Ace Donovan and Brock Edwards have launched an ambitious literary project that positions Indiana as the backdrop for a sprawling shared universe of suspense and supernatural thrillers. The Hoosier Horror Stories universe combines faith-based suspense, crime noir, political conspiracy, and supernatural horror across multiple standalone novels and series, creating a cohesive mythology centered on the hidden battle between good and evil in small-town America.
The universe includes several interconnected works: the gripping SNAP series, Alvin's Taxi, The Orbs of Kosh County, The Restrainer, and Zebediah Mongoose. These narratives are bound together by recurring factions that drive the overarching conflict. The villainous Lords of Brimstone represent a shadowy group of global elites, while the Shield of Abraham serves as the dedicated force fighting to protect the innocent and expose truth. This structural framework allows each book to function independently while contributing to a larger saga that rewards both new readers and long-term followers.
What makes this literary venture particularly noteworthy is its focus on ordinary Midwestern characters who become entangled in extraordinary circumstances. The stories center on teachers, veterans, parents, lawyers, and athletes who stumble upon truths involving secret societies, corruption, and spiritual warfare. This approach grounds the supernatural elements in relatable human experiences, creating narratives that resonate with contemporary concerns about power, silence, and justice in modern society.
The authors describe their work as "often dark and unflinching" but anchored by themes of redemption, accountability, faith under pressure, and moral consequence. This balance between horror and hope addresses timely questions about the unseen forces shaping contemporary life while maintaining a distinctly Midwestern sensibility. The project's website at https://hoosierhorrorstories.com provides additional information about the expanding universe.
Donovan and Edwards first connected in 1980 while working as movie theater ushers, bonding over action films and frightening stories. After pursuing separate paths for decades, they reunited in 2020 and channeled their shared passion into creating what they describe as "modern mythmaking." Their stated goal is ambitious: to transform Indiana into what they call "the horror capital of the world" through unforgettable characters, authentic Midwest settings, and layered storytelling that explores both supernatural and human conflicts.
This literary initiative represents a significant development in regional genre fiction, combining commercial thriller elements with deeper philosophical and spiritual questions. By creating an interconnected universe rather than isolated stories, the authors have established a framework for sustained exploration of themes that resonate beyond entertainment value. The project's emphasis on ordinary people confronting extraordinary evil speaks to broader cultural conversations about individual agency, community responsibility, and the nature of moral courage in complex times.
