'No More Haunted Dolls' Wins Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in Short Non-Fiction

We are thrilled to announce that No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction that Transcends the Tropes, published by Vernon Press, has received the 2024 Bram Stoker Award® for Superior Achievement in Short Non-Fiction! The award was presented to Lisa Wood for her outstanding essay, “Blacks in Film and Cultivated Bias,” during the prestigious Bram Stoker Awards® Banquet held at StokerCon® 2025 in Stamford, Connecticut, on 14 June 2025.

Celebrating Award-Winning Horror Scholarship

Lisa Wood’s essay, “Blacks in Film and Cultivated Bias,” offers a powerful and insightful examination of racial representation and the enduring stereotypes in horror cinema. The piece, featured in No More Haunted Dolls, exemplifies the collection’s mission: to challenge and transcend traditional horror tropes through critical scholarship. This Bram Stoker Award win is a significant recognition of Wood’s contribution to the field of horror studies and to broader cultural conversations about race and media.

Bram Stoker Awards® Finalist Nominations for No More Haunted Dolls

In addition to this prestigious win, No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction that Transcends the Tropes was also honored with nominations in other categories on the 2024 Bram Stoker Awards® Final Ballot, showcasing the impact and excellence of the volume:

• Superior Achievement in Long Non-Fiction: No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction that Transcends the Tropes (Vernon Press)

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all contributors and to our editor team for their dedication in producing such a compelling, boundary-pushing work.

About No More Haunted Dolls

No More Haunted Dolls explores how contemporary horror fiction and criticism break away from tired tropes — such as haunted dolls, houses, and monstrous “others” — to create narratives that resonate with modern audiences. This landmark collection features essays from leading and emerging voices in horror studies, offering new perspectives on identity, representation, and genre conventions.

A Testament to Vernon Press’ Commitment to Innovative Scholarship

At Vernon Press, we are committed to publishing thought-provoking, high-quality scholarship that sparks critical dialogue. The recognition from the Horror Writers Association (HWA) affirms our dedication to fostering innovative academic work that resonates across disciplines and communities.

Learn More

Discover why No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction that Transcends the Tropes has captured the attention of the horror community and the Bram Stoker Awards®.

Explore the book on our website
View the full list of 2024 Bram Stoker Award finalists

Title No More Haunted Dolls: Horror Fiction that Transcends the Tropes [Hardback]
Edition 1st
ISBN 979-8-8819-0003-8
Published in July 2024