Introduction
Let's step into the shadows for today's "Author Spotlight" and meet Judy Snyder, a writer who specializes in a unique brand of horror. She describes her style as "cozy/quiet horror"—the kind that creeps up on you with subtle, eerie, and unsettling moments rather than relying on gore. Her books, including the short story collection Twisted Tales and the novel Widows Dance, promise a world where anything can happen, justice usually prevails, and there's always a "twist in the trail."
A World of Weird and Wonderful: Judy Snyder's Journey
Judy's fascination with the strange and uncanny is deeply influenced by legendary storytellers like Rod Serling, Alfred Hitchcock, Ray Bradbury, and Stephen King. Their mastery of suspense and the unexpected is a clear touchstone in her work. She also draws inspiration from the rich worlds of folklore, mythology, and even the charming quirks of “B rated” movie monsters, transforming everyday settings into realms of peculiar characters and haunting plots. Beyond her writing, Judy has a strong commitment to giving back, as a portion of the proceeds from her book sales is donated to the Judah Robinson Foundation for Homeless Mental Health Intervention.
Exploring the Unknown: Judy Snyder's Books
Judy Snyder's books invite readers into worlds where the ordinary is peeled back to reveal something strange and unsettling beneath. Her stories are perfect for fans of classic suspense and supernatural thrillers who enjoy a "twist in the trail."
- Twisted Tales: This collection of short stories pays homage to classics like The Twilight Zone. Each tale presents a "What If" scenario, dropping readers into a world where things are never quite as they seem. Kind rescuers may not be friends, apparent enemies might be allies, and the helpless are often anything but. The book is a journey through foggy, unsettling landscapes where each story builds to a signature twist ending.
- Widows Dance: In this novel, the town of Widows Dance itself is a character, founded on a history of misfortune and evil. The story kicks off when a villain known as "DD" (Devil's Disciple) unleashes an army of demons, terrorizing the residents with murder and mayhem. With the townspeople paralyzed by fear, a small band of friends, led by the determined Michaela, must stand up and take the fight directly to the enemy in a classic battle of good versus evil.
What Readers Are Saying About Judy Snyder's Work:
Judy Snyder's unique brand of "cozy/quiet horror" has captivated readers, who praise her engaging storytelling and knack for a good twist. Here's a sample of the feedback on her work:
- "Paranormal stories in the Twilight Zone vein. Nice twists to each story." - Jack LaFountain on Twisted Tales, 5 Stars, Goodreads
Her short story collection, Twisted Tales, is also praised by readers on Amazon. They describe it as a collection of well-written stories, each with a surprise twist they didn't see coming, and praise the tales as detailed and enchanting.
Her novel, Widows Dance, is commended on Amazon by readers for being a fast-paced and well-written story that perfectly fits the "cozy/quiet horror" label. Readers note how quickly they get to know the characters and become invested in the unfolding storyline.
A Call to Connection
I encourage you to explore Judy Snyder's strange and extraordinary worlds. You can connect with her and follow her journey on her website, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Goodreads.
You can purchase her books through the Amazon affiliate links below:
Both of the above books are also free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription!
Conclusion
Judy Snyder is a unique voice in horror, carving out a fascinating niche in 'cozy/quiet horror' and weird fiction. Her stories, reminiscent of classics from Rod Serling and Alfred Hitchcock, are perfect for readers who love a slow-burn, eerie tale with a satisfying twist. She isn’t just a writer; she’s a curator of the strange and extraordinary, and I highly recommend embracing the uncanny by diving into her work.
Thanks for reading!
*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.