Catriona Ward is a highly acclaimed horror fiction author, best known for her debut novel "Rawblood." Born in Washington DC, Ward spent her childhood in various parts of the world including the United States, Kenya, Madagascar, Yemen, and Morocco. This exposure to diverse cultures and environments has significantly influenced her writing, providing her with a unique perspective that is reflected in her work.
Ward studied English at St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, and later graduated from the Creative Writing MA program at the University of East Anglia. Her academic background in English and her participation in a creative writing program have equipped her with the necessary skills to craft compelling and chilling narratives. Her writing is characterized by its gothic elements, thrilling plots, and psychological depth, which have earned her a reputation as a master of horror literature.
One of Ward's most notable works is "The Last House on Needless Street," which was published in 2021. This gothic thriller received critical acclaim and won the August Derleth Prize, solidifying Ward's status as a leading figure in the horror genre. The novel has been praised for its authentic terror and mind-blowing secrets, with renowned author Stephen King describing it as 'a true nerve-shredder.' The book's success led to it being shortlisted for several awards, including the Kitschies, the British Book Awards, the South Bank Award, and the World Fantasy Award. It has also been listed as one of the top 25 best horror novels of all time by Esquire magazine.
In addition to "The Last House on Needless Street," Ward has written other successful novels, such as "Little Eve" and "Rawblood." "Little Eve" won the Shirley Jackson Award and the August Derleth Prize for Best Horror Novel at the 2019 British Fantasy Awards, making Ward the only woman to have won the prize twice. Her debut novel, "Rawblood," also received significant recognition, winning the 2016 August Derleth Prize, making her the only woman to have won the prize three times. Ward's short stories have been featured in various anthologies and have been shortlisted for numerous prizes. She currently resides in London and Devon, where she continues to write and contribute to the horror genre.