Let's make this birthday one to remember.

56 years old (Born on September 22, 1968)

Happy birthday, Joe McKinney! Whether you're quarantining mysterious epidemics or keeping zombies at bay in your Dead World series, you've shown us all how to face our fears—preferably from a safe distance with an ample supply of snacks. Winning the Bram Stoker Award proves nobody weaves spooky crime worlds quite like you.

Here's hoping this year brings fewer flesh eaters and more smooth sailing—with thrilling stories free of zombie interruptions (and perhaps fewer dodged bullets!). Keep scaring up fun adventures; readers everywhere await eagerly for each chilling thrill ride you publish next. Cheers to another spine-tingling year ahead!