Johanna van Veen

Van Veen considers the intricate interplay between supernatural elements and marginalized identities through her gothic and sapphic narratives. Her fiction often delves into themes of possession and spiritual haunting, uniquely focusing on the relationships between the characters and the otherworldly forces that influence them. Her debut book, "My Darling Dreadful Thing", vividly illustrates her style with its 1950s Netherlands backdrop and a captivating plot centered on a young woman, Roos, and her eerie companion, Ruth, a bloodthirsty bog body figure. This novel not only garnered a Bram Stoker Award nomination but also expanded its reach through translations into several languages, highlighting van Veen’s impact on the genre.\n\nMeanwhile, van Veen’s expertise in early modern literature and book history from Leiden University informs her meticulously crafted narratives, allowing her to weave historical depth into contemporary themes. Her second novel, "Blood on Her Tongue", achieved instant bestseller status, and its acclaim is further evidenced by a starred review from Publishers Weekly. It serves as the first entry in "The Triplet's Grim" trilogy, demonstrating her ability to blend eerie atmospheres with intricate character dynamics. Readers drawn to stories that explore the boundaries between reality and the supernatural find her work compelling. Through her unique approach to gothic fiction, van Veen not only entertains but also prompts readers to reflect on the complexities of identity and power.