Carson Faust Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Carson Faust

Carson Faust writes compelling horror fiction, with a distinct talent for character and narrative. His debut was the novel If the Dead Belong Here, published by Viking back in 2025. Faust’s protagonists are crafted with care, feeling authentic and richly detailed. This focus ensures his stories are consistently engaging for readers.

His perspective is shaped by being two-spirit and an enrolled member of the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe of South Carolina. This background brings depth and unique layers to his storytelling. The plots he builds are expertly paced, designed to captivate and entertain. His work offers a refreshing and resonant voice within the genre.

Faust’s skill lies in weaving character and plot into a cohesive, gripping whole. His horror is emotionally substantive, driven by the people navigating the frightening scenarios. Readers find his books difficult to set aside once they begin. He is an author who delivers thoroughly entertaining and memorable tales.

His characters resonate because they are written with genuine emotional depth, allowing readers to connect with their struggles and triumphs. This connection provides a powerful form of escapism, as audiences become fully immersed in the journeys of these carefully crafted people. The frightening worlds they navigate feel tangible and absorbing, offering a complete departure from the everyday. Readers find a welcome and engaging diversion within the pages of his novels.

Faust ensures this escapism is rewarding by balancing tension with meaningful character development. The protagonists face their challenges in ways that feel both authentic and compelling, making their stories satisfying to follow. This balance is a key strength, transforming a simple tale into an absorbing experience. The result is fiction that entertains by fully capturing the reader’s imagination.

Ultimately, the resonance of his characters transforms escapism into something more substantial than mere distraction. Readers are not just watching events unfold but are invested in the outcome for the people they have come to understand. This investment makes the horror more impactful and the narrative resolutions more fulfilling. Faust’s work provides that rare combination of thrilling escape and memorable human connection.

Faust’s stories connect with a global audience because they tap into universal fears and desires through the lens of his unique voice. He entertains readers worldwide by crafting accessible, propulsive narratives that are both imaginative and emotionally grounded. This widespread appeal does not come at the expense of his personal vision; his work remains authentically his own. The specific cultural and personal perspectives he incorporates add originality and richness, making his fiction stand out.

He achieves this balance by writing the kinds of tales he finds compelling, trusting that genuine storytelling resonates broadly. His characters face extraordinary situations, yet their core emotions and conflicts feel familiar to people from various backgrounds. This allows readers everywhere to enjoy the thrill of his plots while appreciating the distinctive point of view he provides. The escapism he offers is therefore flavored with authenticity.

In doing so, Faust demonstrates that a story true to the author can achieve broad appeal without dilution. His success comes from a commitment to his own creative instincts and background, which in turn produces fresh and engaging horror. Readers across the globe are entertained by narratives that feel both personally crafted and universally thrilling. This approach ensures his work remains uniquely compelling on a wide scale.

Looking forward, Carson Faust continues to develop new stories that promise to deliver the same engaging blend of character and suspense. His proven approach suggests a steady output of compelling fiction for his readers to anticipate. The future holds more opportunities to explore the distinctive themes and narratives that define his work. Audiences can expect his upcoming projects to provide further immersive and entertaining reading experiences.

Early and Personal Life

Carson Faust’s journey as a writer began with a deep-seated love for reading, which shaped his own creative path. His development was fueled by a personal commitment to storytelling, leading him to refine his unique voice over time. This dedication to craft is a fundamental part of his growth from an avid reader to a published author.

His creative process has been supported by significant recognition, including fellowships from the McKnight, Jerome, and Camargo Foundations. These opportunities provided essential time for focus and artistic exploration, contributing directly to his published work. They represent important milestones in his professional development as a storyteller.

Faust now writes from Minnesota, bringing his full perspective to the page. His identity as a two-spirit member of the Edisto Natchez-Kusso Tribe is integral to his point of view. This personal foundation, combined with his acquired skill, allows him to author the compelling and entertaining horror narratives that define his work.

Writing Career

Carson Faust’s writing career initially developed through the publication of his short fiction in several respected literary journals. His work has appeared in publications such as TriQuarterly, ANMLY, and Waxwing Magazine. An early career highlight was the inclusion of his story in the noted anthology Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology, published by Vintage in 2023.

His debut novel, If the Dead Belong Here, was published by Viking in 2025, marking a significant milestone. For his literary endeavors, he is professionally represented by Annie Hwang of Ayesha Pande Literary. With this established foundation, Faust’s career continues to move forward as he writes new work for his readers.

If the Dead Belong Here

The novel If the Dead Belong Here was published by Viking. Its release date was October 7, 2025, and was Carson Faust’s literary debut.

The disappearance of a young girl, Laurel Taylor, fractures her family. Her older sister, Nadine begins to have nightmares that blur reality, leading her to suspect a connection to past family tragedies. Guided by her community’s elders, Nadine seeks answers. She must determine if confronting these ghosts can help find her sister and mend her family.

Readers found this a compelling and haunting story that masterfully blends family mystery with supernatural elements. The narrative is praised for its emotional depth and authentic cultural perspective. It skillfully maintains suspense while exploring themes of grief and legacy. Many describe it as a genuinely absorbing and memorable read.