As a voracious reader and horror enthusiast, I can confidently say that Nick Cutter is a master of his craft. His novels, particularly “The Queen” and “The Troop,” have left me spellbound with their gripping narratives and chilling descriptions that make my skin crawl. Yet, despite the terrifying tales he weaves, the man himself is as mild-mannered as they come. It’s a fascinating dichotomy that makes him all the more intriguing.
Nick Cutter, a renowned author from Canada, creates some of the most terrifying and gruesome horror novels. Despite this, he comes across as quite calm and unassuming. During our Zoom chat to talk about his latest book, “The Queen”, I admitted that I was completely captivated by the plot, but my wife could only manage to read half of the advance copy because the intense depictions of bodily horror and insects caused her stomach to turn.
He chuckles softly and mentions, ‘She’s not unique in this regard, and there will likely be others like her among the Cutter series.’
Under his pseudonym, Cutter, Craig Davidson (who also writes under his real name and as Patrick Lestewka) draws inspiration from the terrifying literature he was raised on. This includes giants like Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Dean Koontz, but more specifically, it’s the works by authors found in drugstore racks that resonate with him deeply.
The gritty mindset permeates “The Queen,” Cutter’s seventh novel, which is now available through Gallery Books. While I won’t spoil the plot, the narrative revolves around two best friends, Margaret and Charity, and the sinister truths that emerge when Charity disappears only to resurface, long past being believed deceased. Unraveling this mystery takes numerous unexpected detours, some of which will make you quite uncomfortable.
According to Cutter, the original concept for “The Queen” stemmed less from a focus on terrifying events and more from exploring the discomfort that arises when friendships shift as children grow up and move away.
As a film enthusiast, I hail from a moderately populated urban landscape, where friendships were as close-knit as the city streets we lived on. We all assumed that when ‘the great divide’ summer rolled around, it wouldn’t significantly alter our lives. It seemed unfathomable that in just a few months, the gap between us and those we grew up with would become so pronounced. Then, one day, you encounter that familiar face from your past on the street, and it hits you – with a jolt of surprise and a pang of sadness – the chasm that has grown between you. Life’s journey takes us through various stages, and along the way, some friendships fade away.
As a cinema enthusiast, I must admit, Margaret and Charity’s story gradually transformed into something distinctly reminiscent of Cutter’s narratives. He confides that he never aims to escalate the horror in his novels beyond what has been previously written, but somehow, fear consistently emerges as the leading theme.
He remarks that making a drastic change, like an about-face or rebranding, would be extremely challenging 20 years into his writing career. He explains that this is because, over time, writers develop certain fixations and recurring themes, as well as their unique style and narrative structure. While each book may vary slightly, there are also aspects that he keeps returning to, much like a bee going back to the same flower for nectar. This repetition seems to stem from an internal or subconscious urge, compelling him to revisit places where he has previously explored similar ideas.
Through his distinctive writing style, author Cutter has gained high-profile status within #HorrorBookTok, a popular community where discussions about his books, particularly “The Troop” published in 2014, often revolve around them as essential horror genre reads. Avid readers are already scrutinizing pre-publication copies of his upcoming book, “The Queen,” on the platform, but Cutter confesses he’s not overly knowledgeable about this realm.
He finds it amusing that at his age, he’s popular on a platform he doesn’t fully understand,” he remarks. “I believe if I were more active online and had greater social interaction, I would feel it more intensely. ‘The Troop,’ in particular, has developed a life of its own since its publication. You never know how long luck will favor you because cultural trends change rapidly.
The Troop,” initially, could be Cutter’s first novel adaptation. In 2019, James Wan’s Atomic Monster production company acquired the book rights. However, despite ongoing work on the project, the development of a chilling tale about a Boy Scout expedition that takes a horrific turn has been progressing gradually.
Cutter remarks, ‘It’s been through various twists and turns, with multiple attempts made at it. It’s a puzzling challenge indeed, as its core theme revolves around the tragic loss of children.’
At present, Cutter has two upcoming novels scheduled: “The Dorians,” planned for 2025, and “Gravenhurst,” due out in 2026. In a teaser shared with EbMaster, “The Dorians” is described as a tale about a group of elderly individuals who have agreed to assisted death, but are offered a chance to attend a retreat where the idea of reversing aging has been discovered. It’s a story reminiscent of the fountain of youth, but with an unexpected twist. “Gravenhurst,” on the other hand, is set in a juvenile detention center located in the Northern Woods of Canada, and involves strange occurrences.
He admits that what he’s about to say might seem quite grim, but he chuckles. “Generally speaking,” he continues, “the Cutter patina isn’t particularly cheerful.
Fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
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2024-10-29 18:48