Andorran Music Teacher Santi Casas Publishes 13 Unsettling Horror Stories

Santi Casas, a music teacher at the Canillo school, has published a collection of 13 unsettling short stories titled *13 relats desconcertants* with Neela Editorial. The Andorran author entered Encamp's fiction and horror prize multiple times between 2017 and 2024, securing the top award more than once, including first place this year with *La carnisseria del senyor Rudolf Maier*.

Casas explained that the number 13 emerged naturally from the stories he had compiled, calling it a perfect fit for the horror genre. The book is priced at 13 euros. His tales typically begin in everyday situations that spiral into nightmares, steering clear of genre clichés. While most draw from ordinary life, two incorporate fantastical elements and feature diverse characters, from street sweepers and brokers to magicians.

He highlighted his favourite, "10 minuts", written in reverse chronology, where the protagonist's identity remains ambiguous until the end. Casas enjoys experimenting with narrative formats and varying his writing style to surprise readers. For him, the key to success in horror lies in starting with a familiar scenario, introducing an original premise, and delivering an unexpected twist.

A musician by training, Casas set aside writing from 1998 to 2017 to focus on composing music. His interest in narrative reignited in 2017 after placing second in Encamp's prize, motivating him to keep entering until he claimed first. He believes true horror stems from within, favouring psychological tension over gore. "The gore just disgusts," he said, citing *The Shining* as an example of subtle suggestion that lingers. "What’s only hinted at is what makes it hard to turn off the light."

Despite winning the prize, Casas is not closing the book on writing. As a father to a 16-month-old son and expecting another child, he is jotting down ideas for future projects when time allows.