May 11, 2025 – Following the italian success of “The Isle of the Dead,” the second installment in the Italian Mysteries Series has finally arrived. “The Nightmare Behind the Door,” my psychological horror novel originally published in Italian as “L’incubo dietro la porta,” is now available in English for readers worldwide.
A Journey Into the Darkest Corners of the Mind
“The Nightmare Behind the Door” follows Enrico Malera, a night security guard who agrees to house-sit for his wealthy friend Gianfranco. What begins as a simple favor—and an opportunity to briefly experience luxury—quickly descends into a nightmare when Enrico discovers that crossing certain thresholds can lead to places from which there may be no return.
When the nearby town of Verulengo mysteriously empties and strange phenomena begin to manifest, Enrico must confront not only external horrors but also the monsters lurking within his own psyche. As a cryptic warning suggests: “don’t look, for any reason in the world.”
Expanding the Italian Mysteries Series
This release marks the second title in the Italian Mysteries Series, following the critically acclaimed “The Isle of the Dead.” Both novels share thematic elements—psychological horror, the blurring of reality and nightmare, and protagonists forced to confront unspeakable truths—while offering completely standalone stories.
“The Nightmare Behind the Door” continues my exploration of Italian gothic and horror traditions, bringing them to an international audience through stories deeply rooted in both universal fears and distinctly Italian settings and sensibilities.
Reader Reactions
Early reviews from advanced readers have highlighted the novel’s unsettling atmosphere and psychological depth:
“Is it ever possible that an author can electrify me so much? Yes, it is possible! With this new novel, Valenza has reached the top.” – Massimo on Amazon.it
“The ending pleased me very much because, although I had already previously intuited the revelation that is made, the last page has a… chilling effect.” – Viky Sweet from Che libro mi consigli
Availability
“The Nightmare Behind the Door” is now available in both ebook and paperback formats through Amazon. Readers who enjoyed “The Isle of the Dead” will find this new translation maintains the same atmospheric tension and psychological depth that characterized the first entry in the series.
For those new to my work, both novels offer perfect entry points to my particular brand of Italian horror fiction—stories where the real monsters often turn out to be the ones we harbor within ourselves.
What’s Next for the Italian Mysteries Series?
With two novels now available to English-speaking audiences, plans are already underway for the third installment in the Italian Mysteries Series. While details remain under wraps, readers can expect another standalone tale exploring the darker aspects of the human condition through the lens of subtle supernatural horror.
Visit the Books section of my website to learn more about “The Nightmare Behind the Door” and the Italian Mysteries Series, including sample chapters and exclusive behind-the-scenes content about the translation process.
