Bestselling Horror Author Isabel Cañas’ YA Debut “The House of Gardenias” ‘Looks Death in the Face’ (Exclusive)

**Isabel Cañas Marks Debut in Young Adult Fiction with ‘The House of Gardenias’**

Horror author Isabel Cañas is making waves in the literary world with the release of her new novel, *The House of Gardenias*, which marks her foray into young adult fiction. The book, set to be released on 29 September by Dutton Books for Young Readers, is described by Cañas as her most personal work to date.

Growing up in a family that frequently moved about, including a stay in a haunted house in the suburbs of Chicago, Cañas draws much inspiration from her childhood experiences. She recalls a particularly vivid memory of having to sit in the dark when she was misbehaved, a corner of the house she felt was haunted. “I always felt like something was watching me,” she mentioned. These eerie memories have undoubtedly shaped her storytelling, becoming a recurring theme in her novels.

Cañas’ earlier works, such as *The Hacienda* and *Vampires of El Norte*, explore supernatural and Gothic themes within historical contexts. Her latest novel continues this tradition but shifts focus to a fictional Latin American setting. The narrative follows Minerva, a 16-year-old runaway who finds work in the home of a wealthy widow. However, the estate harbours hidden secrets that reveal its inhabitants might not be entirely alive.

Drawing inspiration from Latin American literature, Cañas references writers like Isabel Allende, particularly her seminal works that explore political upheaval and its personal effects on individuals. While Cañas acknowledges the similarities, she positions *The House of Gardenias* within the speculative fiction realm, using the horror genre as a vehicle to address weighty topics like collective trauma and the historical consequences of colonialism.

The writing process for this novel was particularly challenging for Cañas. It coincided with significant personal events, including the loss of family members and memories from studying abroad during a coup in Turkey. These experiences infused the narrative with a depth that tackles profound questions about life and death. “One thing that was difficult with this book is that it looks death in the face,” she says, addressing themes of the afterlife and coping with grief in ways that her previous works had not.

Cañas has a long-standing aspiration to reach young adult readers, having initially aimed to publish in that genre. Although her early attempts with YA fantasy were unsuccessful, she remained steadfast in her desire to speak directly to younger audiences. Reflecting on her literary journey, she admits, “I really was hung up on the idea of succeeding in the young adult space because that’s where I started.”

As a parent, Cañas expresses delight at the increasing diversity in contemporary young adult literature. She asserts that seeing her daughter engaged with stories that resonate personally is both rewarding and vital for young readers. She reflects on the evolution of the genre, stating, “One of the cool things about young adult [fiction] right now is that there are no rules. It’s an open terrain for creativity and expression.”

Despite the inherent challenges in crafting a horror story for young adults, Cañas invites more Latino writers to embrace this genre. She believes that horror can offer unique and powerful narratives that resonate with younger, diverse audiences. “We get bloody and ruthless over here, maybe even more so than the adult side,” she enthuses, encouraging peer authors to explore this dark, yet compelling space.

Alongside its thrilling elements, Cañas hopes that *The House of Gardenias* empowers its readers, instilling in them a sense of agency. “I hope that readers walk away from this book with a belief that they too are not as powerless as they think they once were,” she reflects, acknowledging the unexpected emotional weight the book carries.

With *The House of Gardenias* now available to readers, Isabel Cañas’s journey into young adult literature not only marks a new chapter in her career but also opens the door for vital conversations about identity, culture, and resilience within the young adult genre. As Cañas herself has discovered, the power of storytelling lies in its ability to connect and inspire across generations.