Poland, for the tremendous support.
February 1, 2019
Locus Magazine’s 2018 Recommended Reading List
The hits keep coming: The Hunger made Locus Magazine’s list of recommended reads for 2018, next to many outstanding books (We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix, Coyote Songs by Gabino Iglesias, Cross Her Heart by Sarah Pinborough, Providence by Carol Kepnes, The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay, and more). See the first list here.
December 18, 2018
Horror Talk’s Top Ten
“This is a superbly thoughtful novel, which stretches the limits of human endurance, and there is more than one kind of ‘hunger’ within the story. Its strength lies in the vivid depiction of the pioneers searching for a dream, unknown of the nightmare awaiting down the trail. Turning a factual event into a winning novel is tricky, adding a convincing supernatural angle is even more difficult, but the author pulls it off admirably.” I wasn’t sure the horror community was going to accept The Hunger, so you can understand why I am truly humbled by this review at Horror Talk.
December 17, 2018
Barnes & Noble Best Horror of 2018
It’s been especially gratifying for The Hunger to make so many “best horror” lists because this has really been a stand-out year for horror. Take a look at the books on this list and see if you don’t agree.
December 16, 2018
Great book gift ideas
Jazzed to be on Buzzfeed’s inventive, clever list of books to gift your hard-to-gift friends
December 09, 2018
Best Books of 2018 – The Observer
Thrilled to be on The Observer’s list of Best Books of 2018. “Real life also inspires Alma Katsu’s The Hunger (Bantam), this time in mid-19th-century America, where the story of the Donner party of pioneers, said to have resorted to cannibalism during a disastrous attempt to reach California, is given a supernatural twist.”
November 13, 2018
THE HUNGER a finalist in Goodreads Choice Awards
The good news i we’re in the finals! The bad news is that the competition is fierce. If you’re a Goodreads member, I’d appreciate if you would vote for The Hunger in the Best Horror category. Voting ends November 26th.
October 28, 2018
Writer magazine: Five top horror novels by women
Another honor for The Hunger: Writer magazine says its one of the top five horror novels by women. Again, GREAT company like Lauren Beukes, Jac Jemc, and Helen Oyeyemi.
October 05, 2018
Vulture: 13 Best Horror Books Written by Women
Very honored to lead this list of amazing horror books (novels and short story collections) all written by women.
October 02, 2018
Lithub: 23 Great Female Horror Writers
Dag, Lithub, this is some darned great company to be in, including Tananarive Due, Annie Rice, Mary Shelley, Carmen Maria Machado, and more.
September 11, 2018
A Powell’s Best Book of 2018 So Far
Powell’s Books named The Hunger as one of 2018’s best books (so far): “The story of the Donner Party is one we all think we know. This book twists and tilts the story away from the strictly real, but the characters and setting feel authentic. The thrills are not cheap, the characters are multidimensional, and all in all, the scariest parts of The Hunger are the parts that are true.”
September 03, 2018
Who says The Hunger is creepy? Bustle, that’s who
Love for The Hunger continues as Bustle makes it one of five scary audiobooks to get you in the mood for Halloween. Other picks are Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage, Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware, The Broken Girls by Simone St. James, and Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay.
August 20, 2018
Great list of seriously creepy books
If you’re looking for some reads to put you in the upcoming Halloween spirit, this list from Bustle is a good place to start. Honored that The Hunger is the top of the list, along with great books from friends Paul Tremblay, CJ Tudor, and Josh Malerman.
August 15, 2018
NPR Reader’s Poll: 100 favorite horror stories
Thank you for helping THE HUNGER make NPR’s reader’s poll of 100 favorite horror stories. This list is amazing and it’s an honor to be on it.
June 05, 2018
Don’t miss The Hunger says The Mary Sue
Pop culture mavens The Mary Sue include The Hunger on their list of “In Case You Missed It: 8 Fantastic Titles to Fill Your Shelves” along with Adrienne Kushner’s Dear Rachel Maddow, V.E. Schwab’s Vicious, Tamara Pierce’s Tempest and Slaughter, and more.
May 20, 2018
Should The Hunger be The Terror Season 2 story?
If you haven’t been watching AMC series, The Terror, based on Dan Simmons’ excellent novel, you should. News out of Hollywood is that this will be an anthology series, like American Horror Story, where the story changes every year. Our friends at Signal Horizon make the case for making The Hunger the story for Season 2. I couldn’t agree more.
April 21, 2018
The Observer names The Hunger a top thriller of the month
“This nerve-jangling, persuasive story of survival and desperation stands alongside The Terror, Dan Simmons’s excellent supernatural take on Sir John Franklin’s doomed 1845 expedition to find the north-west passage.” Doesn’t get better than that!
