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Published by Central Avenue
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
"Do you love me enough to let me destroy you?" A darkly seductive retelling of Carmilla by bestselling poet Trista Mateer.
Step into the shadowed halls of a crumbling estate, where secrets linger, and desire takes on a dark, immortal edge. In this evocative retelling of Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla, bestselling poet Trista Mateer uses a new lens on the gothic classic with her trademark lyricism and queer perspective.
When a mysterious young woman named Carmilla arrives at Laura's secluded home, an intoxicating friendship blossoms. But beneath the surface of their growing bond lies an irresistible danger. As Carmilla’s secrets unravel, Laura is forced to confront her own desires—and the terrifying consequences of surrendering to them.
With haunting prose and a fiercely feminist lens, Mateer transforms a timeless vampire tale into a story of self-discovery and forbidden love that will leave readers spellbound. Perfect for fans of atmospheric, boundary-pushing fiction, Dead Girls Don't Dream is an ode to gothic storytelling that lingers long after the final page.
Step into the shadowed halls of a crumbling estate, where secrets linger, and desire takes on a dark, immortal edge. In this evocative retelling of Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla, bestselling poet Trista Mateer uses a new lens on the gothic classic with her trademark lyricism and queer perspective.
When a mysterious young woman named Carmilla arrives at Laura's secluded home, an intoxicating friendship blossoms. But beneath the surface of their growing bond lies an irresistible danger. As Carmilla’s secrets unravel, Laura is forced to confront her own desires—and the terrifying consequences of surrendering to them.
With haunting prose and a fiercely feminist lens, Mateer transforms a timeless vampire tale into a story of self-discovery and forbidden love that will leave readers spellbound. Perfect for fans of atmospheric, boundary-pushing fiction, Dead Girls Don't Dream is an ode to gothic storytelling that lingers long after the final page.
About The Author
Trista Mateer is a passionate mental health advocate, utilizing her large online platform (and her work) to destigmatize and springboard conversations surrounding grief, loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, etc. A multi-faceted creative force, Mateer is best known for Aphrodite Made Me Do It—a collection of art and poetry—which explores modern feminist issues through the lens of Greek mythology. Whatever she’s writing about, Mateer invites readers into a world where vulnerability is celebrated.
Product Details
- Publisher: Central Avenue (October 7, 2025)
- Length: 176 pages
- ISBN13: 9781771684286
Raves and Reviews
Praise for Trista Mateer
*Goodreads Choice Winner
"Trista Mateer never ceases to evoke feeling with her poetry – sad, raw, less alone. I even found myself screaming in agreement with how relatable her work is to those who struggle with their own mental health. Small Ghost is a collection you'll want to have beside you at your most vulnerable hour. I know I will." – Brianna Pastor, author of Good Grief
"In Small Ghost, Mateer writes the words many of us feel but don't know how to say. Told through hard-hitting poems, photos and illustrations we've all come to recognize and love from Mateer, this memoir-in-verse is a reminder of the silence, pain and loneliness of depression. Whether you want to feel less alone, or want to better understand a friend who is suffering in silence, Small Ghost is for you." – Shelby Leigh, author of Girl Made of Glass
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Dead Girls Don't Dream eBook 9781771684286
- Author Photo (jpg): Trista Mateer (0.1 MB)
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