Celebrating the Winners of the 2023 Shirley Jackson Awards
Celebrating the Winners the 2023 Shirely Jackson Awards
By Patricia Chandler
Hello, fellow thriller enthusiasts. If you’re as obsessed with mystery, suspense, the macabre and things gone a little eerie as I am, you’re in for a treat. The 2023 Shirley Jackson Awards have just wrapped up, and the winners are nothing short of brilliant. Let’s dive into the dark and twisted tales that have claimed this year’s honors.
The Ceremony
The 2023 Shirley Jackson Awards were presented on July 13 at Readercon 33 in Quincy, Massachusetts. This prestigious juried award recognizes outstanding achievement in the literature of psychological suspense, horror, and the dark fantastic. Hosted by Readercon Guests of Honor Amal El-Mohtar and Rebecca Roanhorse, the ceremony was a night to remember. Now, let’s meet the winners.
Best Novel: The Reformatory by Tananarive Due
Winning the award for Best Novel, The Reformatory by Tananarive Due is a haunting exploration of racism, family, and the supernatural. Set in a reform school in 1930s Florida, the story follows a young boy sent to an ominous institution, where he meets both human cruelty and otherworldly horrors. Due’s masterful storytelling and rich historical detail make this novel a standout in contemporary horror literature.
Discover more about this extraordinary novel here.
Best Novella: To the Woman in the Pink Hat by LaToya Jordan
LaToya Jordan’s To the Woman in the Pink Hat took home the Best Novella award. This poignant and unsettling tale delves into themes of identity, trauma, and the supernatural. Jordan’s evocative prose and compelling characters draw readers into a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is terrifying.
Discover more about this novella here.
Best Novelette: Six Versions of My Brother Found Under the Bridge by Eugenia Triantafyllou
Eugenia Triantafyllou’s Six Versions of My Brother Found Under the Bridge won the Best Novelette award. This story is a masterful blend of folklore and contemporary thriller, exploring themes of family, loss, and transformation. Triantafyllou’s lyrical writing and imaginative storytelling make this a truly memorable read. It appeared in UNCANNY magazine. Read more about this novelette here.
Best Single-Author Collection: They Will Dream in the Garden by Gabriela Damián Miravete, translated by Adrian Demopulos
Gabriela Damián Miravete’s They Will Dream in the Garden won the award for Best Single-Author Collection. Translated by Adrian Demopulos, this collection offers a series of dark, fantastical tales that explore humanity’s deepest fears and desires. Miravete’s unique voice and imaginative worlds make this a must-read for fans of the genre.Find out more about this collection here.
Best Edited Anthology: Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic edited by Jolie Toomajan
The Best Edited Anthology award went to “Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic,” edited by Jolie Toomajan. This anthology brings together some of the best contemporary thriller writers, each delivering chilling and thought-provoking stories. It’s a fantastic showcase of the diverse voices and styles in modern suspense.
Check out the anthology with more information here.
Best Short Fiction: The First Mrs. Edward Rochester Would Like a Word by Laura Blackwell
The award for Best Short Fiction goes to Laura Blackwell for The First Mrs. Edward Rochester Would Like a Word. This dark and witty story reimagines the classic tale of “Jane Eyre,” giving voice to the first Mrs. Rochester. Blackwell’s sharp prose and fresh perspective breathe new life into this gothic narrative. It appeared in the anthology “Aseptic and Faintly Sadistic: An Anthology of Hysteria Fiction.”
Explore this short story further here.
Special Award: Elizabeth Hand for A Haunting on the Hill
A special award was presented to Elizabeth Hand for her novel A Haunting on the Hill, a book authorized by the Jackson Estate. This novel revisits the eerie world created by Shirley Jackson in “The Haunting of Hill House,” delivering a fresh, terrifying experience for new and returning fans alike.
Learn more about this special recognition here.
Wrapping Up the Suspense
There you have it—this year’s spine-tingling winners of the Shirley Jackson Awards. Whether you’re looking for a novel to lose yourself in or a short story to haunt your dreams, these titles promise to deliver the psychological suspense and horror you crave. So, grab your coziest blanket, dim the lights, and prepare to be thoroughly creeped out. Happy reading, and please do remember: it’s always the quiet ones.
For more updates and reviews, keep lurking around this corner of the web.
For more details, visit the Shirley Jackson Awards site.
what do you think?