Tom Kies is the Edgar-nominated author of the Geneva Chase murder mystery series, but his love for dark and unsettling stories goes beyond crime fiction. A lifelong horror enthusiast, Tom cut his teeth on the works of H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King, recalling sleepless nights after reading Salem’s Lot. His fascination with the supernatural even inspired a ghost story in his debut novel, Random Road, drawn from his own spine-chilling experiences on a ghost hunt. Though best known for his mysteries, Tom once tried his hand at a horror novel called Graveyard Bay, a title he loved so much he repurposed it for the third book in his series. A dedicated supporter of local writers, Tom shares his passion for storytelling through creative writing classes at Carteret Community College and serves as a judge for this year’s Winter Hauntings local ghost story contest. He was the very first guest on our EPIC Carteret podcast. Visit him online at thomaskiesauthor.com.

As the Director of Resource Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain, Winter Hauntings Judge Caitlin Kuhn plays a vital role in securing resources that empower local youth to reach their full potential. She holds a master’s degree in Library Science and an undergraduate degree in English Literature, focusing on Gothic literature from England. A lifelong lover of stories, Caitlin is an avid reader, devouring more than 30 books annually, but her passion for storytelling extends beyond traditional literary forms. She recognizes modern tools like Tumblr and TikTok and emerging myths like Slender Man as transformative tools for connecting communities and exploring our deepest fears through shared narratives. She is currently collaborating with me on the development of the upcoming podcast far°off.shore, which will explore one of coastal North Carolina’s most uncanny enigmas.

Tara Sandmann is a passionate advocate for literature and community. When she’s not teaching history at Down East Middle School, she’s busy running The Beaufort Bookworm, a pop-up bookshop that’s bringing her lifelong dream of owning a bookstore to life. Tara has also launched the Paperbacks Book Club, a movable literary gathering that meets in unique locations around Carteret County, including its debut meeting in Amanda McCall’s Title Wave Book Mobile during a passing storm. An avid reader and Beaufort Bookstagrammer, Tara shares her love for books and local culture on Instagram at @beaufort_bookworm, where she offers her followers a personalized take on the best reads of the year.