Graham Masterton, born in Edinburgh in 1946, established himself as a significant voice in horror fiction following his early career as an editor for magazines like Mayfair and Penthouse. His debut novel, "The Manitou" (1976), achieved notable success and was later adapted into a film. Masterton's work is often characterized by its intense and graphic depictions of sex and horror. He has also ventured into other genres, including crime fiction with his "Katie Maguire" series, which began with "A Terrible Beauty" (2002).

Beyond his fiction, Masterton has authored instructional books on sexuality. His contributions to the literary world have been recognized with awards such as a Special Edgar Award for "Charnel House" and a silver medal from the West Coast Review of Books for "Tengu." He is also the sole non-French recipient of the Prix Julia Verlanger. Masterton has demonstrated a commitment to charitable causes through his work editing the horror anthology "Scare Care," which benefited abused children. More recently, he has been involved in literary initiatives in Poland, including an award for prison inmates and a bronze dwarf statue in Wrocław commemorating his work.

Graham Masterton is widely recognized for his contributions to the horror genre, with a bibliography featuring numerous novels that often explore visceral themes. His early success with "The Manitou" laid the groundwork for a career marked by critical recognition. Novels like "Charnel House" earned him a Special Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America, while "Tengu" received a silver medal from the West Coast Review of Books. His novel "Family Portrait," a reimagining of Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," also garnered significant attention, leading to him being the only non-French recipient of the prestigious Prix Julia Verlanger. Masterton's writing style is often noted for its graphic and intense nature, blending elements of extreme horror with other narrative components.

While primarily known for horror, Masterton has demonstrated versatility by expanding into other literary territories. His "Katie Maguire" series, commencing with "A Terrible Beauty" (later republished as "White Bones"), introduced readers to an Irish detective and has since spawned numerous sequels, achieving substantial ebook sales. This foray into crime fiction highlights his ability to engage with different narrative structures and character archetypes. Furthermore, Masterton has engaged in collaborative writing projects, most notably "Rules of Duel," a short novel co-written with William S. Burroughs, which originated from material drafted in the early 1970s. He has also co-authored short horror stories with contemporary writers like Dawn G Harris and Karolina Mogielska, exploring themes such as Slavic mythology.

Masterton's impact extends beyond his written works through various literary initiatives and honors. Following a visit to a maximum-security prison in Poland, he established the Graham Masterton Written in Prison Award, an annual short story contest for inmates, supported by various cultural and publishing entities. In Belgium, the Prix Graham Masterton is awarded annually for the best French horror novel and short story. Masterton himself has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Horror Writers' Association in 2019. His cultural significance was further acknowledged in Wrocław, Poland, where a bronze dwarf statue, representing him holding a copy of "The Manitou," was placed in the city as a tourist attraction.