Writer of Dark Fiction and Twisty Tales

Welcome to my website!

As an avid reader, I’ve always enjoyed stories that are just a little “off.” A few years ago, I began creating my own tales. Since then, I’ve written many short stories and had several published (see Publications tab for full listing). 

My most recent short story, “Red Lipstick,” was published in the Dastardly Damsels anthology from Crystal Lake Publishing in October 2024. When Eleanor moved to a rural mountain town for a fresh start, she made an unexpected spectral friend. A danger from her past shows up, angering her new friend and setting off a horrendous chain of events. 

In addition to short stories, I’ve also been hard at work on longer fiction. I’m excited to announce that my debut novel “The Vanishing Twin,” a story of supernatural suspense, was released from Crossroad Press in October 2024. Read more about it below. 

THE VANISHING TWIN

Since childhood, successful New Jersey realtor Yvette Rollins’ friend Celine has helped her with all life decisions. But no one can see Celine, and the only person who hears her is Yvette. A serious car accident shatters Yvette’s body and exposes the crumbling façade of her seemingly perfect life. Her loyal twin, Anna, jumps in to help care for her three-year-old nephew, Max, while Yvette is in rehab. To Yvette’s dismay, the accident has also silenced Celine.

When Yvette returns home, Anna shares a recently discovered letter from their absent father, revealing the existence of a real Celine, a third sibling who died in the womb. Their father performed a Vodou ceremony and believes that Celine’s soul lives on in Yvette. Yvette is relieved to know Celine is real, while Anna has mixed emotions. Anna feels she’s spent her life competing with Celine, so is relieved that she’s gone.

As Yvette recovers, Celine returns, causing Anna to fear for Yvette’s stability and Max’s safety. Anna uses an old family journal of Vodou spells to launch a desperate scheme to “rescue” Max from his mother. Celine warns Yvette that everything she holds dear is at risk. Who will Yvette believe—Anna, the sister she can see and touch, or Celine, the sister who has never steered her wrong?

Praise for The Vanishing Twin

“The lines between imagination and truth, between Vodou magic and reality are skillfully tangled in The Vanishing Twin, a tale that digs deep into a family’s past and in doing so peels back layer upon layer of terrifying secrets. The Vanishing Twin sets in motion a mind-twisting journey of discovery for sisters Yvette and Anna, a journey that readers will not want to miss. Williams has hit the ball out of the park. A must-read!” — Elizabeth Massie, Bram Stoker Award®-winning author of Sineater, Hell Gate, and Desper Hollow

“Like an incantation, The Vanishing Twin bewitches, imparting its magical qualities through exquisite prose and arresting passages alike. Valerie B. Williams has accomplished something singular with her debut: delivered a wholly satisfying reading experience while leaving you doubly desperate for more.” — Christa Carmen, Bram Stoker Award®-winning and Shirley Jackson Award-nominated author of The Daughters of Block Island

“The Vanishing Twin kept me turning the pages until late into the night…unable to turn away until I reached its thrilling conclusion. A smart, slick, immersive debut from a writer to watch. Grab yourself a copy and get ready to be surprised.” — Richard Chizmar, New York Times bestselling author

“Tense, atmospheric, and deeply unsettling, this debut horror novel introduces a new voice that promises to leave a lasting mark on the genre.” — Tim Waggoner, Bram Stoker Award®-winning author of Lord of the Feast

“Valerie B. Williams and her work have been on my radar for years; nobody can write quite the way she can. The Vanishing Twin is an outstanding debut novel and one that’s sure to make the cut for many year’s best lists. Be sure to check out this book as soon as you can.” — Gwendolyn Kiste, Bram Stoker Award®-winning author of Reluctant Immortals and The Haunting of Velkwood

“Williams’ debut novel is supernatural storytelling at its finest! Not since Her Fearful Symmetry has a novel so masterfully plumbed the harrowing depths of sibling rivalry. Themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal underscore this fast-paced, paranormal powerhouse.” — H.R. Boldwood, author of The Corpse Whisperer series 

“I always enjoy a good ghost story and was taken with the way The Vanishing Twin by Valerie Williams wove a ghost story into a tale of sisterly drama and family mystery. Lots of unexpected twists!” — Christi Nogle, author of the Bram Stoker Award® winning first novel Beulah

“The Vanishing Twin is a stunningly powerful debut novel that gives new meaning to the term ‘dysfunctional family.’ Not only did this story of a sibling rivalry…unlike any you’ve seen before…take me on a journey that twisted and turned, the sudden, stakes-raising introduction of the supernatural had the audacity to throw me for a loop. What a ride!” — Michael Cordell, novelist and screenwriter, author of the Silver Falchion Award-winning supernatural novel, Our Trespasses 

“Sibling rivalry can be deadly, especially when one of the siblings is a ghost.” — Tom Deady, Bram Stoker Award®-winning author

“The Vanishing Twin is a haunting, unsettling story of love, loss, imagination, and friendship. When we open ourselves up to the supernatural, anything is possible.” — Richard Thomas, Bram Stoker, Shirley Jackson, and Thriller Award finalist

“Valerie B. Williams creates a suspenseful tale with her novel, The Vanishing Twin. It starts when Yvette is in a horrible car crash. Luckily, her twin sister, Anna, steps in to care for her and nephew, Max. There’s a secret box, as well as plenty of history which surfaces. Many things must be addressed if they are to survive the mysteries of Celine and so much more. Don’t miss out on this excellent debut novel.” — Cindy O’Quinn, Bram Stoker Award®-winning writer 

“A creepy thrill ride with enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. A wonderful debut!” — Ronald Malfi, bestselling author of Small Town Horror