H.J. Smith-Williams

Writer

Welcome to my world—where eerie horror meets psychological thrillers, dark romance collides with unsettling suspense, and satire cuts deep.I write stories that unsettle, intrigue, and provoke. Whether it’s the haunting mystery of Echo Lake, the relentless tension of The Alumni, or the darkly comic absurdity of Brilliance & Bastardry, my work explores the boundaries of fear, desire, and human obsession.

Get Lost in the Stories

Eerie & Unsettling Fiction 🖤
Echo Lake – A mother’s worst fear becomes an unrelenting nightmare when the child she loves returns… but she can’t be sure it’s really him. A psychological horror where grief, paranoia, and the supernatural intertwine.
Cover of Lies – Love, deception, and danger collide in this thriller-dark romance hybrid, where secrets are more powerful than love—and far more deadly.
The Alumni – When the past refuses to stay buried, a group of ex-students find themselves trapped in a deadly game where survival is the only graduation requirement. A high-stakes action-psychological thriller.
Dark Comedy & Satire 🎭
Brilliance & Bastardry – A sharp, unfiltered look at life’s absurdities, one biting observation at a time. Part personal reflection, part unapologetic social commentary.
Mother’s Pride – A serialised dark comedy exploring the chaos of suburban life, where secrets lurk behind every pristine front door. Domestic drama with a razor-sharp edge.
Back & Fourth – A shortlisted dark comedy stage play that plays with time, perspective, and regret. Twisting narratives, irreverent wit, and a deep exploration of the what-ifs.
Satirical Fiction: The World of Queen Athena Superior
Just Like You, But Better
– Meet Queen Athena Superior: the modern ruler of financial domination. She’s rich, ruthless, and utterly detached from the struggles of the commoner. This satirical blog is her diary—part ridiculous, part dangerously plausible, and always delivered with a perfectly manicured hand.
Where to Read My Work?
While my novels are in progress, you can explore my serialised stories and satire now on Substack.
👉 Follow me on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and the occasional unhinged thought.

Achievements & Features

📖 Winner of The Murder In The Mayor's Parlour Crime Writing Competition for Tough Day At Work.
🎙️ Featured on BBC Radio Sheffield and BBC Uploads discussing my article 24 Hours on Tinder as a Married Woman.
I balance my time between crafting unsettling fiction and satirical blogs, bringing together a mix of psychological intensity, dark humour, and sharp social commentary. If you love stories that linger long after you’ve turned the last page, you’re in the right place.

Holly Smith-Williams

Contact

Have a question, media request, or just want to chat about unsettling fiction, dark comedy, or the twisted world of Queen Athena Superior? I’d love to hear from you.

Thank you

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