About the Book
There is no escape from the unknown—so dive into it. Modern Mysteries is a collection of haunting short stories that break free from the traditional spooky mold. Each tale draws you into today’s world—with all its fears, secrets, and shadows—melding the supernatural with contemporary themes. From shadowy alleys to digital threats, these narratives twist and turn until you’re clutching the edge of your seat, wondering if what lurks beneath reality is closer than you think.
Born from nightmares and daydreams, these stories reflect the visceral, often untamed corners of the human mind. Yet at their core lies compassion and representation. Characters from the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities aren’t just included—they’re central, nuanced, and powerful. Through their eyes, we confront modern anxieties: identity, belonging, resilience, and the courage it takes to face both internal and external horrors. The result is a tapestry that is chilling yet meaningful, unsettling yet deeply human.
What you’ll discover inside:
Short stories that fuse everyday life with eerie suspense
Fresh, empathetic representation of LGBTQ+ and handicapped protagonists
Psychological thrills that linger long after the page is turned
Unpredictable twists grounded in relatable, modern dilemmas
Finally, each tale in Modern Mysteries challenges you to ask: what’s scarier—monsters in the dark, or the traumas we carry inside?
About the Author
Benny Brenner is a bisexual thriller writer known for her short, spine-tingling stories featuring LGBTQ+ and disabled protagonists at the center. Born with Spina Bifida and clubfoot, she writes from a place of resilience and raw honesty, blending fear, beauty, and truth in every tale. Her poetry has appeared in several published collections. Benny is also a mom to a son who aspires to be a thriller author himself, and together they are working on a spooky children’s book. For Benny, writing is a limitless space, a way to reclaim power, express vulnerability, and find freedom. She hopes readers find a sense of comfort, even in the shadows of her haunting worlds.
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book What is it about?
“Modern Mysteries” is a collection of short stories that blends contemporary life with chilling suspense. Each story dives into real-world fears, from shadowy alleys to digital threats, with unpredictable twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Its representation makes it unique: LGBTQ+ and disabled characters aren’t just included, they’re central, nuanced, and compelling. This isn’t just horror; it’s psychological, empathetic, and deeply human. Book lovers who crave suspense, meaning, and modern relevance will be drawn to it, making it a standout addition to any store’s collection.
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, is it directed at any particular market?
I think Modern Mysteries would really click with people who love a good mix of suspense and emotion! Like readers who want the chills but also want to connect with the characters. It’s for anyone who enjoys modern, realistic settings where the scary stuff feels like it could happen.
I also wrote it with representation in mind. LGBTQ+ and disabled characters are front and center, not just background details, and I think readers who value that kind of inclusivity will really connect with it. So honestly, it’s for horror and mystery lovers who like their stories to have both heart and edge!
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
That’s such a hard question! There are so many I love for different reasons. Shirley Jackson will always be one of my favorites because she makes the ordinary feel deeply unsettling. We Have Always Lived in the Castle is creepy but also really emotional. It’s about isolation, family, and how people see you when you don’t fit in.
I really admire Carmen Maria Machado, too. She brings queerness, trauma, and identity into horror in such a raw and creative way, her stories feel deeply personal and haunting. And I love Akwaeke Emezi for how they write about identity and self in this almost surreal, psychological way; their work feels alive.
I also think Hailey Piper deserves a lot of credit; she’s doing amazing things with queer and disabled representation in horror. So for me, my favorite authors are the ones who make fear human, who use horror to explore identity, emotion, and the parts of ourselves that often go unseen.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
I’d say the biggest thing is don’t wait until you think you’re ‘ready.’ Just start writing! You’ll learn so much by actually doing it! A lot of people get stuck trying to make their first draft perfect, but the truth is, perfection kills creativity. Let it be messy, weird, emotional, that’s where the good stuff lives.
Also, read widely. Read outside your comfort zone, horror, romance, memoirs, even poetry, because every genre teaches you something different about language and emotion.
And most importantly, write the stories only you can tell. If you’re part of a community that’s underrepresented, lean into that. Your perspective matters, and that authenticity is what will make your work stand out.
Qn 5: Where can our readers find out more about you, do you have a website, or a way to be contacted?
Yeah! Readers can find me on Instagram and TikTok, that’s where I share updates, behind-the-scenes looks at my writing, and sometimes a few spooky snippets from Modern Mysteries. I love connecting with other readers and writers there.
My book Modern Mysteries is available on Amazon, and I post links and announcements on my socials whenever a deal or event is coming up. I’m also working on a website that’ll have more info soon, but for now, social media is the best way to reach me and stay in the loop.
Instagram & TikTok: Bennyybrenner
Be the first to comment