Jack Mackay author page

Jack Mackay biography

Jack Mackay is a British writer, theatre-maker and horror enthusiast whose debut novel Gloam is a Gothic middle-grade horror published in 2025. Gloam has been named a Sunday Times Children’s Book of the Week and has sold translation rights in France, Italy, Brazil and Croatia.

Mackay studied English at the University of York, where he was involved in theatre productions and developed his interest in literary and dramatic storytelling. He is a co-founder of Griffonage Theatre, a York-based company known for blending the macabre and playful elements in its performances.

He has been writing stories since childhood, and his work often merges horror tropes with emotional themes of family and fear. Before his debut publication, Mackay’s signing to a publisher led to local recognition: his former primary school invited him to open its new library in 2024 upon learning of his forthcoming novel.

Gloam was published in August 2025 by Rock the Boat in the UK (and by Viking in the USA). Its audiobook edition is narrated by Indira Varma. The book is aimed at readers aged 9–12, and review coverage describes it as a chilling and atmospheric tale addressing family dynamics and secrets.