Read More
April 19, 2018
The Guardian’s April round-up of best crime fiction
The Guardian includes The Hunger in its review of the best crime fiction of April, calling it “an enthralling and chilling read.”
March 30, 2018
Scariest book set in California
Bustle names the scariest book set in each state–and The Hunger represents California! Do you agree?
March 21, 2018
Stephen King weighs in on The Hunger
Many times I’ve watched Stephen King speak–live and on television–but I never thought that one day, I’d have the chance to speak with him. But I did (briefly) after he tweeted about The Hunger: “Deeply, deeply disturbing. Hard to put down, not recommended reading after dark.” And just in case that doesn’t sound like an endorsement to you, he assured me that it is.
March 20, 2018
A notable book of March, says Locus Magazine
Locus, magazine of record for science fiction and fantasy, included The Hunger in its top books of March, and called it “[A] harrowing tale of historical horror … Katsu adds a dimension of supernatural menace that deepens the horror, and contributes to a palpable sense of dread and unease about the very nature of the human condition.”
Read More
March 17, 2018
The Times UK: “Hauntingly good”
The Times UK includes The Hunger in a round-up of new historical novels, and says it’s “so powerfully and so well-written.”
March 12, 2018
One of the “21 best horror books by women”
Unbound Worlds says The Hunger is one of the 21 best horror novels written by women. Am I proud? You bet.
Read More
March 09, 2018
NY Post Names The Hunger a “must read book”
The Hunger is one of the six of this week’s must-read books, according to the NY Post.
March 06, 2018
Read The Hunger prologue on Syfy Wire
You can read the prologue to The Hunger and an Q&A with Syfy Wire
March 05, 2018
Salon: The Hunger as a metaphor for America’s love of violence
“What capacity for disturbing violence, of abandoning a central tenet of our very humanity, lies in each of us? And where did it come from?” asks Salon in its review of The Hunger.
March 05, 2018
USA Today gives The Hunger 3 1/2 out of 4 stars!
“Katsu shows an acute understanding of human nature. … [She] is at her best when she forces her readers to stare at the almost unimaginable meeting of ordinary people and extraordinary desperation, using her sharp, haunting language.” read full review
March 04, 2018
T minus one: Lots of great reviews and interviews
Cheek to Geek assures readers who might fear that The Hunger is too gruesome; I talk to Signature Reads about why we’re still fascinated with the Donner Party; Red Carpet Crash interviews me; Trunk Space asks me about the challenges of writing historical fiction.
February 26, 2018
Interview at ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Bestselling novelist Jennifer McMahon and I talk about how we terrify readers at EW
February 11, 2018
POP SUGAR names The Hunger a top book for Spring 2018
POP SUGAR picks 31 books to read this spring, and THE HUNGER clocks in at #2: “It’s creepy, it’s surreal, and it’s endlessly fascinating.”
January 16, 2018
American Booksellers Association makes The Hunger a top book for Winter Institute 18
Winter Institute is the big annual meeting of the American Booksellers Association, being held in Memphis next week. The Hunger has made their list of most anticipated books for the spring!
January 15, 2018
Anticipation grows for The Hunger
I am truly agog: it seems a day doesn’t go by that someone else doesn’t name The Hunger as one of the most anticipated books of 2018, and the latest is THE COIL. This is a really diverse list of books you might not hear about elsewhere and is definitely worth a look.
January 10, 2018
THE HUNGER is one of The Bookseller’s “Ones to Watch”
Top UK book trade periodical The Bookseller names THE HUNGER as its top pick in historical fiction/horror
January 07, 2018
15 Most Anticipated Horror Books of 2018
Stephen King, Paul Tremblay… and The Hunger! Lit Reactor puts The Hunger in excellent company.
January 05, 2018
“One of the 18 books Stephen King fans should read in 2018”
BOOKBUB names THE HUNGER as one of the 18 books coming out in 2018 that fans of Stephen King will love. We’re honored to be in such amazing company.
January 01, 2018
PURE WOW names The Hunger one of the 20 books to read in 2018
October 23, 2017
The Hunger film rights acquired by Ridley Scott
I’m absolutely thrilled to tell you that Ridley Scott’s production company Scott Free has acquired the film rights to The Hunger, and it’s currently in development for Fox.
October 23, 2017
The Donners Weren’t Alone
The Donners weren’t the only cannibals in the American West. Mentalfloss details other cannibals loose in the American West in the 1900s.
October 23, 2017
Cannibalism Common in Europe Until the 1900s
Cannibalism isn’t as rare as you might think. The Daily Mail (UK) reviews two books that claim it was much more common in the UK than previously imagined.